Master of Science in Psychology
A Platform For GoodNow that you have your bachelor’s degree, what’s next? UIndy’s MS in Psychology can send you in many directions, from seeking employment at the master’s level to moving on to a doctoral degree in health, social, or industrial and organizational psychology. Working closely with faculty members, many who have their own clinical practices, you will get the practical and research experience to be well-prepared for your next step.
The MS in Psychology program will provide a solid foundation to help make you more competitive in applying to doctoral programs in psychology. This program will also prepare you for non-clinical, psychology-related employment at the master's level.
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, our faculty have published 50 articles, presented 157 times at conferences, had their research cited over 2000 times, and received over $50,000 in grant funding.
- 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
Core courses
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
Track courses and electives
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)
Admission Requirements
View the admission requirements and application process.
Tuition & Aid
View Graduate Tuition Rates & Financial AidStay Informed About This Program
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