University of Southern California Online Master of Science in Applied Psychology

Why University of Southern California? 

This online Master of Science in Applied Psychology program is seeking degree candidates. It is offered by this large private research university in Los Angeles, California. There are no prerequisite courses that students must have finished in their undergraduate program. Results from standardized tests are not necessary for your application. No minimum Grade Point Average is necessary.The program is administered by the university’s USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Program Snapshot

University Name University of Southern California
Location Los Angeles
State California
Niche.com Grade A+
Name of Degree Master of Science in Applied Psychology
School or Department Administering Program USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Credits 34
Cost per credit $2,137.00
Tuition for Entire Program $72,658.00
Test Requirements none
Minimum GPA none
Prerequisite Courses and Skills none
Campus Visit Required? no
Typical Time to Complete 16 months
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall
Program Concentrations organizational psychology; consumer psychology
Synchronous classes both
Required Courses
  • Research Methods in Applied Social Psychology
  • Proseminar in Human Behavior
  • Principles of Consumer Psychology
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Applied Psychology Internship
  • Applied Psychology Treatise
Does the Program Include a Capstone? no
Does the program include a practicum or internship? yes
Other Features that Make the Program Unique all students required to complete major research paper; required internship
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)
  • Psychology Theory, research and practice in organizational settings
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Consumer Psychology
  • Psychological approaches to managing a workforce and marketing services in a global context
Program Description The program’s 34 credits can be completed within 16 months, and include a required internship. There isn’t a capstone project requirement. Students can specialize within 2 concentration areas: Organizational psychology and Consumer psychology. This program covers psychology theory, research and practice in organizational settings, including approaches to managing the workforce. 

What will I Learn?

The degree pathway at USC focuses on topics within industrial and organizational psychology. I/O psychology, as it is sometimes called, is the study of human cognitions and behavior within large organizations, specifically in workplaces. This subfield is primarily concerned with assessing and solving problems of human behavior at the individual, group and organizational levels within workplaces.

Graduates of this program will learn psychology theories, research trends and practices that are applicable to organizational settings. They will understand key concepts of organizational psychology and consumer psychology. They will be equipped to apply psychological approaches to managing a workforce and marketing products and services in a global setting. Students begin the program by studying foundational topics in courses such as Proseminar in Human Behavior, Principles of Consumer Psychology and Organizational Psychology. Students gain fundamental skills while taking Research Methods in Applied Social Psychology, Applied Psychology Internship and Applied Psychology Treatise. Students then complete additional courses leading to the student’s desired specialization. 

Organizational Psychology and Consumer Psychology are the available concentrations.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 16 months and pay $2,137.00 per credit for a total of 34 credits, or just over $72,500.00 for the entire degree.

How does the program fit into my life?

Some courses are taught according to the synchronous model. Synchronous instruction refers to the delivery of courses online where students log in at the same time as their instructor and other course participants. Some courses may be taught asynchronously, meaning that students are not required to attend an online class at a specified time, but instead complete online activities on their own schedules. Online materials may include group discussions, course videos, practice activities, and other activities.

Students are not required to visit campus. Students complete the program within 16 months. Students can start the program in the Fall semester. This program’s schedule is less flexible than some peer programs. 

Summary

In order to successfully manage this requirement with their career and family duties, applicants will want to take close note of the requirements for the internship in this program.Although the program is more expensive than many of its competitors, it provides excellent prospects within this highly esteemed college with a vibrant research community.