Masters Degree in Psychology

Psychology is a fascinating field of social science that explores the mental processes of humans and tries to analyze their behavior and motivations. The study of psychology also provides greater opportunities for professionals who want to enter fields such as social work, human resources management, and research.(1)

Gaining admission to a master's degree in psychology is often a competitive process. In the US, many graduate school programs require applicants to have a GPA above
3.3, a score above 1200 in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and relevant field experience for them to be admitted. Some of the prominent universities that offer a masters degree program in psychology include: Walden University (2), Capella University (3), Argosy University (4),and the University of San Francisco (5).

Admission Guidelines

For those who are planning to take up a masters degree in psychology, it would help to look into the following:

1. Get work experience relevant to the field. Applicants should try to work in a hospital or clinic to gain experience that is relevant to the field of psychology. Engaging in community service or working in a research institution can also provide much needed experience and knowledge for the masters in psychology applicant.

2. Get good letters of recommendation. Applicants should get letters of recommendation from former teachers, advisors, work supervisors, and other people who can give an accurate estimation of the applicant's capabilities, interests, and work habits.

3. Effective communication is important. Potential masters in psychology students should explain clearly in their application letters and interviews why they want to take up a graduate program in psychology. They should also explain how their educational background and work experience is relevant to the masters degree program.

4. Improve math and analytical skills. Statistics and research courses are an integral part of the master's degree in psychology curriculum. Applicants and students of the masters degree in psychology program should review their previous math and statistics courses to cope up with these subjects.

5. Be motivated. Like any other masters degree program, psychology masters degree requires a great deal of patience, perseverance, and determination.

(1) http://psychology.about.com/od/careersinpsychology/a/graddegree.htm
(2) http://www.waldenu.edu/c/Schools/Schools_110.htm
(3) http://www.capella.edu/schools_programs/degrees/masters.aspx
(4) http://www.argosy.edu/colleges/psychology-behavioral-sciences
(5) http://www.chapman.edu/wcls/psych/gradPrograms/MApsychology.asp