1. What does a Psychological Science M.A. degree do for me professionally?
About half of our graduates go on to pursue doctoral degrees in psychology. In this regard, they use the M.A. degree to improve their GPA, get research experience, and generally make themselves more competitive as doctoral applicants. Many of the remaining graduates work as research associates in various public and private sector locations where they help doctoral researchers conduct studies and program evaluations.

2. Can I transfer from the Psychological Science M.A. program to one of Catholic University's doctoral programs (i.e., in clinical, applied-experimental, or human development)?
The Psychological Science M.A. is a terminal degree program; there is as such no internal transfer to a doctoral track. However, over the years a number of our M.A. students have applied and been accepted into our Ph.D. programs.  

3. I was not a psychology major in college; can I still apply to the Psychological Science M.A. program?
Yes, we take students who were not psychology majors. In fact, many of our students use the M.A. program as means of getting into psychology in hopes of making a career change. It helps to have a few psychology courses from college or taken since college, but such courses are not required to apply.

4. What are the main admission requirements?
Undergraduate grade point average and GRE's are seriously considered although there are no cut-off scores. Competency in English is required by a sufficient TOEFL exam score among students for whom English is not their first language. Letters of recommendation, essay statements, and a CV are also considered. Our program has made the GRE General Test optional for admission to the fall 2023 class. Applications without GRE scores will be given equal consideration. If applicants have GRE scores, they may submit scores and they will be considered by the admissions committee. 

5. Is there financial aid?
Financial aid is limited and typically awarded to those with high GRE scores. Most students in the program take out loans and work part time.

6. Can I get a meaningful research experience as an M.A. student?
Yes, one of the most important benefits of the M.A. program is affording students the opportunity to do research with Catholic University faculty and other students or work at DC-area institutions.

7. What are the degree requirements?
Students must pass 10 courses on various topics in psychology. (See the online M.A. Psychology handbook for current requirements.)  All students must write a topic paper with the support of a faculty advisor, and pass comprehensive exams that are based on an individual student's coursework.

8. I am interested in the J.D./M.A. program, how do I apply?
You must first apply and be admitted to the Catholic University Columbus School of Law, which has its own requirements including the LSAT. Once admitted into the law school, students may then apply to the J.D./M.A. program and be admitted accordingly. The GRE requirement is waved for J.D./M.A. applicants who have taken the LSAT and been admitted to Catholic University's law school.

9. I am interested in clinical psychology; can I take all clinical courses and get applied clinical experience in the M.A. program?
This is a general M.A. degree, therefore there is a limit of no more than three courses in any one area of specialization (e.g., clinical). There is limited opportunity for supervised clinical training, though some students assist with therapy as part of research or conduct research on clinical topics. Many students work in applied settings while in the M.A. program. Washington, D.C., has an extensive psychological community with employment opportunities in psychology related work.

10. How long will it take to get the M.A. degree?
Virtually all students take two (sometimes more) years to really optimize their experience in the program. Over this two year period one can get a significant research experience and work in the field. While difficult, it is theoretically possible to complete the degree in three semesters. Typically it is preferable to not rush through the program to really benefit from the opportunities that are created with the Psychological Science M.A. program.

11.  Can I attend part time?
Yes, but keep in mind that most of our classes are taught during the day.