Masters in Psychology in USA: Deadlines, Eligibility, Fees & Job Opportunities

Highlights

• Masters in psychology in USA is available in the academic terms of Fall, Spring, and Summer.
• USA is about to experience approximately 12,800 employment growth in the field of Psychology from 2022-2023, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicating increase in professional opportunities.
• After masters in psychology in USA, you can pursue professional opportunities as Research analyst, Case manager, Mental health clinician, School psychologist, and Healthcare consultant.
• You should pass the EPPP examination and receive approval from a state licencing board to work as a clinical psychologist in USA.

Masters in psychology in USA is a 2 year postgraduate degree program. The program is available as a distinct degree or a part of a doctoral program, earned with a thesis work. For admission to Masters in psychology in USA, international applicants require a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%). The supporting documents required for admission to masters in psychology are:

• GRE score (Optional): 310+ Recommended
• SOP
• Up to 3 LORs
• English language proficiency:
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79
  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5
• Additional forms

The tuition fees for masters in psychology in the top US universities range between 25,000 and 68,000 USD per annum (20.84 and 56.68 lakhs INR). Masters in psychology in USA offers good return on investment, with graduates earning an average salary of 64,000 USD (53.35 lakhs INR) per annum. Check out the average salary range of psychologists in USA:

Best Universities in USA for Masters in Psychology

Currently, there are 82 top psychology universities in USA according to QS WUR by subject, with programs available at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Some best universities in USA for masters in psychology program are as follows:

Why Study Masters in Psychology in USA?

USA offers a wide range of choice of masters programs in psychology, with degrees like MS in psychology in USA and MA in psychology in USA. Here are some interesting facts and reasons to study masters in psychology in USA for international students:

• With about 50 subdivisions in psychology offered at American universities, there are immense career options for students. The most common industries employing psychology graduates in USA include schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, outpatient centers and family services.
• According to U.S. BLS, the median annual wage for psychologists was 85,330 USD (70 lakhs INR), indicating a promising earning potential in the field.
• Employment of psychologists in USA is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
• Approximately 12,800 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. This indicates a consistent demand for psychologists and potential job opportunities.

Masters in Psychology in USA Admission Requirements

A 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required for admission to a master degree in psychology in USA, with preference for students from a relevant field. Work experience in a related field is an added advantage for a few branches of psychology such as counseling. Schools prefer students who can understand the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of the people and are able to interact with them.

Students are required to submit proof of standardized exams to study in USA. The additional admission requirements for psychology masters programs in USA are as follows:

Masters in Psychology in USA: English Proficiency Requirements

A few universities exempt the requirements for TOEFL iBT or IELTS score for psychology masters in USA, if you have a background in English medium institution. Confirmation regarding this must be made after contacting the respective university. The English proficiency requirements at some top universities are as follows:

Cost of Masters in Psychology in USA

The cost of studying in USA varies for in-state and out-state students. The cost of studying master of psychology in USA includes tuition fees, and cost of living. The sections below caters to the estimated cost of studying the program in USA for an international student.

Masters in Psychology in USA Tuition Fees

Some top universities offering masters programs in Psychology in USA and their respective tuition fees:

A graphical representation of the tuition fees for masters in psychology in USA is provided below:

Cost of Living in USA

The cost of living in USA depends on factors like residence, food, utilities, and transportation among others. A breakdown of the estimated cost of living in USA as an international student is provided below:

Scholarships for Masters in Psychology in USA

Studying in USA can be quite heavy on the pockets. Thus to minimize the expenses students need to estimate their budget while in USA. He/she can then look for various financial aid options to support their studies.

There are a number of scholarships for international scholarships in USA that are offered by the respective universities. Apart from these, there are other external scholarships to help international students with the expenses. A few of the scholarships offered are:

Masters in Psychology in USA: Jobs and Salaries

Masters in psychology graduates in USA often work under the direction of a doctoral psychologist, especially in clinical, counseling, school, and testing and measurement psychology unless a counseling graduate. Another popular option among students is to opt for a Ph.D. in Psychology. After a Ph.D. in Psychology, students are able to earn an average salary of 102,000 USD (85.03 lakhs INR) per annum. Check out the top job opportunities in USA after masters in psychology:

License to Practice as a School Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist in USA

To practice as a private clinical psychologist or a school psychologist in the USA, psychology graduates are required to get a license. However, to be eligible for these careers students must have a doctoral degree in psychology.

To work as a clinical psychologist, a doctoral graduate in psychology must:

• Complete the required supervised hours during the internship.
• Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
• Receive approval from a state licensing board

School psychologists in USA are required to get a certificate or license to work in public schools through Department of Education of the state. Some states might also require the student to complete an internship.

With the increasing awareness of the importance of mental health, psychology has become a growing professional sector. With a number of career options like neuropsychologists, social psychologists and industrial-organizational psychologists, masters in psychology in USA has become a popular choice to study in USA.

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