University of Massachusetts Amherst

What you'll study

The programme combines core training in psychological science with options to specialise in areas such as cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, social psychology, clinical and health psychology, and quantitative methods. Students follow a mix of coursework, hands‑on research, and either a thesis or capstone/practicum project depending on their chosen track.

• Core modules: advanced statistics and research methods, experimental design, and ethical issues in research.
• Area modules: topics vary by specialism but commonly include cognitive processes, neural bases of behaviour, lifespan development, social cognition, learning and memory, psychopathology and health behaviour.
• Research training: supervised laboratory rotations or placements in faculty labs, training in data collection and analysis, and exposure to neuroimaging or psychophysiological techniques where relevant.
• Applied/practicum options: for students on applied streams, supervised clinical or community placements, assessment and intervention coursework, and applied projects with community partners.
• Capstone or thesis: students choose between a research thesis (suitable for those heading to doctoral study) or an applied capstone project/practicum tailored to professional practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in psychology or a closely related field with strong academic performance. Typical application documents include official transcripts, a personal statement outlining research interests and career goals, at least two academic or professional references, and a current CV.

Some specialisms or funding competitions may expect prior research experience or coursework in statistics and research methods. The department's policy on standardised tests (such as the GRE) can vary by year and by programme track; applicants should check the programme's admissions pages for current guidance. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt.

Career prospects

Graduates of the master's programme enter a wide range of roles across research, public service and industry. Common career paths include:

• Research assistant or coordinator in academic or clinical labs
• Analyst or evaluator in public health, education or social services
• Human resources or organisational development roles with a focus on assessment and training
• User experience or market research positions applying cognitive and behavioural methods
• Clinical or counselling roles where licensure requirements are met through additional training (note that licensure requirements vary by jurisdiction)
• Continuation to doctoral programmes (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and related disciplines

Why study at University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass Amherst's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is known for strong, research‑intensive training across multiple subfields of psychology. Students benefit from close supervision by active researchers, access to well‑equipped laboratories and specialised facilities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with centres across campus.

The department maintains partnerships with local hospitals, schools and community organisations for applied placements and outreach, and offers structured mentorship to support professional development and preparation for further study or employment. The campus environment, research culture and breadth of faculty expertise make it a good fit for motivated students seeking rigorous graduate training in psychological science.