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Build professional skills that fit your career goals with an MS in Psychology
Put your passion for the human mind into action. The MS in Psychology program at Capella is designed to enhance your knowledge and develop your expertise in one of five specializations.
MS in Psychology program overview
This flexible online program is designed to equip you with knowledge of psychological science that applies directly to the way humans think, learn and grow as individuals, in groups or within organizations.
As an MS in Psychology student, you’ll begin with core courses that lay the foundation for your program and help strengthen your skills in key areas of the field. From there, you’ll move into the coursework for your chosen specialization to grow your expertise and advance toward your final project.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Applicants to the MS in Psychology program 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 bachelor’s 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
- Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option will be evaluated for admission with a holistic review. Applicants with a GPA of less than 2.8 (recommended minimum) may be required to submit additional documents for review. Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about the FlexPath admission requirements
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International and FlexPath applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.
View full admission requirements for each MHA specialization: General Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, Educational Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Sport Psychology
The total cost of your MS in Psychology program will depend on your learning format and specialization, scholarships and finances, transfer credits, academic performance and other factors.
Find detailed tuition information and cost scenarios for each specialization: General Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, Educational Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Sport Psychology
Choosing an MS in Psychology specialization
Every professional journey is different. Your chosen specialization can help you leverage your unique passions and interests to build expertise in applying the science of psychology in your career.*
- Learning outcomes
- Career exploration
General Psychology
- Apply theoretical and research findings from the discipline of psychology to professional and academic activities
- Clearly communicate psychological concepts using the discipline’s professional standards
Child and Adolescent Development
- Apply ethical and professional standards to a comprehensive range of services and programs for children, adolescents and families
- Effectively communicate knowledge, theory and best professional practices
Educational Psychology
- Apply theoretical and research findings to professional and academic activities
- Analyze professional literature in the field of educational psychology and determine its scientific merit
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Apply ethical principles and standards of psychology to academic and professional activities
- Accurately select, administer, score and interpret psychological tests in the workplace
Sport Psychology
- Demonstrate the foundations of psychology and their application to sport psychology practice
- Utilize sport psychology theory and research to customize working models that fit specific populations
General Psychology
- Employment settings to explore include community and social services, government, education and business settings
- Research job titles such as social or community services manager and program specialist
Child and Adolescent Development
- Employment settings to explore include health care and family services settings
- Research job titles such as child protective services manager, child development specialist and intervention advocate
Educational Psychology
- Employment settings to explore include the public and private sector
- Research job titles such as curriculum developer, program evaluator, educational program manager and instructional designer
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Employment settings to explore include a range of environments, from business to health care
- Research job titles such as manager or director of training, assessment specialist and research associate
Sport Psychology
- Employment settings to explore include health care, fitness and corporate settings
- Research job titles such as coach, athletic program manager, performance consultant, fitness coach and instructor
*Capella cannot guarantee any specific job, promotion, salary increase or other career outcomes. You will need to conduct your own research to understand what opportunities may be available to you. Note that some career paths may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications or other designations along with a degree.
Which is better for an MS in Psychology, FlexPath or GuidedPath?
The FlexPath format is available for select specializations. Your lifestyle and learning preferences will factor into choosing a path for your master’s degree in psychology. FlexPath gives you the freedom to set your own deadlines and complete coursework at your own pace. GuidedPath offers a more structured approach with a fixed weekly schedule.
FlexPath
- Complete your assessments at your own pace
- Engage one-on-one with faculty to receive feedback
- Get support from coaches when you need it
- Pay one tuition fee per 12-week billing session; books, supplies and other fees apply
GuidedPath
- Complete weekly assignments with preset deadlines
- Participate in weekly discussion posts with your classmates and faculty
- Connect with academic advisors to keep you on track
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
Find out if FlexPath is right for you
Not sure about FlexPath or GuidedPath? The Path Finder Quiz evaluates your learning style to help determine which learning format is better suited to your personal and professional goals.
With FlexPath, you can earn your master’s in psychology in 15 months and under $18,000.*
*Based on fastest 25 percent 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.
Why choose the MS in Psychology at Capella University?
Streamlined professional curriculum
Aligned with professional standards, our curriculum is designed to help you efficiently and affordably build the right skills to succeed in your field.
Scholar-practitioner faculty
Learn the latest in academic theory and applied practice from experienced faculty members who are actively engaged in their professions.
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree.
88% of psychology alumni are satisfied with their Capella education.*
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2021–2022