The Different Graduate Psychology Degrees to Choose From

Applied Behavioral Analysis

Applied behavior analysis, also called behavioral neuroscience, focuses on observing human behavior, psychological theories, and therapeutic techniques to treat dysfunctional or harmful behavior stemming from external stimuli.

Master’s in applied behavior analysis courses include advanced intervention, behavior assessments, and research and experimental design. The curriculum may also include internships and practicum experiences.

After earning a master’s in behavior analysis, graduates can pursue doctoral study in psychology or careers, such as:

• Behavioral disorder counselors
• Cognitive behavior therapists
• Researchers
• Case managers
• Mental health counselors

Child and Adolescent Psychology

Master’s in child and adolescent psychology degree programs train graduates to work with children and early teens, emphasizing building analytical, clinical, and research skills. Course topics include child psychopathology, developmental psychology, and psychological assessment. Specialized courses may address issues like ADHD, the autism spectrum, or bullying. Master’s programs often include supervised practicum experiences.

Graduates of master’s in child and adolescent psychology degree programs can enter doctoral programs to become child psychologists or qualify for positions as:

• Behavioral therapists
• Child therapists
• School counselors

Clinical Psychology

Most states require a doctorate in clinical psychology to become licensed and begin practicing independently, but a master’s in clinical psychology offers preparation for doctoral study. Programs may include addictions, clinical assessment, professional ethics, and trauma counseling courses. Students typically complete a master’s thesis, supervised internship, or clinical practicum.

Master’s in clinical psychology-holders can pursue positions in counseling centers, healthcare facilities, the justice system, and public health. These careers include:

• Addiction counselors
• Clinical researchers
• Marriage and family therapists
• Mental health counselors
• Forensic psychologists
• School psychologists

Counseling Psychology

Counseling psychology master’s programs prepare professional counselors and psychotherapists in a variety of subfields, such as community mental health, marriage and family therapy, sex therapy, and substance use counseling. The typical curriculum includes classes on cognitive behavior, evidence-based practice treatment, lifespan development, and psychodynamic counseling models. Practicum opportunities provide supervised hands-on training.

Armed with a master’s in counseling psychology, graduates can pursue doctoral study or careers as:

• Addiction counselors
• Career counselors
• Marriage and family therapists
• Mental health counselors
• School counselors
• Social workers

Developmental Psychology

Development psychology focuses on human growth and development and the relationships between the brain and behavior. Course content includes cognitive development, family processes, gender and culture, language acquisition, and social and emotional development. Areas of emphasis span brain development, ethnic-racial minoritized youths, and parent-child interactions. Students may complete a capstone project or a thesis.

They help people of all ages with developmental disabilities, cognitive issues, or mental health disorders. The concentration prepares graduates for therapy and research careers in:

• Behavioral Health
• Education
• Healthcare

Educational Psychology

Educational psychology master’s programs prepare students for educational counseling and research positions or doctoral study. Enrollees typically complete practicums in education environments and can concentrate in adult education, gifted and talented learners, learning and assessment, and scholarly research. Course topics include program evaluation, qualitative design and analysis, self-regulation, and motivation.

With a background in educational psychology, graduates can become:

• School counselors
• Career counselors
• Clinical supervisors

They work in schools, learning centers, research facilities, and community organizations. They can help teachers improve instructional strategies and evaluate how people process information.

Experimental Psychology

Experimental psychology focuses on the research and data collection aspects of psychology. Programs encourage students to evaluate psychology research to strengthen their skills. Students also build strong quantitative research skills and conduct experiments in various subfields of psychology.

The research skills gained during an experimental psychology program prepare graduates for careers as psychological consultants and experimental researchers in labs, research facilities, and businesses. Other potential paths include doctoral study and employment as a:

• Community college instructor
• Behavior analyst
• Psychotherapist

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology blends psychology with the legal system. The concentration provides legal and forensic training while emphasizing clinical abilities. Forensic psychology graduate students learn to conduct psychological assessments of defendants and victims. They also develop experience conducting interviews, writing legal reports, and acting as expert witnesses.

With a master’s in forensic psychology, graduates can work for law firms, legal advocacy groups, victim support services, and courts. Some work closely with the correctional system in counseling and assessment roles.

Forensic psychologists usually need a doctorate, but roles for master’s degree-holders include:

• Correctional treatment specialists
• Crime scene investigators
• Expert witnesses
• Lab analysts
• Mental health counselors

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Industrial-organizational psychology blends psychology and business, focusing on the science of work lives. Master’s degree curricula emphasize leadership roles and organizational cultural and structural change. Courses may include personnel psychology, talent management, research methods, and social psychology.

Professionals in this field work with businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, developing employee training plans, designing change management programs, and evaluating consumer behavior. Positions include:

• Employee relations director
• Industrial-organizational psychologist
• Research consultant
• Training development director

School Psychology

School psychology examines mental health, behavior, and academic performance in educational settings. Master’s students learn to support children managing emotional or behavioral challenges. They also study how to work with teachers, administrators, and parents to create supportive learning environments.

During a school psychology degree, learners strengthen their assessment, analysis, and data collection abilities. They also study mental health interventions, academic interventions, and instructional support approaches.

Master’s degree-holders in school psychology can qualify for positions as:

• Behavioral health specialists
• Educational diagnosticians
• Mental health counselors
• Psychotherapists
• School psychologists
• Social workers

Social Psychology

Social psychology examines human behavior in social contexts and how other people impact individual behavior. Master’s degree programs typically emphasize research and scholarship. Common social psychology courses include culture and psychology, emotion, group dynamics, and social cognition.

Social psychologists work for government and private organizations, in research and development, and as consultants. Clinical psychologists need a doctorate, but master’s degree-holders in social psychology can fill positions as:

• Community college instructors
• Marketing directors
• Policy directors
• Political strategists
• Program managers
• Researchers

Sports Psychology

A master’s in sports psychology prepares professionals to help athletes achieve peak performance with combined psychology and kinesiology methods. Students may take courses that include current issues in sports psychology, performance enhancement, psychology of injury, and tests and measurement.

Sports psychologists work with sports teams and in rehabilitation centers and schools. They help amateur and professional athletes with issues like anxiety, burnout, eating disorders, mental barriers, and injuries. This title requires a doctorate, but master’s program graduates can work as:

• Athletic directors
• Certified mental health consultants
• Head coaches
• Performance enhancement specialists
• Personal trainers

Is grad school worth it for psychology?

Most mental health careers require at least a master’s degree and psychology licensure requires a doctoral degree. Graduate school can also lead to higher pay, making it worth the time and effort. For example, the average annual salary for those with a master of science in psychology is $64,000, but Psy.D. salaries average $92,000 annually.

Is it better to get a Ph.D. or a master’s in psychology?

A doctoral program may be the best choice if you want to become licensed, practice clinical psychology independently, teach or conduct research at the higher education level, or pursue administrative roles in academia or the private sector. For other roles and fields, such as counseling, school psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology, a master’s degree will suffice.

Can you skip the master’s degree and get a Ph.D. in psychology?

Yes, many doctoral programs admit students with bachelor’s degrees — some in any field of study. Others require psychology, sociology, or social sciences degrees. Doctoral program admission typically requires a minimum undergraduate GPA and the completion of bachelor’s degree prerequisites.

Is it difficult to get into grad school for psychology?

Graduate programs in psychology can be highly competitive, with well-known private and state universities typically imposing more stringent admission requirements. You may find that it is easier to get accepted to a master’s or Psy.D. program if you have a lower undergraduate GPA. Ph.D. admission tends to be the most stringent, with higher GPA thresholds, prior research experience, and research interests that align with those of a faculty member.

How to pick a master’s in psychology?

Choosing a psychology master’s program involves several factors, including whether you meet the admission requirements, whether the program offers your specialization area, total costs, financial aid resources, and program format.