Make sense of complex human behavior patterns and develop a deeper level of expertise with an MS in Psychology!

If you have a passion for working with people, observing their behaviour patterns, understanding the intent behind those patterns, and drawing conclusions for the overall betterment of society at large, a valuable Master's program in Psychology can be particularly beneficial to you. Psychology, the study of human behaviour, helps you understand people better, and you can apply this skill in real-world settings to help people get relief from problems, stress, conflict, etc.

The Master’s (MS) program in Psychology in the US is specifically designed to empower those students who are already passionate about humanitarian activities or wish to make a difference in the world. The 2-year study program at several top US universities helps students gain deeper insights into the workings of the human mind. Graduates are eligible to apply for roles of counsellors, psychologists, and trained therapists at considerable pay scales.

Why Study Master’s in Psychology in the US?

International students opting for a Master's in Psychology program at a leading US university will likely benefit in more ways than one. Some of the top benefits of choosing to pursue a Master’s in Psychology in the US include the following:

  • The US is renowned worldwide for offering the best education and learning in its degree programs. This includes undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

  • The US is home to numerous top-ranked universities as per QS World University Rankings , the most prestigious global ranking system for all universities in the world.

  • The faculty teaching at US universities enjoys a significant reputation globally for its innovative teaching methods and emphasis on research and practical applications.

  • Course graduates in MS Psychology from US universities are enrolled into lucrative careers as professional psychologists in the country and other parts of the world (owing to global accreditation of the course at US universities).

Psychology Courses in the US for Indian Students

If you're passionate about studying human behaviour patterns and understanding what lies deep in the minds of people as they talk and act, a psychology course can be particularly helpful. The field has diverse aspects that students can study and choose to specialise as per their academic interests and career goals. Some of the common subjects covered as part of psychology courses in the US include the following:

  • Developmental Psychology

  • Personality Psychology

  • Statistics and Research Methods

  • Cognitive Psychology

  • Abnormal Psychology

  • Social Psychology

  • Developmental Psychology

Cost of Studying MS in Psychology in the US for Indian Students

The average cost of pursuing a postgraduate program in Psychology from a recognised US university is likely to be approx. USD 61,632 for the whole year.

Note: The cost provided is for indicative purposes only. Always check with the university you’re applying for to pursue the MS in Psychology course for its exact fee structure for the program).

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study MSc in Psychology in the US

The universities offering MS in Psychology programs to students would have a different set of admission criteria based on the rank of the university and its curriculum. However, given below are some standard eligibility requirements that are commonly accepted by most US universities offering Master's programs in Psychology:

  • A Bachelor’s degree (major or minor) from an accredited college/university

  • Also completed courses in Behavioural Statistics, Introductory Psychology, and Research Methods

  • Minimum 2 Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from college professors

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) outlining your career aspirations and why the MS in Psychology program would be a good fit

  • Completed application form for the Master’s program

  • Official academic transcripts of all work done at the college during the Bachelor’s program

Source: https://www.marietta.edu/program/masters-psychology?utm_source=google&utm_medium=google-search&utm_campaign=capture-gr-google-search-map-inquiry-23125&gclid=CjwKCAjwo9unBhBTEiwAipC1195fX1pqU4IrcFVTBzHlXedecaJfnZF3IgiGyKs7mhCseyQWOrqb4BoCD3UQAvD_BwE

Note: The requirements for a Master’s in Psychology in the US given above are indicative only. Do check with the university you choose to apply to for its specific admission requirements.

Top Universities / Colleges for Master’s in Psychology in the US

Several universities in the US offer top-class courses in Psychology, including Master’s degree programs, to students who aspire to gain deeper knowledge and skills in the domain. Listed below are the top universities for Psychology in the US, based on their presence in the esteemed QS World University Rankings 2023 for Psychology:

  • University of Massachusetts Boston

  • University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

  • Texas A&M University

  • Colorado State University

  • George Mason University

  • Northeastern University

  • University of Kentucky

  • University of Iowa

  • New York University (NYU)

  • Cornell University

Sources: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2023/psychology?&countries=us
https://www.idp.com/india/search/courses/suggestion/category/SearchBox/1512/?text=Psychology&q=:popularity:subjectFilterFacet:15%2F1512:studySector:Postgraduate:destination:United+States&page=10

Career Prospects in the US After Pursuing Master’s in Psychology

Students who complete a Master’s in Psychology degree from a recognised university in the US are eligible to apply for jobs in varied roles, some of which include:

  • Guidance Counsellor

  • Research Analyst

  • Mental Health Case Manager

  • Marriage and Family Therapist

  • Social Science Research Assistant

  • Social Worker

  • School Psychologist

The average salary of a psychologist in the US is estimated to be roughly USD 44,005 per annum

(Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/high-paying-jobs-with-masters-in-psychology )

Disclaimer: The average pay scale of a psychologist in the US is likely to vary from one organisation to another based on location, qualification, and professional experience.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between psychology and clinical psychology?

Psychologists generally work with people who are facing stress or depression issues in their life but seek to learn about the psychology of others to better understand their behaviour patterns. A clinical psychologist, on the other hand, deals explicitly with people struggling with serious mental health problems.

2. What is the duration of a Master’s in Psychology in the US?

The average duration of an MS in Psychology at a leading US university is around 1-2 years. The course duration may sometimes vary depending on the curriculum design.

(Source: https://www.faulkner.edu/masters-psychology/?utm_campaign=AL.com+PPC+-+MS+in+Psychology+-+Birmingham&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=psychology%20masters%20degree%20program&utm_content=4270530-e1-ng-mp-c20205187106-g149805255099-a660052546753-uCjwKCAjwo9unBhBTEiwAipC11xcEJK9WiyVF7SAuk526ffXdBoRaop2Lf0XGrHZ7naH0HsDSwGfr6BoCMnsQAvD_BwE-cat11364051-kpsychology%20masters%20degree%20program-mod )

3. What is the scope of an MSc in Psychology from the US?

Some of the common job roles that MS in Psychology graduates can opt for upon course completion are:

  • Forensic Psychologist

  • Industrial-Organisational Psychologist

  • Engineering Psychologist

  • Child Psychologist

  • Career Counsellor

  • School Counsellor

4. Are Psychology Master’s degrees from the US valid in other countries too?

Yes, Master’s in Psychology degrees earned from US universities are generally accredited professionally and recognised all over the world.

5.Can I pursue a Master’s in Psychology from the US in 1 year?

Yes, some universities in the US offer short-term graduate programs in Psychology to students, which can be covered in 1 year or sometimes even less.

(Source: https://www.faulkner.edu/masters-psychology/?utm_campaign=AL.com+PPC+-+MS+in+Psychology+-+Birmingham&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=graduate%20psychology%20programs%20online&utm_content=4270530-e1-ng-mp-c20205187106-g149805255099-a660052546753-uCjwKCAjwo9unBhBTEiwAipC11waAykN4hZGwDZPeHVi_aiqM12nfysPmd_BI6ifehZ7OIPmO_1GTAxoCSsEQAvD_BwE-cat11364051-kgraduate%20psychology%20programs%20online-mod)

6. What is the difference between a therapist and a psychologist?

Therapists generally specialise in a specific area of counselling. It could be marriage, children, parenting, or family/personal issues. A psychologist is concerned with conducting vital research and uses their observational and analytical skills to diagnose and treat patients.

7. Can Indian students work as psychologists in the US?

Yes, Indian students are eligible to pursue practice as psychologists in the US, provided they adhere to the desired eligibility criteria for professional practice in the US.

Updated on Dec 18, 2024

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