Master of Arts in Psychology

Format: Online
Application Deadlines
  • Fall 2023 Priority Deadline: April 6, 2023
  • Fall 2023 Regular Deadline: May 18, 2023

Note: Applicants who submit their application by the Fall 2023 Priority Deadline listed above will be able to submit without being required to pay an application fee.

The MA in Psychology online degree program prepares students for employment opportunities and advanced studies that require a deeper understanding of behavior motivations, along with strong research, communication, and teamwork skills. The program’s fully online format makes it the first and only degree of its kind offered at the City University of New York (CUNY). The online format allows students to read course materials, participate in class discussions, and complete assignments on a more flexible schedule. 

Students specialize in one of two areas:

Industrial/Organizational Psychology: The study of human behavior in organizations and in the workplace including recruitment, training, performance management, quality of work life, and organizational development.

Developmental Psychology: The study of human growth throughout the entire lifespan, from infancy through adulthood.

Students in this program:

  • Acquire knowledge of core concepts, theories, and applications in three of the following five areas: learning and cognition, biological bases of behavior, social behavior, theories of personality, and psychopathology.
  • Gain in-depth knowledge of at least one of the following specializations in psychology: Industrial/Organizational Psychology or Developmental Psychology.
  • Show mastery of all phases of the research process in psychology, including:
    • Locating, synthesizing and critically evaluating information related to a specific research question
    • Generating testable research hypotheses and related research designs
    • Enaging in data collection activities that reflect professional practices, standards, and requirements
    • Analyzing data and displaying results using appropriate statistical procedures and software
  • Identify and apply ethical standards in the conduct of human subject and animal research.
  • Articulate values and act in ways that are respectful of cultural differences and diversity at local, national, and global levels.

Career and Academic Prospects

Graduates of the Master’s Degree in Psychology are prepared for a range of careers and job opportunities in human and social services, personnel and training, human resources, marketing and market research, as well as research and data analysis, among others. The program also prepares students for further graduate study should they choose to apply to doctoral programs after completing the master’s degree. 

Note: This program has two concentrations, Developmental Psychology and Industrial / Organizational Psychology, neither of which qualifies graduates to practice as a Clinical Psychologist, Counseling/Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist, or as a School Psychologist nor does it qualify students for licensure by the State of New York, which requires a doctoral degree (in most cases) among other requirements. However, students may choose this program as a terminal degree or as a bridge to a doctoral program.

Scholarship Opportunities

Meet Some of Our Faculty

Admissions Criteria

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to write a personal statement, upload a resume, and provide two letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation may be submitted before or after submitting an application. Please note that an individual interview may be necessary.

Students are not required to have an undergraduate major in Psychology, but they must have completed courses in Introductory Psychology, Statistics, and Research Methods with grades of B or better. Applicants without this coursework may be admitted to the program conditionally and required to take courses before matriculating.

Transfer of Credit Policy

In general, we will consider up to six credits (2 classes) for transfer. 

Application Deadlines

  • Fall 2023 Priority Deadline: April 6, 2023
  • Fall 2023 Regular Deadline: May 18, 2023
Apply Now

Student/Alumni Profiles

Nikia Isaac

MA in Psychology 2018

"The most important thing I’ve learned at CUNY SPS is to trust yourself and what you have to offer.”

Kendall Harford

MA in Psychology

"I look forward to asking questions and learning how to do the research to get them answered. I have so many ideas running around in my head, and knowing that I will one day have the educational background to be able to put them into practice is really exciting."

Greg DeLillo

MA in Psychology

"I hope to synergize the master’s program with my undergraduate degree in order secure a job that allows me to help protect the United States from future attacks."

Recent News About Master of Arts in Psychology

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Psychology Speaker Series Continues to Inspire CUNY SPS Students

March 10, 2023

The CUNY SPS psychology program hosted its popular ongoing program, A Day in the Life, which allows students to connect with psychology practitioners.

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First-Generation Student Series Kicks Off Second Year With College Success Tips and Mentoring Advice

January 06, 2023

Designed for first-generation college students, the two events aimed to provide them with the information and tools to succeed.

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CUNY SPS Recognized for 4 Top Programs in the U.S.

December 28, 2022

In a new ranking for 2023, CUNY SPS was named #7 on Intelligent.com's list of Best Bachelor's Degrees and Programs.

Crain's Notable 2022 HR Leaders

October 20, 2022

Crain's New York

Michael Katzab, a student in the CUNY SPS MA in Psychology program, has been named a Notable 2022 HR Leader by Crain's New York. The magazine highlighted his achievements in a special editorial feature that profiles top HR leaders who have demonstrated the ability or power to affect change. Katzab, who is currently the chief human resources officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, was nominated by his employer.