Psychology

Master of Science in Psychology

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Work to grow your skills in psychology research and application, and earn your master’s degree in as little as 18 months. Start working toward your future in the psychology field today.

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Our Master of Science (MS) in Psychology program is designed to focus on the development of advanced knowledge of how psychological principles and concepts affect areas like motivation, behavior, learning, and emotion. The curriculum highlights real-world applications to help you understand how biological, environmental, and societal influences can directly impact the function and well-being of individuals, communities, and organizations.

As an MS in Psychology student, you’ll have the opportunity to apply theories and methodologies to social and organizational issues, while studying and following the ethical

standards of the American Psychological Association (APA). Across your courses, you’ll focus on evaluating and conducting psychological research, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting conclusions to help resolve professional issues.

Develop Essential Skills in:

● Evaluating psychology literature

● Designing and conducting psychological research

● Examining and analyzing empirical data

● Applying professional ethics in your work

● Communicating effectively and professionally

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Examples of Scholarships and Grants That May Be Available (Check with Your Campus Financial Aid Office For More Information)

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South College proudly participates in this program with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help pay for education for military members and Veterans.

Concentrations in this Program

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You May Enjoy This Line of Study If You…

  • Want a deeper understanding of human thoughts and actions
  • Have empathy and a desire to help others
  • Feel driven to apply theory to real-world needs
  • Like solving problems through research and data analysis
  • Are a strong and skilled communicator

Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Psychology program is to further student understanding of how psychological principles and concepts affect issues in their chosen specialization, including the importance of research investigation, data collection, and interpreting conclusions to find a resolution to professional issues. The Master of Science in Psychology degree is designed to provide a continuation of the student’s knowledge of how biological, environmental, and societal influences affect one’s well-being and the functionality of communities and organizations. Students will further expand on the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate and assess research methods and apply theories and methodologies to relevant social and organizational issues, all while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Throughout the program, curriculum content is be geared towards real-world application to better facilitate students’ understanding of how psychological standards can directly impact various professional organizations.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates completing the Master of Science in Psychology program will accomplish the following outcomes:

  1. Display advanced knowledge of how psychological principles and concepts affect issues such as motivation, behavior, learning, and emotion. 
  2. Examine how theoretical and research findings can be applied to professional and academic activities. 
  3. Evaluate psychological literature in terms of reliability, credibility, ethics, and value. 
  4. Design and conduct psychological research investigation(s) while examining and analyzing empirical data. 
  5. Demonstrate an understanding and appropriate application of the APA Code of Ethics in research investigations as well as academic and professional activities. 
  6. Effectively communicate in a scholarly and professional manner that aligns American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines 

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Psychology program, the prospective student must meet individually, either in person or via electronic method, with an admissions officer to discuss the program and all requirements. Applicants must provide a completed South College application for admission and application to the program. Those selected for admission will provide the following:

  1. Evidence completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in psychology or closely related discipline approved by the faculty.
  2. Evidence of a cumulative 3.0 undergraduate grade point average.

For applicants who are unable to meet the aforementioned requirements of admission, conditional admission is an option. Students who are admitted conditionally may take graduate Psychology courses and, if they attain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their first three (3) graduate courses, will be admitted to the program. Any courses successfully completed by a conditionally admitted student satisfy the course requirements for graduation, as if the student was initially admitted in good standing. The faculty reserves the right to evaluate each application for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis. The Admissions Committee takes many factors into consideration, including but not limited to:

  • Grade point average in the courses constituting the core of the applicant’s undergraduate major;
  • Amount of time that has transpired between the applicant’s undergraduate degree completion and application to South College;
  • Applicant’s work experience and accomplishments in their profession;
  • Grade point average in graduate work at other accredited academic institutions.

 

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South College is a regionally accredited private co-educational, institution with non-residential campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida. Students can pursue academic programs at all levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. New academic programs are added frequently in response to local, regional, and national employment trends, and South College is committed to providing programs at all levels with innovative course content and teaching platforms. Explore all the programs and come back often as we regularly add new programs that may spark your interest!

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