CUNY School of Professional Studies Online Master of Arts in Psychology

Why CUNY School of Professional Studies? 

This large public university located in New York, New York, offers an online program leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology. Applicants are expected to have completed an introductory course in psychology as part of their undergraduate degree. They should also demonstrate completion of courses in statistics and research methods. No standardized test results are required for your application. Students are expected to have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate coursework. 

Program Snapshot

University Name CUNY School of Professional Studies
Location New York
State New York
Niche.com Grade B
Name of Degree Master of Arts in Psychology 
School or Department Administering Program CUNY School of Professional Studies
Credits 36
Cost per credit $470.00
Tuition for Entire Program $21,648
Test Requirements none
Minimum GPA 3.0
Prerequisite Courses and Skills courses in Introductory Psychology, Statistics, Research Methods
Campus Visit Required? no
Typical Time to Complete 1-2 years
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall
Program Concentrations Industrial/Organizational Psychology; Developmental Psychology
Synchronous classes no
Required Courses
  • Cognitive Psychology and Learning
  • Biological Foundations of Behavior
  • Social Behavior; Theories of Personality
  • Psychopathology
  • Advanced Statistics
  • Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
  • 3 specialization courses
  • 2 electives
  • 2 capstone courses
Does the Program Include a Capstone? Yes
Does the program include a practicum or internship? No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique lower cost; good balance of flexibility and structure; well-regarded school
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the 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
  • 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
Program Description Within 2 concentration areas, this program teaches students about core concepts and theories in learning, biological bases of behavior, social behavior, theories of personality, and psychopathology. Graduates demonstrate mastery of the research process. The program’s 36 credits can be completed within 1-2 years, and include a required capstone but no internship. 

What will I Learn?

Graduates of this program will be equipped with knowledge of core concepts in three of the five following areas:  learning and cognition, biological bases of behavior, social behavior, theories of personality, and psychopathology, as well as the knowledge and practice of their specialization area. They also gain mastery of the research process, and are able to articulate and apply professional values and ethics. 

Students begin the program by studying foundational topics in courses such as Cognitive Psychology and Learning, Biological Foundations of Behavior, Social Behavior, Theories of Personality, and Psychopathology. Students gain fundamental skills while taking Advanced Statistics and Advanced Research Methods in Psychology. Three courses in the desired specialization are required and the remainder of the required credits are earned through elective courses and two capstone courses.

Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: Industrial/Organizational Psychology or Developmental Psychology. The study of human development and change from early childhood to old age is a focus of developmental psychology. The fields of cognition, emotion, learning, social relationships, perception, and other domains are all studied by developmental psychologists. The study of human cognitions and behavior within institutions, particularly in workplaces, is known as industrial and organizational psychology. This area of study is mostly focused on identifying and resolving workplace-related issues including human behavior at the individual, group, and organizational levels.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 1-2 years and pay $470 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just under $22,000  for the entire degree.

How does the program fit into my life?

All courses are taught asynchronously, meaning that students are not required to attend online class at a set time. 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 1-2 years. Students can enter the program in the Fall semester every year. The program’s curriculum is flexible, allowing students greater choice over which courses to take and when to take them.

Summary

This program offers an attractive balance between structure and flexibility in the design of its curriculum and course pathways. The program is designed to help students balance work and school. The program is quite low in cost compared to peers.