MA in Psychology

The Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP) degree program will prepare students for application to doctoral programs, to pursue a profession in the field of psychology, or to become better leaders in their industry.

This MA in Psychology program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of psychology in an intimate and supportive learning environment. With a strong clinical emphasis, courses and coursework are focused on how the art and science of psychology can be applied to further our understanding of human behavior and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.

This program is offered both on-ground and online.

Program Benefits

• Top Program in the US
• Consistently listed as a top choice for graduate clinical psychology programs by the National Center for Education Statistics.
• Convenient Format
• Classes offered on weeknights and occasional weekends.
• Small Class Size
• Providing a supportive learning environment and meaningful student-faculty interactions.
• Values Centered
• Students in this MA program are empowered to make a lasting impact through academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.
• Reputable Program
• Pepperdine is one of the highest-ranked universities in the US.
• No GRE or Standardized Tests Required
• We offer an equitable admission process that considers your ability and commitment to succeed rather than test scores.
• Nationally-Recognized Faculty
• Faculty are scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, professional expertise, scholarly credentials, educational and clinical experience.

Knowledge of certain fundamental areas in psychology is necessary as preparation for advanced courses. These areas are covered in the following foundation courses.

Foundation Courses

• PSY 626 Research and Evaluation Methods for Mental Health Professionals (3)
• PSY 656 Physiological Psychology (3)
• PSY 657 Psychopathology (3)
• PSY 658 Individual, Couple, and Family Development: A Life Cycle Approach (3)
• PSY 659 Behavioral Principles and Theories of Learning (3)

Students who have taken undergraduate- or graduate-level courses judged to be equivalent in content to foundation-level courses may petition to waive such courses. This requirement may be met by completing the equivalent course at an regionally accredited institution within the last seven years, receiving a grade of B or better, or completing a Pepperdine graduate-level course or equivalent.

The following core courses may be taken in any sequence after prerequisites have been satisfied:

Core Courses

• PSY 600 Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders (3)
• PSY 601 Assessment of Intelligence (3)
• PSY 602 Personality Assessment (3)
• PSY 606 Interpersonal Skills and Group Therapy (3)
• PSY 607 Social Psychology (3)
• PSY 612 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
• PSY 622 Multicultural Counseling (3)
• PSY 637 Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
• PSY 667 Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)
• PSY 692 Scientific Writing in Psychology (3)

Elective Courses (select one of the following courses)

• PSY 670 Introduction to Positive Psychology (3)
• PSY 671 Career Development Theory and Techniques (3)

Additional Courses

• *PSY 624 Individual and Family Treatment of Substance Abuse (3)
• *PSY 627 Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Professionals (3)
• *PSY 668 Clinical Interventions with Children and Adolescents (3)
• *PSY 669 Trauma in Diverse Populations (3)

*Students who receive foundation-level waivers and need additional courses to complete the minimum 36 units for graduation may take any of the following courses: PSY 624, PSY 627, PSY 668, PSY 669.

Graduates of our MA in Psychology program have a bevy of career options waiting for them. Here are some of the career outcomes students can expect after attaining their degree.

Human Resources Analyst/Director

A human resources analyst/director typically works in a corporate setting whose job is to oversee all aspects of human resources at the company. This career path is often responsible for relations within the industry as well as implementing and overseeing company practices, policies, and operations.

Developmental Specialist

A career as a developmental specialist will involve identifying symptoms, traits, and patterns in children who struggle with developmental and psychological disorders. This position often works one-on-one with the children to develop learning goals and outcomes, identify educational needs, and advise parents and educators on best practices for the child's learning and development.

Employment Counselor

An employment counselor helps to advise and support individuals who are seeking employment, a change of careers, and workplace struggles. This career path often falls under the umbrella of career counseling and is a valuable asset to individuals looking to enhance career satisfaction, balance work and personal life, or make a vocational change.

Behavioral Counselor

A career in behavioral counseling focuses on helping individuals identify negative behavioral patterns such as substance abuse and works with the individual to help alter these behaviors. This type of work can be in either an individual or a group setting. Behavioral counselors often work in private practices, community clinics, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals.

Market Researcher

A market researcher is responsible for aiding companies in determining what to sell and what consumer population to market and promote a product to. This is achieved by designing surveys to discover potential customer preferences. Market researchers are also responsible for training and overseeing interviewers and focus groups.

Public Relations Representative

A public relationships representative is responsible for managing communications and promoting the public image of a company, individual, or organization for which they work. This career path entails the development of media material such as brochures, online and print media, press releases, and advertisements that promote the client.

Community Outreach Specialist

A career as a community outreach specialist focuses on identifying general community needs and act as organizer of initiatives that promote community wellness. This career path is responsible for managing community staff, implementing programs that support community concerns, managing community finances, and is responsible for future outreach support.

Program Manager

A program manager is responsible for planning and overseeing a program within an organization. This includes layout of the strategy, identifying and communicating objectives, and implementing the program throughout the company or organization. Analysis of how the program will impact the organization is also a vital component. The ultimate goal of this career path is to ensure long-term goals and growth for the organization as a whole through the completion of a program.

Case Manager

A case manager is under the umbrella of human services. A case manager works as part of a team that organizes and coordinates care for individuals and families who need it. This career path is robust, with responsibilities ranging from advocacy to counseling to evaluation and assessment. This career works collaboratively with clients and their families to provide psychoeducation and services.