If you are fascinated by human behaviour and mind, and want to explore more in this field, then a masters in psychology in USA can be your choice. Studying an M.A. in Psychology or a relevant master’s programme will allow you to collaborate with esteemed faculty and talented peers to design as well as conduct your own research and present your findings at top scientific conferences.

The Master Psychology program in the United States of America provides you the flexibility to explore a range of subjects within the field. You will be able to build a strong foundation in scientific research methodologies in the field of clinical, cognitive, developmental, social, forensic and industrial psychology. The psychology master’s degree program will help you gain a broad exposure to different facets of psychology through coursework and an independent research project.

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Why Is the Psychology Program Different?

Psychology is a unique field of study. It particularly focuses on the scientific study of the behaviour and mind, which sets it apart from other scientific disciplines that may emphasise external phenomena, physical systems, or often abstract concepts.

Here are some reasons why an MS in Psychology in USA program differs from other areas of study:

1. Focus on the Behaviour and Mind: The subjects sociology and anthropology both study group behaviour and culture, but psychology focuses on internal mechanisms of individuals, thoughts, actions, emotions, traits, motivations, and perceptions.
2. Interdisciplinary Nature: Psychology allows for a holistic understanding of a bunch of disciplines, like neuroscience, computer science, sociology, philosophy, and linguistics. 
3. Emphasis on Both Theory and Application: Psychology in the USA focuses on understanding foundational theories as well as research methods. The subject strongly focuses on practical applications in domains such as clinical practice, business, sociology, education, and forensic sciences. You will learn not just why people act a certain way, why they take action or how they behave, but how to implement your knowledge in real-life psychological issues. 
4. Focus on Research Methodology: Not only the development of soft skills, but also focus on research methodology. In short, a master of Arts in Psychology can give you better career prospects, interpersonal skills, research-based mind and an understanding the humans from the perspective of social-cultural concepts.
5. Diverse Career Paths: A Master’s degree in counselling psychology, positive or applied psychology can give you a better career than other fields, and help you explore a diverse career path. You can work as a counsellor, child psychologist, clinical psychologist or forensic psychologist, to name a few.  

Average Cost of Studying A Master's in Psychology in the USA

Studying a Masters in psychology in USA costs roughly around USD 25,000 to USD 70,000 per year, with public universities sometimes charging USD 12k to USD 20k annually, and private universities more expensive often charge USD 28k to USD 40k per year. Don’t forget to count the cost of living, which could be between USD 15k to USD 30k per year. Living costs, though, vary by University, location and whether it is a research-based programme. You can take the total cost for a Masters in psychology in USA fees ranging from USD 40k to USD 100k plus for the whole degree. 

Tuition Costs for Studying a Masters in Psychology USA: A Quick Glance

• Public Universities: USD 12,000 – USD 20,000 plus
• Private Universities: USD 28,000 – USD 40,000 plus
• Overall Range: USD 25,000 – USD 60,000 plus per year for top programs 
• Estimated cost of living (tuition fees and living costs):  USD 40,000 – USD 70,000 plus, per year, or USD 80,000 – USD 140,000 plus for a 2-year program. 

Top Universities in the USA Offer Masters in Psychology Programme

Bespoke education, quality training, excellent infrastructure and a globally recognised degree set the Masters in Psychology USA apart from others. Here are some of the world-class Universities that offer master’s degrees in Psychology to international students.

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Which University in the USA offers a Master of Applied Positive Psychology?

Master of Applied Positive Psychology is an advanced programme in this domain offered by the top 4 Universities in the United States of America. Besides Arizona State University, Indiana Wesleyan University, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, the esteemed University of Pennsylvania offers this programme. UPeen is pioneering in this MAAP programme in the world, the first of its kind, offering a 1-year full-time hybrid programme focused on positive psychology in real-life settings.  

Eligibility Criteria

You need to meet the following eligibility requirements to study a master’s in Psychology in the United States.

• A 4-year degree in Psychology is preferred
• Minimum of 3.0/4.0, with competitive programs seeking 3.2+
• (Some programmes ask for Statistics, Research Methods, or Intro Psychology)
• GRE 155-165 Quant for competitive schools
• International students need TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores

Documents Required

• Official records from all undergraduate institutions
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter of Recommendations
• Updated resume

Admission Process

To make your admission process smooth and hassle-free, you must meet the masters in Psychology USA requirements required by the University, like eligibility and documents, and fulfil the step-by-step admission process. Here is the admission process in a brief. 

• Visit the University website and follow the application procedure (it is recommended to consult a study abroad consultant before applying).
• Choose the specialisation, like clinical, health, behavioural, neuroscience, etc. specialisation of your choice.
• Consolidate your documents, like transcripts, test scores, such as GRE/TOEFL/IELTS, and submit online.
• Pay the initial admission fee as asked by the University.
• Write a compelling Statement of Purpose and Secure Letter of Recommendations tailored to your programme.
• Prepare for the interview, if required. 

Career Scope After Studying Masters in Psychology in USA

The career scope after a psychology masters in USA is huge. You will have an opportunity to work in a diverse field of your choice. The salary varies across the industry and position. Here are the top career scopes after your graduation. 

The Recap

If you study a masters in Psychology in USA, rest assured, you will have a global career in this field with unlimited potential, growth and endless opportunities. With access to top-class education, advanced research facilities, world-class faculty and diverse specialisation, you will gain both theoretical and practical experience studying this master’s programme in the United States.

Last, but not least, the US’s strong focus on mental health and wellness, industrial or organisational psychology, behavioural and neuroscience creates a plethora of career pathways across diverse healthcare, education, industrial and research sectors.

If you still have questions, feel free to get in touch with Education Vibes. We are one of the leading and most trusted study abroad consultants in India, helping students get into their dream college and study abroad at affordable costs. Contact us today for one-to-one counselling!