Whether you are looking to enhance your career in mental health, education, business, or research, online master’s programs in psychology offer flexibility to fit your busy schedule. These programs are designed to fit into your life, no matter how busy you might be.
While pursuing an online master’s degree in psychology in Oregon, you will get to learn all about different psychological concepts, research methods, and how to apply this knowledge in real-world settings. From your own home, you can prepare for exciting careers in fields like mental health, education, and beyond.
In this article, we will explore some of the popular schools offering accredited online psychology master’s programs in Oregon.
Online Master’s Degrees in Psychology in Oregon
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online psychology master’s degrees in Oregon:
- University of Oregon
- Multnomah University
- University of Arizona Global Campus
- Eastern Oregon University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Grand Canyon University
- Capella University
- American Public University
- Pepperdine University
University of Oregon
Online Master’s in Psychology
The University of Oregon’s 49-credit online masters in psychology program is designed for individuals like you who aim to be catalysts for change, focusing on the science of human behavior alongside the skills needed for program development and evaluation to impact communities positively.
This program is tailored for working professionals and full-time students alike, it offers a convenient, affordable path to advance in community service or academia without the constraints of traditional scheduling, life commitments, or financial burdens.
In whatever area you are passionate about – whether that’s mental health, child welfare, education, the justice system, or beyond, you will explore the practical psychology of brain development and behavior. You will also learn to identify, design, and assess effective, evidence-based intervention programs tailored to the specific needs of communities.
The program features a curriculum rich in neuroscience of trauma, adversity and resilience, intervention science, and innovative program development approaches, you are guided to apply these insights to enhance program and service designs in your field of work. Students from all over the world are trained in the use of applied research as a lever for understanding complex social problems and implementing social change.
Offered asynchronously, the courses provide the flexibility to engage with content and assignments on your schedule while maintaining a sense of connection through student interactions, including discussions and collaborative projects. The program blends online coursework with a project-based curriculum, emphasizing application over general master’s level psychology training.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Community Needs Assessments
- Substance Use and Addiction
- Intervention Science
- Methods of Program Measurement
- Translational Neuroscience in Adolescence
- Translational Neuroscience in Adulthood
- Trauma Informed Intervention
- Implementation with Community and Cultural Perspectives
Faculty members of this program are at the forefront of research in neuropsychology, trauma resilience, and evidence-based interventions, providing a foundation in program development and evaluation. This program gears you towards using neuroscience and psychology knowledge in designing impactful community interventions programs, bypassing the need for clinical training or licensure.
The program prepares you for roles in community and social services, public agencies, health-care administration, child-welfare supervision, and college student affairs. Furthermore, graduating from this program enhances career prospects and sets a solid groundwork if you are planning for doctoral studies.
For professional advancement or doctoral preparation in fields addressing social and mental health needs, this program equips you with the necessary neuroscience and psychology background and research experience.
The application process includes:
- Completing an application form.
- For international applicants, taking the TOEFL or IELTS.
- Providing references for 2-3 recommenders.
- Submitting short essay responses to explore your fit and readiness for the program, your experiences, commitment to social justice, connection to community organizations, research interests, and goals.
- Uploading a PDF of your resume, a writing sample, and unofficial transcripts from all attended institutions.
- Paying the application fee.
The University of Oregon boasts a diverse and inclusive community, encouraging students from varied backgrounds and perspectives to join and contribute to a wide array of academic pursuits, research opportunities, and innovation across different sectors.
Multnomah University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
In the 60-credit Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program at Multnomah University, you will follow a practitioner/scholar model, which means you will combines scholarly learning with practical application. During the program, you will enhance your clinical skills and intervention techniques through hands-on training under the guidance of experienced mental health professionals.
As a participant in this program, you will come to understand the significant role that spiritual beliefs can play in shaping a counselor’s perspective. You will learn to integrate these insights into your practice in a manner that is both ethical and professional. Th program is designed to satisfy the licensure prerequisites as mandated by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT) and the Washington State Department of Health.
The core values of the MAC program include Spiritual Integration, Healing Presence, Advocacy and Diversity, Professional Identity, and Educational Excellence. As a student in this program, you will benefit from the close-knit, community-oriented environment, allowing you to build strong connections with your peers while obtain the comprehensive knowledge and practical experience necessary to work as a licensed counselor.
Your coursework will include a variety of subjects designed to prepare you for the challenges of the counseling profession:
- Basic Counseling: Here, you will learn fundamental listening and questioning skills, the structure of therapeutic sessions, and the development of a person-centered therapy approach through simulated counseling sessions.
- Diagnosis & Psychopathology: This course provides an introduction to the basic diagnostic criteria for common mental disorders, with an emphasis on the DSM-5.
- Counseling Theory: In this course, you will explore a range of psychotherapy and counseling theories and techniques, learning about their origins, key concepts, and approaches to developing therapeutic relationships.
- Advanced Counseling Skills: This course offers a deeper look into counseling skills and techniques for addressing various mental health issues, including crisis management.
- Group Dynamics and Counseling: You will gain insights into group counseling ethics, dynamics, and techniques through practical group facilitation exercises.
- Human Growth and Development: Focusing on the counseling strategies appropriate for different life stages, this course examines human development from various perspectives.
- Neurobiology & Psychopharmacology: This course covers the latest in neurobiology and psychopharmacology, emphasizing the importance of medical referrals.
- Lifestyle and Career Development: Here you will explore career development as a lifelong process and learn to apply theories and models of career counseling.
- Trauma: You will study the effects of trauma and crisis on individuals and learn about evidence-based treatment models.
- Practicum: A hands-on experience where you apply your learning in real counseling settings under faculty supervision.
You have the option to fulfill your practicum requirements either by working with clients at the Multnomah University Counseling Center or within the community. Throughout the semester, you will complete at least 100 clock hours, of which a minimum of 40 hours should be in direct contact with clients. During your supervision meetings, you will be guided on how to understand and manage individual cases, reflect on ethical and legal considerations, and integrate the core principles you have learned in your coursework.
Approximately one year into your studies, you will begin clinical training at approved internship sites, providing direct services to clients and accumulating hours of clinical experience required for licensure.
Prior to starting an internship, you must complete a Practicum course, secure malpractice insurance, attend an informational session on internships, and receive evaluations from program faculty. This preparatory phase ensures you are fully equipped for the practical aspects of your training.
Upon completing the program, you will be eligible for a variety of counseling roles, ready to make a significant impact in the field as a licensed professional counselor.
To apply, you must submit:
- A completed Graduate Application Form.
- A $40 application fee.
- A Christian Character Reference Form.
- An Academic or Professional Reference Form.
- Official transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0.
You will also be required to undergo a background check after a successful interview. Multnomah University provides a range of scholarships, grants, and awards to support your educational journey and help you achieve your full potential as a student.
University of Arizona Global Campus
Online Master of Arts in Psychology
By enrolling in the online Master’s in Psychology at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC), you will discover how to apply psychological research to practical situations. Learning to understand the motivations behind people’s actions and using this knowledge effectively will distinguish you from others in your field.
In the Master of Arts in Psychology degree program at UAGC, you will be equipped to apply psychological theories across various professional settings and showcase your skill in leveraging psychology in your professional life. Upon completing your degree, you will have the skills to:
- Apply ethical principles and standards of psychology to your academic and professional tasks.
- Clearly explain concepts related to psychology using the discipline’s professional standards.
- Analyze key concepts, theories, methodologies, and the evolution of psychological domains.
- Use psychological concepts and theories to solve real-world problems.
- Combine psychological theory and research effectively.
During the program, you will explore numerous areas within psychology, including developmental, social, and biological aspects. Your online courses will challenge you to assess the scientific validity of psychological research and literature, providing a strong psychological foundation for your future professional endeavors. Graduating with a UAGC Master of Arts in Psychology prepares you for careers requiring a comprehensive understanding and specialized knowledge in psychology.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- Introduction to Graduate Study in Psychology: A foundational course introducing you to the MA in Psychology program at UAGC, emphasizing graduate-level communication and research skills, ethical principles, and a critical examination of psychological concepts and research.
- Developmental Psychology: This course focuses on human development across the lifespan, with an emphasis on historical and ongoing research questions.
- Applied Social Psychology: This course examines the science of social psychology and its applications to address social issues in various fields, encouraging the application of theory to real-life situations.
- Personality Theories: The course will provide you an overview of major personality theories, highlighting the interaction between environment and genetics, and cultural influences.
- Learning & Cognition: The course introduces the multiple dimensions of learning and cognition, from basic processes to advanced topics like self-regulation and metacognition.
- Psychological Testing & Assessment: This course covers individual and group testing approaches in psychology, focusing on assessments for personality, intelligence, and vocational interests.
- Psychology and Health: Here you wil explores health models, stress, well-being, and their application in community and occupational settings, emphasizing evidence-based strategies for behavioral change and health communication.
To earn this degree, you must complete 36 credit hours with a minimum 3.0 GPA in all coursework at UAGC.
A degree in psychology offers versatility in careers across mental health, education, business, healthcare, and social and human services. With additional experience in business and industry, opportunities in consulting and marketing research also become accessible.
Potential career paths with an MA in Psychology include:
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Adoption Services Manager
- Community Services Director
- Graduate Research Assistant
- Post-secondary Psychology Teacher
- Opportunities in human services, education, business, research, and community colleges
It is important to note that this program does not lead to certification or licensure. The UAGC Master of Arts in Psychology is not designed to prepare individuals for licensed psychology professions.
How Long Would It Take To Get a Master’s Degree in Psychology?
The duration to complete a master’s degree in psychology typically depends on several factors, including the type of program, whether you attend full-time or part-time, and the specific requirements of the degree.
- Full-Time Enrollment: For students attending full-time, most master’s programs in psychology take about 2 years to complete. This timeframe is based on a curriculum that often includes coursework, supervised practicums, and a thesis or capstone project.
- Part-Time Enrollment: If you enroll part-time, it may take longer to complete your degree, often 3 to 4 years or more, depending on how many courses you are allowed to take each semester. Part-time enrollment is a common choice for students who are working or managing other significant commitments while pursuing their degree.
- Accelerated Programs: Some institutions offer accelerated master’s programs in psychology, which can be completed in as little as 1 year for full-time students. These programs are intensive and require a significant commitment to manage the fast-paced coursework and other requirements.
- Program Requirements: The specific requirements of the master’s program also play a crucial role in determining its duration. Programs requiring a thesis or comprehensive research project might take longer. Similarly, programs with required practicum or internship hours might have a fixed duration based on the availability of suitable placements and the time needed to complete these hours.
Is It Hard to Get a Master’s Degree in Psychology?
Getting a master’s degree in psychology can be challenging, but the level of difficulty largely depends on several factors, including your academic background, your interest in psychology, the specific program you choose, and your personal circumstances. Here are some aspects to consider:
- Academic Rigor: Master’s programs in psychology often involve intensive coursework, including advanced theories of psychology, research methodologies, statistics, and practical applications. You will be expected to engage deeply with the material, which can be challenging if you are not well-prepared.
- Research Requirements: Many psychology master’s programs require a thesis or a comprehensive research project, which demands significant time, effort, and the ability to conduct independent research. This can be particularly challenging if you are less experienced with research methodologies or statistical analysis.
- Practical Experience: Some programs may require practical experience in the form of internships or practicums. Gaining this experience is crucial for your professional development but can be logistically and emotionally challenging, especially in fields dealing with mental health.
- Time Management: Balancing coursework, research, practical experiences, and potentially work or family commitments can be demanding. Time management and the ability to prioritize become key skills in successfully completing a master’s degree in psychology.
- Financial Consideration: The cost of tuition and books can also be challenging for many students. It’s important to consider and plan for these financial aspects before and during your studies.
Despite these challenges, many students find pursuing a master’s degree in psychology deeply rewarding. It can lead to advanced knowledge in the field, open up new career opportunities, and provide the skills to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
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