A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
General Psychology
MS in Psychology
Harness the power of psychology to help organizations and their people drive measurable success. With a Master of Science in General Psychology from Capella University, you’ll learn to translate complex psychological concepts into actionable strategies, ensuring ethical integrity and using proven research methodologies. The competency-based curriculum provides a strong theoretical foundation plus practical techniques to cultivate self-awareness, empathy and resilience in a range of professional settings.
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 15 months and under $18,000.*
*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.
Explore general psychology courses
- This degree requires a total of 24 program points in FlexPath or 48 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, five specialization courses and one integrative project
Show all descriptions
PSY7421
Cognitive/Affective Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course apply 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 ways in which the integration of cognitive and affect influence an individual's behavior.
5 quarter credits
PSY6015
Lifespan Development
5 quarter credits
Learners gain and apply knowledge of lifespan development from infancy through adulthood, including human development processes and milestones while considering individual and systemic differences. Learners evaluate theories and approaches for examining human development and analyze human development processes related to their specialization. Prerequisite: Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
PSY6110
Learning Theories in Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners analyze psychological and learning theories and their principles and concepts and identify how these apply to learning processes. Learners present research designs and methodologies from current research studies and investigate the connection between theories and research processes. Additionally, learners apply theories and research findings to case studies. Prerequisite: Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
PSY5110
Ethics and Individual Differences in Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners analyze a range of human perspectives and factors and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Learners evaluate and articulate such issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite: PSY5002 or PSY8002. Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
PSY5120
Social Psychology
5 quarter credits
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
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our FlexPath Trial Course, you will explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you'll learn
The MS in Psychology, General Psychology equips you with a foundational knowledge of psychology theory and practice. 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 in the practice of psychology
- Clearly communicate psychological concepts using the professional standards of the discipline
How much does the MS in Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put 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 core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session
- $3,075 per 12-week billing session
- $160 resource kit
- 24 total program points
- 8 max transfer points
$12,300
ACCELERATED PACE 10 months
$18,450
TYPICAL PACE 15 months
$27,675
SLOWER PACE 23 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits, any applicable tuition discounts and how quickly you complete courses. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the FlexPath learning format assume average number of credits and are based on:
- "Accelerated pace” (speed of fastest 25% of FlexPath students)
- “Typical pace” (median speed of FlexPath students)
- “Slower pace” (speed of fastest 75% of FlexPath students)
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for the FlexPath learning format. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
- 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 quarter
- $525 per credit
- $160 resource kit
- 48 total quarter credits
- 15 max transfer credits
$25,200
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 21 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment specialist.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella 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.
What are the MS in Psychology admission requirements?
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
- Admission application – no application fee required
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 3.0, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or eight credits, whichever is greater) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
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.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an MS in Psychology degree?
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*
- Program coordinator
- Program director
- Program manager
- Program officer
Employment settings to explore*
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- General government support
- Individual and family services
*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.