Get rigorous training in advanced statistical methods, research methods and design, and psychology theory. Apply for this program if you plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology in a research-focused program.
Why Earn a Master's in Psychological Science?
Be at the forefront of the field of psychology with a master's in psychological science. You will learn advanced statistical methods, research designs and psychology theory. You will work with faculty to design innovative research to understand the human mind. By earning your master's degree, you will be ready to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology in a research-focused program.
Why Study Psychological Science at CSUN?
Faculty Mentors
As a graduate student in psychological science, you will work directly with CSUN faculty mentors. You will assist them with research projects and improve your research skills. They will provide guidance for your own research designs and studies. With this experience, you will be ready to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology after you graduate.
Research Resources
Take advantage of CSUN's Research Area. An integral part of the Department of Psychology, the Research Area hosts space for psychological tests and testing materials. It also oversees a human research subject pool of close to 2,000 students per regular semester. You will be able to work with student volunteers in your experiments and research projects.
Teaching Intern Program
Psychology students can apply to join the Teacher Intern Program (TIPs). You'll gain valuable experience as you create your own syllabus, lectures and classroom exercises. You'll receive training and find support from the TIPs coordinator. You'll receive a monthly stipend as well as other benefits.
What You'll Learn
To earn your master's in psychological science, you will take advanced psychology courses. To complete your core theory requirements, you will choose two classes from:
- Developmental psychology
- Social psychology
- Cognitive psychology
- Emotion and motivation
- Sensation and perception
- Conditioning and learning
You will also study research methodology in psychological sciences. You will learn:
- Research methodology
- Advanced research and analysis methods
- Multivariate analysis using computer programs
- Latent variable analysis
You will choose from a variety of electives in psychology in consultation with your graduate advisor.
You will also complete a seminar in professional development. To complete this course, you will receive direct research experience and learn the skills you need to advance to a doctoral program.
As your culminating experience, you will create a master's-level thesis or project.
Careers & Outcomes
CSUN's master in psychological science will prepare you to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology in a research-focused program.
Psychologists who receive their doctorate may become:
- Professors
- Researchers
- Consultants
- Public policy analysts
- Licensed clinical psychologists
Our graduates have gone onto Ph.D. programs at:
- Claremont Graduate University
- Georgetown University
- Kansas State University
- Pepperdine University
- Simon Fraser University
- UC Davis
- UC Irvine
- UCLA
- UC Riverside
- UC Santa Barbara
- UC Santa Cruz
- University of Nevada Reno
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Colorado, Boulder
- University of Delaware
- University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu
- University of Illinois, Urbans-Champaign
- University of Michigan
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Rochester
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Washington
There are also increasing opportunities in business, education and healthcare for graduate-level psychologists. These careers include:
- School psychology
- Behavior analysis
- Community mental health clinics
- Prevention and/or high-risk programs
Additional Information
- The Psychological Science master's program requires the consent of a faculty member to serve as a research advisor for admission. We encourage applicants to contact potential faculty mentors prior to applying. See our faculty and their research areas.
- It is a CSUN Graduate Studies policy that you can only apply to one graduate program. You cannot apply to both the Psychological Science and Clinical M.A. program.
Admission Information
To be considered for admission to CSUN as a master’s student, you will need to:
- Meet university requirements.
- Meet department requirements for the Master of Arts in Psychological Science.
- Apply to both the university and the specific graduate program of interest.
Learn more about applying for a master's program at CSUN.