Master the Practical Applications of Psychology
The M.A. Applied Psychology program will prepare you to apply psychology principles and multicultural understanding across sectors, roles, and organizations. You can utilize the applied psychology master’s degree to access promotional and leadership opportunities in fields such as human services, government, business, education, nonprofits, criminal justice, and healthcare. The program can also be a strong stepping-stone to doctoral study.
You will set yourself apart through the creation of an Applied Research Project that will highlight your area of concentration in a real-life application of scholarly theory and practice.
Guided by your supportive faculty advisor, you will choose one of seven concentrations to focus your Applied Research Project. Concentrations include:
- Applied behavior analysis (with pathway to BCBA® exam)
- Child and adolescent psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Generalist psychology
- Mental health and wellness
- Organizational leadership
- Suicide and cyberbullying prevention
Upon successful completion of this online psychology master’s program students will be able to:
- Integrate knowledge of psychological theory, research, and professional literature to choose professional activities that promote optimal health and well-being in individuals, groups, and systems.
- Respond ethically and effectively to individual and group differences across racial, ethnic, gender, age, social class, disability, sexual orientation, and religious boundaries.
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and practices of ethical decision-making and behavior.
- Demonstrate understanding of research, research methodology, techniques of data collection and analysis, as well as ability to apply scientifically derived knowledge.
Admissions Requirements
- Application
- Application fee ($50)
- The general guideline for admission is a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Applicants with a cumulative GPA below 2.8 are required to submit additional documentation
- Work history
- Essay
Accreditation & Licensure
Accreditation
To learn more about The Chicago School's institutional and programmatic accreditations, visit our Accreditation page.
Licensure
For information on whether a program at The Chicago School meets or does not meet licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit our licensure disclosures page.
Articulation Agreements
The Chicago School has established agreements between the M.A. Applied Psychology program and the programs listed below.
These agreements offer qualified students the chance to enroll in doctoral-level courses while completing their master’s degree. Click on the link of the program that interests you for details.
- Early Acceptance into Ph.D. International Psychology
- Early Acceptance into Ph.D. Organizational Leadership
- M.A. Applied Psychology to Educational Psychology and Technology
These agreements offer qualified students transfer credit for other courses taken at The Chicago School. Credits can be counted toward degree completion requirements for both programs. Click on the link of the program that interests you for details.
- M.A. Applied Psychology and Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- M.A. Applied Psychology and M.A. Forensic Psychology Professional Counselor Licensure Track
- M.A. Applied Psychology and Instructional Design Certificate
These agreements allow students to affiliate credits from the listed program to the M.A. Applied Psychology program. Click on the link of the program that interests you for details.
Sample Courses
Evidenced Based Programs for Children and Adolescents
This course examines the most current evidenced-based programs available for the effective intervention with children and adolescents. The most common developmental, emotional, and behavioral issues presented by this population will be examined for their impact on family, educational, and treatment systems. How the latest evidenced-based programs can be utilized to effectively provide intervention and supportive services will be a major focus of this course.
Social Media and Cyberbullying
This contemporary course will analyze the role of social media on cyberbullying and self-harm behaviors. Students will explore system-wide approaches to bullying prevention including the Olweus model. Bystander behavior, gender-based bullying, and sexual orientation bullying will also be explored. Students will examine trends in social media globally to develop skills to manage bullying in schools and communities.
Gender and Leadership Style
This course explores the effects of gender on leadership style and follower reactions. Topics include: gender-based leadership styles, community-building techniques, leadership strategies from a cross-gender perspective, and inclusive leadership strategies. Objectives include: differentiating styles of leadership gender, applying community-building techniques that reflect the influence of gender, categorizing leadership techniques from a cross-gender perspective, and examining inclusive leadership strategies.
Career Pathways
The online M.A. Applied Psychology program prepares students to apply psychology principles and multicultural understanding across sectors, roles, and organizations. Students utilize the M.A. Applied Psychology degree to access promotional and leadership opportunities in fields such as:
- Social and Community Services
- Government
- Business
- Education
- Nonprofits
- Criminal justice
- Healthcare
Financing Your Education
The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.
