Purdue University Online Master of Science in Psychology

Why Purdue University? 

This extremely large public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana, has a long-standing and dynamic reputation in the area of psychology. The school recruits applicants for its online Master of Science in Psychology. No specific undergraduate courses are required, and there is no requirement to submit the results of standardized tests. 

Applicants are expected to have earned a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their undergraduate coursework. Students who intend to enroll in the Addictions or Industrial/Organizational Psychology concentrations should be aware that they will be required to pass a criminal background check.

Program Snapshot

University Name	Purdue University
Location	West Lafayette
State	Indiana
Niche.com Grade	A+
Name of Degree	Master of Science in Psychology
School or Department Administering Program	Purdue Global
Credits	40
Cost per credit	$630
Tuition for Entire Program	$25,200
Test Requirements	none
Minimum GPA	none
Prerequisite Courses and Skills	none
Campus Visit Required?	no
Typical Time to Complete	2 years
When Can Students Start the Program?	Multiple times per year
Program Concentrations	Addictions Forensic psychology General psychology Industrial/organizational psychology
Synchronous classes	no
Required Courses	Foundations of Professional Psychology Ethics for Addictions Professionals Chemical and Psychological Dependency Counseling Psychopharmacology Group Counseling Advanced Addictions Counseling Co-Occurring Disorders and Treatments Addictions Practicum I and II Industrial/Organizational Field Placement Master’s Capstone in Psychology Master’s Research and Thesis I and II
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	optional
Does the program include a practicum or internship?	optional
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	required thesis or capstone
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)	Understand how contemporary theories relate to real-world situations faced in various psychology professions Evaluate and apply general psychological theories and concepts, as well as theories from your selected area of concentration, to various client-based situations within the field of psychology Apply theoretical and conceptual foundations of psychology as they relate to your area of concentration to arrive at evidence-based professional practice strategies Apply ethical, legal, individual, and sociocultural standards and guidelines set forth within your area of concentration and the field of psychology
Program Description	Consisting of 40 required credits, including required capstone research and required practicum, this varied and intensive program focuses on therapeutic skills in psychology. For students interested in clinical practice, this program offers four different concentrations: Addictions, Forensic psychology, General psychology and Industrial/organizational psychology.

What will I Learn?

All graduates of the Purdue Global psychology online master’s program understand how the theory of psychology relates to real-world situations. They can evaluate and apply psychological theories and concepts to a range of client situations. The focus in the program is on evidence-based practice, incorporating legal, ethical and sociocultural best practice. 

Students in this program can choose from several different concentrations: Addictions, Forensic psychology, General psychology or Industrial/organizational psychology. All students take Foundations of Professional Psychology, Ethics for Addictions Professionals, and Psychopharmacology. They gain crucial professional therapy skills in Chemical and Psychological Dependency Counseling, Group Counseling, and Advanced Addictions Counseling. Another required course is Co-occurring Disorders and Treatments, helping students become well-rounded and empathetic practitioners.

Students must complete an Addictions Practicum and an Industrial/Organizational Field Placement. They can then choose between completing a thesis, or completing an applied research project.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 2 years and pay $630.00 per credit for a total of 40 credits, or just over $25,000 for the entire degree.

How does the program fit into my life?

Asynchronous learning refers to a style of learning where students are not compelled to log into their online courses at a specific time. Students are given regular opportunity to interact with their instructor and classmates while also being challenged to complete certain homework assignments each week. Online activities might consist of watching lectures online, finishing interactive practice exercises, and taking part in online discussion forums, among others.. 

Multiple start dates per year are offered, allowing students to begin the program every 11 weeks. While the curriculum is flexible and courses are accelerated, scheduling field experience may present some barriers to balancing this program with other life commitments. Students are usually able to complete the program within two years.

Summary

In order to complete the program at this highly prestigious university, students will have to complete both a rigorous research project or thesis, and complete a field placement. Applicants who are academically ambitious and who have the ability to schedule their other commitments around the demands of this program will likely find the Purdue option attractive. 

Keep in mind that exact credit requirements and practicum commitments will vary according to your chosen field of concentration: be sure to stay in touch with your academic advisor as you plan your course progression and choose your program. 

Faculty at Purdue pursue active research agendas. Faculty areas of interest include advocacy strategies and conflict resolution, self-care and nutrition and its links to psychology, and transition from military to civilian life, among many other topics.