fbpx

    Top 22 Master’s in Experimental Psychology in 2024

    January 26, 2024 | Admin

    Although there are many different degrees focusing on psychology, earning a master’s in Experimental Psychology can help set you apart from your peers.  Experimental Psychology is a subset of General Psychology study and focuses more on the reasoning and methodology behind psychological interpretation and methodology.

    What Is Experimental Psychology?

    Experimental Psychology focuses on the methodology and research methods behind psychological study.  There is a heavy emphasis on statistical interpretation and quantitative reasoning, which makes this particular field in psychology, not for the faint of heart.  Experiential Psychology can be extremely useful in several different career-oriented arenas, setting students up for a professional career researching and studying human behavior and reasoning.

    Usually to earn a Masters in Experimental Psychology students must first obtain a Bachelor degree with a concentration in Psychology.  Students are required to take a heavy course load focused on research methods, and many programs include a heavy emphasis on experimental and laboratory work.  Depending on the program you enter, and your intent to pursue a PhD, many Masters in Experimental Psychology students may have to complete and defend a thesis.

    What Are the Benefits?

    A Masters in Experimental Psychology can help set a student up for years of success.  Programs that terminate with a Masters in Experimental Psychology will set students up for a career working in social sciences, research facilities, or laboratories.  A Master’s degree can also help to prepare students for a PhD with a strong focus on Clinical Psychology.  Students who have learned statistical reasoning and research methods can then further extrapolate these skills to all areas of coursework, research, and career endeavors.

    What is the Outlook and Salary?

    Because enrollment in Experiential Psychology is relatively low, there is a strong demand for students who graduate with a Masters in Experimental Psychology.  The job placement, or continuation rate to pursue a PhD, is extremely high, usually reporting over 80% among students.  There is a wide range of jobs available in this field, ranging from industrial and organizational psychology and planning, to research assistant in a laboratory.  The salary for an Experimental Psychologist working as a social scientist is about $89,000 per year.

    If setting up experiments, establishing sound methods, and crunching numbers sounds like an exciting career for you, a Masters in Experimental Psychology may be perfect.  If you need help deciding where the best school to pursue your degree is, we are here to help. Below, we have put together a list of the top 22 schools offering a Masters in Experimental Psychology.

    Here are the top 22 Master’s in Experimental Psychology Programs!

    1

    University of West Alabama (41 points)

    • Livingston, Alabama
    • Graduation Rate: 30%

    Although the physical school is located in Livingston, Alabama the University of West Alabama offers an option for an online graduate degree in Experimental Psychology. This school gives students three different paths to take when it comes to Experimental Psychology, each with varying the amount of credit hours required. Students can choose between General Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Health and Sports Psychology.

    This is an excellent program for students who wish to pursue a PhD in Psychology at a later point in their career. With intensive coursework this program has a strict outline of classes which include Psychological Methods, Research Methods, and Psychological Theory. Depending on the course work chosen and the path for psychological study, students will have the option to write and present a thesis, setting students up for PhD success. Those who wish to continue on to a Doctoral program will have to pass a comprehensive exam.

    With low tuition rates and a small enrollment each year, students will have the opportunity to work one on one with faculty, staff, and professors. The skills learned through this program will set students up to excel at critical thinking, qualitative and quantitative analysis, expert and advanced research methods, and professional research presentation.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $429 per credit
    Application Requirements: 3.0 GPA with a BS in Psychology, Minimum GRE Score, Writing Sample, List of Professors To Act as Mentor
    Visit School Website
    2

    LeTourneau University (39 points)

    • Longview, Texas
    • Graduation Rate: 64%

    Based out of Longview, Texas LeTourneau University offers a graduate degree in Psychology. This school is based in Christian values and gears its education toward building community and divulging the basic principles of human dignity and compassion. Students who apply and enroll to this school should center their focus on wanting to make a difference in the world, from the inside out.

    While there is a physical building for LeTourneau University, students who elect the graduate degree in Psychology can opt for 100% online instruction. This school has a very high placement rate with 93% of graduate students being placed in a career upon graduation. Plus, this school offers several opportunities to contribute to the world socially, both locally and internationally. Although tuition is higher than others on the list, this school offers a small enrollment that ensures personalized instruction.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $615 per credit
    Application Requirements: Online Application and Undergraduate Transcripts
    Visit School Website
    3

    University of Louisiana – Monroe (37 points)

    • Monroe, Louisiana
    • Graduation Rate: 46%

    Located in Monroe, Louisiana the University of Louisiana – Monroe – has a top graduate program for students looking to pursue an advanced degree in Experimental Psychology. This program ranks high on the list due to its small enrollment size and relatively low tuition prices. There are many options and paths for students to take who want to explore a professional career in a psychology field. Options for Psychology students from this university can be taken complete online if students decide to pursue a Forensics Psychology concentration. Otherwise, students are at least required to attend one semester in person on campus.

    Students will have a range of courses to select from, and will have the choice to take a thesis option for their graduate studies. Although a thesis is not required for graduation it is recommended for students who wish to pursue a PhD later in their studies. Students are encouraged to work alongside professors and advisors to set up a proper course of study in order to achieve their professional goals.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $517 per credit
    Application Requirements: Minimum 9 Credits in Undergraduate Psychology Study, Minimum 3.0 GPA as Undergraduate, Minimum GRE Score
    Visit School Website
    4

    Xavier University (34 points)

    • Cincinnati, Ohio
    • Graduation Rate: 72%

    Xavier University offers a range of Psychology degrees for graduate students. Newly enrolled students are asked to choose from one of two paths. The first option is a degree focusing on General Experimental Psychology, while the second track focuses on Industrial Organizational Psychology. The highlight of these psychology pathways is to focus on the mental process to further study human behavior.

    The school is closely examining the pathway for the General Experimental Psychology track and is currently revamping their curriculum. Students are encouraged to apply for Industrial Organizational Psychology in the interim. This school has a high placement rate and regularly works with large Fortune 500 organizations such as Target Retail Stores, Accenture Consulting, and HCR-Manorcare.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $640 per credit
    Application Requirements: Minimum 18 Credit Hours in Undergraduate Psychology, 3 Letters of Reference, GRE Minimum Score, Letter of Intent, Compatibility with Current Staff, Completed Application Form and Fee
    Visit School Website
    5

    Angelo State University (33 points)

    • San Angelo, Texas
    • Graduation Rate: 36%

    Based out of San Angelo, Texas, Angelo State University offers a range of Psychology degrees and concentrations, with a special focus on Experimental Psychology with an emphasis on Behavioral Neuroscience. This specialized program is taught completely by professors who currently have a PhD, offering expert instruction and career advice. This graduate program is excellent for students who wish to pursue a PhD degree in the future.

    While the core work for this program focuses on Behavioral Neuroscience, there is a heavy focus on statistical analysis and both human and non-human laboratory work. For this reason, this program is not offered online, and the student must be present in the classroom. This Masters in Experimental Psychology offers both a thesis and non-thesis option to appease both students looking to progress to a PhD, as well as students who wish to terminate their degree following the completion of their Master’s.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $550 per credit
    Application Requirements: Minimum 3.25 or 3.5 GPA in Undergraduate Work, Minimum GRE Score if Students Do Not Have a BS in Psychology, Letter of Intent, Transcripts, Face to Face Skype Interview with Department Heads
    Visit School Website
    6

    University of Texas El Paso (33 points)

    • El Paso, Texas
    • Graduation Rate: 37%

    The University of Texas El Paso campus has a program designed for students to earn a Masters in Experimental Psychology. The program is 30 credits in length and has a thesis requirement, which must be defended in front of a panel in order to be awarded a degree. This program is perfect for both students who would like to terminate their degree following a successful completion of a Master’s, or for students who wish to further pursue a PhD in Psychology.

    In addition to the core, required classes required for degree completion, the University of Texas El Paso offers an extremely wide range of graduate level Psychology elective courses allowing students to completely customize their degree. This allows students to focus on the concentration and specialty within Experimental Psychology that they are most interested.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $782 per credit
    Application Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA in Undergraduate work and Minimum GRE Score Required, but Noted that this School is Competitive
    Visit School Website
    7

    Medaille College (32 points)

    • Buffalo, New York
    • Graduation Rate: 43%

    Based out of Buffalo, New York, Medaille College offers a comprehensive graduate program in Psychology. This school offers a wide range of concentrations for students to focus on including Evolutionary Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Behavioral Psychology. Medaille College focuses on both the scientific aspects of psychology, as well as the theoretical reasoning and analysis.

    While there is a physical building that students can attend their classes, this program is offered with a remote learning option, allowing students to complete the program completely online. Following the completion of the core course work, an internship or mentor lead study in Psychology is required for graduation. This can also take the form of a thesis which must be completed and presented in front of a panel. The thesis option makes this an excellent choice for students who wish to further pursue a PhD program in Psychology.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $875 per credit
    Application Requirements: Letter of Intent, 3 Letters of Recommendation, Essay of Your Goals and Self Appraisal, Interview with Faculty and Staff
    Visit School Website
    8

    Radford University (29 points)

    • Radford, Virginia
    • Graduation Rate: 58%

    The Experimental Psychology program at Radford University offers students a diverse approach to learning this complex and exciting field. Students are expected to specialize in two content areas. In conjunction with the core course work required for graduation, students will attend weekly meetings with faculty and fellow graduate students.

    As part of the graduation requirements each student is required to start an experimental project at the beginning of the first semester. Work on the experiment will continue through the graduate program and will become an integral part of the student’s thesis. The thesis, as well as the empirical research conducted throughout the experiment, will be presented to a panel of faculty. This program is excellent for students who wish to enter the government or private sector, or go on to further their education in clinical psychology.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $726 per credit
    Application Requirements: 18 Hours of Undergraduate Psychology Work, 3 Letters of Recommendation, GRE Minimum Scores, Letter of Intent, Transcripts
    Visit School Website
    9

    Fort Hays State University (28 points)

    • Hays, Kansas
    • Graduation Rate: 71%

    For students who wish to enter academia, or pursue a PhD in Psychology, the Experimental Psychology degree from Fort Hays State University is an excellent choice. This program is only offered in person, on campus, and requires 33 credit hours in order to graduate. This is one of the few programs that students are required to be on campus 100% of the time.

    While the course work is diverse and varied, a strong emphasis is placed on research methods and statistical reasoning. This is intended to help set students up for success in a higher education degree, and to help students while working real time in a lab with actual data and numbers. There are plenty of opportunities for students to partake in research studies and there is a thesis option for students who wish to develop and defend a theory in psychology.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $631 per credit
    Application Requirements: BS in Psychology with a 3.0 GPA Minimum, GRE Scores Within Past 5 Years
    Visit School Website
    10

    University of North Carolina – Greensboro (28 points)

    • Greensboro, North Carolina
    • Graduation Rate: 54%

    There are many paths a psychology student can take, and the programs offered at University of North Carolina Greensboro are some of the most diverse. There are several options for students who wish to terminate a Masters degree for General Psychology. Terminate students are expected to pursue Cognitive, Developmental, and Social Psychology routes with a faculty and mentor in order to develop and highlight the key skills found in each. Students who decide to pursue Clinical Psychology may not terminate their degree and are expected to move on to PhD studies.

    The program offered by UNC Greensboro is a full time program where students must attend class in person on campus. For most students it takes about two to three years in order to complete the terminate Master’s degree program. This is an excellent choice for students who want experience working through statistical reasoning and quantitative methods as it applies to psychological study, experimentation, and reasoning.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $555 per credit
    Application Requirements: GRE Minimum Score, Transcripts, 3 Letters of Recommendation
    Visit School Website
    11

    Sacred Heart University (26 points)

    • Fairfield, Connecticut
    • Graduation Rate: 60%

    Based out of Fairfield, Connecticut Sacred Heart University offers a diverse and comprehensive graduate Psychology program. This program focuses on Industrial and Organizational Psychology with a concentration on working in large businesses or industries. This is a great degree for people who only want to pursue their Master’s degree, and have an intention to move immediately into the workforce following a successful graduation.

    The course outlined for this degree is intended for people who are already working during the day. Courses are divided into six, 8-week modules which are completed twice per week in the evenings. In between the in-person course work required for graduation, study and instruction will be supplemented with online instruction.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $880 per credit
    Application Requirements: BS in Psychology with 3.0 GPA, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Resume, Personal Statement, Transcripts
    Visit School Website
    12

    Brooklyn College (21 points)

    • Brooklyn, New York
    • Graduation Rate: 57%

    Living up to the strong reputation of New York schools, Brooklyn College offers a wonderful graduate program in Experimental Psychology. This program is designed for both people who are currently working and want to progress their career, or for students who wish to go on to study for a PhD in Psychology. With a variety of course options available from Brooklyn College it is possible to take a range of courses and hone in on your preferred concentration or specialty.

    Class sizes remain small, yet there are 35 dedicated faculty members to help with instruction. Brooklyn College highlights the hands on experience students receive with this program setting students up for a successful career or PhD study in the future. This program requires in person attendance and classes are offered during the day, making it difficult for working professionals to enroll.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $855 per credit
    Application Requirements: 12 Credit Hours in Psychology with 3.0 GPA Minimum, Statistics and Research Methods Course Completion with B or better, no GRE Required
    Visit School Website
    13

    Seton Hall University (20 points)

    • South Orange, New Jersey
    • Graduation Rate: 64%

    Seton Hall University offers a graduate program for students to excel in the psychology field. Whether students want to pursue a career in laboratory work, or want to go on to earn a PhD, Seton Hall has a range of course work options and education designed to help prepare students for a future in psychology. There are a total of 5 degree options which allows students to custom create their own graduate program.

    This graduate program has a wonderful track record of success. 84% of students go on to pursue a PhD, or are placed in a psychology related field. There is a great 2 to 1 student to teacher ratio which guarantees that students will get dedicated instruction from available and knowledgeable professors.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $1,354 per credit
    Application Requirements: Bachelor Degree with Minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE Scores in 50th Percentile or Higher
    Visit School Website
    14

    San Jose State University (17 points)

    • San Jose, California
    • Graduation Rate: 62%

    Students who enroll in the graduate program at San Jose State University do so with the intent of following one of two paths. First, students may obtain a Master’s degree in order to further their career, choosing to enter the workforce. Alternatively, the course curriculum designed at San Jose State University perfectly sets students up to pursue their PhD studies.

    With a wide range of research interests and areas for specific concentration, the graduate degree program at San Jose State University offers concentrations such as Cognitive Psychology, Human Factors, Social Psychology, and Personality Psychology. Students are free to create a curriculum and learning path that most closely aligns with their own career goals and objectives.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $694 per credit
    Application Requirements: Bachelor Degree with 30 Credit Hours in Psychology with Minimum 3.0 GPA, 3 Letters of Recommendation, Minimum GRE, Graduate Admission Form and Fee
    Visit School Website
    15

    Central Washington University (16 points)

    • Ellensburg, Washington
    • Graduation Rate: 65%

    The Experimental Psychology Master’s degree offered from Central Washington University can either help set students up for a career in Research Psychology, or can further prepare students to pursue a PhD in Psychology. This program is rooted in experimental efforts and research methods to give students a strong understanding of methodology and statistical reasoning.

    This is a small program which highlights the student to instructor ratio. Each student is encouraged to work alongside a psychology mentor who will help guide and develop a thesis. The experiment and thesis topic will be set in the first year of study, and the student will continue to gather data and interpret results in order to present a final thesis to a panel of faculty members for graduation.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $1,625 per credit
    Application Requirements: GRE Minimum Score, BA/BS in any Field, 3 Letters of Recommendation, Transcripts, Identify Mentor in Faculty, Personal Statement
    Visit School Website
    16

    Georgia Southern University (16 points)

    • Statesboro, Georgia
    • Graduation Rate: 46%

    The goal of the Experimental Psychology program at Georgia Southern University is to teach students methods for proper experimentation and analysis techniques when it comes to psychological endeavors. This is to either set students up for a successful path toward PhD completion, or to prepare students to find a career in the social sciences.

    There is a strong emphasis on the student to instructor ratio at Georgia Southern University with students working closely alongside faculty members and mentors. Students will collaborate with mentors on core coursework as well as experiments. If interested, students can pursue a graduate degree with a teaching emphasis to prepare students to one day teach in a classroom. In addition, they only accept 10-12 students each year, ensuring that students work closely with their faculty research mentors.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $1,105 per credit
    Application Requirements: Bachelor Degree with 3.0 GPA Minimum, Minimum GRE Scores, 3 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement
    Visit School Website
    17

    Nova Southeastern University (15 points)

    • Broward County, Florida
    • Graduation Rate: 62%

    Located in beautiful, sunny Florida, Nova Southeastern University offers a comprehensive Masters in Experimental Psychology. This degree focuses on experimentation and research methods to prepare students to either enter a PhD program, or pursue a career in the private or government sector. This course is offered on the main campus and does not allow for online study.

    There are several core classes and elective classes available to create a full course curriculum. Students have the option of selecting from multiple elective courses which allows them to custom create their focus or concentration. This graduate program does require a thesis which can help prepare students for a PhD program in the future.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $815 per credit
    Application Requirements: Bachelor Degree, Letter of Intent, GRE Minimum, 3 Letters of Recommendation
    Visit School Website
    18

    Ball State University (14 points)

    • Muncie, Indiana
    • Graduation Rate: 57%

    Located in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State University offers students an innovative and complete course curriculum in Psychology. This school focuses on four main psychology disciplines, highlighting the techniques and skills needed to study Cognition, Developmental, Social, and Biological Psychology. Using a combination of these four disciplines, the school delves deeper into the research methods and statistical analysis needed to fully understand and experiment in these fields.

    Ball State University is famous for having a very small program, accepting only 10 to 12 students per year. This means that students will receive one on one attention, personalized curriculums, and an intensive amount of study with continuous guidance. This is one of the main attractions to this school.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $1,161 per credit
    Application Requirements: Bachelor Degree with 3.0 GPA Minimum and Psychology Course Focus, GRE with No Minimum Required Though Competitive
    Visit School Website
    19

    University of Mississippi (10 points)

    • Oxford, Mississippi
    • Graduation Rate: 59%

    The program for Experimental Psychology at the University of Mississippi has a two pronged approach to education available for students. The first is intended for students looking to terminate their degree and enter the workforce. The curriculum is career oriented and helps set students up for success in the pharmacy, life science, behavioral science, and health science industries. The course work focuses on scientific methods and research.

    The second path that students may choose to take sets students up for success while pursuing an advanced PhD degree. To do this, students must still focus on the scientific aspects of Experimental Psychology, but continue to concentrate their focus on Behavioral Neuroscience, Social Psychology, and Cognitive Psychology.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $1,388 per credit
    Application Requirements: Personal Statement, 3 Letters of Recommendation, Transcripts, GRE (Waived for 2021 Applicants)
    Visit School Website
    20

    Harvard University (9 points)

    • Cambridge, Massachusetts
    • Graduation Rate: 97%

    The program for Experimental Psychology offered by Harvard University features a curriculum of study focused in four main areas of Psychology. The areas students study include Clinical Science, Developmental, Social, and Cognition, Brain, and Behavior. Giving students a well rounded and full curriculum Harvard University sets students up for success to pursue an advanced degree.

    It is important to note that there is not an option to terminate a Mater’s degree at Harvard University. Students who are enrolled in the graduate program are expected to continue their studies to earn a PhD.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $2,041 per credit
    Application Requirements: Bachelor Degree with 14 Credit Hour Minimum in Psychology, Minimum GRE Score, Completed Application Form and Fee
    Visit School Website
    21

    University of Pennsylvania (5 points)

    • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    • Graduation Rate: 95%

    The graduate program offered by the University of Pennsylvania features a free form graduate program that allows students to develop their own interests and concentrations. There is a high level of importance placed on allowing students to develop their own research and experimental methods in order to conduct sound experiments with accurate statistical interpretation.

    This is a very small program that is offered and there is a great student to faculty ratio. This means that each student will receive personalized instruction, allowing students to further develop and practice experimentation and research methodology. Students are encouraged to approach a general understanding of Psychology instead of highlighting a concentration in a specific field. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue a PhD following acceptance to this graduate program.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $2,531 per credit
    Application Requirements: Statement of Interest, GRE Required (Though Currently Waived) Several Factors Taken Into Account For Acceptance
    Visit School Website
    22

    Ohio State University (3 points)

    • Columbus, Ohio
    • Graduation Rate: 83%

    The graduate program offered by Ohio State University features several different areas of Psychology that students can choose to pursue. These include Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Quantitative, and Social Psychology. Students who are accepted and enrolled in the graduate program are expected to continue their studies to pursue a PhD degree.

    Competition is extremely high for those hoping to gain admittance to the school. Once accepted into the program the average GPA of current students is 3.77, demonstrating a competitive atmosphere with professional students.

    School Overview

    Tuition: $2,300 per credit
    Application Requirements: Minimum 14 Credit Hours in Undergraduate Psychology Study, Minimum GRE Score, Application Form and Fee
    Visit School Website

    Methodology

    The ranking system developed for the above listed schools is based off of a point system, with 44 points being the maximum number of points which can be achieved.  There are two measurable indicators which factor into the overall ranking.  The first factor is the tuition price.  To keep rankings uniform, tuition price is measured on a per credit basis.  For schools that only offer a per semester tuition cost, it is assumed that one semester includes 12 credits.  The cost that is reported is the tuition cost is for an out of state student, assuming that applicants will not necessarily be a resident of the state.

    The second metric that is used to rank the above schools is the total enrollment number for the school.  Universities and colleges that have a lower enrollment number received a more favorable ranking.  It is assumed that schools with a smaller student population can dedicate more time, energy, and resources to the students, allowing for more individualized and better instruction.  The two values are then added together to come up with a combined point score that indicates the school’s overall ranking.  If you need help choosing which school is best for you, we are here for you.  We have scoured the available Masters in Experimental Psychology programs to help outline and highlight the key features and benefits that help to make your decision easier.

    If you represent one of the schools we have listed and would like to make edits, feel free to reach out to us.  We are always looking to update our information so that we can give prospective new students the best information possible when it comes to pursuing their academic goals.

    Find the program that’s right for you

    Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.

    Woman in graduation cap and gown
    Scroll to Top