Explore the Mind. Advance Discovery. Lead the Future of Psychological Research.

    Unlock your potential with our Master of Arts in Psychology—a research-focused graduate program designed for students who aspire to pursue doctoral study and careers in psychological science. This program provides a rigorous academic foundation in psychological theory, research methodology, and data analysis, preparing you to contribute to the advancement of mental health, behavior, and cognition.
    Specialize in your area of interest—whether it's cognitive psychology, developmental science, social behavior, or neuroscience. Our flexible curriculum allows you to tailor your studies across the broader realm of psychology, giving you the freedom to explore diverse subfields while building a strong generalist foundation.

    Why Choose Our Program?

    Career Prospects

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations [1]. This growth reflects increasing demand for psychological expertise in healthcare, education, business, and research.

    Competitive Salaries

    Psychologists earned a median annual wage of $94,310 in May 2024 [1]. Those with doctoral degrees often earn significantly more, particularly in clinical, academic, and research settings.

    Research-Centered Curriculum

    Our program emphasizes hands-on research experience. You’ll work closely with faculty on original studies, gain proficiency in statistical software, and develop the skills to design, conduct, and present research with academic rigor.

    Preparation for Doctoral Study

    This program is intentionally designed as a stepping stone to Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs. You’ll graduate with a competitive academic portfolio, strong faculty mentorship, and a clear research trajectory—positioning you for success in doctoral admissions.

    Interdisciplinary Specialization

    With the flexibility to explore multiple psychological disciplines, you can shape your academic path to align with your interests and career goals. Whether you're drawn to experimental psychology, health psychology, or behavioral neuroscience, our program supports your intellectual curiosity and professional development.

    Diverse Career Opportunities

    Graduates can pursue roles such as:
    • Research Assistant or Coordinator 
    • Behavioral Science Analyst 
    • Data Analyst in Psychology or Healthcare 
    • Academic Program Coordinator 
    • Mental Health Program Evaluator 
    • Doctoral Student in Clinical, Counseling, or Experimental Psychology 
    • Policy Researcher or Advocate 
    • Human Factors or UX Researcher 
    Join a community of scholars committed to advancing psychological science through research, inquiry, and innovation. Your journey to a doctoral degree and a career in psychology starts here.

    [1]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Psychologists
    Next Steps
         

         
    Contact Us
         
    PsychologyGrad@SouthernCT.edu
    College of Arts and Sciences
    Department of Psychology
    Application Requirements

    Application Submission
    Application Fee ($50)
    Official Transcripts
    Essay
    Two Letters of Recommendation

    Essay Prompt

    The MA in Psychology at Southern Connecticut State University is not a program that prepares students for clinical licensure, nor is the training provided focused on clinical work. We focus on broad training in psychology that supports students seeking an MA as part of their personal career training (e.g. individuals with a career teaching, biotech, human resources, business, etc), and prepares students for later graduate work in a PhD or PsyD program. With that in mind, please address the following points in your essay: 1. What are your career goals, and how will our program help you meet those goals? 2. What opportunities are you looking to acquire in our program, such as pursuing a thesis, graduate assistantships, teaching assistantships, becoming involved in faculty research, etc?
    Curriculum

    Course Outline
    Capstone Requirement (Choose One)

    Thesis
    Comprehensive Examination
    Cost of Program

    Use our Paying for College Calculator to estimate the cost of your program.
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    Discover Your Future with Our Virtual Campus Tour!

    Are you ready to explore the possibilities? Our virtual campus tour offers a unique opportunity to experience our vibrant community from the comfort of your home. Dive into interactive 360-degree views of our state-of-the-art facilities, picturesque grounds, and dynamic learning environments.

    Join us and see firsthand why our institution is the perfect place to start your graduate journey. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge research or a supportive and inclusive community, our virtual tour has it all.