6 Best Online Masters in Applied Psychology Degrees
Students who are interested in a psychology career may choose a Master’s in Applied Psychology. Applied psychology is focused on putting psychological research into action. It also centers on implementing real-world results over abstract research theories and laboratory experiments.
Basic psychology, on the other hand, is more associated with pure research. These psychologists generally are seeking knowledge for knowledge’s sake. A regular psychologist might study how peer pressure affects attitudes and behaviors by testing or surveying study subjects.
But the applied psychologist will take the survey results so she can apply the findings. For example, the applied psychologist may receive the results and talk to public policymakers to start a community program that teaches teenagers about peer pressure.
If you are interested in applied psychology, below are six high-quality, online master’s programs to consider.
#1 Walden University
Walden University offers an online Master of Science in Applied Psychology that explores the fundamentals of applied psychology, including theory, methods, and principles. Students also learn about intervention, psychopathology, and ethical principles in the field.
The applied psychology specialization offers a high degree of exposure to the psychology field, including practice-oriented elements and research. It also provides a solid foundation for doctoral study in clinical psychology, if you intend to get your Ph.D. or PsyD.
Required classes include:
- Applied Psychology Research Methods
- Psychopathology From a Clinical Perspective
- Tests and Measurement
- Research Theory, Design, and Methods
- Biopsychology
- Culture and Psychology
This program is accredited and can be completed in two years full time.
- Institution type: Private, for-profit
- Delivery method: Online
- Headquarters: Minneapolis
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Degrees offered: Master of Science in Applied Psychology
- GRE required: No
- Expected total tuition: $26,480
- Visit school: Click here
#2 University of Southern California
The University of Southern California offers an online Master of Science in Applied Psychology that can be completed in only 16 months. It is designed to help working professionals advance their career opportunities in applied fields where they may apply business and psychology concepts.
The program offers concentrations in Consumer Psychology and Organizational Psychology. Both of these subjects are vital to the mission of managing employees and marketing services in our global marketplace.
Faculty have worked in senior-level executive roles in their fields and are some of the most respected instructors.
Required classes include:
- Human Behavior Foundation
- Human Behavior Application
- Research Methods in Applied Social Psychology
- Principles of Consumer Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
- Decision Analysis and Behavioral Decision Theory
The accredited online program has small classes where you work in groups discussing your ideas and doing professional-level psychology projects.
- Institution type: Public, non-profit
- Delivery method: Online
- Headquarters: Los Angeles
- Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degrees offered: Master of Science in Applied Psychology
- GRE required: Yes
- Expected total tuition: $67,830
- Visit school: Click here
#3 Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University offers an online Master of Science in Applied Psychology that prepares students for doctoral study in psychology and entry-level positions in the psychological sciences.
This is a rigorous but flexible program that offers online classes and some on-campus evening classes. The department provides a highly supportive learning environment that helps students grow personally and professionally while earning their master’s degrees in two or three years.
Required classes include:
- Social Psychological Processes
- Theories of Learning
- Human Development
- Physiological Psychology
- Advanced Quantitative Methods and Experimental Design
- History and Systems
Students are exposed to different aspects of applied psychology from experienced faculty, so you have a broad set of skills and necessary hands-on experience.
- Institution type: Public, non-profit
- Delivery method: Online
- Headquarters: Stephenville, Texas
- Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degrees offered: Master of Science in Applied Psychology
- GRE required: No
- Expected total tuition: $32,000 in-state, $57,600 out-of-state
- Visit school: Click here
#4 Angelo State University
Angelo State University offers an online Master of Science in Applied Psychology that provides students with a good foundation in basic and applied psychology. While the program is online, students also may take elective classes in a face-to-face format.
The courses in this accredited program use a multifaceted approach to human behavior that teaches students how psychological principles can be used to address the problems that we face every day. Some of the issues that students learn to address applied psychology are:
- Improving physical and mental health
- Boosting safety
- Improving education for all children
- Enhancing opportunity and prosperity
- Improving decision making
Required courses include:
- Applications of Psychopathology
- Theories of Personality
- Research Methods
- Applied Economic Psychology
- Social Perception
- Environmental Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Health and Wellness Psychology
- Educational Psychology
This online program can be completed in two years full time and three years part-time.
- Institution type: Public, non-profit
- Delivery method: Online
- Headquarters: San Angelo, Texas
- Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degrees offered: Master of Science in Applied Psychology
- GRE required: No
- Expected total tuition: $18,000 in-state, $38,000 out-of-state
- Visit school: Click here
#5 Shippensburg University
Shippensburg University offers an online Master of Science in Applied Psychology that gives students career advancement and training to enter the psychological profession or prepare for doctoral study. The program is entirely online and can be completed on only one year full time.
The accredited program stresses the application of psychological methodologies and principles to real-world issues. The curriculum focuses on research methodology and psychology classes with an applied psychology focus.
All classes are eight weeks long, except for the capstone, which is 10 weeks. Students take their capstone course in the last semester.
- Institution type: Private, non-profit
- Delivery method: Online
- Headquarters: Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees offered: Master of Science in Applied Psychology
- GRE required: Required for students with a GPA below 2.75
- Expected total tuition: $15,750
- Visit school: Click here
#6 Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University offers an online Master of Science in Applied Psychology that offers students the skills and knowledge of human behavior to provide practical, real-world solutions. Students obtain a strong foundation in psychological science and learn to apply their skills to real problems.
The accredited program is grounded in quantitative reasoning and research methods and offers an excellent education for many careers in the modern data-driven economy.
Required courses include:
- Foundations of Applied Psychology
- Developmental Issues Across the Lifespan
- Identifying and Managing Psychopathology
- Applied Research Methods and Statistics
- Individual Psychological Assessment and Appraisal
- Program Development and Evaluation
Students can complete the program in one year if they take courses on campus, and in two or three years online.
- Institution type: Private, non-profit
- Delivery method: Online
- Headquarters: Fairfield, Connecticut
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Degrees offered: Master of Science in Applied Psychology
- GRE required: No
- Expected total tuition: $30,400
- Visit school: Click here
Summary
Getting your online masters in applied psychology is an excellent way to gain the skills you need to succeed in the psychological field. The program also may serve as a solid foundation for doctoral study. The high-quality online programs mentioned above can provide you with the education you need to succeed in whatever industry or field you choose.