Southern New Hampshire University Online MS in Psychology Programs

The College of Online and Continuing Education at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an online MS in Psychology with concentrations in Child and Developmental Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

The MS in Psychology program seeks to prepare graduates with practical application skills to improve organizational performance, individual and group motivation, and the overall well-being of organizational personnel. Focus areas include ethics in psychology, social psychology, research methods and interpretation, learning theory, and social and community psychology.

The concentration in Child and Developmental Psychology prepares graduates to work with children and adolescents in areas of prevention, intervention, and assessment. Although this degree does not lead to certification, it can prepare graduates for further education and certification. Graduates will be prepared to work in various areas including education, human resources, health services, criminal justice, or to pursue further doctoral education in child psychology.

The concentration in Forensic Psychology focuses on understanding and evaluating the criminal mind in relation to crimes and the sanity of the accused. Although this path does not offer certification, graduates will be prepared to work with the courts, correctional organizations, police departments, law offices, or government agencies. In addition, students may pursue further education toward licensing or a doctoral degree.

The concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (I/O Psychology) focuses on changing the corporate culture by improving employee training and satisfaction, addressing internal dynamics and issues, and improving employee relationships. Students learn to communicate with empathy, conduct research, assess and evaluate programs, and promote productivity through employee satisfaction, reward, and relational change. Graduates may pursue careers in information technology (IT), education, criminal justice, human resources, sports management, health services, and marketing.

Southern New Hampshire University’s online graduate programs begin five times per year. The MS in Psychology and all associated concentrations require the completion of 36 credits and can be completed in just 15 months by taking two courses per 10-week term. SNHU offers five 10-week sessions per year. Students without a BA or BS in Psychology may need to complete foundational courses in addition to the MS curriculum. The program is 100% online with no campus visits required.

Online MS in Psychology students collaborate with professors and peers through discussion boards, online chat, email, and phone. Courses are delivered asynchronously and may include recorded videos, case studies, individual or group projects and assignments, presentations, readings, and examinations. Student services include admissions counseling, academic advising, a writing center, 24/7 technical support, library services, career services, and tutoring services. Additionally, all online MS in Psychology students have access to an online student union called SNHUconnect. This virtual student union allows students to meet with classmates, professors, and alumni for interaction, feedback, networking, and collaboration.

The online MS in Psychology curriculum includes 24 credits of major courses and 12 credits of electives or concentration courses. Students may also need to complete the following foundational courses if they do not have a psychology background: Foundations of Psychology, Foundations in Statistics, and Foundations in Research Methods.

Major courses include Research Methods in Psychology I-II; Cognitive Processes; Social Psychology; Theories of Personality; Measurement and Assessment; and Ethical Practice in Psychology. Students also complete Capstone in Psychology. Those pursuing a general MS in Psychology degree choose 12 credits of electives from an approved range of psychology courses such as Women in Leadership; Global Terrorism; Sport and Society; and Negotiation/Advocacy in the Workplace.

Child and Developmental Psychology concentration courses include Developmental Psychology; Intervention Strategies; Cognitive Neuropsychology; and Child and Developmental Psychology Seminar.

Forensic Psychology concentration courses include Forensic Psychology; Intersection of Law and Psychology; Assessment for Forensic Psychology; and Psychology in the Courtroom.

Industrial and Organizational Psychology concentration courses include Motivation in the Workplace; Psychology of Leadership; Seminar in Industrial & Organizational Psychology; and Organizational Consulting.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).