Environmental Psychology Master's Programs

Environmental psychology explores how people behave in different settings, from nature to offices to cities. Explore what you'd study in an environmental psychology master's degree program, and review the prerequisites for admission. Learn about job options in the environmental psychology field.

<h3 id="section---WhatIsEnvironmentalPsychology">What Is Environmental Psychology?</h3> <p>Environmental psychology is the study of an environment's effect on a person. The term 'environment' can refer to any atmosphere or surrounding, including mountains, cornfields or even city apartments. You could study the natural environment and focus on the interaction between humans and nature. You could study social environments and observe how people interact in different social settings. You could also study physical environments to learn how a person's physical surroundings affect them psychologically, emotionally and physiologically. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Field Details</b> </td><td>Environmental psychology focuses on the role the environment has on a person's wellbeing and behavior</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Admission Requirements</b> </td><td>Bachelor's degree, a major in such fields as psychology or environmental studies is commonly required</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b> </td><td>Behavior and environment, reactionary cognition, social psychology, environmental stressors, natural resources conflict management</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Career Possibilities</b> </td><td>Consulting, neighborhood development, building design, environmental protection</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$82,180 <i>(Psychologists)</i></td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>3% growth <i>(Psychologists)</i></td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---AreThereAnyPrerequisitesForAnEnvironmentalPsychologyMasterSDegreeProgram">Are There Any Prerequisites for an Environmental Psychology Master's Degree Program?</h3> <p>Since environmental psychology is a very specific field of study, many programs require a bachelor's degree in psychology, environmental studies or a similar field. Specific admission qualifications depend on the school and the focus of the particular program. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCoursesCanITake">What Courses Can I Take?</h3> <p>The study of environmental psychology may focus on natural, social or physical environments and their effects on human psychology and behavior. Some master's degree programs in this field may ask that you choose a specific emphasis, but many cover all three of those subject areas. Some topics of study you might see in your curriculum include these: </p> <ul><li>Behavior and environment </li><li>Reactionary cognition </li><li>Natural resources conflict management </li><li>Social psychology </li><li>Forestry, oceanography or environmental sciences </li><li>Environmental stressors </li><li>Design's effect on human psychology </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do with My Degree?</h3> <p>Many individuals apply to a Ph.D. program after graduating from a master's degree-level program in environmental psychology. Alternatively, you can choose to go directly into consulting and work with companies on increasing employee productivity by analyzing their work environment and suggesting appropriate changes. You may also be able to find a career in neighborhood development and building design, or you could work in environmental protection by analyzing and working to reverse the effects of human behavior on the natural environment.</p>