Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology Online
Master of Arts in Psychology
Los Angeles, USA
MA
DURATION
24 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 1,365 **
STUDY FORMAT
Blended
* open admissions
** per unit
Key Summary
About: The Master of Arts in Psychology at The University of Sheffield offers an in-depth exploration into psychological theories and practices.
This one-year program emphasizes critical thinking, research methodology, and application of psychological principles, preparing students for advanced academic or professional careers in psychology.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue diverse career paths, such as clinical psychology, counseling, research, or human resources.
Opportunities in academia, mental health services, and organizational roles are also available, allowing students to apply their psychological expertise in various settings.
- Cost: $1,365 per unit
- Units: 36-48 units
- Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Length: 1.5-2 years
- Location(s): West Los Angeles, Irvine, Encino
- Format: Evening
The Master of Arts in Psychology program will prepare students for application to doctoral programs, to pursue a profession in the field of psychology, or to become better leaders in their industry.
This program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of psychology in an intimate and supportive learning environment. With a strong clinical emphasis, courses are focused on how the art and science of psychology can be applied to further our understanding of human behavior and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.
Program Benefits
Nationally regarded graduate school of psychology with the #6-ranked Psy.D. program in the US*
- Access to major-university resources at the #46-ranked university in the US**
- Outstanding faculty recognized experts, scholars, and clinicians
- Values-based curriculum focused on personal and professional growth
- Small class sizes providing a supportive learning environment and meaningful student-faculty interactions
- Convenient class schedules offered on weeknights and occasional weekends
- Extensive networking opportunities through our alumni network with more than 20,000 professionals
*U.S. News & World Report, Best Grad School Rankings, Clinical Psychology
** U.S. News & Report, Best Colleges Rankings, National Universities
Knowledge of certain fundamental areas in psychology is necessary as preparation for advanced courses. These areas are covered in the following foundation courses.
Foundation Courses
- PSY 626 Research and Evaluation Methods for Mental Health Professionals (3)
- PSY 656 Physiological Psychology (3)
- PSY 657 Psychopathology (3)
- PSY 658 Individual, Couple, and Family Development: A Life-Cycle Approach (3)
- PSY 659 Behavioral Principles and Theories of Learning (3)
Students who have taken undergraduate- or graduate-level courses judged to be equivalent in content to foundation-level courses may petition to waive such courses. This requirement may be met by completing the equivalent course at a regionally accredited institution within the last seven years, receiving a grade of B or better, or completing a Pepperdine graduate-level course or equivalent.
The following core courses may be taken in any sequence after prerequisites have been satisfied:
Core Courses
- PSY 600 Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders (3)
- PSY 601 Assessment of Intelligence (3)
- PSY 602 Personality Assessment (3)
- PSY 606 Interpersonal Skills and Group Therapy (3)
- PSY 607 Social Psychology (3)
- PSY 612 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
- PSY 622 Multicultural Counseling (3)
- PSY 637 Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
- PSY 667 Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)
- PSY 692 Scientific Writing in Psychology (3)
Elective Courses (select one of the following courses)
- PSY 670 Introduction to Positive Psychology (3)
- PSY 671 Career Development Theory and Techniques (3)
Additional Courses
- *PSY 624 Individual and Family Treatment of Substance Abuse (3)
- *PSY 627 Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Professionals (3)
- *PSY 668 Clinical Interventions with Children and Adolescents (3)
- *PSY 669 Trauma in Diverse Populations (3)
*Students who receive foundation-level waivers and need additional courses to complete the minimum 36 units for graduation may take any of the following courses: PSY 624, PSY 627, PSY 668, PSY 669.
- PLO 1: Students will demonstrate basic competency in applied psychology and counseling theories.
- PLO 2: Students will integrate the knowledge of how various cultures, dimensions of diversity, and social stress impact both clinical work and mental health/recovery.
- PLO 3: Students will apply interpersonal communication and presentation skills which are related to high integrity and effective practice.
- PLO 4: Students will evaluate relevant research by (a) illustrating critical thinking and (b) producing scientific writing.
An MA in Psychology is valuable in many professional settings, including mental healthcare facilities, and marketing and advertising agencies. After earning your degree, you may pursue employment in a variety of roles, including:
- Behavioral Counselor
- Developmental Specialist
- Human Resources Director
- Advertising Agent
- Market Researcher
For many careers in the field of psychology, a doctoral degree is necessary, and your psychology MA can be a stepping stone to a Ph.D. or PsyD program. With a doctoral degree, you may pursue a variety of roles in clinical, academic, and professional settings, including:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Psychology Professor
- Clinical Program Director
- Clinical Neuropsychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
Employment Potential
- The number of jobs for Doctors of Psychology is expected to grow 21% in California*
- The average annual wage for Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists in California is $94,910**
- The average annual wage for Postsecondary Psychology Teachers in California is $105,740**
- California has the nation's highest employment demand for graduates of Psychology doctoral programs*
*2017-2018 Burning Glass Report on Employment Potential for Selected Programs
**U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017