Psychological Sciences

  • MA
  • Master's
Two people in professional attire are seated at a table, engaging in discussion with documents in front of them.

The Master of Arts in Psychological Sciences is designed as an intermediate degree that prepares students for advanced graduate study in psychology and a variety of research‑focused careers. 

The STEM-Designated Degree Program develops expertise in research methods, data analysis and critical evaluation of psychological literature while providing a foundation across multiple subfields, including experimental, cognitive, neuroscience, developmental and social psychology. 

A defining feature of the program is its mentorship model – each student is paired with a faculty mentor whose research interests align with their own. Students join active research teams, gaining skills in study design, data collection and analysis. This hands‑on training culminates in an empirical Master’s Thesis, demonstrating mastery of the research process and preparing students for competitive doctoral programs or professional positions. 

Through close collaboration, students gain:

  • Research experience from design to dissemination
  • Guidance in preparing work for presentation or publication
  • Skills that build independence in empirical inquiry

Graduates are prepared for research roles in academic laboratories, social service organizations, government agencies, educational evaluation programs and corporate research or marketing departments. Coursework in research methods, statistics, scientific communication and advanced seminars ensures students graduate with both depth and flexibility for future academic or professional success. Through a partnership with the Kessler Foundation, select students can get involved in neuroscience research in an applied setting. 

Important: This program does not provide training in clinical or counseling psychology and does not provide preparation for careers in clinical, counseling, or mental health professions. Anyone interested in mental health professions, forensic psychology, or school psychology should apply to the MA in Clinical Psychology program. This program does not grant access to the MA in Clinical Psychology. 

See the curriculum.

Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in psychology or a minimum of 12 undergraduate credits in psychology, including a course in statistics and a laboratory experimental course.
  • Please note: an introductory course in psychology does not count toward the minimum credit requirement, though it might be needed as a pre-requisite to other psychology courses. The undergraduate requirements can be taken here at Montclair State University or another university. Please be sure to check with the Graduate Programs Coordinator to be certain the courses taken elsewhere fulfill the undergraduate credit requirements.

Application Checklist

  1. Priority Deadline: April 1st for Fall Admission Only. Applications to the Master's in Psychological Sciences program that are complete as of the April 1st deadline will receive priority review, and can expect an admissions decision no later than May 15th. Applications completed after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the program is full.
  2. Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  3. Transcript: One from each college attended.
  4. Essays/Personal Statement: Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions.
  5. What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
  6. In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
  7. Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
  8. Letters of Recommendation: Two.
  9. GRE General Test scores (If you have earned a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of 3.3 or above, you are eligible for waiver.)

Featured Faculty

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Related Programs

The Department of Psychology offers two doctoral programs, three master’s degree programs with concentration options, one combined bachelor’s/master’s program, and one certification program.

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Program Coordinator: Dr. Jennifer Pardo

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