Online Master’s Degree in Social Psychology

Obtaining an online Master degree in Social Psychology from a top online school will prepare individuals to work in the field of psychology, examining group behavior, dynamics and interpersonal relationships. Graduates of accredited online master programs in social psychology may work in a variety of positions in educational or social services. Students who have earned a social psychology masters degree online will be able to use their specialized services at non-profit organizations, educational institutions, corporations and hospitals. After earning an online social psychology masters degree, some students may wish to broaden their knowledge, research methods, services, and skills by pursuing an online PhD in social psychology.

Online Master’s Degrees in Social Psychology Requirements

Students in accredited online master’s programs in social psychology will need exceptional research skills as they will work closely with faculty to develop their own course of study and engage in individualized research interests towards the end of their online masters in social psychology program. Students in good social psychology masters programs online will need strong communication and interpersonal skills, as social psychologists are expected to work closely with others in need. Furthermore, students seeking online master’s degrees in social psychology will be required to apply psychological principles and theories and manage data in a variety of settings.

Along with an online bachelor’s degree in social psychology, other degrees that may lead into a social psychology master’s degree online include:

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Counseling
• Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Psychology

Individuals who choose to enroll in one of the best online masters programs in social psychology may have experience in fields such as adolescent counseling and social work.

Online Social Psychology Master’s Degree Education

Good online master’s degree programs in social psychology typically take between 2 to 3 years to complete. The types of social psychology degrees offered by the best social psychology master’s programs online include:

• Master of Science in Social Psychology (MS in Social Psychology)
• Master of Arts in Social Psychology (MA in Social Psychology)
• Master of Arts in Counseling

Information on Social Psychology Courses

Common course topics offered in top online masters degree programs in social psychology include social learning, group theory, social pathology, social ecology, social cognition, gender roles, attitude development, and school management. Students seeking to earn their online masters degree in social psychology will also need to take research courses as well as attain teaching experience and field experience. Other sample courses needed to obtain online masters degrees in social psychology include:

• Judgment and Decision Making
  This online master’s degree social psychology course focuses on understanding the judgment and decision making processes.
• Theories of Social Psychology
  The goal of this course is for students to understand the major theoretical and methodological perspectives in social psychology.
• Research Methods in Social Psychology
  The main goals of this online masters social psychology course are for students to understand and to critically evaluate research in social psychology, and for students to acquire the skills necessary to conduct research in social psychology.
• The Construction of Attitudes and Beliefs
  Online masters degree social psychology students in this class will examine social cognition at the core of how information is processed and combined to form attitudes and beliefs.
• Explaining the Social World
  This online master in social psychology seminar will explore and critically evaluate an important growing body of research in social psychology that deals with cognitive and motivational factors that influence the accounts we give of social events.

Specializations and Concentrations

Because social psychology is a broad field, in order to become an expert in a specific niche, some online master’s social psychology students will pursue specialties or concentrations in areas including:

• Leadership and Perception
• Attitudes and Self-Concept
• Group Dynamics

Careers in Social Psychology

Graduates who have earned a social psychology master’s degree online may choose to become social psychology instructors, social workers, violence counselors, psychology technicians or social psychologists. Other careers for those who hold an online social psychology master’s degree include criminology, anthropology, and personnel work. Details for careers that may be chosen by graduates of online master’s in social psychology programs are as follows:

• Patient-Care Psychology Technician
  These professionals are responsible for the direct care and treatment of patients with mental or emotional disorders. The average yearly salary for patient-care psychology technicians is $32,800. The job growth for this field is favorable.
• Psychology Research Assistants
  Psychology research assistants, also known as research-focused psychology technicians, have duties that primarily involve assisting with psychological experiments and studies. The average annual salary for this field is $45,500. The job growth for this profession is favorable.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
  These professionals assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems. The average annual salary is $41,350 and the job growth for social workers is expected to be faster than average.
• Social Psychology Instructor
  These instructors are to deliver quality instruction, advise students, and follow an approved curriculum. The average annual salary is $55,000. The job growth is expected to be faster than average.
• Domestic Violence Counselor
  These counselors provide assessments and support services to victims of domestic violence. The average salary is $44,000. This field is expected to experience rapid job growth.

Many factors exist within social psychology studies, including culture, gender and sexuality. Online master degree programs in social psychology are valuable as they guide students in understanding the complex human mind and behavior, and promise a rewarding career in the field of psychology.