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You love understanding human behavior and mental health. You want to learn what drives people, what makes them tick, and what makes them happy. Naturally, an undergraduate degree in psychology was right for you. It laid the foundation of your field and assured you it was the path you wanted to pursue. Now you’re ready for more and you want to level up in your psychology career with a graduate degree.

Before you commit to one master’s degree program or the other, though, it’s important to understand the difference between a Master of Arts (MA) and a Master of Science (MS) in Psychology.

Read on for more about what to expect from these master’s degree programs and how they can impact your future.

What Is an MA in Psychology?

A Master of Arts in Psychology is a two- to three-year degree program that prepares you to work in a variety of fields, such as mental health, education, business, and others. The curriculum typically includes coursework in research methods, psychological theory, and statistics.

Many colleges and universities across the country offer master’s degree psychology programs. Some schools offer an online MA in psychology, which can be a great option for busy individuals who want to earn their degree while continuing to work full-time or care for their family.

What Is an MS in Psychology?

A Master of Science in Psychology is a two- to three-year graduate degree designed to prepare students for careers in psychology and related fields. The curriculum for an MS in psychology, explains Very Well Mind, typically includes coursework in psychological theory, research methods, and statistics. You may also dive into courses such as forensic, abnormal, experimental, and cognitive psychology. Finally, students may be required to complete a thesis or practicum project.

When choosing between an MA vs MS in psychology, there are a few notable differences to consider. Very Well Mind summarizes the key distinction: “An MA degree may indicate a stronger liberal arts focus, while an MS usually means there’s a stronger concentration on research and the sciences.” 

How to Decide Between an MA and an MS in Psychology

Given these definitions of master’s degree programs in psychology, you should still take time to dive into the specific degrees and universities available to understand how the curriculum, faculty, career outcomes, and schedules line up with what you want out of the degree. 

Traditionally, liberal arts backgrounds emphasize holistic learning, which means an MA in psychology may value a curriculum offering both the scientific rigor of psychology as well as the behavioral skills needed to practice in the field. An MS, on the other hand, is likely to have you focusing more on scientific processes and less on the humanities. 

Benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in Psychology 

There are many benefits of pursuing an MA or MS in psychology online. One of the greatest benefits is the flexibility online programs offer. You can start taking classes anytime, and you can complete your coursework on your own schedule, making it easier to juggle work and other commitments.

Benefits of earning a master’s degree in psychology online, for example, may include:

  • Flexibility and convenience
  • Taking one class one at a time
  • Taking classes that last only six weeks
  • Studying on your own schedule
  • Adding a specialization that interests you
  • Learning on-the-go from your phone, tablet, or laptop
  • Completing your degree in as little as two or three years
  • Preparing you to pursue a successful psychology career

What Skills Will You Gain from an MA in Psychology?

An MA in psychology will give you a strong foundation in the field, equipping you to enter into the workforce. With advanced knowledge of psychological theories and principles, you’ll be able to better understand human behavior and assist people in resolving personal issues.

Job board site Indeed identifies several skills many employers hope to find from someone in the field. From highly valuable skills for any career – think writing, critical thinking, time management, reasoning, research, and communication – to the more specific skills of a psychologist, your resume will be packed with marketable skills. If these sound like skills you might gain in any advanced degree, rest assured only graduates of a Master of Arts in Psychology program can hope to gain skills in areas such as psychological research methods, how to collect data on groups and people, how to investigate psychology, how to develop theories regarding social and educational psychology, and how to establish a more in-depth understanding of peoples’ behaviors.

What Skills Will You Gain from an MS in Psychology?

The skills you’ll gain through an MS degree in psychology are virtually the same as those you will pick up in an MA in psychology, though Psychology.org says: “MS programs have a stronger science focus, which makes them more relevant for clinical career tracks and further study at the doctoral level.

The unique combination of hard and soft skills, on top of your master’s degree, will set you up for success in your career and make you a very desirable employee in a variety of roles and industries.

What Can I Do With an MA in Psychology?

With a diverse education covering human behavior, theory, and research, career opportunities abound. Some of the industries and careers you may choose to pursue include:

  • Social and Community Service Managers
  • Adoption Services Manager
  • Community Services Director
  • Graduate Research Assistant
  • Psychology Teacher, Post-secondary
  • Human Services
  • Education
  • Business
  • Research
  • Community Colleges

Is an MA or MS in Psychology Worth It?

The answer to the value of an MA or MS in psychology is, as with most things in life, it depends. 

Here are a few factors to consider when making the decision to pursue an MA in psychology:

  1. Your career goals: If you have specific career goals in mind, an MA in psychology may be worth it. For example, if you want to pursue one of the four types of psychology, an MA in psychology is a good place to start. You’ll gain valuable and marketable skills such as problem-solving, working with difficult people, understanding diverse thinking, mental health and human behavior theory, and much, much more. 
  2. The cost of the program: An MA or MS in psychology program typically lasts two or three years. That means the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses can add up quickly. Before you decide to pursue an MA or MS, be sure to do your research and make sure you find a program that fits your budget. Choosing an online program may help reduce the time and cost to completion. 
  3. Your personal interests: Last but not least, you should pursue an MA or MS in psychology if you have a genuine interest in the subject matter. After all, you will be spending a lot of time and money on your education, so you should make sure you enjoy the material. Never underestimate the value of fulfilling a personal achievement.

For instance, according to Very Well Mind, you can expect an MA in psychology to help you:

  • Gain the skills to work in a variety of settings, such as mental health facilities, schools, businesses, and government agencies
  • Get a deeper understanding of the psychological theories that explain human behavior
  • Gain a better understanding of yourself and others
  • Build the skills to work with people of all ages
  • Gain insights into the psychological factors that influence human behavior in different cultures
  • Better understand the relationship between mind and body

Summary: MA vs MS in Psychology

As you investigate an MA vs MS in psychology, it’s important to examine your own mental well-being and understand what’s best for you, not only in terms of curriculum, but in the academic environment – online or in-person – and in a specific area of study: counseling, clinical, learning, or language development. Answering these questions will help you make the best decision for you and your career.

Successful completion of the Master of Arts in Psychology program at the University of Arizona Global Campus by itself does not lead to licensure or certification in any state, regardless of concentration or specialization. The Master of Arts in Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional. There is no practicum or internship associated with this degree. The University of Arizona Global Campus does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification or licensure. Students seeking licensure or certification in the field of psychology should carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment. Requirements vary by state. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study.

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