Master of Science in Psychology
A Platform For GoodYour next step starts here
You have earned your bachelor's degree in psychology—so what is next? An MS in Psychology at UIndy is where theory meets practice. Our program is designed to provide the practical and research experience you need to be competitive in a wide range of careers. By working closely with faculty members—many of whom are active in clinical practices—you will gain real-world insight and hands-on skills that set you apart. This solid foundation will prepare you to excel, whether you are seeking non-clinical employment at the master's level or want to be a top contender for a doctoral degree in areas like clinical, social, school, or industrial-organizational psychology.
Advantages
- You will learn and work with nationally recognized faculty in the fields of social, cognitive, developmental, and clinical psychology. Over the past 5 years, the faculty have published a total of 21 peer-reviewed publications and 6 non-peer reviewed publications. Of these publications, 13 have involved students from the University of Indianapolis. We have also earned 9 grants, totaling $160,160.
- You will gain portable skills that will help make you more competitive for doctoral programs or employment at the master’s level.
- You will receive individualized mentoring from faculty to help you reach your next step.
- You have the opportunity to gain applied practicum experiences in the community.
- You will have opportunities to gain research experience by joining faculty research labs.
MS in Psychology Vs. MHC
The MS in Psychology program is an alternative path for students who are looking to build a solid foundation for entry into a PhD or PsyD program in psychology or who are interested in a non-clinical career path in psychology. Students will complete this master’s degree through one of three tracks tailored to their psychology-related career interests: general psychology, research, or program development and evaluation.
If you are interested in a terminal degree that provides a focused path to earning professional licensure in counseling, UIndy's Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) may be for you. In this clinically-focused program, students will apply knowledge and skills through 700 hours of practicum and internship experience in counseling.
About the Master of Science in Psychology Program
Tracks
There are three tracks in the MS in Psychology program: general psychology, program development and evaluation, and research.
The general psychology track is designed to prepare students for doctoral work by taking core courses in the area of psychological sciences, as well as specialized courses in the foundational skills of psychotherapy, ethics, and personality. Students will also have the opportunity to take elective classes in an area of interest, such as forensic or health psychology. Graduates of this track will be well prepared to apply to doctoral programs (either Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology.
In addition to taking classes in the core areas of psychology, the program development and evaluation track will train students in project management and the process of developing programs. Students will also learn how to use systematic methods to collect, analyze, and evaluate existing projects, policies, and programs. Graduates of this track will be competitive for employment in social service agencies, government positions, non-profit organizations, and other business and commercial organizations.
In addition to taking courses in the core areas of psychological science, students in the research track will receive more extensive research training by being paired with a faculty mentor and completing a thesis. Students will also have the opportunity to gain research experience with other faculty members through our research practicum class. Our faculty are conducting a wide variety of research in the area of social, cognitive, developmental, health, and clinical psychology. The research track is designed to help students become more competitive for a PhD program in psychology.
Program Length & Format
The MS in Psychology program requires a minimum of 39 credit hours that can be completed in two years (four semesters). To complete the program in the minimum amount of time, students must attend full-time during the academic year (fall and winter). If students are enrolled part-time, all of the degree requirements must be completed within five years of being admitted to the program. The course format for this program varies and includes daytime, evening, and online courses. Students begin their studies in the fall and may enroll on a part-time or full-time basis.
Curriculum
All MS in Psychology students will take a series of classes that expose students to core knowledge in the science of psychology, including:
- Professional Development
- Statistics and Research Methods
- Applied Statistical Analyses
- Neuropsychology and Biological Bases of Behavior
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Lifespan
- Advanced Psychopathology
Students will need to take additional courses pertaining to their track (18 credit hours). Each track includes 1-2 elective courses. Students are encouraged to select electives that complement their track and their educational or professional aspirations.
See a full list of courses required for the MS in Psychology
When Can I Start?
New students begin in the fall semester each year.
To ensure you are eligible for an admission decision:
- Begin the online application
- Reach out to CEBS Admissions (cebsadmissions@uindy.edu)
MS in Psychology Admission Requirements
Completed applications and all supporting documents must be received by March 15 to ensure consideration for admission to the fall semester in August. Late applications will only be reviewed if additional class positions are available. Please email CEBS Admissions (cebsadmissions@uindy.edu) for current open positions if after deadline.
- Complete the online application
- Nonrefundable $55 application fee, paid during the application submission process.
- Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 preferred
- 3 recommendation letters
- Three references who you will identify as part of the online application process must complete the online "Recommendation Request".
- Each reference will receive an email from the online application system with a link to the form. They will be asked a few brief questions and ratings. They will then upload their letter of recommendation at the bottom of the page.
- Preferably, your letters should be from faculty members who know you from multiple classes, your experience as a research assistant and/or your volunteer or work activities. Other letters may be from professionals who can write knowledgeably about your potential within the graduate program.
- Personal statement
- Personal statement should describe yourself and your reasons for applying to this program. Describe how your interests in psychology have developed over time, and what you hope to gain as a result of a graduate study. Indicate your academic, clinical, and/or research experiences and goals. Discuss what you see as your personal and professional strengths and indicate any areas of growth.
- No minimum or maximum length, but we recommend one or two pages double spaced.
- GRE verbal, quantitative and analytical writing is recommended but not required (minimum of 50th percentile rank on each section is preferred). *We strongly recommend that students interested in the research track submit GRE scores.
- CV or resume
- Send results of any standardized examinations that are given in the country of origin (e.g., General Certification of Education (GCE), University of Cambridge Higher School Certification, Senior High School Leaving Certificate, etc.)
- Submit a course-by-course evaluation of foreign educational credentials from any recognized service, such as World Education Services, Inc., International Consultants of Delaware, Inc., or Education Credential Evaluators, Inc. Because universities around the world differ, we require this evaluation as an assurance that you have completed the US equivalent of a bachelor's degree and have taken all appropriate prerequisite courses. Photocopies are not acceptable.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum scores of at least 79 and 6.5 on the IELTS.
Completed application files are evaluated by the Graduate Psychology Admissions Committee. The committee evaluates applicants in a number of areas, including background preparation, breadth of coursework, academic awards and achievement, standardized test scores, applied professional experience, leadership and service, research experience, quality of personal statement and strength of recommendation letters. The committee offers admission to those applicants they feel have the greatest academic ability, dedication to excellence, emotional and social maturity and potential to become effective and contributing professionals in the field of psychology. Students being considered for the research track will be asked to complete an interview on campus or through phone/skype. The announcement of final admission decisions are made around mid-April. Applicants are admitted to begin only in the fall semester, although students may be admitted as non-degree seeking students to take selected graduate courses at any time during the year.
To protect the safety of patients with whom our students work, the School of Psychology asks applicants whether they have been convicted of a crime. An answer of "yes" does not necessarily disqualify you, but does require additional explanation, including date, place, judicial findings and final disposition of the case. Admission to the graduate program requires satisfactory completion of a background check. More specific information on this will be made available to those applicants who are offered admission.
Credits are reviewed and evaluated for transfer after students have been admitted to the MS in Psychology program.
Normally, a maximum of 9 graduate credit hours may be transferred from another institution. Credit can only be granted for coursework that is judged by the School of Psychology to be equivalent to courses offered in the graduate psychology program at UIndy. All transferred work must have been completed within the five years prior to application for admission. The courses and exact number of credit hours that will be accepted for transfer from another institution will be determined by the Department after examination of course syllabi and transcripts.
Students may take up to 9 credit hours of select courses as non-degree seeking students. See requirements for non-degree-seeking students
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