Master of Arts in Human Behavior Psychology
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Finish in 13 months
Average completion time
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Program Overview
Degree:
Master of Arts in Human Behavior Psychology Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
Gain a trait common to successful managers – understanding people – with a Master of Arts in Human Behavior Psychology. You’ll build strong theoretical and empirical base from which to begin to understand the human experience. Get exposure to a wide array of behavioral topics covering personal, social, and organizational issues. The program was developed for students who have specific ambitions in the fields of supervision, management, and administration, but also benefits those undergoing life transitions, seeking personal or career growth, or preparing for doctoral-level study.
The entire program is available online, and students can start at the beginning of any month. With classes scheduled monthly, students can complete the program in as little as 13 months. Students residing in San Diego County have the option to pursue their Human Behavioral Psychology degree through hybrid courses, which combine in-person and online asynchronous learning.
Degree Requirements
To receive the Master of Arts in Human Behavioral Psychology, students must complete at least 54 quarter units of graduate work. A total of 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another institution, as it applies to this degree and provided the units were not used in earning another advanced degree. Students should refer to the section on graduate admission requirements for specific information regarding application and evaluation.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
Core Requirements
10 Courses
Personal Growth & Comm.
4.5 Quarter Units
An examination of the meaning and importance of personal growth and human communication in human life and relationships. Development of critical communication skills, self-awareness and self-understanding to enhance personal and professional relationships. Presents a variety of models and methodologies in the exploration of physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual growth.
Personal and Pro. Ethics
4.5 Quarter Units
A study of normative judgments as applied to contemporary human problems such as the uses of power, business practices and the right to live and to die. Examines varied ethical systems using a case study format
Stages of Adult Development
4.5 Quarter Units
An examination of the adult stages of human biological, psychological and social development. Discusses classical as well as contemporary theories.
Issues in Sexuality
4.5 Quarter Units
An examination of the personal, interpersonal and social dimensions of human sexuality. Covers topics such as anatomy and physiology of human sexuality, contemporary American sexual behavior, sexual myths, sex-role socialization, sexual dysfunctions and sexual-social issues.
Organizational Behavior
4.5 Quarter Units
An in-depth study of various types of organizational structures, both formal and informal, with special emphasis on behavior of people within those structures.
Theories of Behavior Change
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of social psychological theories of behavior change and resistance to change.
Creative Leadership
4.5 Quarter Units
A study of the qualities of leadership required today and in the future. Emphasizes historical as well as contemporary leaders.
Behavioral Research
4.5 Quarter Units
Behavioral research is a way to examine and understand individual and social behavior through measurement and interpretation. This course investigates the theoretical principles that underlie behavioral research and the application of current research techniques. The course forms the foundation for practical application of behavioral science and continued study in the human behavior and is essential to completing the capstone course in the program (Integrative Project in Human Behavior, HUB 680).
Research Applications
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: HUB 650
The application of research methods and statistical techniques to a variety of research problems. The student will use these methods and techniques to address hypothetical and real research issues. The student will have developed a research proposal for the capstone project in HUB650 (a prerequisite for the course) and will apply the material learned in this course to further develop and refine the proposal.
Integrative Project
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: HUB 650; HUB 670
The capstone project is an empirical study that integrates theoretical and applied concepts and results in a 20-30 page paper (APA style). The student will be required to develop a project proposal during HUB 650 and HUB 670 that can then be completed during the capstone course. This course may not be taken as an independent study.
Program Electives
2 Courses
Students can select graduate elective courses from the following course prefixes: AGE, CHD, HRM, HUB, MKT, MGT, and SOC (HUB 660, CHD 601, and SOC 604 are highly recommended). In addition, other courses may be used as electives with the approval of the Academic Program Director (APD). Note: Due to enrollment restrictions, special permission by the Chair of the Department of Psychology is required to take CHD 640 or any courses designated PSY 600 or above.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
The Master of Arts in Human Behavior Psychology degree will prepare you for careers such as:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- Sales Managers
- $134,000 avg. salary (USA)
- 55,729 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Marketing
- Sales Management
- Selling Techniques
- Business Development
- Sales Prospecting
- Customer Relationship Management
- Sales Strategy
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Marriott International
- AutoZone
- Hilton
- Carter's
- Wolters Kluwer
- US Foods Holding
- Human Resources Managers
- $135,074 avg. salary (USA)
- 21,271 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Employee Relations
- Performance Management
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Talent Management
- Project Management
- Human Resource Management
- Employee Engagement
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Amazon
- Lumen Technologies
- Deloitte
- Marriott International
- Arby's
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- $108,957 avg. salary (USA)
- 63,206 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Nursing
- Care Coordination
- Medical Records
- Billing
- Electronic Medical Record
- Auditing
- Marketing
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- UnitedHealth Group
- HCA Healthcare
- Elevance Health
- Johnson & Johnson
- Optum
- Humana
- Social and Community Service Managers
- $75,724 avg. salary (USA)
- 20,955 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Social Work
- Human Services
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Case Management
- Project Management
- Mental Health
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- YMCA
- Oak Street Health
- Sodexo
- American Red Cross
- Sunrise Senior Living
- American Standard
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- $73,732 avg. salary (USA)
- 113,206 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Marketing
- Social Media
- Business Development
- Project Management
- Digital Marketing
- Customer Relationship Management
- Marketing Strategies
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Amazon
- Ford
- Cracker Barrel
- Skechers
- PayPal
- Veralto
- Social Science Research Assistants
- $56,301 avg. salary (USA)
- 5,573 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Social Sciences
- Anthropology
- Data Collection
- Political Sciences
- Data Analysis
- Data Entry
- Research Experiences
Top companies hiring for this role
- Stanford University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Unclassified
- University of Missouri
- Field Museum Of Natural History
- Nyu-Abu Dhabi
- Pennsylvania State University
Program Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Synthesize and apply communication theory and practice in real-world situations.
- Develop a personal and professional code of ethics based on knowledge and understanding of moral and ethical principles and values.
- Assimilate adult development and human sexuality theories and principles into personal and interpersonal growth.
- Analyze and apply behavioral and organizational change processes to personal, social, and organizational settings.
- Integrate theories of leadership into applied areas of supervision, management, and administration.
- Demonstrate practical competence in the use of behavioral theory, research and assessment.
- Produce written materials (papers, essays, projects, journals, etc.) that analyze, integrate, and critique critical theories, issues and research in human behavior.
- Demonstrate oral fluency (class debates, group discussions, individual presentations, etc.) in articulation of the theory and practice of behavioral science.
- Demonstrate multi-cultural awareness and appreciation of human diversity.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
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.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
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
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
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Military Friendly
Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
Additional Resources
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.
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