The Department of Psychological Sciences at NAU (Mountain Campus) offers a Master of Arts degree. The residential program is designed to be completed in four semesters over two years. Many students who enter our program report that they are interested in obtaining a doctoral degree, either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. Entrance to doctoral programs is exceptionally difficult. A master’s degree documenting a solid graduate curriculum, research experience, and thesis research project is helpful in getting admitted into doctoral programs. Over the past 8 years, 80% of the students graduating from our program have been admitted to a doctoral degree program.

 

Whether students are seeking to use their MA degree for entrance into a job or a doctoral program, research has shown that the most important components for a 2-year master’s program are strong competencies in research methods and analytical procedures. Our program is exceptionally strong in these areas. Under the guidance of outstanding teachers, students take minimally three classes in statistics and research methods. Other coursework includes core areas of the discipline, such as Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Sexuality, Cognitive Psychology, Health Psychology, and courses in mental health and well-being. Our students leave the program with a well-rounded graduate education and are ready to hit the ground running, whether they are entering a doctoral program or working for a non-profit organization or industry position. 

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 A master’s degree in psychology paves the way for a number of positive outcomes:

 

1) Preparation for a career or advanced study. 

2) Allows students to explore areas of psychology in more detail and depth. 

3) Provides opportunities to contribute to the field through research and service. 

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We offer competitive funding for students accepted into the program. Competitive funding opportunities are available through our department as Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships, or through NAU-wide opportunities in areas such as University Housing. Although funding is not guaranteed, in the past 8 years all students who have requested funding have been awarded a funding package. 

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For more information, please visit our official website at: 

https://legacy.nau.edu/psychological-sciences/ma-psychological-sciences/