Manchester, New Hampshire, USA Skyline on the Merrimack River at dusk.

Southern New Hampshire University Online Master of Science in Psychology

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Why Southern New Hampshire University? 

This online Master of Science in Psychology is offered by SNHU, a large public university located in Manchester, New Hampshire. Administered by the university’s School of Psychology and Counseling, the program accepts applications from students without a background in psychology, or those with undergraduate degrees in the subject. ​​​​

Although it is not necessary for students to have taken any prerequisite courses in their undergraduate degree, those without prior expertise may need to take three more SNHU courses in the field before enrolling in the MS. There is no minimum GPA requirement for applicants, nor are standardized test scores required for your application.

Program Snapshot

University Name Southern New Hampshire University
Location Manchester
State New Hampshire
Niche.com Grade B-
Name of Degree Master of Science in Psychology 
School or Department Administering Program School of Psychology and Counseling
Credits 36
Cost per credit $627.00
Tuition for Entire Program $22,572.00
Test Requirements none
Minimum GPA none
Prerequisite Courses and Skills none, but 3 additional SNHU courses may be required for students without a background in psychology
Campus Visit Required? no
Typical Time to Complete 18 months – 2 years
When Can Students Start the Program? 5 times per year
Program Concentrations Child and Development Psychology; Forensic Psychology; Industrial Organizational Psychology
Synchronous classes no
Required Courses
  • Research Methods in Psychology I and II
  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Processes
  • Measurement and Assessment
  • Theories of Personality
  • Ethical Practice in Psychology
  • Capstone in Psychology
Does the Program Include a Capstone? Yes
Does the program include a practicum or internship? No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique very flexible structure; large university with many online programs; lower cost
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)
  • Advocate for and extends psychology’s role and responsibility in promoting agency and the psychological well-being of individuals, communities, and organizations
  • Adapt to shifting demands and ill-structured problems by critically evaluating the relevance, priority, and appropriateness of various information and potential courses of action
  • Design, conduct, and evaluate research through the lens of its potential to advance knowledge in psychology as well as the psychological well-being of individuals, communities, and organizations
  • Integrate psychological theories, methods, and research to generate new knowledge and promote agency and the psychological well-being of individuals, communities, and organizations
  • Incorporate empathy, reflectivity, and an appreciation for collaboration and diversity of perspectives into efforts to promote agency and the psychological well-being of individuals, communities, and organizations
  • Protect the integrity and professional responsibility of psychology through the demonstration of ethical comportment in all aspects of the profession
Program Description A program consisting of 36 credits, this degree pathway provides broad knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the psychological professional in promoting well-being in the community. Students learn to adapt to changing environments through skills in research and evaluation and an appreciation of diversity and ethics. Offering a flexible course schedule with multiple starts per year, the program includes a required capstone. 

What will I Learn?

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to advocate for the role of psychology in promoting agency and well-being. They will be equipped to adapt to changing situations and will be able to evaluate and solve problems. They will also be able to design and conduct psychological research, integrating knowledge of theory and method as well as ethical approaches to the field.

Students begin the program by studying foundational topics in courses such as Social Psychology and Cognitive Processes. Students gain fundamental skills while taking Research Methods in Psychology I and II and Measurement and Assessment. Students deepen their understanding through coursework in Theories of Personality and Ethical Practice in Psychology. As a capstone to the curriculum, students are required to take Capstone in Psychology.

Students can specialize in one of the following concentrations: Child and Development Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Industrial Organizational Psychology.  The study of human development and change from early childhood to old age is a part 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 sizable organizations, 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. The practice of forensic psychology involves bringing psychological concepts and techniques into the legal sphere, primarily through the psychological evaluation of people who are involved in the legal system, such as suspects in crimes. 

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 18 months to two years and pay $627.00 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just over $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 might consist of watching lectures online, finishing interactive practice exercises, and taking part in online group discussions, among others.No campus visit is required.

Students complete the program within 18 months to two years. Students can enter the program at one of five start dates offered throughout the year. The program’s curriculum is adaptable, giving participants more options than some peer programs provide regarding the courses they want to take and when they want to study them.

Summary

This well-respected university offers this generalist program boasting a very flexible curriculum structure. Since SNHU offers many online programs, students can expect instructors and student support staff to be highly aware of the needs and challenges of the online student.  The program is quite low in cost compared to peers.