University of Louisiana Online Master of Science in Psychology

Why University of Louisiana? 

For its online Master of Science in Psychology program, this small public university in Monroe, Louisiana seeks applications. At least nine undergraduate psychology credits are required of applicants to this program, which is run by the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences. 3 of these credit hours should be in statistics or an equivalent courses. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is required of all students. The candidate may provide proof of ability in the form of GRE test results if they fall short of the required minimum GPA. The results of any other standardized tests are not necessary for your application.

Program Snapshot

University Name University of Louisiana
Location Monroe
State Louisiana
Niche.com Grade B
Name of Degree Master of Science in Psychology, Forensic Psychology 
School or Department Administering Program School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Credits 36
Cost per credit $480.00
Tuition for Entire Program $17,280
Test Requirements GRE if GPA is less than 3.0
Minimum GPA 3.0
Prerequisite Courses and Skills 9 undergraduate credit hours of psychology, of which 3 must be statistics or equivalent
Campus Visit Required? no
Typical Time to Complete 2 years
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations General; Forensic
Synchronous classes both
Required Courses
  • Quantitative Methods in the Behavioral Sciences
  • Research Methods
  • Neuropsychology
  • Personality and Social Psychology
Does the Program Include a Capstone? No
Does the program include a practicum or internship? No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique affordability; small program with attention from instructors and advisers
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)
  • Advanced skills in quantitative research methods in the behavioral sciences
  • Advanced skills in research and statistics; foundations of neuropsychology
  • Knowledge of psychological theories of personality and social psychology
  • Ethical best practices in psychology
Program Description The program’s 36 credits can be completed within 2 years. Neither a capstone nor an internship are required. Students can pursue a general program or complete a concentration in forensic psychology.  Graduates gain knowledge in core areas of psychology as well as competence in research methodology. 

What will I Learn?

Graduates of this program will grain advanced skills in quantitative research methods in the behavioral sciences as well as in-depth competence in statistical methods. The program aims to provide a breadth and depth of curriculum covering  foundations of neuropsychology, knowledge of psychological theories of personality and social psychology and ethical best practices. 

Students begin the program by studying foundational topics in courses such as Neuropsychology and Personality and Social Psychology. Students gain fundamental skills while taking Quantitative Methods in the Behavioral Sciences and Research Methods. The remainder of the required credits are earned through elective courses for students enrolled in the General concentration, or forensic topic courses for students in that concentration. 

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 2 years and pay $480.00 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just over $17,000  for the entire degree.

How does the program fit into my life?

This program is taught according to a hybrid learning model, in which some courses are taught synchronously and some are taught asynchronously. In a synchronous course, students attend live video lectures at a scheduled time each week. In an asynchronous course, students are assigned specific tasks to complete each week, and access them on their own schedule. Students do not visit campus unless they wish. Online learning activities can include videos, interactive exercises, quizzes, and written assignments.

Most students complete the program within 2 years. Each year, students have the option of starting the program in the fall, spring, or summer. 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-regarded university offers a small and affordable program that will be attractive for applicants seeking a relatively flexible curriculum focusing on forensic topics.  The smaller program offers opportunities for attention from instructors and advisors, but this option will be less attractive for students interested in intensive and prestigious research faculty.