Applied Psychology
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- Our versatile degree is for students of all backgrounds.
- The flexible program format fits into your life.
- Apply your skills in a wide range of career paths.
Program Details
- Next Start Date
- August 18
- Est. Program Length
- 1-2 years
- Course Length
- 8 or 16 weeks
- Cost per Credit
- $388.80*
- Credit Hours
- 45
- Credits Accepted
- 9
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $734.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees. Fees and tuition subject to change.
Request InfoEnhance Nearly Any Career Path with an M.S. in Applied Psychology
Discover how to utilize psychology in a wide variety of careers. The M.S. in Applied Psychology from East Central University Online prepares you to enhance your role in behavioral health, community health, instructional design, management, marketing, teaching and more. You’ll be able to analyze situations through a psychological lens, draw on appropriate psychological research and transform your knowledge into actionable solutions.
You’ll take online courses that are available when and where it’s convenient for you, allowing you to maintain your employment and take breaks if needed. When you complete the online applied psychology master’s program, you’ll have the tools to become a thoughtful, successful leader.
Topics of Study
In fully online applied psychology courses, you’ll explore foundations in cognitive behavioral theories, theories of personality, counseling principles, research and more. Key course topics include:
- Advanced Physiological Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Theories and Methods of Counseling & Psychotherapy
- Statistics and Design in Applied Psychology
Additionally, you will be required to complete a psychology capstone to practice real-world skills and receive professional guidance from an experienced mentor. If you choose to complete a thesis, you’ll work one-on-one with an expert faculty member to develop a project directly related to your career goals.
Learning Outcomes
The objectives of the online applied psychology degree are to:
- Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives and research-orientated nature of psychology.
- Develop skills regarding basic psychological research, including data analysis, critical evaluation and research design
- Demonstrate and apply psychological principles to personal, social, developmental, cultural and organizational issues.
- Develop skills to communicate effectively on both the written and oral communication levels.
- Implement psychological knowledge, skills and values in various occupational settings and pursuits.
Courses & Requirements
The applied psychology program requires 30 credit hours, including 12 in psychological foundations courses and nine in research foundations courses. You’ll round out your degree with your choice of electives.
- EDPSY 5163
- PSYCH 5063
- PSYCH 5113
- PSYCH 5473
Cognitive Behavioral Theories and Methods of Counseling and Psychotherapy
3 Credits
Exploration and examination of theories and techniques utilized when functioning as a counselor or therapist within a cognitive and/or behavioral conceptual framework. Personality and behavior change is considered within the framework of a cognitive and/or behavioral perspective. Included are theories and techniques such as rational-emotive therapy, Beck’s cognitive therapy, cognitive-behavior modification, social learning theory and milieu therapy, and various approaches based upon operant and classical conditioning.
Advanced Physiological Psychology
3 Credits
An in-depth analysis of the neural and endocrine components of normal and abnormal behavior.
Theories of Personality and Human Behavior
3 Credits
An intensive study of the principles of human behavior with emphasis on description, understanding, prediction and control of behavior.
Advanced Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence
3 Credits
Survey of literature from various fields to aid the student in under-standing characteristics of childhood and adolescent growth and development. Emphasis is upon the development of skills in observing and interpreting the behavior of children and adolescents.
- PSYCH 5143
- PSYCH 5153
- PSYCH 5843
Statistics and Design in Applied Psychology
3 Credits
Major emphasis will be placed on students learning the application of statistics when reading, analyzing and designing research in applied psychology. Required Previous: EDPSY-5353
Research in Applied Psychology
3 Credits
Emphasis will be placed on learning how to write, analyze, design and conduct research in applied psychology. Required Previous: PSYCH-5143
Applied Psychology Capstone Project
3 Credits
This capstone course is a project-based mentored experience designed to develop and hone the practical application skills of an Applied Psychology major. The course requires students to integrate the knowledge and skills gained throughout their psychology program and demonstrate the ability to apply their knowledge to new subjects and practical situations. Students are expected to complete the majority of required program courses prior to capstone enrollment.
- EDPSY 5353
- EDPSY 5433
- PSYCH 5023
- PSYCH 5043
- PSYCH 5073
- PSYCH 5183
- PSYCH 5193
- PSYCH 5213
- PSYCH 5313
- PSYCH 5373
- PSYCH 5693
Standardized Group Tests
3 Credits
Theoretical rationale underlying the use of educational and psychological tests for the description, evaluation, prediction and guidance of behavior, emphasizing those tests used in schools to evaluate academic areas, as well as those used in such settings as guidance centers and employment agencies.
Affective Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
3 Credits
Exploration and examination of theories and techniques utilized when functioning as a counselor or therapist within an affective conceptual framework. Personality and behavior change is considered within the framework at an affective perspective. Included are theories and techniques such as client-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, existential therapy, psycho-analytic therapy and reality therapy. Required Previous: EDPSY-5163
Advanced Social Psychology
3 Credits
This course provides an in-depth study of the interaction of humans with their social environment, focusing on both a micro and macro systems perspective with special emphasis on theories and issues in applied social psychology and research.
Advanced Sport Psychology
3 Credits
This course involves the application and synthesis of the best evidence-based practices in sport psychology that have been shown to result in optimal performance, health and satisfaction. This course is not an approved elective for counseling psychology (0860) students.
Human Sexuality
3 Credits
This course examines the scientific, psychological and counseling-based study of human sexuality with a focus on the role that sexuality plays in human interactions and development. The course has an emphasis on understanding and appreciating the role of sexuality in individuals, couples and families throughout the various phases of the life cycle. This includes topics relating to major psychological theories of sexuality, patterns of sexual arousal and response, the development of gender and gender identity, variations in sexual orientation, attraction processes and romantic love, sexual dysfunctions and sex therapy and typical and atypical sexual behaviors.
Advanced Abnormal Psychology
3 Credits
Intensive study of behaviors likely to come to the attention of counselors and psychotherapists with emphasis on classification, etiology and intervention. Required Previous: PSYCH-5113 or EDPSY-5163 or departmental approval
Health Psychology
3 Credits
The course will focus on the overlap of physiological and psychological health models within a biopsychosocial approach to understand how best to promote and maintain health, prevent and treat illness, adapt and thrive in the context of chronic illness, substance abuse concerns, as well as mental and physical health issues.
Life Coaching and Career Counseling
3 Credits
The course provides an understanding of career development and related life factors. Students will develop life coaching and career counseling skills by examining major career theories and models and how clients’ attitudes, aptitudes, social interests and family responsibilities impact lifestyle changes and career decisions. Required Previous: PSYCH-5113 or EDPSY-5163
Advanced Educational Psychology
3 Credits
Principles of learning, development, and social factors influencing learning motivation and achievement. Theoretical perspectives and research regarding development, social-cognition, learning and motivation are examined as these influence educational decisions and classroom practices.
Psychological Assessment
3 Credits
Introductory survey of the physiological correlates of behavior. Among the topics discussed will be how physiology and biochemistry might interact with the environment to produce changes in learning, motivation, emotions, perceptions and other behaviors. Required Previous: PSYCH-1113
Master’s Thesis
3 Credits
Empirical research on a topic primarily psychological in content, including the development of a research proposal, collection of data, and preparation and submission of an acceptable thesis.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted into ECU Online’s master’s degree in applied psychology, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a 3.0 GPA or higher, although lower GPAs may be considered for conditional admittance.
How to Apply
To apply to the master’s in applied psychology program, you must submit the following materials:
- Free online application
- Transcripts of all completed work (baccalaureate and graduate) from an accredited institution
- Resumé
- Three references
- A personal statement. Explain your career goals, how an ECU Online degree will help you accomplish those goals, your interest in the field and any actions you have taken to pursue this interest. Describe your skills, attributes or experiences that would aid your future profession.
Have a question about this program or the admission process? Get connected to one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Fees
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 45 credit hours | $388.80* | $17,496.00 |
| Total with transfer credits (up to 9) | $13,996.80 | ||
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $734.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees. Fees and tuition subject to change.
Financial Aid
At ECU Online, we strive to ensure your education is as affordable as possible. Learn more about your options for financing your education by visiting our Financial Aid page.
View Financial AidMilitary Benefits
East Central University is a proud military-friendly school. Discover how your status as a U.S. military veteran or active-duty service member can help you earn your degree by visiting our Military & Veterans page.
View Military BenefitsNative American Students
Eligible Native American students can find financial aid programs, heritage scholarships, grants, and academic support services to help ensure their success at ECU.
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At ECU, we recognize that “going first” can be difficult. We provide the extra financial support, scholarships, resources, services, and skills you need to succeed.
View our First-Generation College Students pageTransfer Students
If you’ve taken college-level courses elsewhere, you could save time and money earning your degree by transferring credits to ECU and may qualify for scholarships.
View our Transfer Students pageApply Psychological Principles to Many Roles
Discover a versatile degree that enhances nearly any career path, whether in psychology or otherwise. Many students in the M.S. in Applied Psychology program pursue careers in these areas and more:
- Case management
- Healthcare administration
- Human resources
- Instructional design
- Management
- Marketing
- Mental and behavioral health
- Public and private schools
- Research
- Sales
- Social media coordination
- Teaching
A couple of possible careers for graduates include:
Advertising, Promotions and Marketing Managers
These managers help ensure that campaigns effectively brand an organization and generate desire for their goods or services. They conduct market research, analyze target audiences, create multimedia campaigns and measure their effectiveness.
Average annual salary: $156,580
Human Resources Managers
Human resources managers oversee an organization’s workforce, ensuring that employee benefits, compliance, development, hiring and payroll run smoothly. They often consult with other administrators and executives in their organization.
Average annual salary: $136,350
Medical and Health Services Managers
These managers work across diverse healthcare settings to ensure services are delivered efficiently and effectively. They may also be called healthcare administrators or executives.
Average annual salary: $110,680
Postsecondary Teachers
Postsecondary teachers work beyond the high school level, teaching a variety of subjects in colleges and universities. They may also conduct and publish their research.
Average annual salary: $84,380
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers.” Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Human Resources Managers.” Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Medical and Health Services Managers.” Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Postsecondary Teachers.” Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm.
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