Master's Degree in Research and Experimental Psychology
This master's degree trains students in research methods and experimental psychology, preparing them for roles in academic, clinical, or applied psychology research.
About
The Master's Degree in Research and Experimental Psychology is designed for students interested in understanding human behavior through scientific methods. It is aimed at those who want to deepen their knowledge of psychological theories and research techniques. This degree prepares graduates for careers in research settings, higher education, or roles requiring strong analytical and experimental skills in psychology.
- The program focuses on advanced psychological theories and experimental methods.
- It suits students who have completed a bachelor's degree in psychology or related fields.
- Graduates can work in academic research, clinical studies, or applied psychology.
- The degree also supports those aiming to pursue a PhD or research-intensive careers.
- It is offered by universities across the United States, following national standards for graduate education.
What you study
The curriculum covers a broad range of topics in experimental psychology, combining theory and practical research. Students learn to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret psychological phenomena. The program typically spans one to two years, with a progression from foundational courses to specialized research projects.
- Early courses include research design, statistical analysis, and cognitive psychology.
- Later stages involve advanced experimental methods and data interpretation.
- Students participate in laboratory work and conduct independent research.
- A thesis or research project is often required to demonstrate applied skills.
- The program emphasizes critical thinking and scientific communication.
How to get in
Admission to this master's program requires a relevant bachelor's degree, usually in psychology or a related discipline. The selection process is competitive and includes evaluation of academic records and research potential. Applicants may need to submit letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
- Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field.
- Universities often require transcripts and GRE scores (Graduate Record Examination).
- Research experience or internships strengthen applications.
- Strong motivation for research and analytical skills are expected.
- Admission procedures vary but generally include an interview or written statement.
Day to day
The academic year combines coursework, research activities, and practical training. Students attend lectures, participate in seminars, and spend time in labs conducting experiments. They often collaborate with faculty on research projects and may complete internships to gain experience.
- The workload includes weekly classes and laboratory sessions.
- Students dedicate time to data collection and analysis for their research projects.
- Internships or assistantships with research teams are common.
- Regular meetings with supervisors guide thesis progress.
- Time management is important to balance theory and practice.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates find opportunities in research institutions, universities, healthcare settings, or private companies. They may work as research assistants, data analysts, or in roles supporting psychological studies. The job market values their ability to conduct experiments and interpret complex data.
- Possible roles include research psychologist and clinical research coordinator.
- Employment sectors include academia, healthcare, and market research.
- The degree supports careers in psychological testing and behavioral research.
- Insertion into the workforce is generally smooth for motivated graduates.
- Some graduates continue with doctoral studies to specialize further.
Careers after further study
These careers require a higher level of study than this degree.
Continuing your studies
After completing this master's degree, students can pursue a PhD in psychology or related fields to deepen their research expertise. Alternatively, they may transition into professional psychology programs or specialized certifications depending on their career goals.
- Common next steps include a doctoral degree (PhD) in psychology.
- Some students choose professional training in clinical psychology or neuropsychology.
- Others may explore interdisciplinary fields such as cognitive neuroscience.
- The master's degree provides a solid foundation for various research careers.
Where to study this degree (146)
Liste des 146 établissements
- Fort Hays State UniversityHays
- University of Saint FrancisFort Wayne
- Emporia State UniversityEmporia
- St. John's UniversityQueens
- University of Wisconsin–OshkoshOshkosh
- New York UniversityNew York
- Capella UniversityMinneapolis
- Teachers College at Columbia UniversityNew York
- Montclair State UniversityMontclair
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia
- Boston CollegeBoston
- University of ChicagoChicago
- Vanderbilt UniversityNashville
- Northcentral UniversitySan Diego
- Claremont Graduate UniversityClaremont
- Walden UniversityMinneapolis
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- Yale UniversityNew Haven
- Pace UniversityNew York
- Fordham UniversityBronx
- University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor
- Hunter CollegeNew York
- University of OregonEugene
- Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station
- The University of Texas at DallasRichardson
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana
- Ball State UniversityMuncie
- CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York
- Texas State UniversitySan Marcos
- Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia
- Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park
- University of ConnecticutStorrs
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh
- Kansas State UniversityManhattan
- St. Francis CollegeBrooklyn
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Lehigh UniversityBethlehem
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore
- University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla
- Purdue University West LafayetteWest Lafayette
- The Chicago School at Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Princeton UniversityPrinceton
- Tulane UniversityNew Orleans
- Cornell UniversityIthaca
- University of North FloridaJacksonville
- University of California, RiversideRiverside
- Kent State University at KentKent
- University of DelawareNewark
- DePaul UniversityChicago
- University of Massachusetts LowellLowell
- University of KentuckyLexington
- George Washington UniversityWashington
- Harvard UniversityCambridge
- The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso
- University of UtahSalt Lake City
- University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleKnoxville
- Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia
- University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia
- California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge
- University of California-IrvineIrvine
- Washington University in St LouisSaint Louis
- Texas Tech UniversityLubbock
- University of KansasLawrence
- Bay Path UniversityLongmeadow
- University of Nevada, RenoReno
- Duke UniversityDurham
- Wright State UniversityDayton
- Brandeis UniversityWaltham
- University of Northern IowaCedar Falls
- University of Notre DameNotre Dame
- New Mexico State UniversityLas Cruces
- University of West AlabamaLivingston
- Azusa Pacific UniversityAzusa
- St. Thomas UniversityMiami Gardens
- Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- Brooklyn CollegeBrooklyn
- Loyola University ChicagoChicago
- University of LouisvilleLouisville
- University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara
- Western Washington UniversityBellingham
- University of Wisconsin–MadisonMadison
- University of RochesterRochester
- Texas Woman's UniversityDenton
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta
- Oregon State UniversityCorvallis
- Tufts UniversityMedford
- Ohio University LancasterAthens
- Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg
- Columbia UniversityNew York
- Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth
- University of California, MercedMerced
- Alliant International UniversitySan Diego
- Binghamton UniversityBinghamton
- SUNY New PaltzNew Paltz
- Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo
- Nova Southeastern UniversityFort Lauderdale
- Florida International UniversityMiami
- University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee
- University of Central MissouriWarrensburg
- The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg
- Henderson State UniversityArkadelphia
- Suffolk UniversityBoston
- Murray State UniversityMurray
- The University of Texas of the Permian BasinOdessa
- Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester
- William Carey UniversityHattiesburg
- San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco
- Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange
- Brown UniversityProvidence
- Stanford UniversityStanford
- Northeastern UniversityBoston
- University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley
- Saint Louis UniversitySt Louis
- California State University, San BernardinoSan Bernardino
- Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant
- Wesleyan UniversityMiddletown
- University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore
- University of Central OklahomaEdmond
- University of AkronAkron
- Rutgers University-CamdenCamden
- Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville
- Morgan State UniversityBaltimore
- Rivier UniversityNashua
- Southern Adventist UniversityCollegedale
- University of Massachusetts BostonBoston
- University at BuffaloBuffalo
- Syracuse UniversitySyracuse
- Lee UniversityCleveland
- Boston UniversityBoston
- Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- Rutgers University-NewarkNewark
- New SchoolNew York
- Catholic University of AmericaWashington
- Oregon State University CascadesBend
- Gallaudet UniversityWashington
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- University of North TexasDenton
- Eastern Washington UniversityCheney
- University of HartfordWest Hartford
- University of DaytonDayton
- University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia
Frequently asked questions
What background do I need to apply for this master's degree?
You typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. Having research experience or coursework in psychology strengthens your application.
Is this program more theoretical or practical?
The program combines both theory and practice, with courses on psychological theories and hands-on experimental research, including a thesis project.
Can I work while studying this master's degree?
While some students may work part-time, the program requires significant time for research and coursework, so balancing both can be challenging.
Does this degree lead directly to clinical psychology jobs?
This degree focuses on research and experimental psychology; clinical roles usually require additional professional training or certification.
Are internships part of the curriculum?
Many programs encourage or require internships or research assistantships to gain practical experience in real research settings.
What are the career prospects after this degree?
Graduates often find jobs in research, academia, healthcare, or private companies, and many continue their studies with a PhD.
Is the GRE exam required for admission?
Some universities in the US require GRE scores as part of the application, but requirements vary by institution.
Can I specialize in a specific area of psychology during the program?
Yes, as you progress, you can focus on areas like cognitive psychology, neuroscience, or psychometrics through elective courses and research projects.


























