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A flexible Master of Science in Psychology
The Master of Science in Psychology degree program at Capella University offers the flexibility of online learning and five specializations to help you focus on what matters most to your career. The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board helps ensure our program is relevant to a wide variety of professional pursuits that require understanding the complexities of human behavior and thought.
MS in Psychology program overview
Our Master of Science in Psychology program is designed to help 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.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, student services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Why Capella?
- Cost & savings
- Flexibility
- Quality curriculum
- Student experience
With FlexPath, you can earn your master’s degree 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.
Scholarships & grants
Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Ways to save
Get the credit you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university.
All transfer credit must be completed prior to starting any program in the FlexPath format. Any professional certification or external courses taken concurrently with FlexPath enrollment cannot be recognized in the Capella degree program.
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.
Two online learning formats to fit your life
- Take one or two courses at a time
- Set your own deadlines. You can finish a course and move on to the next one without having to wait for a new term
- Complete as many courses as you can in each 12-week billing session
- Available in select programs
- Work on assignments with fixed weekly deadlines
- Take up to three classes per quarter
- Follow a set schedule of 10-week quarters
Distinguished faculty
Our faculty understand the needs of working adults who are pursuing a degree. They’re on a mission to change how higher education works, and they are dedicated to a teaching method based on:
- A fundamental belief in the power of human potential
- Passion for their fields and online learning
- A commitment to connecting with students through expert feedback
- Dedication to regularly inspire students to be successful
- The drive to go the extra mile for students and for Capella
Master of Science in Psychology outcomes
Students in the Master of Science in Psychology degree program engage in a competency-based, practitioner-scholar curriculum that focuses on multicultural topics and emphasizes the application of psychological theories, research methods and ethical principles. Successful graduates of this degree program are prepared to apply psychological and ethical principles in practice or pursue doctoral-level graduate study. The MS in Psychology specializations are not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.
Financing support
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Additional support resources
MS in Psychology program insights
“While I attended Capella, I moved a few times. So having the flexibility to attend class remotely was a huge benefit. Further, the support of my dissertation faculty members made the last leg of my journey much more enjoyable and attainable.”
Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel
PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in our promotional materials.
81%
of Capella faculty have doctorates.
Capella University Fact Sheet, as of November 1, 2022
“My Capella education has better equipped me and prepared me well for my current role. I love what I do and the ability to apply what I’ve learned in my work.”
Tyler Bellemy
MS in Psychology and PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in our promotional materials.
Frequently asked questions
Applicants to the MS in Psychology program must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- 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
- 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 MS in Psychology specialization: General Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, Educational Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Sport Psychology
The Master of Science in Psychology degree program is designed for individuals seeking entry into the profession of psychology. Students begin their socialization into the profession by engaging in a competency-based, practitioner-scholar curriculum that focuses on multicultural topics and emphasizes the application of psychological theories, research methods and ethical principles.
In the Master of Science in Psychology degree program, learners begin their socialization into the profession by engaging in a competency-based, practitioner-scholar curriculum that emphasizes application of psychological theories, research methods and ethical principles. Successful graduates of this degree program are prepared to apply psychological and ethical principles in practice or pursue doctoral-level graduate study. The MS in Psychology specializations are not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.
For more information regarding the curriculum in the Master of Science in Psychology courses and specializations, explore:
- General Psychology
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Educational Psychology
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Sport Psychology
Interested in more information about the MS Psychology competencies?
The program is available online in our GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats.
Learn more about the student experience and explore what additional support resources we offer to help you find and succeed in your degree program.
If you need one specific undergraduate or graduate class, Capella might be able to help. Enrollment specialists Rey Baylen and Terry Metoxen explain how individual courses work and what you can expect from the experience in our blog post.
Continue reading, Yes, you can take an individual college course online >>
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