Why Earn Your Psychology Degree at Saint Leo University?
Our online Masters in Psychology program is a broad-based, general degree offering personal development for students seeking advanced knowledge and skills in psychological science. The curriculum provides a comprehensive, global understanding of human behavior and focuses on a wide range of psychological theories and practice.
In addition to exposing students to general psychology in such courses as social, developmental, and physiological psychology, the online Master of Science in Psychology focuses on practical skills related to data analysis, research and teaching. Our training fosters a respect for ethical decision making, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and sensitivity to the diversity of the human community.
This grounding in general Psychology, combined with applied skills, prepares students for a variety of employment opportunities in business, government, non-profit, military, and educational settings. Specifically, the degree prepares students for positions as data analysts, market and survey researchers, program evaluators, research analysts, project managers, human resource analysts, college-level psychology instructors and many other management-level jobs.
Learning Experience:
Online
Est. Time to Complete:
2 years
Credit Hours:
36 hours
Master's in Psychology Program Details
Our online Master’s in Psychology is fully online and 36 credit hours. The online MS in Psychology program follows a cohort model and a student-centered approach, including student-led discussions. Students typically take one course per 8-week term.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Psychology students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your psychology degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning, such as research projects and opportunities to attend national psychology conferences.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
Are education centers near you offering psychology degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Specialization Options
Saint Leo University offers four specialization options for psychology students. You can customize your degree to match your passions by choosing one of the following concentrations.
This track prepares individuals who want to apply the study of human behavior to the workplace, corporations, organizations, government, the military, and academia. Possible career options for graduates include: management, research, data analysis, human resources, organizational development, training, consulting, and university teaching
For students who want to apply the study of human behavior to the workplace, corporations, organizations, government, the military, and academia, the industrial / organizational specialization is the best specialization option for you. Possible careers options include management, human resources, organizational development, training, consulting, career planning, and university teaching.
Knowledge obtained from this track offers students the opportunity to develop and apply information about the biological, psychological, motivational, emotional, and sociocultural factors that affect human health and illness and health behaviors. Career options from this specialization include wellness, public and occupational health, health coaching and counseling, stress management, smoking cessation, weight loss, pain management, and research in disease prevention and health and wellness.
Graduates can work in a variety of settings including healthcare, private practice, hospitals, with doctors and as a technician/behavior specialist for a psychologist or psychiatrist.
If you have a passion for teaching psychology at the undergraduate level, then this specialization will help you achieve this career goal. Not only will you have the ability to acquire specific content knowledge and instructional strategies for many areas of psychology, but this specialization offers education and training to prepare you for the teaching field.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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What skills you will learn?
- History & Systems of Psychology
- Diversity & Ethics
- Research Methods
- Advanced Social Psychology
- Learning & Cognition
- Lifespan Development
- Physiological Psychology
- Tests & Measures
How will you gain real experience?
Capstone Project
A unique feature of this program is the final capstone project in which students choose an area of interest in the field and engage in research design and analysis, emphasizing ethical decision making and writing excellence. The completed Capstone project will be an asset to the graduates when they are seeking employment.
The online MS in Psychology is not a counseling or clinical program. It will not prepare students for licensure, and does not include an internship experience.
Conferences
Students will be encouraged to join the American Psychological Association (APA) and to attend regional or area-specific conferences related to their areas of interest within the program. These conferences offer discounted rates that enable students to begin networking in the profession.
Online Clubs & Associations
Students are also encouraged to join the Online Psychology Club.
What can you do with a Master's in Psychology?
The MS in Psychology prepares graduates for careers in management, data analysis, market and survey research, program evaluation, research analysis/project management, statistical counseling, human resources, assessment, training, and teaching at the high school or college level.
The online Masters in Psychology is also beneficial in positions requiring an advanced degree for job promotion (business, military, and government) and complements other advanced training related to psychology such as an MBA as well as providing preparation for a doctoral program.
Possible career paths include:
- Data Analyst
- Research Analyst
- Research Assistant Positions
- Market and Survey Researcher
- Project Manager
- Trainer
- Statistical Consultant
- Human Resources Executive
- Executive/Manager
- Teacher at Instructor or Adjunct Level
What are the top psychology degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Management Analyst | 14% (Faster than average) | $87,660 per year |
| Psychologist | 8% (As fast as average) | $82,180 per year |
| Postsecondary Teacher | 12% (Faster than average) | $80,560 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
College of Education and Social Services
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Saint Leo University’s College of Education and Social Services couples a transformative liberal arts tradition with highly specialized training in the education and social services fields. Through close faculty mentorships, practical field internships, and applied learning experiences, we prepare students for careers in education, social work, criminal justice, and human services. Our faculty remain active in their respective fields as researchers and practitioners, giving students close access to a wealth of real-world knowledge and experience.
With the ever-changing needs of today's students, we provide flexible degree programs. These include programs at University Campus and education centers with evening and weekend options, as well as online offerings. These degree programs are grooming the next generation of educators and social service specialists—a new breed of professionals with the talent and resolve to make a difference in the world.
Student Stories
"Saint Leo's Creative Writing MA program helped me immensely as a reader and a writer. Learning to read not only what is in a story, but paying careful attention to how it's written, is just one of the memorable gifts I received from this program's helpful faculty and encouraging environment."
Janna Correa, (Fiction, 2022)
This program allows growth as a writer and as a person. The experience was absurdly personal. Absurd because of the organic evolution fostered by its leadership and absurd because of the personal touches from the instructors. Why expect that? St. Leo is invested in its students. You get more than you bargained for.
Jimmy Sutman, (Poetry, 2022)
It can be intimidating to go back to school after decades of being in the workforce. But as a non-traditional student, I felt nothing but a warm welcome from Saint Leo faculty and my classmates. I started my first semester at another university and wasn't happy. I transferred to Saint Leo and learned more than I could have ever imagined in this program. Best decision I ever made. Thanks to my studies there, I'm getting ready to release my first book at the end of this year!
Lisa Moody, (Nonfiction, 2021)
Being a part of the Creative Writing program at Saint Leo was the right choice for me, as it allowed me to pursue my degree from another state while also working a full-time job. I was still able to have the invaluable experience of connecting with a group of like-minded writers through the in-person residency, and I still maintain those relationships today. Through your coursework in this program, you will both read and write quality work and have constant support and encouragement from professors who really do care about your future as a writer.
Susan Abercrombie, (Nonfiction, 2021)
I enjoyed the close-knit literary community that Saint Leo University provided in the Creative Writing Nonfiction program. The instructors are a very experienced, passionate, and supportive group. I am a confident and better writer because of the workshops, the effective and inspiring feedback from faculty, and peer support.
Tisha Arther, (Nonfiction, 2022)
When I started the MA in Creative Writing at Saint Leo University, I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know if I would be able to fit into the program. After I left my first day of residency, I never questioned the absolute certainty that I had finally found where I belonged as a writer. The faculty were knowledgeable and encouraging, my peers were talented and welcoming, and the university offered an experience catered to my success. Participating in this program absolutely changed the trajectory of my life - as both a student and educator.
Danielle Knight, (Fiction, 2020)
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.
