Why American Public University?
This sizable private online university, located in Charles Town, West Virginia, seeks candidates for its online Master of Arts in Psychology program. Applications must show proof of successful completion of general psychology or introduction to psychology undergraduate coursework. Another prerequisite is completion of a psychological research methods or statistics course. Results from standardized tests are not necessary for your application. Students are expected to have completed their undergraduate studies with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | American Public University |
| Location | Charles Town |
| State | West Virginia |
| Niche.com Grade | B |
| Name of Degree | Master of Arts in Psychology |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Graduate Studies |
| Credits | 39 |
| Cost per credit | $370.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $14,430 |
| Test Requirements | none |
| Minimum GPA | 2.0 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | Introduction to psychology or general psychology; Research methods in psychology; Statistical methods in psychology |
| Campus Visit Required? | no |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | monthly |
| Program Concentrations |
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| Synchronous classes | no |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | free online textbooks; military-oriented university |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) |
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| Program Description | This 39-credit program provides a generalist approach to contemporary trends in theory, research and practice across the field of psychology. Students gain competence in research and academic writing, and are equipped to behave as ethical professionals. Students can specialize in one of six subject areas as they complete the program within two years, including completing a required capstone research project. |
What will I Learn?
Graduates of the program are introduced to historical and contemporary trends across the field of psychology while they learn to apply core concepts to abnormal and normal functioning of the individual, group, community and organization. They learn to behave ethically, write competently, and design research in accordance with professional standards.
Students begin the program by studying foundational topics in courses such as Introduction to Scholarly and Technical Writing, Professional Ethics and Standards, and Multicultural Issues in Human Behavior. Students gain fundamental skills while taking Qualitative Methods in Social Science Research, Quantitative Methods in Social Science Research and Tests and Measurements. The remainder of the required credits are earned through elective courses leading to the desired specialization. As a capstone to the curriculum, students are required to take Integrative Capstone Project in Psychology.
Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: General, Child Life, Cyberpsychology, Developmental/Personality Psychology, Industry/Organizational Psychology, Military and Trauma Psychology. Child psychology is the study of mental, emotional and behavioral development and problems from birth through adolescence. Cyberpsychology is the study of psychological phenomena which emerge from human interaction with digital technology, particularly the internet. Developmental psychology involves the study of human growth and changes in the different phases of life, from infancy to old age. Industrial and organizational psychology is the study of human cognitions and behavior within large organizations, specifically in workplaces. Military/Trauma psychology is the study of psychological phenomena arising from military service, particularly traumatic events experienced during combat or outside of combat.
How much will the program cost?
Students complete their degree in two years for a cost of $370 for each credit, or just under $14,500 for the entire degree, which consists of 39 credits.
How does the program fit into my life?
Since all classes are taught asynchronously, there is no predetermined time that students must log in to take an online class. Instead, students are required to complete certain online activities each week and receive regular opportunities to interact with their instructor and classmates. Online activities can include, but are not limited to, watching online lectures, completing interactive practice exercises, and participating in online group discussion. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 2 years. Students can enter the program every month. The program’s curriculum is flexible, allowing students greater choice over which courses to take and when to take them, than is offered by some other peer programs.
Summary
This military-oriented university offers several features to enhance access to postgraduate education, including free online textbooks, a required course in academic writing that will be helpful for students returning to university after time away from school, and special services for military students and families. The program is quite low in cost compared to peers. Military-affiliated students may be particularly interested in the distinctive opportunity to specialize in military trauma psychology in this program.
