Online Master of Science in Psychology With a General Psychology Emphasis

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Overview

Make an Impact in the Lives of Others With a Master’s in Psychology

At Grand Canyon University, the Master of Science (MS) in Psychology degree with a general psychology emphasis is a graduate-level program designed to help you become a more impactful and effective teacher, practitioner or researcher. Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this graduate program aligns with the standards established by the American Psychological Association (APA).

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Why GCU

Choose a Learning Option That Fits Your Lifestyle

GCU's master’s in psychology program will teach you to apply the Christian worldview and the principles of servant leadership to your professional career.

You will be encouraged to develop your leadership qualities, sharpen critical thinking skills and enhance your communication abilities as you gain insights into human behavior and thought patterns.

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Male psychology master’s student earning degree online in office break room

Take Your General Psychology Classes Online

With GCU’s flexible learning options, you can earn your MS in Psychology degree in a way that fits your lifestyle. The general psychology emphasis is offered through on-campus evening courses or through a digital online learning platform.

Licensure Requirements

The Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in General Psychology does not lead to professional licensure. This means that there is no course requirement for field experience or an internship. Different states have varying requirements, but all states require a specified amount of field experience in order to obtain licensure as a psychologist.

Coursework

General Psychology Topics Covered in This Program

GCU seeks to transform you into an analytical thinker and ethical leader, capable of communicating complex information to a range of stakeholders. As you work through the master’s in psychology curriculum, you will be taught relevant general psychology topics in human development, health psychology, social and cultural psychology, psychopathology and cognition.

This master's program does not require the completion of a thesis. Instead, you are required to complete the Professional Capstone. This course allows you to explore and present your original research ideas. Through this occupational research, you will have the opportunity to build a roadmap for your future career or continued academic pursuits.

In the general psychology classes, you will explore the following core competencies:

  • Ethical issues pertaining to animal research, forensic psychology, psychotherapy, research and writing
  • The physical, social, cognitive, personality, spiritual and moral developments of a person throughout all stages of life
  • Theoretical and applied aspects of experimental design and research methodology, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed designs
  • The interaction of biological, psychological and social factors with health-promoting and illness-preventing behaviors
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Careers

Career Opportunities for Master’s in Psychology Graduates

An understanding of how people think and why they behave the way they do can be valuable in many fields or industries. Knowledge of general psychology can support meaningful interactions with colleagues, clients and family members, and it may also encourage personal growth. As a graduate of the Master of Science in Psychology with a general psychology emphasis program, you may wish to work in the behavioral and mental health field, which has a variety of options available for you to pursue.

Jobs and Workplace Settings

Family services worker, group home coordinator and health project coordinator are a few of the jobs that may be related to this degree. Other MS in Psychology job possibilities may include compliance manager, employee trainer and research assistant.

You may apply for positions at the following types of organizations:

Nonprofit organizations

For-profit companies

Governmental agencies

Social service agencies

Educational institutions

Community outreach organizations

FAQ

MS in Psychology: General Psychology Emphasis FAQs

If you are interested in pursuing a master’s in psychology with a focus in general psychology, read our answers to these commonly asked questions and get started on your advanced degree.

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Enhance Your Skills in Psychology

A general psychology emphasis can open doors to career opportunities in mental health, research, education and beyond. Get started on your master’s at GCU.

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1 Psychology.org Staff. (2022, Dec. 15). Master’s in Psychology Degree Overview. Retrieved June 5, 2023.

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