Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

The programme provides a balanced curriculum covering foundational areas of psychology alongside advanced methodological training. Core components typically include research methods and statistics, psychological assessment, ethics and professional issues, and seminars in contemporary psychological theory.

• Research Methods and Advanced Statistics — experimental design, multivariate analysis, and research practicum or thesis work.
• Biological and Cognitive Bases of Behaviour — courses in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, or psychophysiology.
• Developmental and Social Psychology — lifespan development, social cognition, and applied social psychology topics.
• Psychological Assessment and Intervention — psychometric theory, test administration and interpretation, and intervention principles.
• Applied Practicum or Thesis Option — students choose between a supervised practicum in a community or campus placement and an original research thesis supervised by faculty.
• Electives and Specialisation Seminars — depending on interests and faculty availability, options may include clinical/counselling topics, industrial/organisational psychology, health psychology, forensic psychology, or cognitive ageing.

The programme generally offers both thesis and non‑thesis tracks to accommodate students aiming for research careers as well as those focused on applied work. Small seminar classes and lab placement opportunities allow students to gain hands‑on experience in assessment, intervention, and empirical research.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree. A background in psychology or related behavioural science is normally preferred; candidates without a psychology major may be asked to complete prerequisite undergraduate coursework in foundational topics such as introductory psychology, statistics, and research methods.

• Official transcripts demonstrating satisfactory undergraduate academic performance.
• Statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals and reasons for choosing the programme.
• Letters of recommendation, typically two or three, from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant's suitability for graduate study.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé documenting relevant experience, research, or practicum work.
• Some applicants may be invited to interview with faculty; check the department for any standardised test policies, as requirements can vary.

Admission is competitive and takes into account the whole application package, including research interests and fit with available faculty supervision.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master's in Psychology follow a variety of career paths depending on their chosen track. The degree prepares students for both applied positions and further academic study.

• Clinical, counselling and community mental health roles — working as counsellors, case managers, behavioural specialists or under supervision in settings that accept master’s‑level practitioners.
• Research and assessment positions — research assistant, data analyst, psychometric technician or programme evaluator in university, healthcare, or private research settings.
• Organisational roles — human resources, training and development, organisational development, and applied people‑analytics roles in private and public sectors.
• Further professional training — the degree is a common stepping stone to doctoral programmes (PhD/PsyD) in psychology, as well as specialist certifications or licensure pathways where additional supervised hours and credentials are required.
• Education and advocacy — roles in school systems, nonprofit organisations, and public policy settings where psychological knowledge supports programme design and implementation.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a psychology master’s programme with a strong emphasis on applied training and close faculty mentoring. The department maintains active research labs and practicum partnerships with community mental health centres, local hospitals and schools, providing practical placement opportunities for students.

• Faculty supervision across a range of research areas allows students to pursue interests from cognitive neuroscience to applied social and industrial/organisational psychology.
• Options for thesis or practicum pathways give students flexibility to focus on research or hands‑on applied experience.
• Small class sizes and a supportive campus community help ensure personalised advising and professional development, including preparation for licensure or doctoral study where relevant.
• Proximity to a major metropolitan area expands internship and employment opportunities in clinical, research and organisational settings.

Prospective students should contact the department for detailed information on specialisations, faculty research interests and current practicum placement options.