Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health

Program Overview

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Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health Online

Program Overview

Gain valuable insight into human behavior and how it is shaped by life experiences ranging from everyday workplace relations to traumatic events in our 100% online Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health. In this mental health psychology master’s program, you will develop an advanced understanding of how addiction, trauma, and stress present challenges to people of all backgrounds.

Career Opportunities

• Postsecondary Instructor
• Case Manager
• Children’s Division Worker

Tuition

The online M.S. in Psychology – Mental Health program tuition is the same, affordable, pay-by-the-course rate for all U.S. residents. Fees are included in the total tuition, and financial aid may be available.

Tuition Breakdown

Program	Per Credit Hour	Per Course	Total Tuition
MSP – Mental Health	$650	$1,950	$23,400

Calendar

Ideal for working professionals, the M.S. in Psychology – Mental Health online program features 8-week courses and multiple start dates each year so you can begin at the time that works best for you.

Admission Requirements

• No GRE required
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 2.5 GPA

Courses

Leveling Course (if necessary)

• PY 600: Advanced General Psychology
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3

Core Courses

• PY 612: Advanced Cognitive Processes
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3
• PY 617: Research Design & Analysis I
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3
• PY 627: Research Design & Analysis II
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3
• PY 621: Advanced Developmental Psychology
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3
• PY 650: Biological Bases of Behavior
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3
• PY 655: Advanced Social Psychology
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3
• PY 687: Community Project I
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3
• PY 689: Community Project II
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3

Concentration Courses

• PY 610: Psychology of Personality
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3
• PY 623: Drugs & Behavior
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3
• PY 683: Trauma and Stress
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3
• PY 698: Treatment of Disorders
  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Credit Hours: 3

Learning Outcomes

• Master a strong foundational knowledge base regarding the key ideas, people, concepts, facts, principles, methodologies, perspectives, theories, philosophies, findings, and trends in contemporary personality psychology
• Develop a psychologist’s mindset and cognitive discipline regarding the application of personality psychological research in everyday life
• Hone their social and cultural intelligence skills, demonstrating an understanding of diversity and individual differences
• Discover, articulate and enact the qualities that make for strong team building and teamwork

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Credit for prior learning recognizes your previous accomplishments, reducing your total cost and time to graduation. You may be closer to graduation than you think.

Program Outline

It also examines the impact of psychoactive drugs on individuals and society. The program equips you with a comprehensive understanding of addiction, trauma, and stress, and how these challenges affect individuals from diverse backgrounds.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and how it is shaped by various life experiences.
• Develop advanced knowledge of how addiction, trauma, and stress present challenges to individuals of all backgrounds.
• Provide students with the skills and knowledge to serve their communities and apply their learning through a hands-on, faculty-guided capstone project.
• Prepare graduates for potential continued education in doctoral programs.

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Program Description:

The Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. You'll gain a solid foundation in psychological principles while developing the ability to apply your learning to real-world situations. Through engaging coursework and a collaborative learning environment, you'll:

• Analyze the impact of individual differences on human behavior.
• Explore the biological and social factors influencing mental health.
• Examine the effects of psychoactive drugs on the brain and behavior.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address mental health challenges.
• Hone your research and communication skills through hands-on projects and assignments.
This program empowers you to become a knowledgeable and compassionate professional, equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• The program consists of 12 courses totaling 36 credit hours.
• Students who need foundational knowledge may take a leveling course (3 credit hours) in addition to the core curriculum.
• The curriculum is a blend of core and concentration courses, covering a wide range of topics in psychology.
• Courses are offered in an 8-week format, allowing for flexible pacing and completion of the program within 12 months.

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Course Schedule:

• Students can choose from multiple start dates throughout the year.
• The program follows a rolling admissions process, allowing students to begin their studies at their convenience.

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Individual Modules:

• Leveling Course (if necessary): Advanced General Psychology (3 credit hours)
• Core Courses:
• Advanced Cognitive Processes (3 credit hours)
• Research Design & Analysis I (3 credit hours)
• Research Design & Analysis II (3 credit hours)
• Advanced Developmental Psychology (3 credit hours)
• Biological Bases of Behavior (3 credit hours)
• Advanced Social Psychology (3 credit hours)
• Community Project I (3 credit hours)
• Community Project II (3 credit hours)
• Concentration Courses:
• Psychology of Personality (3 credit hours)
• Drugs & Behavior (3 credit hours)
• Trauma and Stress (3 credit hours)
• Treatment of Disorders (3 credit hours)

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Module Descriptions:

• Advanced General Psychology: Provides an overview of major areas in psychology, promoting critical thinking skills.
• Advanced Cognitive Processes: Explores cognitive functions like attention, language, memory, and decision-making.
• Research Design & Analysis I & II: Equips students with the skills to conduct and analyze psychological research.
• Advanced Developmental Psychology: Examines physical, cognitive, social, personality, brain, and emotional development across the lifespan.
• Biological Bases of Behavior: Investigates the relationship between biology and human experience, covering topics like the nervous system, genetics, and emotions.
• Advanced Social Psychology: Explores social cognitive processes, personal and interpersonal relationships, and issues of diversity and inclusion.
• Psychology of Personality: Compares and contrasts personality development theories, analyzing individual adjustments from childhood to adulthood.
• Drugs & Behavior: Examines the effects of psychoactive drugs on psychology, physiology, and society, focusing on treatment and policies.
• Trauma and Stress: Explores the impact of stress and trauma on the brain, different types of traumatic experiences, and effective interventions.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Exams and quizzes
• Essays and research papers
• Presentations
• Participation in class discussions and activities
• Specific grading criteria vary depending on the assessment method and course requirements.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles:
• Interactive lectures
• Group discussions and activities
• Case studies
• Online simulations and exercises
• Individual and group projects

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Faculty:

• The program boasts a dedicated faculty with expertise in various areas of psychology.
• Faculty members are actively involved in research and bring their real-world experience to the classroom.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program offers a personalized learning experience with regular feedback from faculty.
• The hands-on capstone project allows students to apply their knowledge to address real-world challenges.
• The program fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can engage with their peers and faculty.

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Careers:

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Career Opportunities:

• Graduates of the program are prepared for various careers in mental health, including:
• Postsecondary Instructor
• Case Manager
• Children's Division Worker
• Mental Health Counselor
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Social Worker
• Human Resources Specialist
• And more

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Career Outcomes:

• The program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge to pursue further education or enter the workforce as qualified mental health professionals.
• Avila University's Career Services assists graduates with job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation.

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Other:

• The program is designed to be flexible and accessible to working professionals, offering online courses and multiple start dates.
• The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.