MA in Psychology at Boston University

The Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences offers a one-year, eight-course program of study leading to the Master of Arts in Psychology that provides the flexibility to explore a variety of areas in psychology, building on a common foundation of scientific methodologies. Particular strengths of the program include cognition, neuroscience, developmental science, and clinical psychology. Most graduate-level courses offered by the department are open to MA students, and all faculty are available for academic supervision. Faculty are actively engaged in psychological research, which provides ample opportunity for students to participate in ongoing projects.

The program satisfies the interests of those who wish to undertake a rigorous course of study that leads to the master’s degree. The program is appropriate both for students with a limited background in psychology and those who hold an undergraduate degree in the field. Some students use the program as a means to clarify their interest in professional psychology; others use it as a first step toward a doctoral program. Many of our graduates have applied their advanced training in psychology to work in government and industry as researchers, mental health workers, administrators, and managers. Others have continued with doctoral studies in psychology or related fields. The program is not intended to qualify students for the independent practice of professional psychology.

Although we do not require that applicants have an undergraduate major in psychology, applicants are required to have taken some coursework in psychology. We recommend an introductory course