UNCG’s psychology master’s program is great fit for students who want advanced studies with hands-on experience and strong one-on-one faculty mentorship. In this terminal master’s track, students work with a faculty member from one of our experimental areas: developmental, cognitive, and social psychology, as well as psychopathology and developmental psychopathology. We also have faculty qualified to direct theses in quantitative psychology and biological psychology.
The primary goal of the master of arts in psychology is to develop competence in the core areas of psychology and their methods. Before graduating, students will demonstrate competence in research and have the skills and moral standards to apply the knowledge of the discipline competently and ethically in their daily lives and careers. The degree culminates in the preparation of a research thesis based on original research.
the master’s in psychology PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS
UNCG’s graduate programs in psychology rank just behind much larger universities in North Carolina. Here, psychology students will learn in facilities equipped with cutting-edge instruments, but with smaller faculty-to-student ratios than found in the bigger research institutions.
Research equipment includes:
- 64-channel Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (Brain Products: actiCHamp and actiCap active electrodes system)
- remote eye-tracking system (SensoMotoric Products)
- access to a 3T scanner (Siemens Magnetom Trio)
Why would I choose a terminal master’s in psychology rather than the master’s for the PhD track?
- If you want to get into a career as a counselor faster, a terminal master’s will give you the knowledge and experience to obtain a state license for work in schools, nonprofits, or teach psychology.
- It’s a less competitive and easier track with hands-on clinical work, without the heavy math and years of working in a science lab.
- If you want to boost your resume and eventually apply for a doctoral program, the terminal master’s in psychology is a good way to go.
THE psychology Master’s STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Small cohorts at UNCG means a psychology master’s student’s course of study can be tailored to meet individual interests and needs. Collaborative interactions with many faculty and students are designed to develop practical counseling skills and research experience.
- Students will become familiar with research happening throughout the department by attending colloquia and lab meetings. Thus, they’ll find labs and interdisciplinary opportunities to apply their studies.
- Students also have opportunities for clinical and counseling experience through the department’s Psychology Clinic, which offers affordable mental health services to community members.
AFTER GRADUATIng with your master’s in psychology
A master’s degree in psychology opens doors for high demand work in mental health, education, and corporate business. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a 6% job growth for these positions in the next decade. Recent graduates may also go on to obtain doctoral degrees in psychology, although most of these would pursue UNCG’s master’s to PhD track in psychology.
Psychology masters who want to counsel must obtain a state license for the following positions:
- mental health counselor
- marriage and family therapist
- school psychologist
- counselor for a nonprofit organization specializing in addiction, trauma, or other mental health complications
Psychology masters can also apply their degrees in business, research and human resource positions:
- recruitment manager
- human resource trainer
- employee relations manager
- consumer behavior analyst
- psychology teacher
- psychology researcher
Get more information about the master’s in psychology program
Program Details
Degree Type: Master's
College/School: College of Arts and Sciences
Program Type: Majors & Concentrations
Class Type: In Person
Catalog Name: Psychology, M.A.
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Contact Us
Paul Silvia
Graduate Program Director
Department of Psychology
p_silvia@uncg.edu