Master of Arts in General Psychology

The MA program in general psychology is part of the Department of Doctoral Studies in Clinical Psychology within the School of Health Sciences of Touro University. That means when you become a master’s student here, you join a vibrant community of faculty and doctoral students and have the opportunity to be involved in doctoral research labs and participate in events (virtually or in person) such as colloquia, research presentations, and meetups at research conferences. Our program inspires and nurtures students in the development of critical thinking, deep social conscience, and the analytical skills you will need to pursue a wide array of career and graduate school opportunities.

Whether you want to pursue future graduate work in areas such as psychology, medicine, and law, or to enhance your knowledge and skills for career advancement, our program will prepare you and give you the knowledge and skills you need to be competitive.

This comprehensive psychological science-based program pairs rigorous coursework with cutting-edge research opportunities and individual assistance for career and graduate school guidance.

Time to completion: Our MA program in general psychology is 36-credits and can be completed in 1.5 years of full-time study or 2.5 years of part-time study.

Our Mentorship Model

A significant aspect of our teaching and training philosophy is the understanding that while our curriculum will give you what you need for intellectual and professional growth, it’s the amazing mentor relationship that helps translate your career ambitions into career realities.

Unlike many master’s programs, Touro’s MA in General Psychology has full-time, dedicated faculty members who are 100% involved in the program, alongside dedicated and passionate teaching fellows. The MA program and its faculty are part of the larger Department of Doctoral Studies in Clinical Psychology, along with the PsyD program in clinical psychology which also gives our MA students access to join PsyD faculty labs.

The full-time faculty members are experts in their respective subdisciplines within psychology, with a combined 35+ years in the classroom and lab, and renowned researchers and scholars who have made a notable impact on the profession worldwide. These professors will guide and mentor you throughout your master’s, and beyond.

Hoping to go on to a doctoral program?

We have the insights you need.

Want to dive into cutting-edge research?

We’ve got you covered.

Unsure what to do next?

You’re not alone, and we’ll walk with you through those big decisions.

Partnership with PsyD Research Labs

All students in the MA in General Psychology are invited to participate in the PsyD program’s ongoing research labs, which are run by faculty in the larger Department of Doctoral Studies in Clinical Psychology. This ongoing research involvement can help you gain more hands-on experience, apply your knowledge of scientific methods, enrich your understanding of evidence-based psychological theories, acquire skills for future research, and further your personal and professional goals. Joining a doctoral research lab fosters a sense of community among the online cohort and can create lifelong professional relationships. Involvement in PsyD research labs is completely optional for students in the MA Program, except for MA students who apply to be a part of the master’s thesis track. Although the PsyD research labs meet in person, all MA students have the option to join virtually each week. Specific PsyD lab availability will differ by year, but all MA students interested in joining a lab are guaranteed admission to one of the available labs, at no additional cost.

MA in General Psychology by the Numbers

Our online master’s offers one-on-one mentoring and advising by full-time professors.

The 36 credits can be completed in as little as 1.5 years full time or 2.5 years part time.

Our classes are approximately 15 students. We keep cohorts small so each student can receive personal attention and participate in research labs.

Who Should Apply to Our MA in General Psychology?

Our program is ideal for those who:

• seek advanced preparation prior to applying to doctoral or professional programs in a variety of fields
• are looking for preparation before a career change
• are established professionals pursuing job growth
• possess a passion for psychology and want a stimulating learning opportunity

Regardless of your reason for joining us, we’ll help you acquire cutting-edge knowledge of psychological science and critical thinking skills to become competitive for further graduate education, to enter the workforce in various industries directly after graduation, or to advance your present employment with specialized training in contemporary psychological perspectives.

The MA in General Psychology is not a degree that leads to licensure or certifications and so does not allow you to practice as a therapist, mental health practitioner, or psychologist. It is a great pathway to a graduate degree and broader career options.

The MA in General Psychology degree is an excellent way to enhance your knowledge of evidence-based psychological frameworks and research skills in order to strengthen your credentials prior to applying to doctoral programs or applied master’s programs. This can be especially helpful if you need additional psychology-related coursework and research experience, need to bolster your GPA, and/or seek clarity regarding your next steps within the psychology discipline. Together, the mentorship and coursework we provide can help scaffold your growth toward advanced graduate degrees at the PhD, PsyD, EdD, MD, JD, and applied MA/MS degrees and help you pursue a career in psychology, allied health disciplines, or advanced fields such as:

• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• School Psychology
• Social-Personality Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling
• Social Work
• Forensic Psychology
• Law
• Medicine

The MA in General Psychology degree is also an excellent choice to gain skills and experience toward obtaining or advancing careers in a wide range of fields, including but not limited to:

• Healthcare/Health sciences
• Social services
• Public health
• Human resources
• Business
• Education
• Consulting and market research
• Economics
• Government
• Administration
• Non-profit organizations
• Police, fire, emergency, and corrections
• Research and data analysis

Does the Psychology MA Guarantee Admission to Touro's PsyD Program?

Admission to and/or completion of Touro’s MA in General Psychology does not in any way guarantee admission to Touro’s PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology. MA students and graduates are guaranteed an interview for Touro’s PsyD program if you choose to apply to the PsyD program (our PsyD program is highly competitive and requires a separate application). There is no guarantee of acceptance. Stellar performance in the MA program – high GPA, engaged student, demonstrated maturity, professional behavior, and positive responsiveness to mentorship/supervision in the MA program can speak well of you and potentially enhance your chances, whether applying to our doctoral program or another doctoral program.

If a student/graduate of our MA in General Psychology Program is later accepted into Touro’s PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology, all PsyD program credit transfer rules apply, with a maximum of up to 18 credits transferable. Because courses in the PsyD program are fixed and sequential, transfer credits do not save overall time to program completion or program cost. The benefit would be a potentially reduced credit load, especially in Year 1 of the PsyD program, which is the program’s most intense academic year.