Arizona State University Online Master’s in Psychology Programs

The New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University offers online Master of Science (MS) degrees in Psychology and Forensic Psychology. These are rigorous degrees and require intensive courses in statistics and writing.

The MS in Psychology combines psychological theory and research to prepare students for further education or careers in social services, marketing, educational settings, nonprofit or for-profit organizations, and management roles. This program does not train students for counseling or clinical psychology certification. Psychological theory and research are applied to concepts of human cognition, emotion, behavior, attitudes, and development. Course electives may include subjects such as behavior analysis, developmental psychology, legal psychology, health psychology, and social psychology. This program best suits highly motivated students who are prepared to engage in a rigorous program including significant writing and statistics coursework.

The MS in Forensic Psychology is designed for applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in social science, psychology, criminal justice, or a similar field. In addition, some graduate coursework may have been completed. The forensic program focuses on human behavior related to criminal incidents, mental health issues, and the treatment of mental disorders. Research methods, legal psychology, and mental disorder treatment are studied in relation to the legal system. This program prepares students for career advancement in investigations, law enforcement, correctional settings, and mental health settings. Trained individuals may be called upon in court cases concerning the mental state of the individual at the time of a crime.

Applicants to the MS in Psychology may hold an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the second half of the bachelor’s program. As an alternative, students who have completed at least six credits of graduate-level coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may apply. Students can apply for regular admission if they have completed one course in statistics or research methods and if they have a major or minor such as psychology, political science, sociology, or anthropology. GRE test scores are recommended but not required for those applying to the Capstone Course option for the online program.

Applicants to the MS in Forensic Psychology must hold a bachelor’s degree in social science, psychology, criminal justice, or a similar field. Application materials for both programs include an application and fee, official transcripts, and a personal statement. Letters of recommendation should come from faculty members who know the quality of the student’s work.

The MS in Psychology comprises 36 credits while the MS in Forensic Psychology comprises 33 credits. Students can complete the degrees in as little as 18 months on a full-time basis, or two years or longer on a part-time basis. ASU offers courses and start dates every 7.5 weeks in the fall, spring, and summer. The programs are 100% online with no campus visits required.

Courses in the online graduate psychology programs are delivered asynchronously with videos, readings, assignments, and assessments. A capstone course culminates the program in which students review and amalgamate current psychology literature. They then form research recommendations and policy formation recommendations through written assessments. Some synchronous activities may be required. Faculty/peer interaction takes place through online email, chat, discussion boards, and other multimedia tools. Online graduate students have access to library and career services, round-the-clock technical support, faculty hours, and admissions and other advising.

Courses for the online MS in Psychology include nine credits of core courses, 24 credits of electives, and a three-credit Capstone in General Psychology. Core courses include Professional Issues in Psychology; Quantitative Analysis; and Research Methods. Electives may include Advanced Social Psychology; Advanced Legal Psychology; Psychopathology; Reading and Conference; Topic: Emotion; Topic: Cognitive Neuroscience; and Topic: Choice and Decision Making.

Courses for the online MS in Forensic Psychology include 12 credits of core courses, six credits of electives, six credits of statistics and methods, six credits of criminal justice system courses, and a capstone in forensic psychology. Courses may include Advanced Forensic Psychology; Advanced Legal Psychology; Advanced Correctional Psychology; Research Methods; Quantitative Analysis I; Psychopathology; Seminar in Criminal Justice; and Seminar in Courts and Sentencing.

Arizona State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.