By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Irene Abrego Nicolet, PhD, NCSP, LSSP, Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Pursuing a master’s in psychology can feel intimidating, especially if your undergraduate degree isn’t psychology or you’re juggling work and family responsibilities.
Some students assume psychology graduate programs only focus on GPA. And while grades are an important factor, many programs also evaluate goals, experience and letters of recommendation.
By knowing what some schools look for and how expectations vary by specialization, you can approach the application process strategically and confidently.
Find out the core requirements for a master’s in psychology, why they matter and options for applicants from other fields. Also consider the additional factors for applying and explore why online programs might be better for working professionals who want to pursue a master’s degree.
A master’s in psychology is a graduate degree that builds advanced knowledge of human behavior, cognitive science, mental processes, research methods and applied practice.
It can also be be a stepping stone toward doctoral study. Completing a doctoral psychology program is required to pursue licensure as a psychologist and can open doors to a variety of exciting careers.
Psychology master’s programs are usually offered as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS). An MA emphasizes in-depth theoretical study, qualitative research and counseling-focused coursework, while an MS focuses on research design, statistics and applying scientific methodology.
An MS may be a better fit for students who want a data-driven, research-intensive education or plan to pursue doctoral study, while an MA may be ideal for students who prefer theory-based work.
MS degree programs cover a wide range of human behavior and social psychology. For example, at Capella, you can earn an MS in General Psychology, School Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis.
You can also choose specializations in these programs to gain advanced training and expertise in a specific area that aligns with your interests and career goals. For example, the MS in Psychology degree includes a specialization in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Learn more about the degree options for psychology and counseling at Capella and the potential career paths they could lead to.
Master’s programs in psychology generally evaluate three core areas: your undergraduate degree, your academic performance and GPA and your eligibility for licensure based on your state of residence.
Most master’s degree programs in psychology, especially in the counseling, clinical and applied research areas, require a bachelor’s degree in psychology or counseling. This ensures students have the foundational knowledge necessary to pursue a graduate degree.
Commonly accepted undergraduate degrees for master’s applicants include a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology or a BS in Psychology, Pre-Counseling & Therapy.
But a bachelor’s degree in mental health-related subjects isn’t always necessary.
Many master’s programs in psychology welcome applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, even if their undergraduate field is different. So, if you don’t have a mental health background or are preparing for a career pivot from another field, you could still qualify.
However, if you don’t have a psychology-related degree, you may need to complete prerequisite coursework before or during the program. With individual psychology courses and flexible, online bachelor’s programs in psychology, Capella offers options built for working professionals.
Master’s programs in psychology have minimum GPA requirements. Requirements vary by institution and specialization. For example, the MS in Clinical Psychology program at Capella requires a minimum GPA of 2.7.
Admission committees may also consider your GPA trends over time, grades in previous psychology courses and your performance in upper-level coursework.
Standardized tests like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may no longer be required for some psychology master’s programs, including those at Capella.
Clinical licensure requirements for becoming a practicing mental health professional vary by state. Some institutions cannot accept students residing in or intending to practice in certain states because their degree program doesn’t meet that state’s educational licensing requirements.
This is why you must review your state’s licensure regulations and confirm that your chosen degree program aligns with them before enrolling in a master’s program.
You can review state-specific requirements through this American Psychological Association (APA) licensure guide. Also, check your university’s professional licensure disclosures before applying.
If you’re an international student interested in pursuing a master’s program in psychology in the US, you may have additional requirements like a transcript evaluation. Learn more about Capella’s admission requirements for international applicants here.
You can contact enrollment specialists at Capella for clarification on any of these requirements.
Apart from the initial eligibility requirements, your university can ask for additional materials and, in some cases, previous work experience. Understanding what the admissions team is looking for and how to present your background effectively can enhance your application.
Apart from your application, the university might ask for additional application materials.
If you’re transitioning from another field, emphasize transferable skills from your current role, like communication, active listening, leadership or data analysis.
Experience requirements vary for each degree, but general or applied programs may prefer, but not require, previous work experience.
By contrast, counseling-adjacent or clinical psychology master’s programs often expect relevant exposure, as these pathways may prepare you to pursue professional licensure or certification as a behavioral counselor or applied behavior analyst.
This work experience could include:
Even part-time or informal experience can demonstrate commitment and readiness for graduate study.
Online and on-campus master’s in psychology programs have high academic standards and require in-person capstone projects. But online study can give working adults more options for admission pathways and learning pace.
Online degrees have flexible prerequisites that can help working students. For example, if you’re applying for the online MS in General Psychology program at Capella and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you can qualify for the self-paced FlexPath learning format.
You can also apply for FlexPath with a GPA lower than 3.0, but above the minimum required GPA of 2.3, by providing additional documents for review. Or, you can start with the more structured, deadline-driven GuidedPath format and apply for FlexPath after completing two GuidedPath courses (or eight credits, whichever is greater) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
These different learning formats give you more choice in how you want to complete your education and more control over your schedule, so you can continue working while studying.
Online learning may also be more affordable, since you don’t have to relocate, commute or stop working to commit to full-time study.
Overall, accreditation and program outcomes for your chosen degree and university are more important than the delivery format. Capella’s master’s in psychology programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that the university meets established standards for academic quality, faculty qualifications and student support.
Admission teams for master’s programs in psychology look for students with clear goals who are ready for graduate-level work and can apply psychological knowledge meaningfully.
Whether you’re building on a psychology background or transitioning from another field, review application expectations and potential licensure requirements before you enroll.
Capella University’s online master’s programs in psychology can help you build the knowledge and practical skills to start or advance your career skills in mental health. Connect with an enrollment specialist for guidance on choosing and applying to the program that fits your goals.
Some master’s in psychology programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 2.3. You might also need transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose and a resume.
Some programs accept eligible students from non-psychology majors, though you may need to complete prerequisite courses before or during the program.
Getting into a master’s degree in psychology can be challenging, depending on your program. Meeting the prerequisites and submitting a focused application can improve your chances.
We've received your message and will get back to you soon.