Master of Science in Psychology

Advance your career in mental health.

Our practitioner-scholar approach is designed to teach you to apply theoretical and research knowledge to the practice of psychology. Your program begins with foundation courses from faculty who are also seasoned professionals in the field. Some specializations include residency and clinical experiences, where you can apply what you've learned.

Outcome goals and graduates’ proficiency levels

These results show recent Capella graduates' proficiency levels in the expected learning outcomes for the School Psychology specialization and for all other psychology specializations combined. Faculty make this assessment in the capstone course – the final course in which Capella students demonstrate what they've learned.

Specializations

Please select a specialization of interest to you

MS in Psychology Specializations

This degree is designed for individuals seeking entry into the profession of psychology.

Begin your 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.

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School Psychology Specialization

Prepare yourself to address the social, emotional, academic, behavioral, and cognitive well-being of children and adolescents within a school setting.

This rigorous specialization stresses respect for individual differences, collaborative problem solving, and empirically-based interventions. People who choose this specialization are typically pursuing careers as school psychologists, diagnosticians, crisis specialists, or program evaluators in public school districts, but may also seek employment in other educational settings.

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Master of Science (MS) in Psychology specializations

  • Applied Behavior Analysis2, 3
  • Child and Adolescent Development
  • Clinical Psychology2
  • Counseling Psychology2
  • Educational Psychology
  • Evaluation, Research, and Measurement
  • General Psychology
  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Leadership Coaching Psychology
  • School Psychology1, 4
  • Sport Psychology

Quality and Professional Relevance

  • State approval: The MS School Psychology specialization is approved by the Arizona Department of Education. The specialization and Specialist Certificate in School Psychology—in combination—are approved in Minnesota.
  • As part of Capella's Professional Education Unit, the School Psychology specialization is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). NCATE-accredited programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for the preparation of P-12 teachers and other professional school personnel. Graduates of these programs are highly regarded by many school districts, licensing authorities, and teaching professionals.

1Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learner's responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states. Where applicable, teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether a program may qualify for salary advancement. For more information on licensure, see: www.capella.edu/licensure.aspx (Washington state learners are advised to go to: http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information).

2Check state licensure requirements. The license to practice as a professional psychologist or counselor is regulated independently in each state or province. Learners who intend to seek licensure or certification should check the program requirements in the state or province in which they hope to practice. This program is not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

3Review of this specialization is pending in IA.

4This specialization has not been reviewed or approved by Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania residents will have to apply and meet requirements for certification as out-of-state candidates.

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Master's Degree Graduates

Data from graduates across all Social and Behavioral Sciences masters programs have been combined for these Career Outcomes results.

Capella's Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences master's graduates report satisfaction with responsibilities and career growth potential. About 40% of graduates are employed in government/public sector or mental health industries. An additional third are employed in higher education, healthcare, non-profit, or social/community service settings.

Satisfaction with Capella Social & Behavorial Sciences Master's Graduates

Percentage of respondents who answered "satisfied" or "very satisfied"
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2011 – Q2 2012.

Approximately half the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences master's graduates report advancing in their careers or receiving salary increases. They also say assumed a leadership role or changed careers.

Improvement in Skills & Abilities Social & Behavorial Sciences Master's Graduates

Percentage of respondents who indicated they had accomplished each item
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2011 – Q2 2012.

School of Social & Behavioral Sciences Master's Degree Graduates

Data from graduates across all Social and Behavioral Sciences masters programs have been combined for these Student Experience results.

Most graduates of the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences master's degree programs report that earning a master's degree has helped them meet program and career goals. They are likely to recommend Capella to friends and family.

Satisfaction with Capella Social & Behavorial Sciences Master's Graduates

Percentage of respondents who answered affirmatively
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2011 – Q2 2012.

School of Social & Behavioral Sciences master's degree graduates say that they gained valuable skills and abilities which are applicable in a range of professional settings.

Improvement in Skills & Abilities Social & Behavorial Sciences Master's Graduates

Percentage of respondents who rated themselves as "proficient" or "distinguished" on ability to demonstrate the skill or ability on the job.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2011 – Q2 2012.

Expense, completion, &
career information

Expected time to completion:

  • Calendar quarters: 12
  • Active academic quarters: 11

On Time Completion Rate:

52%

SOC codes:

Program cost

Average: $27,950

Books

$1,330-1,729

Fees:

$50

Median Debt:

  • Federal financial aid: $31,662
  • Private loans: $0
  • Capella pay plan: $0
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Earn Your Master's Degree

Four graduate schools. More than 40 specializations. Enroll in an online master’s degree program at Capella.


Alumni Success Story Quote

Photo of Heather Jameson, MS Heather Jameson, MS

"Things I learned at Capella are a huge advantage. I've found that I have a lot of depth in certain skills. So I think I add richness to the team."

Read Heather's story »