The Different Graduate Psychology Degrees to Choose From

Applied behavior analysis, also called behavioral neuroscience, focuses on observing human behavior, psychological theories, and therapeutic techniques to treat dysfunctional or harmful behavior stemming from external stimuli.

Master’s in applied behavior analysis courses include advanced intervention, behavior assessments, and research and experimental design. The curriculum may also include internships and practicum experiences.

After earning a master’s in behavior analysis, graduates can pursue doctoral study in psychology or careers, such as:

Master’s in child and adolescent psychology degree programs train graduates to work with children and early teens, emphasizing building analytical, clinical, and research skills. Course topics include child psychopathology, developmental psychology, and psychological assessment. Specialized courses may address issues like ADHD, the autism spectrum, or bullying. Master’s programs often include supervised practicum experiences.

Graduates of master’s in child and adolescent psychology degree programs can enter doctoral programs to become child psychologists or qualify for positions as:

Most states require a doctorate in clinical psychology to become licensed and begin practicing independently, but a master’s in clinical psychology offers preparation for doctoral study. Programs may include addictions, clinical assessment, professional ethics, and trauma counseling courses. Students typically complete a master’s thesis, supervised internship, or clinical practicum.

Master’s in clinical psychology-holders can pursue positions in counseling centers, healthcare facilities, the justice system, and public health. These careers include:

Counseling psychology master’s programs prepare professional counselors and psychotherapists in a variety of subfields, such as community mental health, marriage and family therapy, sex therapy, and substance use counseling. The typical curriculum includes classes on cognitive behavior, evidence-based practice treatment, lifespan development, and psychodynamic counseling models. Practicum opportunities provide supervised hands-on training.

Armed with a master’s in counseling psychology, graduates can pursue doctoral study or careers as:

Development psychology focuses on human growth and development and the relationships between the brain and behavior. Course content includes cognitive development, family processes, gender and culture, language acquisition, and social and emotional development. Areas of emphasis span brain development, ethnic-racial minoritized youths, and parent-child interactions. Students may complete a capstone project or a thesis.

They help people of all ages with developmental disabilities, cognitive issues, or mental health disorders. The concentration prepares graduates for therapy and research careers in:

Educational psychology master’s programs prepare students for educational counseling and research positions or doctoral study. Enrollees typically complete practicums in education environments and can concentrate in adult education, gifted and talented learners, learning and assessment, and scholarly research. Course topics include program evaluation, qualitative design and analysis, self-regulation, and motivation.

With a background in educational psychology, graduates can become:

They work in schools, learning centers, research facilities, and community organizations. They can help teachers improve instructional strategies and evaluate how people process information.

Experimental psychology focuses on the research and data collection aspects of psychology. Programs encourage students to evaluate psychology research to strengthen their skills. Students also build strong quantitative research skills and conduct experiments in various subfields of psychology.

The research skills gained during an experimental psychology program prepare graduates for careers as psychological consultants and experimental researchers in labs, research facilities, and businesses. Other potential paths include doctoral study and employment as a:

Forensic psychology blends psychology with the legal system. The concentration provides legal and forensic training while emphasizing clinical abilities. Forensic psychology graduate students learn to conduct psychological assessments of defendants and victims. They also develop experience conducting interviews, writing legal reports, and acting as expert witnesses.

With a master’s in forensic psychology, graduates can work for law firms, legal advocacy groups, victim support services, and courts. Some work closely with the correctional system in counseling and assessment roles.

Forensic psychologists usually need a doctorate, but roles for master’s degree-holders include:

Industrial-organizational psychology blends psychology and business, focusing on the science of work lives. Master’s degree curricula emphasize leadership roles and organizational cultural and structural change. Courses may include personnel psychology, talent management, research methods, and social psychology.

Professionals in this field work with businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, developing employee training plans, designing change management programs, and evaluating consumer behavior. Positions include:

School psychology examines mental health, behavior, and academic performance in educational settings. Master’s students learn to support children managing emotional or behavioral challenges. They also study how to work with teachers, administrators, and parents to create supportive learning environments.

During a school psychology degree, learners strengthen their assessment, analysis, and data collection abilities. They also study mental health interventions, academic interventions, and instructional support approaches.

Master’s degree-holders in school psychology can qualify for positions as:

Social psychology examines human behavior in social contexts and how other people impact individual behavior. Master’s degree programs typically emphasize research and scholarship. Common social psychology courses include culture and psychology, emotion, group dynamics, and social cognition.

Social psychologists work for government and private organizations, in research and development, and as consultants. Clinical psychologists need a doctorate, but master’s degree-holders in social psychology can fill positions as:

A master’s in sports psychology prepares professionals to help athletes achieve peak performance with combined psychology and kinesiology methods. Students may take courses that include current issues in sports psychology, performance enhancement, psychology of injury, and tests and measurement.

Sports psychologists work with sports teams and in rehabilitation centers and schools. They help amateur and professional athletes with issues like anxiety, burnout, eating disorders, mental barriers, and injuries. This title requires a doctorate, but master’s program graduates can work as: