What to Know About a Master's in Psychology

How Long It Takes, Career Options, and Alternatives

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Updated on November 04, 2023

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A master's in psychology is a graduate-level degree that generally involves two to three years of study after you complete your undergraduate (bachelor's) degree. The two most common types of psychology master's degrees are the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science (MS).

A master's degree can open up a new world of career opportunities. Start by exploring what's involved in determining the right educational choice for you: how long it will take, your career options after graduation, and alternative degrees you might want to consider.

At a Glance

A master's in psychology usually takes two to three years to complete. Some people may stop at this level, but others may then continue to get a doctorate degree. Earning this type of degree can be an important professional step, leading to more job opportunities, higher pay, and the possibility of becoming a licensed professional in some fields.

Master of Science vs. Master of Arts in Psychology

An MA in psychology may indicate a stronger liberal arts focus, while an MS in psychology usually means a stronger concentration on research and the sciences. The type of degree offered depends on the school and program, however, since the academic requirements are often very similar.

Some master's programs in psychology offer what is known as a terminal degree. This type of degree is designed to prepare graduates for professional practice in their specialty area. In other cases, a master's degree may serve as preparation for further study at the doctoral level.

Specific requirements can vary considerably, so take a careful look at the course outline of any program you are considering. You may also choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option.

Completing a thesis is a good choice if you're interested in further graduate study, while the non-thesis alternative might be ideal if you are more interested in entering the workforce immediately after graduation.

Master's in Psychology Types

While generalist programs are available, many students elect to focus on a particular specialty area. Some of the different types of master's programs available include:

MA or MS in Experimental Psychology
MA or MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
MA or MS in Forensic Psychology
MA or MS in Clinical Psychology
MA or MS in Social Psychology
MA or MS in Child Development
MA or MS in School Psychology

In addition to traditional master's programs, there are a variety of online master's degrees in psychology available. This can be a great option for students who don't live near a university or who need a more flexible schedule.

Master's Degree Before a Doctorate

One of the biggest questions facing students interested in earning a graduate degree in psychology is whether or not they should earn a master's degree before applying to a doctoral program.

Many PhD and PsyD programs do not require a master's degree, and students can begin these doctoral programs immediately after completing their bachelor's degrees.

If you're unsure if doctoral study is right for you, a master's degree can be a good option. Spend some time talking to your college advisor and faculty members to determine which option is the best choice based on your educational interests and career goals.

Job With a Master's in Psychology

A master's in psychology can help you gain many important skills, including:

Research
Critical thinking
Writing
Analytics
Communication
Interpersonal

While having a master's degree means you'll find more job opportunities than at the bachelor's level, job options are still limited if you're interested in entering the field of professional psychology.

A terminal master's program, however, does open the door to entry-level jobs in fields such as mental health, industrial-organizational psychology, and forensic psychology. Other potential employment sectors include colleges, universities, private businesses, and government.

Preparing for a Master's Program

If you're interested in pursuing a master's degree in psychology, it pays to start planning early. Check the requirements of a few programs you're considering, and then be sure to schedule all of the prerequisite courses during your years of undergraduate study.

Statistics, experimental methods, and developmental psychology are just a few of the common courses required by psychology graduate programs.

Before you apply to a master's program, you may also be required to take the Graduate Record Examination or GRE. In addition to taking the main test, you might also need to take the GRE psychology subject test.

Once you've been admitted to a master's program, take note of the required courses, and check out your school's class offering schedule. Some classes are only offered every other semester or every other year, so plan carefully to ensure that you are able to take all the classes you need during your two- to three-year program.

Alternatives to a Master's in Psychology

You might decide that a master's degree in psychology is not the best choice for you. In such cases, a different degree may be better able to help you fulfill your academic and career goals.

Fortunately, there are many related alternative programs to choose from. If you know that you want to work in mental health, counseling, social work, school psychology, education, and health sciences, there are other academic options that might also appeal to you.

Possible alternative degrees include:

PhD in Psychology
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
Master's in Social Work
Master's in Counseling
Master's in Sociology
Master's in Student Affairs
Master's in Education

What This Means For You

A master's in psychology can be a great option for many students, particularly those who want to advance their careers or pursue further graduate study. Some master's programs offer a general degree, but many focus on a specialty area such as clinical psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or school psychology. If you think a master's in psychology might be right for you, talk to an academic advisor to learn more about your options.

3 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Michalski DS. Master's careers in psychology. Psychology Student Network.
Gee DG, DeYoung KA, McLaughlin KA, et al. Training the next generation of clinical psychological scientists: A data-driven call to action. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2022;18:43-70. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081219-092500
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychologists. Occupational Outlook Handbook.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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