Program Overview

Master of Science in Psychology

Overview

The Master of Science in Psychology program at the University of Indianapolis is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the science of psychology. The program is tailored to prepare students for doctoral work or non-clinical, psychology-related employment at the master's level.

Advantages

• Learn and work with nationally recognized faculty in the fields of social, cognitive, developmental, and clinical psychology.
• Gain portable skills that will help make you more competitive for doctoral programs or employment at the master’s level.
• Receive individualized mentoring from faculty to help you reach your next step.
• Gain applied practicum experiences in the community.
• Gain research experience by joining faculty research labs.

Program Length & Format

The MS in Psychology program requires a minimum of 39 credit hours that can be completed in two years (four semesters). The course format for this program varies and includes daytime, evening, and online courses. Students begin their studies in the fall and may enroll on a part-time or full-time basis.

Curriculum

Core Courses

All MS in Psychology students will take a series of classes that expose students to core knowledge in the science of psychology, including:

• Professional Development
• Statistics and Research Methods
• Applied Statistical Analyses
• Neuropsychology and Biological Bases of Behavior
• Cognitive Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Lifespan
• Advanced Psychopathology

Track Courses and Electives

Students will need to take additional courses pertaining to their track (18 credit hours). Each track includes 1-2 elective courses. Students are encouraged to select electives that complement their track and their educational or professional aspirations.

Tracks

There are three tracks in the MS in Psychology program: general psychology, program development and evaluation, and research.

General Psychology

The general psychology track is designed to prepare students for doctoral work by taking core courses in the area of psychological sciences, as well as specialized courses in the foundational skills of psychotherapy, ethics, and personality. Students will also have the opportunity to take elective classes in an area of interest, such as forensic or health psychology. Graduates of this track will be well prepared to apply to doctoral programs (either Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology.

Program Development & Evaluation

In addition to taking classes in the core areas of psychology, the program development and evaluation track will train students in project management and the process of developing programs. Students will also learn how to use systematic methods to collect, analyze, and evaluate existing projects, policies, and programs. Graduates of this track will be competitive for employment in social service agencies, government positions, non-profit organizations, and other business and commercial organizations.

Research

In addition to taking courses in the core areas of psychological science, students in the research track will receive more extensive research training by being paired with a faculty mentor and completing a thesis. Students will also have the opportunity to gain research experience with other faculty members through our research practicum class. Our faculty are conducting a wide variety of research in the area of social, cognitive, developmental, health, and clinical psychology. The research track is designed to help students become more competitive for a PhD program in psychology.

Admission Requirements

View the admission requirements and application process.

Tuition & Aid

View Graduate Tuition Rates & Financial Aid

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MS in Psychology Vs. MHC

The MS in Psychology program is an alternative path for students who are looking to build a solid foundation for entry into a PhD or PsyD program in psychology or who are interested in a non-clinical career path in psychology. Students will complete this master’s degree through one of three tracks tailored to their psychology-related career interests: general psychology, research, or program development and evaluation.

If you are interested in a terminal degree that provides a focused path to earning professional licensure in counseling, UIndy's Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) may be for you. In this clinically-focused program, students will apply knowledge and skills through 700 hours of practicum and internship experience in counseling.