MA in Psychology

A particular strength of the MA in psychology at Mason is the opportunity to focus your degree on one of these cutting-edge subdisciplines in the field: applied developmental psychology, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, human factors/applied cognition, and industrial/organizational psychology. We find that a degree with a concentration, rather than a general MA degree in psychology, best launches our students into careers or further study at the doctoral level.

Faculty in the psychology program are well published, funded, and connected in policy, government, and research communities.  Faculty are editors of major journals in psychology, hold offices in leading national organizations, and have won numerous awards for the quality of their research and teaching. You will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty mentors on research of interest if desired. 

The proximity of Mason to the Washington, D.C., area offers abundant opportunities for internships, jobs, professional conference attendance, and networking with funding agencies and professional organizations.  Because of this proximity too, our curricula emphasize contemporary practical and policy implications of research in psychology. You can also take advantage of the rich cultural, artistic, and recreational activities that the DC area has to offer. 

About half of our students who earn their MA go on to a doctoral program in psychology at Mason or elsewhere. Others choose to directly enter professional fields in applied research firms, industry, education, policy, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.  Our students are well trained, and our alumni have had great success whether they continue on to further study or go directly to careers. 

Interested in pursuing a PhD in psychology?  MA students regularly apply to and later join our PhD program, and benefit from being able to carry over their course credits and experience with their mentor into their PhD program. These students are able to save two to three years on the way to their doctorate.

Tags:

Psychology