MS in Psychology

What is an MS in Psychology?

The Master of Science (MS) in Psychology is a graduate-level degree usually pursued by those who are interested in psychology as a research science. An MS in Psychology is often used as preparation for continued study at the Doctoral level. It can, however, be completed as a terminal degree, meaning a student can graduate with an MS and begin their career without any further schooling. An MS requires a significant time commitment – usually 2 to 3 years – and usually requires a Master’s thesis or other major research project. Programs that require a thesis are a good option for those who hope to go on to Doctoral-level programs and then pursue academic careers in psychology, while non-thesis options allow aspiring practitioners to finish more quickly and start their careers.

With a terminal MS in Psychology, your career options are of course somewhat more limited than those who have Doctoral degrees. There are, however, several career paths for which an MS in Psychology is ideal. These might include counseling, social work, and various positions in business, government, and research.

The MS in Psychology differs slightly from the MA, although most programs are fairly similar. What differentiates the two is essentially the question of whether psychology is closer to the humanities (literature, philosophy) or the sciences (biology, medicine). MS students usually spend more time doing “laboratory”-style experiments and learning mathematical and statistical models, whereas MA students usually spend more time studying the theoretical and analytic aspects of the discipline. Of course, whichever path you choose will include elements of both the sciences and the humanities – it is one of the key characteristics of psychology as a field that it straddles this traditional divide.

How do I get into an MS program?

Getting into an MS in Psychology program requires at least a bachelor’s degree, and in most cases high test scores as well. While the admissions requirements for MS programs are less stringent than those of Doctoral programs, they are still high. In general, MS programs are more difficult to get into than MA programs. The first and most important thing you will need to have before you can get into an MS program is a bachelor’s degree. The majority of students pursuing an MS in Psychology are former psychology majors, although by no means all. Often, students in related fields such as sociology, neuroscience, etc., go on to obtain an MS in Psychology. Regardless of your major, though, it is essential to complete a bachelor’s degree before going on to the MS.

The second thing that most MS in Psychology programs will ask for is GRE scores. The majority of programs will want to see your scores on the General Test, and many will also require that you take the Subject Test in Psychology. High scores on these tests can be a major asset to your application, but typically graduate-level programs take stock of the whole applicant, rather than just looking at numbers like GPA and test scores. As you research graduate programs, try to contact the office of admissions at each school to get a sense for their admissions standards.

In addition to your degree and test scores, graduate programs will usually ask for letters of recommendation and, in some cases, a writing sample. Because Master’s Degree programs are less competitive than Doctoral programs, your letters can come from any professor or supervisor who knows you well – don’t worry too much about getting letters from well-known scholars or practitioners. Just make sure that whoever is writing your letters knows you well and can speak to your strengths (and weaknesses!) as a student of psychology.

Completing Your Degree Online

Completing an MS in Psychology online is a good option for many students, but you should of course weigh the costs and benefits of an online degree carefully. Online degrees offer a number of advantages: students can work at their own pace, set their own schedule, and do all or nearly all of their coursework in the comfort of home. Completing your degree online also provides a wider range of programs for those who live in rural areas or are otherwise far away from the campus they wish to attend.

Be aware, though, that an MS in Psychology from an online university may be seen by potential employers as less valuable than one from a traditional campus. A good rule of thumb is to see if the program is attached to a traditional university or whether it is “free-floating.” Many traditional schools (including top-tier universities such as Harvard) now offer online degrees, and these are usually more reputable than online-only programs. You should also keep in mind the fact that an online degree requires significant time-management skills. Because you will have little oversight from your instructors, you are free to use your time as effectively – or as wastefully – as you wish. If you are the sort of person who works best when left to your own devices, then you’ll probably do well in an online program. If not, then you should consider getting your degree at a traditional campus where you will have the supervision of your professors.

Advice for Prospective Students

Like any graduate degree, an MS in Psychology is a major time commitment, and is often very expensive as well. Before applying, ask yourself a few questions: are you sure that a degree in psychology is the degree you need for your career? If it is, is the MS in Psychology the best degree for the sort of work you want to do, or can you reach your career goals in other ways? And, are you prepared to spend the next 2-3 years intensively studying psychology? It is, of course, also advisable to research all the programs you intend to apply to individually; this will improve your chances of admission and also help you decide where (and if) you want to get your MS in Psychology.