New psychology master’s program welcomes first students this fall

The Liberty University Department of Psychology recently launched a 36-credit-hour Master of Science in Psychology designed to prepare students for a wide variety of employment opportunities — from teaching to research and business consulting. The degree is available both residentially and online. Enrollment for the Fall 2016 semester is still open.

The core courses of the program are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in psychology, while one of four concentrations allows them to develop a deeper understanding in a specialized area: developmental, experimental, industrial-organizational, or quantitative psychology. Courses range from research methods to psychology and Christianity, advanced social psychology, and cognitive psychology. Graduation requirements include a master’s thesis.

Dr. Kevin Conner, chair of the psychology department, said courses will be taught by faculty with diverse teaching, professional, and research experience.

“Students will have an opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty member throughout the thesis process, allowing them to design, conduct, and disseminate their own research project,” he said. “Individuals will be able to advance in current careers or develop skills necessary to continue in research studies.”

Conner said all concentrations offered through Liberty will prepare students to teach at a community college or as an adjunct in a four-year program. Graduates will also be able to research in a number of settings, including universities, research centers, government agencies, and private businesses. They also will be able to work as consultants for companies, assessing applicants and employees by conducting workshops in leadership development, management, and teamwork. Additionally, a master’s degree will make those students wishing to pursue a Ph.D. more competitive as applicants.

Liberty’s undergraduate program in psychology is one of the most popular majors offered at Liberty, remaining one of the top five majors year-after-year. With one-third of its students pursuing health-related degrees, Liberty is helping train the next generation of healthcare professionals.