Psychological Sciences (M.A.)
Welcome to the Master’s program in Psychological Sciences at Rutgers University-Camden. Our program offers an experience that strikes a balance between rigorous academic classes and individually supervised research apprenticeships. While we do not provide training or clinical licensing in psychological assessment, counseling, or therapy, we do specialize in fundamental and applied research, ensuring you receive a comprehensive academic foundation. This specialization underscores our commitment to equipping students with the necessary skills in scientific research methods, which in turn empowers them to effectively address real-world challenges.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
The Psychology program at Rutgers-Camden deepens students’ comprehension of human behavior within the context of people’s lives. We highly value various research methods in psychology, encompassing quantitative, qualitative, basic, and applied approaches. Our commitment extends to addressing disparities within the field of psychological science, and we are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment that promotes a broad understanding of psychology across diverse individuals, families, and communities.
What makes our program unique?
Shaping Your Experience: Research, Projects, and Capstone Options
Students interested in gaining research experience should confer with faculty who share their interests and, if invited, join their lab in the fall of their first year in the program. Working under the advisement of a faculty member and in collaboration with fellow students provides valuable opportunities to develop research skills, contribute to ongoing projects, and potentially present at conferences. In consultation and with guidance from their faculty advisor, some students may be granted the opportunity to complete an independent research project or thesis. Students who prefer to explore psychology through a broad range of classes instead take a comprehensive exam as their capstone experience.
Important Information About Clinical Training and Licensure
Our program is designed for students preparing for doctoral programs or seeking research careers in fields like marketing or pharmaceutical research. Notably, our graduates have been accepted into prestigious Ph.D. programs worldwide.
Please Note: The program focuses on basic and applied research and does not offer clinical licensing nor training in psychological counseling or therapy. Those interested in clinical training providing licensure should look into alternative programs such as the Rutgers Social Work program, and the GSAPP program in Applied Behavioral Analysis, both of which provide training for clinical license exams and are offered at Rutgers Camden’s campus.
Program Overview
DETAIL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| DEGREE | Master of Arts (M.A.) Accelerated option available |
| CREDITS | 30 credits |
| FORMAT | Full-time or part-time, on-campus |
| DURATION | 3-4 semesters |
| FUNDING | University, Graduate School, and Departmental Funding Available |
Program in Action
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Psychology Behind Public Art
Murals tell stories—of communities, histories, and the ever-changing present. From the earliest cave paintings to the towering works of street art in today’s cities, people have long used walls as canvases for collective expression. In “Mural Art and the Psychology of Expression,” Eileen Reinhard explores this connection, highlighting how mural art continues to shape communities…. continue reading
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Strong Finish to a GSO-Powered Year
Even gray skies couldn’t dim the spirit of the Graduate… continue reading
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New Celebrity Weight Loss Trend & Its Hidden Costs
Hollywood’s latest obsession with Ozempic isn’t just about weight loss—it’s… continue reading
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Exploring the Link Between Loneliness & Physical Activity
Loneliness and physical inactivity are deeply intertwined public health challenges… continue reading
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Understanding Anger & Dislike
What drives anger, and how does it differ from interpersonal… continue reading
Featured Courses
View the list of Course Descriptions.
GRADUATE PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY (56:830:631)
The course covers personality psychology from Freud to the Five Factor Model, exploring genetic, environmental, gender, and cultural influences on development, as well as mental and physical health applications.
GRADUATE ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (56:830:640)
The course introduces students to major psychopathologies, DSM-IV-TR classification, research-based understanding, and effective treatment approaches for psychiatric disorders.
STATISTICS & RESEARCH DESIGN (56:830:650)
The course emphasizes multivariate design, including between and within subjects, mixed models, regression, covariance analysis, computerized data analysis, and graphical representation for application.
INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY (56:830:625)
This introduction to industrial/organizational psychology covers personnel, organizations, job analysis, motivation, leadership, diversity, training, culture, and organizational change.
HUMAN FACTORS
(56:830:660)
Focus on human factors in system design and operation, applying cognitive theories to domains like display design, virtual reality, and error reduction.
TEACHING IN PSYCHOLOGY
(56:830:702)
Seminar offers teaching experience in psychology classes, preparing students as future teaching assistants and instructors. Develop teaching portfolio for future roles.
Admissions Requirements
DETAIL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| TRANSCRIPTS | Applicants must hold a recognized B.A./B.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. |
| LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION | Two (but preferably three) letters of recommendation addressing your potential for graduate study in psychology. |
| PERSONAL STATEMENT | A statement about your personal and professional goals. Identify whether you are interested in the Content Track or Thesis Track. For the Thesis track, include areas of research and faculty members you might be interested in working with. |
| WRITING SAMPLE | A writing sample (e.g., a paper you wrote for an undergraduate course) |
Application Deadlines
Preference is given to those submitted before the deadline for both decisions and funding opportunities. Applications received after the deadlines will be considered based on available space and budgetary constraints.
Fall
MAY 15
Spring
OCT 15
Summer
NOT OFFERED
Reach Out to Us
Let’s begin a conversation about your academic and professional goals. If you have questions regarding the curriculum, faculty, admission criteria, or committee, please feel free to contact the Graduate Program Director. For administrative inquiries concerning the application process, campus tuition, and fees, reach out to the Graduate School. We are dedicated to assisting you from application to graduation day.
GRADUATE SCHOOL CONTACT
Erick E. Watt-Udogu
Assistant Dean, Graduate School-Camden
erick.watt.udogu@camden.rutgers.edu
(856) 225-6149
Take the Next Step.
We invite you to explore the boundless opportunities that await you here, where a world-class faculty, diverse community, and innovative curriculum converge to nurture your intellect and foster your professional growth. Your future starts with a simple yet significant act – learning more about the exceptional programs we offer. So, why wait? Start your application journey with us, and together, we’ll unlock a future filled with possibilities and endless success.