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MS in Psychology
General Psychology
Your knowledge of the human mind can help people and organizations achieve their goals. The MS in Psychology, General Psychology from Capella University equips you with theoretical foundations and real-world techniques to facilitate self-awareness, empathy, and perseverance in a wide range of professional settings. You’ll learn how to harness the power of critical thinking, make difficult concepts accessible, maintain the highest ethical standards, and utilize proven research methodologies in the field of psychology. Apply your skills to business, policy, academics, and professional practice as you help others unlock their full potential.
Classes start May 10
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee
At a Glance
- 100% online
- Flexpath available
- 4 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 1 Integrative project
With FlexPath, you can earn your master’s in psychology in 14 months for $14,000.*
*Based on fastest 25% of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Psychology, General Psychology must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath Self-Paced Learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- The recommended minimum GPA is 2.8, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Step into FlexPath is an option for those who don’t qualify for FlexPath. Start a program in our GuidedPath learning format, and then transition into FlexPath upon successful completion of one course, at a 2.8 GPA or higher.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
A self-paced learning format that puts you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two courses at a time and complete as many as you want in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per session*
$14,000–$19,600*
ACCELERATED PACE–TYPICAL PACE
$2,800 per 12-week billing session, 24 total program points, 8 max transfer points
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$16,335–$23,760*
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–TYPICAL TRANSFER CREDITS
$495 per credit, 48 total quarter credits, 15 max transfer credits
* This is only an estimate, using general program pricing. Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) the speed at which you move through the program. Fees, including application fees and resource kits, are not included in this estimate. The GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. The FlexPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits and you moved at the speed of a typical FlexPath student or as quickly as the fastest FlexPath students (75th percentile). New or recently revised programs base their estimate on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is not available for FlexPath.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
“It is very flexible with my time. I also enjoyed that it was online and the professors were responsive.”
Haley Walker* – MS Psychology Student
*Actual student who agreed to appear in Capella promotional materials.
| PSY7210 |
Lifespan Development
In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of lifespan development from infancy through adulthood, including human development processes and milestones. Learners evaluate theories and approaches for examining human development and analyze human development processes related to their specialization. |
5 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY7411 |
Learning Theories in Psychology
This course focuses on the concepts and principles of learning theory and its sub-processes, especially those associated with cognition. Learners evaluate and articulate major learning theories, practice applying these learning theories and their associated processes to teaching, and analyze the effects of various behavioral and cognitive sub-processes on learning. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY7421 |
Cognitive/Affective Psychology
Learners in this course apply their knowledge of theoretical foundations and the basic principles and models of cognitive/affective psychology to mental processes, such as how individuals acquire, process, and store information; how they think, perceive, remember, and learn; and how they experience feelings, moods, and emotions. Learners also demonstrate the ways in which the integration of cognition and affect influence an individual’s behavior. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY7520 |
Social Psychology
This course provides an overview of how behavior is shaped and influenced within a social context. Within this framework, learners analyze interpersonal relationships, social cognition, social inference, emotion, and personality. Learners review and demonstrate their knowledge of the social psychology of decision making, attitude formation, and social attribution as they relate to contemporary issues. Learners also apply social psychological theory and research to various clinical, educational, and organizational settings. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY7543 * |
Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology
In this course, learners analyze multicultural perspectives and factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Learners evaluate and articulate multicultural issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite(s): PSY5002 or PSY5005 or PSY8002. |
5 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
Learning outcomes
This program will help prepare candidates to assess the information needs for effective strategy and innovation and identify, access, and collaborate on the appropriate sources for that information. On successful completion of this degree and specialization, you will be able to:
- Integrate and apply theory and scholarly research to solve business problems in multiple environments.
- Apply and communicate strategic approaches to business practice and planning.
- Develop and apply critical thinking to business problems and opportunities.
- Integrate internal and external data with analytical techniques to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Integrate ethical concepts and integrity into sustainable business models.
- Develop expertise within and across functional and cross-functional disciplines.
- Apply collaborative techniques to develop relationships, partnerships, and alliances.
The MS in Psychology, General Psychology equips you with a foundational knowledge of psychology theory and practice. It is designed for professionals who are interested in pursuing research, teaching, or program administration roles in human services organizations. The requirements for this specialization are not intended to prepare graduates for licensure as professional counselors or psychologists.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply theoretical and research findings from the discipline of psychology to professional and academic activities
- Determine the scientific merit of the professional literature
- Apply ethical principles and standards of psychology to academic and professional activities
- Embrace, respect, and respond to individual differences and diversity in the practice of psychology
- Clearly communicate psychological concepts using the professional standards of the discipline
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Psychology, General Psychology.
Job titles to explore
- Case manager
- Clinical manager
- Mental health professional
- Adjunct or part-time instructor of psychology
- Social services coordinator
- Human resources manager
- Mental health counselor
- Research associate
- Employment specialist
Employment settings to explore
- Individual and family services
- Outpatient care center
- Insurance carrier
- Hospital
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
- Government—local, state, federal
- Community college
- Land-based or online college or university
- Health practitioner’s office
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
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