Philadelphia Masters in Psychology Campus Programs

Students interested in Masters in Psychology Campus Programs have a variety of options to choose from depending on whether they are looking to enter the workforce immediately or prepare for their doctorate degree.  If you are ready to specialize, masters in counseling psychology, masters in clinical psychology, sports psychology or forensic psychology masters programs are available, amongst other niche areas. The job outlook for clinical, counseling and school Psychologists is positive; employment growth from 2014 to 2024 is expected to rise by 20%[i]. Whether you aspire to work in industry, government, education, hospitals, or in private practice, a solid academic background is important. Finding the Masters degree in Psychology that aligns with your career goals is the next step, so read on for some essential program information to help you with your selection.

Psychology Masters Campus Degree Program Information

On-campus Masters in Psychology Programs: Essential Information

Admission to a Masters in Psychology program may not require an undergraduate major in psychology, but typically do require coursework in introductory psychology, experimental psychology, and statistics. Some doctoral degree programs require applicants to have a master’s degree in psychology; others will accept applicants with a bachelor’s degree and a major in psychology. 

Students can expect that a Masters in Psychology take 2 to 3 years beyond their undergraduate degree, and admission requirements are completion and passing score of Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and a solid grade point average (GPA) at an accredited university for undergraduate work.

Masters in Psychology Programs: M.A. or M.S. Degree?

You may notice that there are both Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology and Master of Science (MS) in Psychology degrees. While the academic requirements may be similar, the MA may have a liberal arts or practitioner focus while the MS may emphasize the science of psychology. In some cases, an MS could be a prerequisite for those seeking to enter a PhD program later in their academic career. The Master of Arts is suitable for individuals who have a strong idea of what they would like to do in their professional career.

When in doubt, request more information from the graduate school to determine the best academic path to your career goals. You can request information directly from the GradSchools.com site for efficiency.

Potential Benefits to Campus-Based Masters in Psychology Programs

Earning your Masters in Psychology on campus may be a great option for students who enjoy the face-to-face interaction with others, want to expand their networks, and have the opportunity to meet their faculty members. Studying on campus also means you gain access to the university’s facilities, from extra-curricular activities and gymnasiums to the libraries and laboratories. Plus, many colleges offer classes in evenings and on weekends to accommodate busy working students.

Searching for a graduate school on GradSchools.com is easy. Since location is often a consideration when choosing a program, use the city, state or country tabs to find psychology masters programs near or abroad. You can also use the directory to navigate to the type of program you are looking for, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Developmental Psychology, and look for campus programs within that field. Some examples of listings might include: Masters in Applied Social Psychology, Masters in General Psychology, MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Experimental Psychology MS, Master of Arts in Counseling: Specialization in Forensic Psychology.

The American Psychological Association (APA) does not accredit Masters in Psychology Programs. It does however, accredit “doctoral graduate programs in clinical, counseling, school psychology and combination programs; internships, a required component of doctoral training; and postdoctoral residency programs in traditional and specialty practice areas of psychology”.

FUN FACT: Most clinical and counseling psychologists need a doctorate in psychology, an internship, at least 1 to 2 years of supervised professional experience. They must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Information on specific state requirements can be obtained from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.

Masters in Psychology Programs: Thesis or Non-thesis Option?

Many Masters Psychology Programs involve a 1-year internship. There are thesis and non-thesis programs.

If your goal is to use the title “psychologist”, this will involve licensure and either a Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree, so completing a thesis would be wise. The non-thesis alternative might be fine if you are more interested entering the workforce immediately after graduation. In this case, you might look into a ‘terminal’ Masters in Psychology degree program. For instance, graduates with a master’s degree in psychology might work as industrial-organizational psychologists.

Specializations: Which Masters in Psychology Program is right for you?

General Masters in Psychology programs help students develop research, observational and analytical skills through both core and elective courses. Psychology courses are generally separated into basic psychology, personality, social psychology and biological psychology. Specialized programs may offer different curriculums, as practicing Psychologists often choose one area in which to cultivate expertise:

Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Some focus on a particular area or population such as:

  • Health psychologists study how psychological and behavioral factors interact with health and illness.
  • Neuropsychologists study the effects of brain injuries, brain disease, developmental disorders, or mental health conditions on behavior and thinking. 

Counseling psychologists help patients deal with and understand problems, including issues at home, at the workplace, or in their community. This can include Mental Health Counselors and Social Workers

Developmental psychologists study the psychological progress and development that take place throughout life, such as early childhood or the elderly.

Forensic psychologists use psychological principles in the legal and criminal justice system to help judges, attorneys, and other legal specialists understand the psychological aspects of a particular case, or profile criminal behavior.

Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists apply psychology to the workplace by using psychological principles and research methods to solve problems and potentially improve workplace productivity, management or employee working styles, and employee morale.

School psychologists apply psychological principles and techniques to education and developmental disorders, learning and behavioral problems

Social psychologists study how people’s mindsets and behavior are shaped by social interactions including both individual and group interactions.

Ready to Pursue a Masters Degree in Psychology?

Whether you are using a Masters in Psychology as a stepping-stone to a PhD or PsyD, or you realize that earning a graduate degree might help you open up more doors than your undergraduate degree, finding the right program and graduate school is important. Our site is filled with useful tips and information so that you are able to match your aspirations with the appropriate masters program. Why not initiate a search today!

Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm | onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3031.03 | asppb.net | apa.org

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