Nevada offers a unique landscape for students pursuing an online master’s degree in psychology, blending the convenience of digital learning with the rich academic traditions of its institutions. These programs cater to a diverse range of professional aspirations, from clinical practice to research and beyond.
Designed for both recent graduates and working professionals, online psychology master’s degrees in Nevada provide a flexible pathway to advanced knowledge and skills in the field.
Some of the popular programs in Nevada are outlined below. Use this list to get familiar with these programs and get your college search underway!
Online Psychology Master’s Degrees in Nevada
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online psychology master’s degrees in Nevada:
- University of Nevada – Las Vegas
- University of Nevada – Reno
- University of Arizona Global Campus
- Northwestern University
- Arizona State University
- Grand Canyon University
- Capella University
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Master of Science in Educational Psychology
The Master of Science in Educational Psychology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), which can be completed online, offers the foundational knowledge, research tools, and educational experiences essential for success in various educational contexts. You have the option to pursue the program through either a Thesis or Non-Thesis Track.
If you are an elementary, secondary, or special education teacher aiming to improve your classroom skills, a student considering advanced studies in educational psychology, someone looking to obtain a specialist degree in school psychology, or planning to apply your skills in government or business environments, this program is designed for you. Your individualized program will be structured to focus on your area of specialization.
To earn this degree, you will be required to complete a minimum of 33 credits. You will also need to maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher throughout the program and achieve a grade of B or better in core coursework.
If you opt for the thesis track, you will need to choose a Graduate Faculty member as your chair. Together with your chair, you will select additional committee members, ensuring your committee consists of three members in total. These members must be appointed by the time you submit your Program of Study to the Graduate College. Before collecting data for your thesis, you must defend your thesis proposal.
Your committee will decide whether to accept or reject your proposal, with the possibility of provisional acceptance if you agree to incorporate the committee’s revision suggestions. An oral defense of your thesis will be organized following the completion of your work, adhering to the Graduate College’s policies for thesis and dissertation completion.
If you opt for the non-thesis track, the comprehensive exam will cover core areas such as learning and development, research and measurement, and your specialty. The Comprehensive Examination Evaluation Committee, in consultation with your adviser/committee chair, will assess your exam responses.
Upon completing this program, you will be capable of:
- Understanding and analyzing fundamental theories of learning, cognition, and development.
- Critically assessing research studies for their methodology, literature support, and significance.
- Develop plans for assessment construction, item and test specification, item writing and selection, assessment preparation and administration, test and item analysis, item and test revision to enhance reliability and validity, and various methods for assessments and surveys, such as factor analysis, item response theory, and current issues in psychometrics.
- Serving as a scholar capable of evaluating research study reports, and applying the skills acquired through your coursework in educational psychology in your chosen career path.
- Understanding and analyzing theories related to your chosen specialty or elective courses.
- Implementing evidence-based intervention strategies or designing and modifying learning environments to foster effective learning.
- Developing a professional identity in line with your specialty or elective courses, contributing to the community through your chosen career, and understanding ethical and professional functioning aspects in your domain.
Admission to graduate studies at UNLV required a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution, with a preferred minimum GPA of 2.75 overall or 3.00 in the last two years of undergraduate study. Applying for a master’s degree program requires submission of an application to the Graduate College and transcripts from all attended colleges and universities.
Admission to the Master of Science degree program in Educational Psychology considers:
- Preference for students with GRE scores in the 50th percentile or higher on both the verbal and quantitative sections.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- One writing sample.
- Transcripts from all attended colleges and universities.
- An online application to the Graduate College.
University of Nevada, Reno
Online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
The University of Nevada, Reno offers a Master of Science degree in behavior analysis, which is designed to enhance the knowledge you gained during your undergraduate studies. This program is ideal if you are considering doctoral studies or seeking career opportunities in government, or the public and private sectors. It provides a thorough education and research training in behavior analysis at the Master’s level.
The coursework requirements for this program have been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) for eligibility to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination.
During the program, you will experience a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experiential learning. The curriculum includes research training, preparation for certification exams, and coordination of practical training. This ensures that you gain the essential knowledge and skills for the BCBA certification.
The core courses you are expected to enroll in cover a range of topics, including:
- Principles of Behavior
- Ethics in Psychology
- Experimental Analysis of Behavior
- Behavioral Interventions (3 credits)
- Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Behavior Analysis Practicum
- Thesis
The program focuses on various elements such as the philosophies of behaviorism, theory and methodology of behavior analysis, research in human and animal behavior, and the application of behavioral principles in diverse fields including organizational administration and consultation, instructional design and technology, training for parents and teachers, and addressing clinical populations, participatory governance, and fiscal management.
Moreover, the program provides in-depth training in behavior analysis, fostering specialized interests in the basic, applied, and theoretical aspects of the field. The goals are to provide knowledge of behavior science, develop new knowledge, apply this knowledge to improve society, and contribute to the profession’s sustainability through participation in governance.
Unlike other graduate programs in behavior analysis where students must organize their practicum and find a supervisor, the University of Nevada, Reno provides a practical training component designed for flexibility and support. A practical training coordinator assists you throughout your fieldwork experience, from site selection to supervisor collaboration.
There are two types of practicum experiences available: intensive supervised fieldwork and supervised fieldwork.
- Intensive supervised fieldwork, requiring 1,500 hours with 10% supervised by a qualified supervisor and four monthly meetings or observations.
- Supervised fieldwork, needing 2,000 hours with 5% supervised and two monthly meetings or observations.
It is not mandatory to complete all your supervised fieldwork during the online master’s program. Only half of the BCBA required hours must be completed within the program, with the remainder to be fulfilled post-graduation.
The program is designed to encourage self-advocacy, offering you a range of fieldwork hours each month to maintain a balance between education, work, and personal life. Emphasis is placed on the quality of training, overseen by the Practical Training Coordinator, and quality training for supervisors is also prioritized.
To enroll in this online master’s program, you must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
The application process requires you to submit:
- A completed online application
- Two letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose
- Transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
Upon admission, you will be assigned an academic advisor from the core behavior analysis faculty to guide you during your first semester or until a research advisor is determined. Together with your advisor, you will develop a tentative study plan, which may include transferring previous graduate courses.
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 acquire the skills to apply psychological research to practical situations. You will understand the motivations behind people’s actions and learn to use this knowledge effectively with your staff, clients, and colleagues, distinguishing you from others in your field.
To earn your Master of Arts in Psychology degree from UAGC, you are required to complete 36 credit hours and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all coursework undertaken at UAGC.
In this program, you will be taught how to employ psychological theories across various professional activities, demonstrating your ability to apply psychology in the workplace. By the end of your studies, you will have the capability to:
- Utilize ethical principles and standards of psychology in both academic and professional settings.
- Describe psychological concepts according to the discipline’s professional standards.
- Examine key concepts, theories, methodologies, and historical developments in psychology.
- Apply psychological theories and concepts to real-world situations.
- Combine psychological theory and research.
As you progress through your online master’s in psychology, your coursework will introduce you to a range of psychological fields, including developmental, social, and biological psychology, among others. You will also assess the scientific validity of psychological research and literature, providing you with a robust foundation of psychological knowledge for your professional practice. Upon graduating with your online Master of Arts in Psychology from UAGC, you will be well-prepared for careers requiring a comprehensive and specialized understanding of psychology.
The online master’s program focuses on coursework, in contrast to the in-person program, which emphasizes independent study and research training. Pursuing an online master’s in psychology can enhance your career opportunities and expand your professional options, making it an ideal choice if you are currently employed or wish to work in mental health, nonprofit organizations, marketing, or research sectors.
Your psychology degree can be applied in various fields, such as mental health, education, business, healthcare, and social and human services. Additionally, if you have gained several years of experience in business and industry, you may find opportunities in consulting and marketing research.
With an MA in Psychology, you might explore careers in industries and roles such as:
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Adoption Services Manager
- Community Services Director
- Graduate Research Assistant
- Post-secondary Psychology Teacher
- Human Services
- Education
- Business
- Research
- 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 students for licensure as psychology professionals, nor does UAGC guarantee acceptance of its graduates by professional organizations for the purpose of certification or licensure exams. If you are aiming for licensure or certification in psychology, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the requirements before enrolling, as they vary by state. Additionally, a criminal record may hinder your ability to obtain licensure, certification, or employment in this field.
Admission requirements include a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of your bachelor’s program or completion of at least six credit hours of graduate-level coursework from an accredited institution with a 3.00 cumulative GPA. In some instances, admission may be granted to applicants with a GPA between 2.50 and 3.00 if they show a GPA improvement over time.
Application requirements include:
- A completed graduate admission application and application fee
- Official transcripts
- A personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
You must also provide evidence of having completed psychology coursework at the lower- or upper-division level.
Is an Online Psychology Degree Credible?
An online psychology degree can be credible if it meets several key criteria. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider when evaluating the credibility of an online psychology degree:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. For psychology, institutional accreditation is essential, as the American Psychological Association (APA) does not accredit bachelor’s or master’s programs.
- Institution Reputation: Choose a program from a university known for its educational quality. The reputation of both the university and the specific program matters.
- Career Goals Alignment: The program should align with your career objectives. For licensure in psychology, ensure the program offers the requisite coursework and training. For non-licensure careers, focus on the curriculum’s relevance to your field.
- Research and Due Diligence: Verify the program’s accreditation, faculty qualifications, curriculum, and how it supports your career or further education goals.
- Career Services: Credible programs often support students with career services, including internship placements, job search assistance, and networking opportunities, which can significantly impact your professional success post-graduation.
In short, an online psychology degree from an accredited, reputable institution that aligns with your career goals can be just as valuable as an on-campus degree.
Contact Us
Privacy Policy