M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.S. in Psychological Science
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF), situated in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychological Science. This program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge in various areas of psychology, emphasizing the development of strong research and critical thinking skills. It serves as an excellent foundation for those aiming to pursue further graduate work, such as a Ph.D. in psychology, or seeking employment in applied psychology fields within government, community agencies, or industry.
STEM-Designated: While some psychology programs may not carry this designation, the Master of Science in Psychological Science at UNF is indeed a STEM-designated program. This classification is beneficial for all students, particularly for international students on F-1 visas, as it may provide eligibility for an extended period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States after graduation, offering more opportunities for practical work experience in their field.
Curriculum: The 36-credit-hour MS in Psychological Science curriculum is research-oriented and comprehensive. It includes core coursework in statistics, research design, and substantive areas of psychology. Students delve into specific areas such as Developmental Psychology, Behavior Analysis, Clinical Research, Social Psychology, Cognitive Science, and Human Factors. The program culminates in a research-based thesis, allowing students to conduct in-depth studies and contribute original work to the field. The curriculum also offers an Accelerated Path for eligible UNF undergraduate psychology students to transition seamlessly into the master's program.
Research Focus: A central pillar of UNF's MS in Psychological Science program is its robust research focus. The program is designed to develop students' research skills and provide unique opportunities for research development and mentorship. Faculty interests are broad and cover a wide range of areas within psychology, including neurophysiology, psychophysiology, brain imaging (fNIRS), human factors, developmental psychology, behavior analysis, clinical research, social psychology, and cognitive science. Students are expected to engage in significant research, often culminating in a master's thesis, preparing them for careers that require scientific inquiry and data analysis.
Industry Engagement: UNF's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences emphasizes its commitment to community engagement and preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world. While specific industry partnerships for the MS in Psychological Science program are often realized through individual faculty research projects and student internships, the program aims to equip students for employment in applied psychology roles across various sectors. The university's overall commitment to fostering experiential learning and strong ties with local businesses and community organizations provides avenues for graduates to apply their psychological science expertise in real-world settings.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Psychological Science program at UNF inherently incorporates a global perspective by focusing on the universal aspects of human behavior and mental processes, while also considering cultural nuances. By studying diverse areas within psychology, students gain an understanding of how psychological principles apply across different populations and contexts. The research emphasis, often involving contemporary issues, can also contribute to a broader understanding of global challenges and human experiences. The program's aim to prepare students for diverse roles, including those in government and community agencies, suggests an awareness of the global applications of psychological science.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychological Science from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a highly versatile degree that equips graduates with advanced research, analytical, and critical thinking skills applicable to a wide range of careers. While it's an excellent stepping stone for doctoral studies, it also prepares individuals for direct entry into various applied psychology roles across government, community agencies, and industry.
Research Assistant/Associate: Leveraging their strong foundation in research design, statistics, and data analysis, graduates can work in academic, government, or private sector research settings. They assist in designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to scientific publications.
Data Analyst (with a Behavioral Focus): With their understanding of human behavior and quantitative methods, graduates can excel as Data Analysts, particularly in areas like consumer insights, user experience (UX) research, or human resources. They analyze data to understand human behavior, preferences, and decision-making patterns to inform strategic decisions.
Human Resources Specialist/Manager: The insights into human behavior, motivation, and group dynamics gained from a psychological science degree are invaluable in Human Resources. Graduates can work in recruitment, training and development, employee relations, talent management, or organizational development to foster a productive and positive work environment.
Program Evaluator: Many government agencies, non-profits, and even corporations implement programs aimed at addressing social or organizational issues. Psychological Science graduates can evaluate the effectiveness of these programs, using research methodologies to assess outcomes and recommend improvements.
Market Research Analyst: Understanding consumer psychology is key to successful marketing. Market Research Analysts use psychological principles to design surveys, conduct focus groups, and analyze market data to understand consumer preferences, buying behavior, and market trends, informing product development and marketing strategies.
Behavioral Analyst/Specialist: With a focus on behavior analysis within the curriculum, graduates can work as Behavioral Analysts, particularly in applied behavior analysis (ABA) settings. They design and implement interventions to help individuals, often those with developmental disabilities, acquire new skills and manage challenging behaviors.
Psychological Associate (under supervision): While a master's degree typically doesn't lead to independent licensure as a psychologist (which generally requires a doctorate), graduates can often work as psychological associates or assistants under the supervision of licensed psychologists in clinical, counseling, or forensic settings.
Survey Researcher: Organizations across sectors rely on surveys to gather information from various populations. Survey Researchers design effective questionnaires, manage data collection, analyze survey results, and interpret findings to provide actionable insights.
Higher Education Administrator/Academic Advisor: Graduates with a strong interest in education can apply their understanding of learning, development, and human behavior to roles in university administration, student services, or academic advising, helping students navigate their academic journeys and career paths.
Training and Development Specialist: In corporate or organizational settings, Training and Development Specialists design and deliver programs that enhance employee skills, knowledge, and performance. Their understanding of learning theories and adult development, stemming from psychological science, makes them effective in these roles.
