Explore Online Master's in Psychology in Louisiana [2024]

Want to explore human mind but can’t leave your current commitments? Traditional, on-campus psychology master’s programs are often inflexible and time-consuming. These hurdles can feel like they are putting your dreams on hold.

Louisiana’s online master’s in psychology program offers the perfect balance, enabling you to gain a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories and practices without disrupting your daily routine.

Online psychology master’s programs are tailored to fit into your busy lifestyle, allowing you to engage with top-notch faculty and dive deep into the world of human behavior and cognitive processes, all without leaving your home.

Online Master’s in Psychology in Louisiana

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online psychology master’s in Louisiana:

McNeese State University
Capella University
University of Louisiana Monroe
George Mason University
University of New Haven
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Southern New Hampshire University
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

McNeese State University

Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis

At McNeese State University, you can take part in an Applied Behavior Analysis program that’s offered both in person and entirely online. Coursework for the program has been approved as 5th edition Task List Verified Course Sequences (VCS) for instruction.

The program provides you all the academic and hands-on experience you will need to become a nationally certified Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). You will learn how to evaluate situations and how to intervene effectively. The program also puts a strong emphasis on research, helping you become a practitioner who also understands the science behind the work.

To graduate, you will need to earn 18 credit hours in core subjects and another 40 credit hours in specialized classes, for a total of 58 credit hours. This program also requires you to complete a thesis and an internship. All of your hands-on learning will be conducted in McNeese’s Autism Program or the Clinical Applied Behavior Analysis Academy. Plus, you will have the chance to learn about single-subject procedures in human and animal lab environments.

In this program, you will be engaged in a set of challenging courses that explore the fundamental rules of learning and how these rules can be applied to real-world problems. A major part of your training will come from hands-on learning experiences, which are designed to sharpen your clinical skills. For instance, you will be working with people with developmental disabilities at the McNeese Autism Program, applying behavior analysis principles to help them.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

Principles of Learning and Behavior: In this course, you will explore key theories and research findings that relate to learning, and examine the main principles of respondent and operant learning as they apply to changing behavior.
Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis: Here, you will explore the basic principles and concepts of applied behavior analysis as a tool for addressing important social behavior issues.
Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions: This course gives you an overview of how applied behavior analysis interventions work with different groups of people and in different environments.
Human Growth and Development: A comprehensive look at the regular patterns of growth and development throughout a person’s life.
Verbal Behavior: This course introduces you to the behavior analysis approach to verbal behavior and language, especially in teaching language to people with developmental disabilities.
Professional Standards for Behavior Analysts: In this course, you will learn about the professional standards of behavior analysis, including how to professionally develop and supervise others.

Before you can graduate, you will also need to complete five practica experiences, pass a final exam and complete a research project.

University of Louisiana Monroe

Online Master of Science in Psychology – Forensic Psychology

The University of Louisiana Monroe offers an online Master of Science degree in Psychology with a focus on Forensic Psychology. If you are fascinated by the intersection of human behavior and legal matters, this program could be perfect for you. It’s a 42-credit program that combines the essential theories of a growing field in applied psychology, setting you up for leadership roles in a range of different agencies and organizations, such as:

Public and private social service agencies
Courts
Juvenile and correctional facilities
Police departments
Hospitals and mental health centers
Research agencies

Throughout this online forensic psychology master’s program, you will gain a strong theoretical and practical foundation in forensic psychology. This knowledge will enhance your critical analysis, statistical interpretation, and assessment-building skills. To fulfill the 42-credit requirement, you will take 24 credits of core courses, 15 credits in forensic psychology, and a 3-credit capstone seminar.

This master’s degree will allow you to understand the role of human psychology in criminal behavior, the legal system, and rehabilitation. You will acquire the clinical, legal, and forensic analysis skills needed to support criminal investigations, litigation, or consultations. The degree ideal is ideal if you are looking to study further or work in diverse social service agencies, police departments, or courts.

The aim of this Master’s in Forensic Psychology is to educate skilled, ethical practitioners. You will be equipped to provide relevant, accurate, and credible information and conclusions that influence legal discussions and judicial decisions.

Here are some of the core courses you will be taking:

Psychopathology: You will learn about how deviant behavior manifests in individuals and the models used to understand psychological disorders.
Advanced Forensic Psychology: This course explores the intersection of psychology and the law. You will study criminal behavior, civil and eyewitness testimony, risk assessment, police psychology, and custody and competency evaluations.
Advanced Theories of Crime and Delinquency: In this course, you will explore selected explanations of criminal behavior through original works and contemporary research.
Counseling in Criminal Justice: Here, you will study and evaluate counseling as applied in law enforcement and corrections. The course explores crisis intervention, interviewing, interpersonal communication, and various treatment models.
Sociology of Law: This course analyzes social behavior and its relation to law development. You will also learn about the portrayal of the criminal justice system in the media, and social change and the law.
Minorities, Crime, and Criminal Justice: You will examine the role of minorities in the criminal justice system including as victims, offenders, defendants, prisoners, employees, and professionals.
Psychological Assessment: This course covers psychological assessment and personality traits measurement. It focuses on the theory, research, and ethical implications of assessments used in courtrooms, employee selection, and personality evaluation.
Personality and Social Psychology: Here, you will study how personality and situational factors affect how people process information about others, including attitudes, person perception, stereotyping, and small group processes.

George Mason University

Online MPS in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Consider George Mason’s online Master’s program in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology if you are interested in using data and research-backed methods to foster a culture of innovation in your workplace. This 30-credit program is ideal for HR professionals and business leaders wanting to empower their employees to bring new ideas, drive change, and do their best work every day.

In this program, you will learn to assess and select candidates who are a perfect fit for your company. You will understand how to pinpoint what motivates each employee, establish meaningful performance reviews and rewards systems, and improve training and performance initiatives.

Your study will focus on:

Evidence-Based Practices
Research and Data Analytic Methods
Client Communication Skills

This online program is perfect if you are a professional looking to minimize staffing costs and boost productivity while studying flexibly and affordably. Graduates often find roles in HR and high-level management positions across a range of businesses. Their skills in creating, understanding, and applying research and data on human behavior in the workplace make them key assets to companies.

The coursework is available online in a flexible, part-time format, which means you can learn when and where it’s convenient for you. You can complete this 30-credit online master’s program in less than two years.

By the end of the program, you will be able to:

Critically assess the methods used in research studies for your own work, your employer, or other researchers.
Design a suitable research project to deepen your understanding of a workplace topic, while being aware of any potential methodological limitations.
Clearly communicate research methods to both technical and non-technical audiences using various forms of communication.

Admission requirements for this program include:

Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (with all undergraduate & graduate transcripts).
Completed prerequisite courses in Research Methods, Statistics, I-O or a related course.
Work experience in a related field.
Two letters of reference.
A personal essay.

University of New Haven

Online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

In the University of New Haven’s online Master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, you will explore theories and techniques related to mental health, substance abuse, and trauma interventions. You will also learn how to apply these in a way that allows you to connect with individuals and groups from various backgrounds.

This program prepares you to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental and emotional health issues while promoting mental wellness. You will complete 700 hours of supervised clinical training alongside 100% online coursework and two residencies. All this can be achieved in just three years.

The 60-credit program is designed to fulfill the requirements for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Connecticut, Louisiana, and other states.

The program includes three focus areas:

General Concentration: This 12-credit concentration lets you choose from a range of courses related to clinical mental health counseling, including courses offered in the other concentrations.
Community Development Concentration: This 12-credit concentration equips you with additional skills focused on managing both conventional and non-traditional programs and services. It touches on the planning, development, and evaluation of innovative approaches to treatment and prevention in both public and private human service sectors, as well as in business and industry.
Forensic Mental Health Concentration: This 12-concentration course gets you ready for counseling that focuses specifically on helping offenders or victims in forensic settings.

During the program, you will gain in-depth fieldwork experience through counseling practicum opportunities and internships that align with your interests and career goals. You will also build skills and knowledge that help you make a positive impact on individuals, families, groups, and communities. As mentioned above, you will also have a unique chance to supplement your education by choosing to focus on forensic mental health or community development.

A major part of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program at the University of New Haven is the supervised practicums and internships. Here, you will spend three semesters in a fieldwork setting, getting hands-on experience in counseling, interventions, assessment, case management, and more.

The program aims to tailor these practicums and internship experiences to fit your professional goals and background. In collaboration with the program’s internship coordinator and your fieldwork setting supervisor, you will be able to plan your fieldwork experience.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Master of Arts in Counseling

Northwestern University offers a comprehensive 60-credit MA in Counseling program, geared towards preparing you for a professional career in counseling. This program provides two focus areas: School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The counseling program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

You can choose to study either full-time or part-time, depending on your preference. However, not all courses in the program are online; half are available online, while the rest require in-person attendance at the Natchitoches campus. Some of the core courses that you will take include:

Dynamics of the Counseling Process
Theories of Counseling
Multicultural and Diverse Populations
Group Process for Counselors
Issues and Ethics in Counseling
Crisis, Trauma, Grief and Loss Counseling
Career and Lifestyle Planning

Upon successful completion of either focus area, you will meet the educational prerequisites for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Louisiana and many other states, along with qualifying for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential. If you opt for the School Counseling focus area, you will also fulfill criteria for Louisiana school counseling certification and the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential. To finish the program, you will need to pass a comprehensive exam and complete a thesis or a similar project.

The goal of Northwestern State University’s Counseling Program is to get you ready to be a thoughtful, skilled, and compassionate counselor in today’s diverse and ever-changing world. The faculty members at Northwestern are passionate about teaching and use their expertise to make your learning experience better.e. They are committed to ensuring that what you learn isn’t just theory, but is also easily applicable in real-world scenarios.

The program’s objectives are developed with the contemporary understanding and anticipated needs of counseling practice in a diverse and inclusive society. These objective are designed with feedback from faculty, students, and cooperating agencies, ensuring they’re closely tied to program activities and evaluated regularly.

As a graduate, you should be able to:

Comply with the ethical standards of professional counseling organizations.
Understand the impact of systemic and environmental factors on human behavior.
Apply career development theories.
Employ various prevention and treatment techniques for a wide range of mental health issues.
Conduct all aspects of group counseling, appreciate the significance of research in the counseling field.
Scrutinize the links between social, emotional, familial issues, and academic performance.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Psychology in Louisiana?

Having a master’s degree in psychology can open numerous career paths for you in Louisiana, depending on your area of specialization and interests. Here are several potential options:

Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Substance Abuse Counselor
Community Mental Health Worker
Rehabilitation Counselor
Sports Psychologist
Researcher
Psychology Professor

Some of these roles may require additional training, certification, or licensure beyond a master’s degree. As with any career, opportunities will vary depending on the job market, your unique qualifications, and your personal career goals.

Accredited Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Louisiana [Updated for 2024]