This article is an introductory guide to online masters in psychology programs. It provides a detailed overview of these degrees and the critical steps required to secure admission into an online master’s program in psychology. With so many students in need of information on this topic, we hope that this article will provide them with the necessary guidance to find the best program for their academic needs.
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THE BASICS OF AN ONLINE MASTER’S IN PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, some 75.5% of students (1) choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree within 4-6 years after graduation from high school. To meet their social, professional, and financial goals, most of these bachelor’s degree holders choose to further their education by enrolling in an online master’s degree program. These programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in a specific occupation or field of study. For example, an online master’s program in psychology is designed to give students a better understanding of psychological research, assessment, counseling, and clinical procedures. It also helps students prepare for licensure as a psychologist.
ONLINE PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMS: COURSES
Online masters in psychology programs comprise several required sell courses online. Generally speaking, these are entitled Educational Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Developmental Psychology.
Topics covered by these courses include:
- Nature and development of the mind.
- Theories about mental disorders.
- Nature and development of expected behavior from birth to adolescence.
- Techniques used in studying behavior, intelligence, and personality characteristics.
- Applied psychological principles in learning environments such as homes, classrooms, and workplaces.
Students enrolled in an online master’s program in psychology will also benefit significantly from course work on Psychology of Diversity, Ethics, and Humanities.
ONLINE PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMS: REQUIREMENTS
Curricular requirements for an online master’s degree in psychology include specific courses on learning and cognition, developmental psychology, methods of research in psychology, learning disabilities, abnormal psychology, research methods, and statistics. In addition, students who have completed a bachelor’s degree from one of the founding institutions of this type of degree (e.g., Ohio State University College or Stanford University) are also required to take additional online courses app to best prepare them for the rigor of their online coursework programs in psychology.
ONLINE PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMS: ADMISSION
Currently, the major universities that offer online masters in psychology programs are The Ohio State University (Columbus OH), University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa AL); Stanford University (Stanford CA); Howard University (Washington DC); Florida State University (Tallahassee FL). Once accepted to one of these universities, admission requirements include completing a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. In addition to this, students must provide rigorous application essays and supporting materials that speak highly of their abilities to learn and become certified therapists. These institutions also require that accepted students submit proof of standardized test scores, including the GMAT or GRE. (2)
THE BENEFITS OF AN ONLINE MASTER’S IN PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM
An online master’s in psychology program can be an excellent option for individuals who need to make a career change. These programs are designed to help students develop knowledge and skills about their specific central study area. Much of this knowledge and skill development involves formal training in using clinical techniques and learning theories and counseling techniques. Students who choose an online psychology degree program will earn a competitive online master’s degree that can significantly enhance their chances for career advancement in psychology and related professional fields.
Online Masters in Psychology Curriculum
An online master’s in psychology curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad overview of the study of psychology and its application.
Students will be required to complete courses in different areas, including:
• Research methods and statistics
• Clinical psychology
• Social psychology
• Abnormal psychology
• Cognitive science
Other courses a student may need to complete include human growth and development and ethics. A degree in clinical psychology will require more coursework than other specialty areas. An individual school’s program may vary from these basic guidelines, but the overall theme will be the same throughout each online master’s degree program.
Online Masters in Psychology Career Opportunities
Once an individual completes an online master’s degree in psychology, they can choose to integrate their new skills into a variety of job positions within the field of psychology. Online Masters in Psychology courses are intended to prepare students for careers as psychologists working with individuals who have mental health concerns or need counseling and therapy. In addition, other career options are available for graduates of these programs, including school counselors; marriage and family therapists; teachers who work with children; vocational counselors; counseling psychologists; social service workers who work with individuals on issues related to poverty.
