Idaho might be a sparsely populated state, but it’s growing fast. With more and more people moving to the Gem State, there has been solid growth in the state’s higher education system. With both public and private schools available, you can tailor your graduate education to meet your needs.
Of course, with online learning, you can live and work in Idaho and earn your degree with far less of an impact on your daily life. You can even get your master’s degree in psychology from a college or university in a neighboring state or across the nation!
As a student in Idaho who is looking for the perfect graduate program in psychology, you might consider any one of the following programs as a good option to prepare for your future.
Online Master’s in Psychology Programs in Idaho
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online psychology master’s degrees in Idaho:
- University of Idaho
- University of Oregon
- Grand Canyon University
- Arizona State University Online
- University of Arizona Global Campus
- National University
- Purdue Global
- Pepperdine University
- Southern New Hampshire University
University of Idaho
Online Master of Science in Psychology
At the University of Idaho, you can work towards your Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis on human factors. Essentially, human factors is the study of how humans interact with their environment. In particular, you’ll explore how we use technology and the methods that can be employed to improve the user experience.
Since this program focuses so heavily on technology, you’ll find that your studies blend psychology with engineering. It’s also a highly research-oriented program; you’ll study why humans behave in certain ways, explore how technology has changed over the years, and predict what the future might hold for our use of technology. Other topics you’ll study include the following:
- Human-computer interaction
- Ergonomics
- Product design
- Interface design
- Human performance
You’ll learn about these and other topics over the course of a 30-credit curriculum. You’ll begin by taking foundational classes if you haven’t done so already. These courses, which include Cognitive Psychology, Behavioral Research Methods, and Statistics, must be completed at the 300 level or higher prior to undertaking the core coursework for the human factors master’s degree.
Speaking of the core coursework, the topics you’ll study include Engineering Psychology, Research Methods, and Human Factors in Engineering Design. You’ll also take Ergonomics and Biomechanics, which examines factors like work physiology and anthropometry as they apply to workplace settings. Other required core courses include the following:
- Advanced Human Factors
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Sensation and Perception
- Advanced Research Methods
You must also satisfy a research requirement to graduate. You have the choice of a thesis or a non-thesis track. The thesis option requires several semesters of rigorous independent research, which you present in a written paper and must defend orally to a committee of faculty.
The non-thesis track also requires a lot of research, but you present your findings in a portfolio, rather than a journal-ready research paper. Likewise, you must complete a 100-question comprehensive examination if you choose the non-thesis option.
If you like, you can also participate in an internship as part of this degree. Internships are excellent learning opportunities that enable you to put what you’ve learned in the program to the test in a real-life human factors psychology setting. Not only that, but an internship can open many doors for you career-wise after you graduate. If you do choose to complete an internship, the university will work with you to find an appropriate placement setting near where you live to minimize your need to travel.
You can start your application for graduate admission to the University of Idaho online. You must meet the following requirements to apply:
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher for all undergraduate coursework.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide three letters of recommendation.
If English is not your native language, you must earn a satisfactory score on either the TOEFL or IELTS test. The university requires you to score at least 79 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS.
University of Oregon
Online Master of Science in Psychology
Just next door to Idaho is Oregon, where you’ll find the University of Oregon campus in Eugene. You don’t have to travel to campus to get a graduate degree in psychology, though. The Master of Science in Psychology is a fully online program that you can complete from the comfort of your home in Idaho. At just 18 courses and 49 credits, you can finish this program in six terms.
This is a non-licensure program. Instead, the curriculum focuses on psychological research and community involvement. That is, you’ll examine the broad areas of brain science and human behavior while also learning how to use your education and training to make a positive impact on your community. You can do so while concentrating your studies on whatever psychological field you’re passionate about, be that education, mental health, advocacy, or child welfare.
The curriculum includes required and elective coursework. The bulk of your classes are required, and explore broad areas of psychological science. For example, you’ll take a Substance Abuse and Addiction class that examines topics like drug use, the impacts of drug use on families, and treating people with addictions.
Another key required course is Trauma Informed Intervention. This class discusses the methods and techniques you can use to help people who have suffered trauma feel safe. Furthermore, you’ll learn how to support their recovery and provide opportunities for them to heal from their traumas. This might be done through many different means, including psychoeducation, group therapy, or simply being open and available to traumatized people and providing them with a safe and caring environment to work through their trauma.
A significant portion of the required coursework for this degree focuses on Translational Neuroscience. In fact, you’ll take three classes on this subject, with one each focusing on early childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. In each class, you’ll learn how the environment influences our development from the prenatal period through late adulthood. You’ll also explore various evidence-based interventions that have proven successful in reducing risk factors for mental health issues at each developmental period.
Other required classes you can look forward to taking include the following:
- Community Needs Assessment
- Implementation with Community and Cultural Perspectives
- Intervention Science
- Methods of Program Evaluation
- Methods of Measurement
You must also complete a capstone research project as part of the core component of this program. The capstone allows you to explore a specific area of interest and apply your learning to a real-world situation. The capstone occurs toward the end of the program, so you’ll have a wealth of learning to draw upon to complete the capstone requirements.
The final component of this program is a two-course elective sequence. You can choose from a handful of options for your electives, depending on your interests. For example, you might choose Child Psychology and Neurological Development if you’re interested in brain-based explanations of childhood mental illness. On the other hand, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Research and Policy class might be a good choice if you’re interested in making psychological research more inclusive of different groups. Other elective options include the following:
- Special Topics in Neuroscience
- Fast Program Refinement
- Substance Use and Addiction
The University of Oregon accepts applications to this program year-round. The following criteria must be met to be considered for admission:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide a writing sample, such as a thesis, journal article, or paper from a recently completed class.
- Provide a curriculum vitae or resume.
- Submit contact information for two or three references.
- Submit answers to the admissions essay questions, which inquire about the program’s fit for your goals, your experiences in online learning, and your experience in psychological research, to name a few.
Grand Canyon University
Online Master of Science in Psychology
Another excellent out-of-state option for getting your online master’s degree in psychology is Grand Canyon University. Its Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in forensic psychology prepares you for any number of careers in the psychology and law enforcement space. Once you finish this degree, you might consider a career in one of the following settings:
- Law enforcement
- A law firm
- Corrections
- Private practice
- A rehabilitation center
In addition to studying criminality and the origin of criminal behavior, you’ll also learn about the social influences on crime and the effects that crime has on society as a whole. You’ll explore the U.S. legal system, criminal justice, and psychological research, to name just a few topics.
This 36-credit program can be completed in 3-4 semesters of full-time study. Each class is eight weeks long. This accelerated format allows you to move through each class more quickly, but since you take fewer classes at a time, you won’t be overwhelmed with work. Additionally, you can lighten your workload by transferring up to 12 credits to this program.
The coursework required for this degree starts with an Introduction to Graduate Studies in the Liberal Arts class that gives you an overview of what it’s like to study at Grand Canyon University. This is also a skill-building class, so you’ll learn tips and tricks for improving your performance as a graduate student.
From there, you’ll take psychology-specific classes that will prepare you for your career. For example, you’ll take Contemporary and Ethical Issues in Psychology, which informs you of the professional considerations you’ll encounter on the job. You’ll learn about ethical issues related to conducting research, criminal investigations, and working with vulnerable populations (e.g., victims of crimes).
Another essential course is Theories of Criminal Behavior. This class shines a light on historical theories of criminality as well as modern theories that seek to explain why some people are prone to breaking the law. You’ll examine these topics through the lens of the developmental, psychological, and social-related causes of crime.
Additionally, you’ll participate in a class entitled Psychology and the Legal System. By taking this class, you’ll gain a better understanding of the expectations you might expect as a psychological sciences professional within the criminal justice system. You’ll explore topics like the roles and functions of forensic psychologists and the interdependency of various agencies in the criminal justice system. You’ll also learn about the elements of crime.
The following classes are also required to complete this degree:
- Social and Cultural Psychology
- Graduate Statistics
- Research Methods
- Psychopathology of Crime
- Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration
A professional capstone course is the final aspect of your studies. Completing a capstone prepares you for your future career; you’ll apply what you’ve learned throughout the program to address a specific issue or problem in this field. You’ll also examine different occupations in forensic psychology and develop a roadmap for achieving your career goals. The capstone also requires thorough research and a presentation of your findings.
You can apply to GCU online at any time. The following criteria must be met before you apply:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university.
- Have a 2.8 cumulative undergraduate GPA or higher. If you don’t meet this requirement, you can take the GRE and use a score of 300 verbal/quantitative combined to gain admission.
- Submit unofficial transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
Arizona State University Online
Online Master of Science in Psychology
Arizona State University has one of the largest online campuses in the nation. As a student in Idaho, you can pursue dozens of graduate degrees, psychology included. ASU’s Master of Science in Psychology is an ideal choice if you want to use your education to pursue a non-clinical career. The curriculum focuses on a broad range of psychology topics–cognition, developmental psychology, social psychology, and physiological psychology, to name a few. As such, you can use the degree to prepare for a job in one of the following fields:
- Public relations
- Human resources
- Employee training
- Market relations
- Social services
Likewise, you might pursue a career in rehabilitation services, program management, education, or behavioral health.
This 36-credit program includes 12 courses, each of which meets for 7.5 weeks. As noted earlier, this accelerated format means you complete individual classes more quickly. But since you take one class at a time, the amount of work isn’t overwhelming.
As for the classes you’ll take, many focus on very specific niches of psychology. A good example of this is Advanced Cognitive Science. In this class, you’ll discuss various cognitive processes, including neuroscience, linguistics, and computer science. You’ll also examine the underlying philosophical principles that led to the development of cognitive science.
Advanced Social Psychology is another course that is a prime example of specific studies in this field. Social psychology focuses on group processes and the influences that society has on each person’s individual behavior. You’ll study concepts like interaction processes, social motivation, and interpersonal perception, to name a few.
The Cross-Cultural Psychology class is interesting because it explores how social psychology can–and cannot–address mental health issues in cross-cultural contexts. By the time you’re finished with this class, you’ll have a working understanding of major theories of cross-cultural psychology. You’ll also have a better understanding of the limitations of the cross-cultural approach in psychology.
Some of the classes you can take deal with concepts that focus less on psychological science and more on psychological processes. For example, the Emotion course looks at the biological and sociocultural influences on the experience and expression of emotions. You’ll look at emotional processes and emotional regulation across cultures and analyze psychological research related to emotions, too.
As another example, the course on Choice and Decision-Making is less about psychological science and more about the experience of making decisions. You’ll investigate choice theory and discuss the difference between intuitive choice-making and rational decision-making. Likewise, you’ll gain an understanding of how attention, experience, context, and uncertainty all play roles in the decisions we make.
You can look forward to taking courses like the following as well:
- Psychopathology
- Psychology of Mindfulness
- Psychology of Addiction and Treatment
- Resilient Relationships and Communities
- Advanced Physiological Psychology
To apply, you must submit a $70 application fee and meet the following requirements:
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Have a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA or higher for the final 60 credits of your undergraduate degree. You can also meet this requirement by having a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher for six or more graduate credits.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide a personal statement.
- Provide letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references.
University of Arizona Global Campus
Online Master of Arts in Psychology
If your career goals do not require a license, the online Master of Arts in Psychology from the University of Arizona Global Campus may be a great fit for you. This program is offered entirely online, making it accessible to you no matter where you live, and it offers the flexibility to study at your own pace.
Because this is a non-licensure program, it requires only 36 credits, which many students complete in just two years. This timeline is shorter than many other degrees, and the courses are accelerated, allowing you to move through the program more quickly. Instead of following a traditional semester schedule, you’ll take six-week courses one at a time, helping you focus on each subject and complete it faster.
In the first year of the program, you’ll take eight introductory courses in psychology. For example, you’ll take Introduction to Graduate Study in Psychology, which will help you understand the demands of graduate work and prepare you to succeed as an online student. Other foundational courses include Developmental Psychology, Personality Theories, and Learning and Cognition, which will give you insights into the factors that shape human behavior. You’ll also take courses like Biological Bases of Behavior, Psychopharmacology, and Research Design and Methods.
In the second year, you’ll move on to more specialized courses in psychology. One of these is Psychological Testing and Assessment, where you’ll explore different tools for assessing behavior, such as personality and IQ tests, and gain an understanding of psychometrics. You’ll also learn how to use these assessment tools ethically and effectively.
Additional second-year courses include:
- Psychopathology
- Psychology and Health
- Capstone Course
The capstone course is the final requirement for your degree. It will give you the chance to review everything you have learned, combine the various elements of your studies, and apply that knowledge to a real-world problem or question in psychology. This course will also help you enhance your critical thinking and become a more thoughtful practitioner.
By completing this program, you’ll gain the skills necessary to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Specifically, you’ll be equipped to:
- Practice psychology in an ethical and professional manner.
- Communicate psychological concepts clearly.
- Evaluate important theories, techniques, and methods in psychology and related fields, such as counseling and rehabilitation.
- Apply psychological knowledge to practical situations.
- Conduct research based on psychological theories.
To apply for this program, you can start the application process online at any time. The admission requirements include the following:
- You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Demonstrate English proficiency if English is not your native language.
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