Description of Program
This 30 credit Master of Science (MS) in Health Psychology program enables students to pursue advanced study in health psychology that can lead to careers in the helping professions, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations for which clinical training is not necessary. The health psychology master’s degree program also provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for doctoral-level study.
This educational program offers students, at the culmination of the degree, the choice between a Capstone project and a non-clinical internship. During the internship, students complete approximately 100 hours of working in the field. The internship allows students to demonstrate a wide range of professional competencies and communication skills that reflect the knowledge, critical thinking, sensitivity to ethics and diversity, and appreciation of research that has been acquired throughout the program.
Click here for potential career opportunities within the Masters of Science in Health Psychology.
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesize theories and principles applicable to the field of health psychology through written communication
- Appraise research methods and data analysis applicable in the framework of health psychology
- Investigate empirically supported interventions for research, administration or practice of health psychology
- Employ ethical principles of psychology in academic and professional matters of health psychology
- Examine diversity issues in the context of health psychology
Basis for Admission
Admission to an NCU master’s program requires a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution or an international institution that is determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service.
Additional State requirements may need to be met for Basis of Admissions into a program:
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science degree in Health Psychology requires a total of 30 credits for completion.
The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credits in transfer toward the Master of Science in Health Psychology for graduate course work completed at an accredited college or university with a grade average of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit policy for additional information.
Graduation requirements for the Master’s Degree in Psychology vary according to specialization selected.
All NCU master’s degree programs have the following graduation requirements:
- A minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through the University
- Completion of subject area competency requirements for the graduate program
- Elective courses must be relevant to the department’s graduate program
- Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
- Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution
- Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
- All financial obligations to the University paid in full
Time to Completion
NCU allows 5 years to complete all Master’s programs of 36 credits or less.
The median time to completion for this program is 17 months.
Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most NCU students are working adults, balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic and finance advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.
Students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for this program, and applying no transfer credits, can expect to finish in as little as 16 months.
Course Sequence
The Master of Science in Health Psychology program can be completed in 30 credits.
All Master of Science programs require the foundation course to be completed prior to enrolling in specialization courses. If students choose the capstone stone, this course will be completed as the last course in the degree program.