Master of Science in the Field of Applied Psychology

The master of science program in applied psychology provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the latest psychological theories, research topics, and methods to inform real world issues and improve practices. Students develop in-depth knowledge in cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and clinical psychology through a sequence of courses in research methods and statistics and foundational courses in cognitive neuroscience and social and clinical psychology. Elective courses help bolster desired areas of expertise. The program is designed to address the clear and growing need in industry, public service, and government for employees who are proficient in mixed methods and capable of executing and evaluating both qualitative methods (e.g., focus groups, interviews) and quantitative methods (e.g., survey design, behavioral research). Based on their interests, qualified students can pursue an optional research track.

Adminssion Requirements

Article	Requirement
Standardized test scores:	- GRE—Not required
Language:	The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction.
Minimum scores:	Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0; or TOEFL: 600 on paper-based or 100 on Internet-based; or PTE Academic: 53
Recommendations required:	Two (2) letters of recommendation
	Degree of BA or BS in Psychology or a related field
Statement of purpose:	In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application.

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

36 credits, including 12 credits in research methods and statistics courses, 12 credits in core courses, and 12 credits in selected courses. Students can choose to complete an optional research track by taking 3 credits in PSYC 6295, 3 credits in PSYC 6296, and 6 credits in selected courses to fulfill the selected course requirement.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
Research methods and statistics courses
PSYC 8202	Psychological Research Methods and Procedures
PSYC 8205	Multiple Regression Analysis in Psychological and Social Sciences
PSYC 8258	Qualitative Research and Analysis
PSYC 8261	Introduction to Machine Learning for Applied Psychology
Core courses
PSYC 6100	Applied Psychology Professional Development Seminar
PSYC 8211	Community Psychology I
PSYC 8211	Community Psychology I
PSYC 8250	Foundations in Cognitive Neuroscience
PSYC 8253	Social Cognition
Selected courses
Four courses (12 credits) selected from the following in consultation with the program’s director of graduate studies: *
ECON 6323	Applied Behavioral Economics
ECON 6379	Causal Inference and Research Design
PPPA 6014	Microeconomics for Public Policy II
PPPA 8022	Econometrics for Policy Research
PPPA 8100	Seminar: Literature of Public Administration
PPPA 8105	Public Finance and Human Capital
PSC 8220	Public Opinion and Political Psychology
PSC 8286	Selected Topics in American Politics
PSYC 6286	Applied Psychology Externship
PSYC 8206	Multivariate Analysis and Modeling
PSYC 8210	Developmental Theories and Issues
PSYC 8212	Community Psychology II
PSYC 8218	Evidence-Based Interventions
PSYC 8239	Lifespan Developmental Psychopathology I
PSYC 8245	Seminar: Organizational Behavior
PSYC 8253	Social Cognition
PSYC 8254	Social Influence
PSYC 8255	Attitudes and Attitude Change
PSYC 8256	Introduction to Survey Research
PSYC 8257	Current Topics in Social Psychology
PSYC 8259	Psychology of Individual and Group Decision Making
PSYC 8277	Health Psychology
PSYC 8279	Special Topics in Health Psychology
PSYC 8289	Seminar: Current Topics in Experimental Psychology
SOC 6238	Development of Sociological Theory
SOC 6239	Contemporary Sociological Theory
Optional research track **
Students pursuing the optional research track fulfill the selected courses requirement (above) by taking the following:
PSYC 6295	Independent Research (3 credits)
PSYC 6296	Capstone Research (3 credits)
And 6 credits in selected courses from the list above.

*Students are encouraged to work with the program’s director of graduate studies to choose courses that best align with their career interests.

**Students who wish to pursue the optional research track must have the approval of the program's director of graduate studies and a faculty supervisor.