Master of Arts in Applied Psychology
Degree Overview
The Master of Arts in Applied Psychology is an online, 30 credit hour degree program. This online graduate program is designed to prepare students for engaging careers in nonprofit organizations, corporate human resources, and government agencies by giving them an understanding of the foundational principles of applying psychology in a workplace setting as well as the practical skills necessary to engage in assessment, data collection, and data analysis. The program is well-suited for students who are already employed in various fields related to psychology, human resources, and understanding human behavior as well as students who aspire to professional careers in settings that will require them to apply psychological principles and methods. The program will help students expand their understanding of developmental, cognitive, motivational, and diversity issues related to working with and understanding human behavior while preparing them to become skilled and ethical contributing members of nonprofit, governmental, and corporate organizations.
Program Details
- 05/19/2025
Next Start Date - 30
Total Degree Credit Hours
- Program Length
2 years or less - $499
Cost Per Credit Hour
Course Information
Students will develop a deep understanding of the psychological principles necessary to understand human behavior, and apply psychological skills to help those in their organizations develop more efficient and efficacious practices. Students will observe through research and hands-on assignments how these skills can be effectively applied in their place of employment. Students will learn the basic principles of employment and workplace assessment, as well as how to apply statistical techniques to inform their organizations’ decision-making processes. The program culminates in a methodology course which allows students to analyze and report on data to prepare them for completing similar projects in the work environment.
Courses:
- MBE 570 Organizational Behavior and Leadership
- PSY 510 Applied Data Analysis
- PSY 520 Equity, Inclusion, and Access
- PSY 530 Development and Aging
- PSY 540 Motivation in the Modern World
- PSY 550 Psychobiology of Stress and Resilience
- PSY 560 Applied Cognition
- PSY 580 Workplace Assessment
- PSY 680 Ethical Practice in Applied Psychology
- PSY 690 Qualitative and Quantitative Methods and Analysis
Career Outcomes
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Human Resource Specialist
A Human Resource Specialist is a professional who manages human resources functions within an organization. They handle recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, policy development, and compliance with labor laws. Human Resource Specialists serve as a bridge between management and employees, addressing workplace concerns while ensuring organizational policies align with legal requirements and company culture.
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Talent Management Analyst
Talent management analysts lead the talent management programs for their companies. They are engaged in talent acquisition, performance management, talent reviews, succession planning, job analysis, and education about topics such as management.
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Employee Relations Manager
Employee relations managers observe and advise a company on its managers’ relationships with their teams and provide suggestions for improving employee relationships. They might provide training and resources on collaboration or conduct assessments that identify patterns in employee behaviors.
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Behavior Analyst
Behavior analysts are psychology professionals who analyze employee patterns within a workplace. They might observe how teams interact or conduct assessments, then recommend strategies for how issues can be resolved.
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Marketing Research Analysts
Marketing analysts help businesses understand their customers’ wants and needs.They design research studies, interpret complex data sets, create actionable reports, and translate findings into strategic recommendations. These professionals combine analytical expertise with consumer behavior knowledge to help companies make data-driven marketing decisions.
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Social and Community Service Managers
Social and community service managers provide leadership within agencies and organizations that offer public support services. They may provide direct support to the public or manage those who do. They are usually heavily involved with the administration of their programs, including budgeting and human resource management.
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Project Manager
Project managers are business operations professionals who work to set and achieve goals within an organization. They define a project, manage its milestones, and ensure employees complete tasks in a timely manner. They often coordinate tasks across multiple teams to accomplish complex objectives.
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Management Analyst
Management analysts observe teams, conduct individual and organizational assessments, and provide reports about the efficacy of an organization’s managers. They sometimes design new procedures for managers to follow to ensure teams are operating efficiently.
Why VWU Online
Successful Alumni
More than 90 percent of our alumni are working or in graduate school within 1 year of graduation.
Highly Qualified Faculty
90 percent of our professors have attained the highest degree in their fields.
Military-Friendly
Virginia Wesleyan University is a Yellow Ribbon school, and we have a dedicated Veterans Service Team.
Streamlined Admission
Admission decisions are made on the basis of a review of the applicant's undergraduate transcript. No SAT, ACT, or GMAT required!
How to Apply
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the online Master of Arts in Human Services program at Virginia Wesleyan University, students must:
- Complete our online application.
- Provide official academic transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities previously attended. If more than one institution has been attended, the cumulative GPA for all coursework attempted must be 2.7 or higher. In addition, the GPA earned at the institution where the bachelor’s degree was awarded must be 2.7 or higher.
- Have a bachelor’s degree (or one anticipated before starting the program).
Financial Aid
There may be financial aid options available to you when you apply for an online program at Virginia Wesleyan University.
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