Master of Arts Degree in Psychology
No residency
No group work
100% Online learning
National and Northcentral have merged, and this program is now offered by NU. Learn more.
Master of Arts Degree in Psychology
The Master of Arts (MA) program enables students to pursue advanced study in psychology that can lead to careers in the helping professions, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations. The program also provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for doctoral-level study. There are two specializations within the MA program, the General Psychology specialization, and the Gender and Sexual Fluidity specialization.
The General Psychology specialization exposes students to foundational courses in psychology such as Motivation and Emotion, Ethics, Cognition and Emotion, Theories of Personality, and Research Design. In addition to these foundational courses, students are given the ability to select elective courses from a broad range of topics, to fit their personal and professional goals. This flexibility in course selection allows for a degree program of study that meets your interests.
Prepare for a Rewarding Career in Psychology
The Gender and Sexual Fluidity specialization is one of the newest degree programs of study, and as such, it has been updated with current and relevant research on gender and sexual fluidity. In addition to the foundational courses described above, students in this degree program of study will take courses such as the psychology of sexuality and sexual orientation, the Psychology of gender, the Psychology of LGBTQ+, and an Introduction to Transgender and Non-Binary studies.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Course Details
The Master of Arts in Psychology program can be completed in 30 credits.
Students who complete at least 15 semester credit hours in a single area of specialization at NCU (not counting foundational courses) may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma.
In some cases, specialization courses listed on the initial degree plan can be changed at the student’s request. Please contact your Academic and Finance Advisor for more information.
Online Masters in Psychology Course Listings
This course is an introduction to graduate studies in Psychology. Students will have an opportunity to review psychological theories, ethical principles, and history of the field, including the emergence of diversity in the field of Psychology. In addition, graduate level skills, such as academic integrity, effective use of the University Library, comprehending complex scholarly texts and research articles, and use of APA form and style in professional communication will be introduced. Students will complete the course with a roadmap to navigate their way to completion of their educational aspirations.
This course examines legal and ethical issues as they relate to the profession of psychology as practiced in any and all settings. Course content includes standards of practice, state licensing and practice regulations, research requirements, and professional ethics codes. This course is required for all graduate students in psychology. Students are encouraged to consider the issues from the perspective of their own specialty and interest, and to complete their assignments from their perspective of interest.
In this course, the student will study human development from conception through late adulthood. Students will engage in a variety of activities and applications through which they will explore, understand, and reflect upon key theories and concepts related to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development across the lifespan. Students will develop an appreciation of the impact of the cross-disciplinary importance of the study of human development.
Upon the completion of this course, you will develop an understanding of the strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantitative approaches to research design. As a result of this newfound knowledge, you will become a more educated and discerning consumer of the existing published research. In addition, you will be more informed on how to effectively and ethically use these different research methods when designing research studies.
*Positions may depend on specialization chosen and require additional experience, training and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Some roles may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met.
Program at a Glance
- Total Credit Hours: 30 Credit Hours
- Courses: 10 Courses
- Recommended Completion Time: 18 Months
- Next Start Date:Every Monday
- Classroom Size: One
MA Psychology graduates have a wide range of occupations to choose from. Depending on your interests, you could select several different career paths:
- Market Researcher
- Project Coordinator/Manager
- Community College Professor/Instructor
- Family Services Worker
- Social Service Manager
- Health Project Coordinator
- Employee Trainer
- Research Assistant
- Data Analyst/Manager
- Intervention Advocate
*Positions may depend on specialization chosen and require additional experience, training and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Some roles may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met.
NU’s FastForward options allow students to advance from their master’s degree to their doctoral degree while saving time and reducing tuition costs. Students in a FastForward program can replace three master’s-level courses with three doctorate-level courses. The doctorate-level courses and credit hours taken during their master’s program will count toward the completion of their master’s and doctorate programs.
| DEGREE PATHWAY | COURES SAVED | CREDIT HOURS SAVED |
|---|---|---|
MA-PSY in General Psychology Specialization  PhD-PSY in General Psychology Specialization | 3 | 9 |
| MA-PSY in Gender and Sexual Fluidity Specialization  PhD-PSY in Gender and Sexual Fluidity Specialization | 3 | 9 |
| MS in Health Psychology PhD-PSY in Health Psychology Specialization | 3 | 9 |
| MS in I/O Psychology PhD-PSY in I/O Psychology Specialization | 3 | 9 |
| MS in Sport Psychology PhD-PSY in Sport and Performance Psychology Specialization | 3 | 9 |
Specializations
Gender and Sexual Fluidity, MA-PSY
Gender and sexual fluidity is an ever-important topic of study in the area of emotional health. NU’s Department of Psychology recognizes how crucial it is for today’s mental health providers and educators to possess knowledge and sensitivity to a myriad issue, challenges, and changes to our current understanding of mental health, gender, and healthy sexuality. The master’s in this specialization examines social, cultural and biological foundations that influence gender diversity. Taught by professors who hold doctoral degrees, you’ll also gain expertise in theory and research skills, and develop ways to apply your learning about gender diversity in your own community. Recent revisions to this program have resulted in a streamlined 30-credit program, resulting in a lower total cost than a 36-credit program.
Learn MoreGeneral Psychology, MA-PSY
Our General Psychology specialization helps you develop a broad base of knowledge, strong research, and critical-thinking skills, as well as an appreciation for diversity. Taught by professors who all hold doctoral degrees, you are encouraged to tailor your program to your career interests and goals. In this specialization, you will gain expertise in the biological and social bases for behavior, the fascinating process of human development and the amazing history of psychology. You’ll learn the impact of psychology on today’s culture, as well as the role of ethics in the field.
Learn MoreResearch and Teaching, MA-PSY
The Master of Arts in Psychology Research and Teaching specialization focuses on providing students with a basic understanding of the various theories and concepts typically encountered within the field of psychology, along with some discussion of the current state of existing research evidence to support or refute these ideas. This new specialization in Research and Teaching will provide graduates with specialized knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform research, conduct quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis, and provide valid and tenable recommendations based on results. The ability to effectively communicate the results of research findings to inform best practices in real world settings will be part of this curriculum. Additionally, graduates will be sufficiently prepared to teach psychology at an entry level in academia as an alternative career option.
Learn MoreMA in Psychology Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this Psychology program, graduates will be able to:
- Model clear and effective communication for fellow professionals and the public
- Examine diversity issues in professional contexts
- Relate ethical principles of psychology in academic and professional issues
- Apply psychological principles and research in personal, social, and organizational issues
- Examine research methods and data analysis in psychology
- Analyze theories and principles in psychology to inform professional contexts
Note on Licensure: This psychology program is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional.
Hear From Our Faculty
Watch our video to learn more about the Master of Arts in Psychology program from Dr. James Billings, Dean for the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Admissions
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Weekly Course Starts
Why Choose National University
- 190+ Degree Programs
- Online or In Person
- Year-Round Enrollment
- Military Friendly
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
-Francisco R., Class of 2016
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
The Key Grant Scholarship
Do you qualify for a needs-based scholarship? Learn more about the NU Key Grant Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities to unlock the door to your dreams!
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.