M.A. in Psychology: What It Is and How It Can Advance Your Career

There is a wide variety of programs that award Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees in Psychology. Within the scope of this Nonclinical site, most of the sites reviewed for this resource section can be broadly characterized by their nonclinical (non-therapist) Psychology M.A. format for studies of the broad scope of human behavior in psychology for purposes of, for example, business (HR, etc.), academic (e.g., education) research, etc., and graduate school. The National Louis University’s College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (CPBS) offers an M.A. in Psychology program for such purposes and for the study of broader human behavior, with, for example, a wide range of research across various areas of psychology.

What Is a Nonclinical M.A. in Psychology?

The major areas of study for students in this program are: developmental psychology, social psychology, personality psychology, abnormal psychology, and cognitive psychology. Research methods, statistics, and psychological assessment are included as foundational areas of study. In contrast to a clinical counseling degree, the nonclinical M.A. in Psychology does not include a supervised clinical internship; the program is shorter and more flexible to accommodate a variety of career goals.

The National Louis University M.A. in Psychology degree can be completed in 18 months and is available both online and on campus. In addition to the General Psychology concentration, students can complete concentrations in Community Psychology or Teaching of Psychology. Finally, NLU also offers a Graduate Certificate in General Psychology that can be completed in a year or less and is a great option for individuals who want to gain some knowledge of psychology but are not ready to commit to a full M.A. degree.

Why Pursue a Nonclinical M.A. in Psychology?

There are many reasons someone would want to pursue a nonclinical M.A. in Psychology. For one, it can provide the holder with more insight into human behavior, which they can apply in business. For example, someone in Human Resources, Marketing, or even Management could benefit from the understanding of human behavior that this degree provides. Others receive this degree to teach high school or even community college students in Psychology. Lastly, some earn this degree to further their studies. This could mean the person is seeking a doctoral degree, perhaps even a clinical counseling degree. The nonclinical M.A. in Psychology degree can provide the holder with the knowledge needed to further their studies in the field of Psychology.

For those who are fascinated by the study of psychology and human behavior, an M.A. in Psychology can be a very rewarding degree to pursue. Students who pursue this degree are not looking to become therapists or clinicians, but rather to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and to apply their knowledge in a variety of settings.

Another area that an M.A. in Psychology can serve for working professionals already in a field close to psychology, for example, in human resources, in education, in social services, is to bestow credibility on the professional in that field. That is, an M.A. in Psychology would set the professional apart from others in the same field by providing formal graduate-level training in psychological science that underlies much of what the professional already does.

Key Questions About This Degree

What's the difference between an M.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Counseling?

The nonclinical M.A. in Psychology program introduces students to the in-depth study of human behavior. As a result, students in the program can apply their newly acquired knowledge to business, education, research, and other areas. In most cases, students who complete the M.A. in Psychology program also consider further graduate studies. Therefore, the nonclinical M.A. in Psychology program is an alternative to the clinical counseling degree. It is a shorter program that does not include the supervised clinical internship found in the clinical counseling degree. In other words, the nonclinical M.A. in Psychology program does not include the specific coursework required for counseling licensure.

What concentrations are typically available?

These include the General Psychology concentration, designed for students looking for a wide exposure to the major areas of study in Psychology, the Community Psychology concentration, for students with an interest in studying and applying the findings of Psychology within the systems of human service, and the Teaching of Psychology concentration, for students planning a career as teachers of Psychology in the High School or Community College.

Can this degree lead to a doctorate later?

Many students who receive a nonclinical M.A. in Psychology go on to receive a doctorate, either in a research-oriented Ph.D. program or in a clinical Psy.D. program, such as a counselor education program. The core areas of study and research methods studied in a nonclinical M.A. in Psychology program provide a great foundation for further study in a doctoral program. The number of courses that a student must take as a prerequisite to enter a doctoral program can vary depending on the program’s specialization.

How long does the degree take?

Programs that offer a nonclinical M.A. in Psychology can typically be completed more quickly than a clinical counseling degree. NLU’s program can be completed in 18 months, and the following is a description of the program offered by the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue a wide array of employment options, as these roles are nonclinical. Most Psychology M.A. graduates are employed in Human Resources positions such as Human Resources Specialists and Managers, in Market Research positions such as Market Research Analysts, teaching High School or Community College Psychology as instructors, and in Social Services programs as Case Managers and Program Coordinators. Others are employed as Research Assistants and Coordinators in universities and research institutions.

Because of the variety of specialties, psychology-related jobs will experience varying degrees of employment growth. Many psychologists will be needed to serve the increasing number of seniors, as well as to provide services to veterans, trauma survivors, individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and others with a wide range of needs. Current information on projections and wages for Psychologists and other Psychology-related occupations can be obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists.

Because the degree does not lead to clinical licensure, individuals interested in practicing as therapists/counselors may need to complete additional education (e.g., an M.S. in Counseling or a clinical Psy.D.) after completing the M.A. in Psychology; however, there are a variety of non-clinical positions in which graduates can apply their knowledge of human behavior and psychology immediately following graduation.

M.A. in Psychology at National Louis University

National Louis University’s College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (delivered at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology) awards an M.A. in Psychology degree. The degree is offered online and on campus. Students can finish the degree in 18 months. Concentrations for the degree are offered in General Psychology, Community Psychology, and Teaching of Psychology. Career planning services are integrated throughout the program to help students achieve their career goals as they complete their degree.