How To Get a Master's Degree in Psychology

A master's degree in psychology can give students a strong grasp of motivation, communication, and human behavior, which can open up multiple career paths.

Psychology is a diverse and far-ranging field that provides many avenues for intellectual exploration and career progression. Completing a master's program in psychology is an important step for individuals aspiring to obtain psychology careers.

Learning more about the steps to getting a master's in psychology will allow you to make informed decisions and set yourself up for success.

Educational Requirements for a Master's Degree in Psychology

Getting the most out of a master's degree psychology program requires a thorough understanding of each step and strategic planning. Here are some of the steps involved in earning a master's degree in psychology.

Gain an Undergraduate Degree

Most psychology master's programs require candidates to first complete a bachelor's degree. However, it may not be necessary to have an undergraduate degree in psychology; related fields like social work and cognitive science can also prepare students for graduate degree programs. Many different areas of psychology require vastly different skill sets and educational backgrounds.

Undergraduate psychology programs will typically cover the following:

human behavior
development across the lifespan
research methods
social services
perception
decision making
clinical psychology
psychopharmacology
learning and education

Choose a Psychology Specialization

While psychology is often associated with clinical psychotherapy and psychopathology, there are many different sub-domains within the field of psychology. Students can ease the process by evaluating their career goals and personal interests when planning their academic course of study. Here are some psychology specializations students can explore:

Students can understand these different areas of psychology more deeply by taking electives or completing an internship. Different fields of psychology will have different prerequisites and research methods, so it's important to understand each specialization before beginning a graduate program. Students who wish to enter clinical practice should also be aware of the licensure requirements and select accredited programs that will allow them to gain these qualifications.

Meet the Admissions Requirements for a Psychology Graduate Degree Program

Psychology master's programs will want to ensure that each graduate student is well prepared for the degree and can benefit from the training. Most programs will have a list of admissions requirements available on their website. A respectable GPA in your undergraduate degree will help you qualify for more master's programs.

Some programs may require students to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) while others may not. Speak with someone on the admissions team or a faculty member to make sure you have completed all prerequisites if you are unsure about your readiness. Letters of recommendation from undergraduate supervisors can also help you gain entrance into a master's program.

Apply and Enroll in a Psychology Graduate Degree Program

Once students have selected a graduate school program, they should consider the learning format that best fits their situation. Students with few restrictions who want to complete a psychology degree traditionally may be well suited to in-person study on a full-time schedule.

Students with additional commitments, such as family or jobs, can also consider other formats or part-time options. Enrolling part-time will create a longer study time but can be less stressful and allow more time for work and other commitments.

Online programs are another excellent option for busy and non-traditional students who require flexible scheduling. Online master's degrees in psychology will have the same graduation requirements and result in the same degree upon graduation. Students in clinical tracks should consider that practicum requirements will still need to be fulfilled in person in most cases.

Once students decide on these options, they can enroll and begin their studies.

Complete Required Coursework

Completing an advanced degree requires students to finish all required coursework. The specific courses in each psychology master's program will vary depending on the field of psychology and the specialization chosen.

Master of Arts (MA) in psychology degrees will typically focus more on liberal arts and give students a broad grasp of topics. Students interested in counseling and clinical practice often complete MA programs.

Master of Science (MS) in psychology programs will have a more technical emphasis and may prepare students for research-focused areas of psychology. The coursework required for each type of degree will vary by university, but capstone projects are common in both types of degrees.

Graduate and Consider a Doctoral Degree

While a master's degree in psychology gives students an advanced qualification that will provide many job opportunities, doctoral programs may make sense for some students. The two main reasons to pursue a doctoral degree are having a desire to become a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or having an interest in psychology research. Doctoral-level study is intensive so students should be sure they wish to pursue the relevant career before enrolling in a program.

What To Expect From a Psychology Graduate Degree Program

Advanced degrees in psychology vary widely but also have some common features. Psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior, so students should be prepared to think deeply about these and related topics while also learning about the field's history.

Clinical track programs will likely have a practicum and teach hands-on aspects of clinical practice, while research-focused degrees will require critical thinking, training in statistics, data analysis, and experimental design.

Career Paths for Graduates With a Psychology Master's Degree

Here are some of the many career paths students can pursue after completing a master's in psychology.

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists help individuals improve their mental health, cope with trauma and loss, and increase their overall well-being. A career as a clinical psychologist is both demanding and rewarding.

School Psychologist

School psychologists have the important job of supporting children as they progress through the education system. School psychologists will need an understanding of atypical development, social psychology, and learning needs.

Organizational Psychologist

Many organizations employ psychologists to help reduce burnout and create a positive culture of well-being. Organizational psychology can be an exciting career pathway for individuals who enjoy working in groups and thinking about complex organizational structures.

Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors listen to the needs and concerns of their patients while providing guidance and perspective. There are different types of mental health counseling licenses, but a master's degree in psychology is a common qualification for the role.

Family Therapist

Family therapists specialize in the family unit and may work with individuals or entire families. Family therapists will need to understand many aspects of human relationships in order to help resolve conflicts.

Human Resources Manager

The link between psychology and human resources might not be obvious, but psychology graduates often make excellent human resources managers. Human resources requires critical thinking, communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to understand motivations.