Because there are so many different study and application focuses available, there are many different types of careers in applied psychology. However, in general, a career in basic applied psychology uses findings from experimental psychology research to provide people or groups with practical problem-solving assistance. Because of the shared use of theories in application, the distinctions between major categories and specializations within applied psychology are frequently blurry. Students enrolled in a master’s program in applied psychology are typically prepared for employment in a variety of distinct fields, such as clinical/counseling practice, health care, business, education, research, law, and forensics. For a ranking of the colleges with the most affordable graduate programs in applied psychology, see the table below. There is also a resource section pertaining to applied psychology.
What I Wish I Knew Before Applying to Grad School in Psychology and Counseling
How to get an applied psychology master’s degree
To obtain a master’s degree in applied psychology, follow these five steps:
1. Earn your bachelors degree
The fundamental knowledge and abilities taught in an undergraduate degree program are expanded upon in a master’s program. All applicants to master’s programs must hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, science, or a closely related field. Your undergraduate performance in terms of grades, academic accomplishments, and extracurricular activities can also help your application and chances of admission to a master’s program.
2. Create your resume
A professional resume or CV is necessary when applying to graduate and master’s programs. You can use these records to showcase your qualifications, accomplishments, and completed coursework. Writing a strong resume to submit with your application can help the admissions office understand your potential and qualifications and increase your chances of being accepted.
3. Apply for programs
Once your resume or CV has been polished and edited, send it to the programs and universities you want. You might also need to apply for some opportunities and schedule interviews with particular professors, advisers, and lab faculty. To find and be accepted into a program that meets your needs, submit applications to several programs that match your interests and skills.
4. Choose a course
Applying to numerous research positions, programs, and universities increases your chance of receiving acceptance to more than one. Examine the course and position that most closely matches your interests, skills, and lifestyle after each program has let you know whether you were accepted. Accept the invitation from the program you want to enroll in and confirm your attendance.
5. Complete the requirements
The final step is to finish the program’s required classes and requirements after choosing your area of study and desired program. You can consult with academic staff or administrators to create a schedule that incorporates the courses or internships required for graduation. These necessary activities and classes give you the knowledge and skills you need to get a job or advance to a new position in your career.
What is an applied psychology master’s program?
A post-graduate education course that teaches and puts into practice skills for professionals in the psychology field is known as an applied psychology masters program. Professionals can enroll in a master’s program to advance their knowledge, skills, and credentials in order to take on new responsibilities and move up the career ladder. These master’s programs combine classroom instruction with real-world clinical experiences or research in order to advance the teaching of psychology skills and applications.
Required courses in applied psychology master’s programs
Although each field and specialization of applied psychology focuses on a particular area of practice, many of these fields study the same fundamental scientific concepts. Some of the most popular courses in an applied psychology master’s program include the following:
General psychology
The science, procedures, and theories of cognitive, developmental, and social psychology are covered in a graduate-level course in general psychology. This course also includes a discussion of the approaches to treating and examining psychological conditions and disorders for those pursuing applied psychology degrees. A general psychology course’s lessons serve as the foundation for additional research and application.
Social justice and diversity
The study and significance of social justice and diversity issues and causes are emphasized in many applied psychology fields and programs. The psychology and theories underlying implicit bias, race relations, discrimination, and prejudice are examined in graduate-level courses on social justice and diversity. Many licensing and certification procedures for applied psychology demand that applicants comprehend social justice issues and know how to handle them in a professional setting.
Ethics of psychology
The ethical principles of psychology as they relate to law, society, and morality are taught and practiced in master’s programs in applied psychology, particularly in areas like counseling and human resources. Students who take ethics classes learn how to recognize, adopt, and support ethical behavior. Participants in licensing and certification exams must also demonstrate and uphold ethical practices and values.
4 applied psychology master’s programs
An applied psychology masters degree program may be advantageous for psychologists and other professionals looking to advance their abilities and careers. Here are four programs offered for applied psychology students:
1. Master of Professional Studies in applied industrial and organizational psychology at George Mason University
Students interested in human resources, management analysis, and industrial psychology can receive education and training through George Mason University’s Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology. For those who need a flexible schedule and course load, this program’s part-time and asynchronous online course structure is a great choice. The psychology of leadership, motivation, and behavior is taught in required courses like applied data analytics, industrial psychology, and performance management.
2. Master of Science in applied behavioral analysis at Arizona State University
The Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis program at Arizona State University prepares graduates for certification or licensure as clinical directors or behavioral specialists in the state of Arizona. The curriculum combines demands and opportunities for conventional classroom instruction and clinical work experience. Students who enroll in the program full-time can finish the degree requirements—345 hours in the classroom and 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice—in two years. MS students at Arizona State University are required to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
3. Master of Science in psychology from Lehigh University
Students and faculty work together to study and conduct research in areas of cognitive, developmental, and social psychology in Lehigh University’s research-based MS programs in psychology. Over the course of a year, full-time students can work to complete their degree. The graduate school at Lehigh University combines the resources and prestige of a major research university with the closeness and individualized attention of a small liberal arts college.
4. Master of Arts in counseling from The Wright Institute
The Wright Institute’s two-year MA in counseling program focuses on preparing students to provide psychological counseling that is morally upright, practical, and socially responsible. The program offers flexible course schedules and resources. The Wright Institute is a privately run graduate school that only focuses on psychology in order to provide the most thorough and specialized training.
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FAQ
Which is better MA psychology or MA applied psychology?
Students enrolled in a master’s program in applied psychology are typically prepared for employment in a variety of distinct fields, such as clinical/counseling practice, health care, business, education, research, law, and forensics.
What can you do with a Masters in applied Positive psychology?
When studying Applied Psychology, the learner’s main focus is on using psychological research to address issues that affect people. M. A. Psychology leans more toward general psychological topics, whereas M A. Applied Psychology is more inclined towards the specific psychological topics.
What does a applied psychologist do?
The lessons will give graduates the knowledge they need to apply Positive Psychology in a variety of settings, including social work, charity, education, business, health, and public service, among others. It provides a solid foundation for those considering a PhD. D. in the field.
