School of Psychology

Explore real-world business issues and acquire the skills and insight you need to impact your career right now.

School of Psychology

We offer licensure and non-licensure based programs designed to meet national standards within the field of psychology.

Follow your passion or prepare for a new career by pursuing one of our graduate degree programs.

Our engaging curriculum reflects the skills associated with leading IT certifications—such as CCNA®, CCNP®, MCSE, CISSP®, and PMP.

School of Education

Our programs in K-12, higher education, and continuing education will increase your effectiveness, and expand your knowledge and professional opportunities.

Capella Univ. - Harold Abel School of Psychology

The Harold Abel School of Psychology offers licensure and non-licensure based degree and certificate programs designed to meet national standards within the field of psychology.

Master of Science Psychology Degree Programs

Capella's Psychology curriculum is taught by faculty who hold advanced degrees and teach within the field of their practice. You will learn how to think critically and creatively to understand the theory and application of biological, social, cognitive, and cultural roots of behavior. The competencies and confidence you gain through our engaging and relevant curriculum will expand your opportunities and help you achieve your professional goals.

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology
Capella University’s Harold Abel School of Psychology online master’s degree specializations allow you to further develop your socialization into the field of psychology through basic foundational courses and interaction with faculty who are accomplished professionals in their field. Some of our specializations require in-person residency and field training experiences that provide opportunities for the application of knowledge and skills learned in the online courses. Many graduates continue their advanced study and seek doctoral degrees in psychology.

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology – General Psychology
Many learners enter graduate school uncertain about their professional and occupational plans. Our general online master’s degree program in psychology offers learners a broad overview of psychology, plus a great deal of flexibility in tailoring their electives around psychology areas of interest including addictions, health, educational, and family, among others. You can choose the general program as an opportunity to explore the curriculum, and later decide to pursue advanced studies at the doctoral level.

Note: Master’s degree requirements in this MS program do not prepare graduates for licensure as a professional counselor or psychologist

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - Clinical Psychology
The Harold Abel School of Psychology master’s degree specialization in clinical psychology is typically intended for those interested in pursuing a doctoral degree. Learners in this specialization will develop theoretical understanding, research, and assessment skills. Some graduates may pursue licensure as psychology assistants or technicians and should be familiar with their state psychology board’s licensure requirements. However, for those interested in the independent practice of psychology, this specialization does not prepare graduates for licensure as a professional counselor or psychologist. For those interested in a doctoral degree, Capella University offers a PsyD in the area of clinical psychology, which complements this master’s degree.

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - Counseling Psychology
The Harold Abel School of Psychology master’s degree specialization in counseling psychology prepares learners to pursue the doctoral degree. This rigorous online curriculum focuses on counseling theory, group counseling, and the development of psychological testing skills. Some master’s degree graduates may pursue licensure as psychology assistants or technicians and therefore need to be familiar with their home state’s licensure board requirements. However, for those interested in the independent practice of psychology, this specialization does not prepare graduates for licensure as a professional counselor or psychologist. For those interested in a doctoral degree, Capella University offers a PsyD in the area of counseling psychology, which complements this master’s degree.

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - Educational Psychology
Learners pursuing our master's degree specialization frequently plan to teach at the community college level or apply theories of educational psychology while working with population segments ranging from early childhood to adulthood. This online specialization may appeal to learners interested in understanding the role of computer-mediated instructional strategies in the educational process, adult learning in general, instructional design, or stages of development.

Note: Master’s degree requirements in this program do not prepare graduates for licensure as a professional counselor or psychologist.

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Our online specialization in Industrial/Organizational Psychology is designed for learners interested in the application of organizational behavior principles and research findings within the workplace and other organizational settings. Learners will acquire assessment skills and gain understanding of organizational behavior principles designed to increase motivation and improve performance within the general workforce, middle and senior management levels. Graduates will be prepared to apply their knowledge in workplace testing and assessment, teaching at the community college level, and setting up private practice that includes organizational consulting, professional coaching, and human resource management.

Note: Master’s degree requirements in this degree program do not prepare graduates for licensure as a professional counselor or psychologist.

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - School Psychology
Our school psychology master’s degree specialization prepares learners to be advocates for school-age children, adolescents, and their families, stressing respect for individual differences, collaborative problem solving, and empirically based interventions. Upon graduation, learners are prepared to apply a systems-based approach to address the social, emotional, academic, behavioral, and cognitive well-being of students. Graduates are typically employed by public school districts; however, employment within community agencies, specialized school settings, and educational cooperatives is also an option.

Note: Master’s degree requirements in this program do not prepare graduates for licensure as a professional counselor or psychologist.

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - Sport Psychology
Capella University’s master’s degree specialization in sport psychology prepares learners to apply psychological principles while working with amateur and professional athletes concerning issues of performance enhancement, motivation, stress management, and individual and team motivation. Graduates of our online sport psychology specialization can apply these techniques to the performance of managers and executives in the business world.

Note: Master’s degree requirements in this program do not prepare graduates for licensure as a professional counselor or psychologist.

Doctor of Philosophy PhD Psychology Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology
Capella University’s Harold Abel School of Psychology PhD program provides advanced academic studies focusing on research and scholarship in a particular discipline of study. Learners will experience high-quality online course work as well as in-depth residential colloquia. Graduates from these academic tracks will be able to apply psychological principles in areas such as teaching, administration, research, consulting, coaching, management, and leadership.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology – General Psychology
Our PhD in general psychology is offered to those learners who wish a great deal of flexibility in designing and individualizing their education by selecting from a wide range of course elective offerings based on personal and professional goals. Curriculum can be concentrated in areas such as addictions, family, sport, health, or other areas of interest. Or, learners can use the electives to form an individualized program of study based on their unique areas of interest.

Doctoral learners will complete in-person colloquia in addition to their academic online courses. Taken during specific milestones in your program, you will attend three colloquia, each 1-week in length.

Note: These degree requirements are not designed for licensure as a professional psychologist.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology - Educational Psychology
Our PhD specialization in educational psychology focuses on education and research through all stages of the lifespan. Doctoral learners will acquire a broad base of information about teaching and learning, development, research methods, and data analysis. Course content includes adult learning, instructional design, and computer-mediated instruction, as well as child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric psychology. Learners frequently pursue careers in teaching, administration, research, or consulting.

Note: These degree requirements are not designed for licensure as a professional psychologist

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Our PhD in industrial/organizational psychology is designed for learners interested in behavior in the workplace and other organizational settings. Learners explore leadership issues, group development, organizational change strategies, motivational and performance enhancement concerns, and human resource management. Doctoral graduates typically pursue positions as independent consultants, coaches to senior management, university instructors, and other leadership positions in business, government, and higher education.

Note: These degree requirements are not designed for licensure as a professional psychologist.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Doctoral learners in the Harold Abel School of Psychology PsyD program typically intend to seek licensure to practice professional psychology. Our PsyD program focuses on developing and applying higher-level clinical skills in assessment, intervention, consultation, supervision, and evaluation. Proficiency is accomplished through a blended approach of rigorous online course work, and face-to-face residency and field training experiences.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology
The Harold Abel School of Psychology PsyD specialization in clinical psychology provides learners with comprehensive clinical training including psychopathology,psychological testing, and psychotherapy. Because this area is ultimately designed for state licensure eligibility* as a clinical psychologist, it is a very rigorous program that requires online course work, residency, and field training experience. Doctoral graduates typically pursue positions as consultants in business, government, and higher education. This specialization prepares learners for state licensure eligibility as a clinical psychologist.

* Capella University does not guarantee licensure. If you intend to seek licensure or certification, check the program requirements for licensure or certification in your home state. State regulations vary regarding course requirements for professional licensure.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Counseling Psychology
Capella University’s PsyD specialization in counseling psychology prepares learners to pursue diverse career paths within our changing society. Because this area is ultimately designed for state licensure eligibility* as a counseling psychologist, it is a very rigorous program that requires online course work, residency, and field training experience. In addition to providing counseling services to individuals and groups, graduates will be prepared to work with non-profit organizations, and to teach at the undergraduate or graduate level. This specialization prepares learners for state licensure eligibility as a counseling psychologist.

Graduate Certificates in Psychology

Executive Development
This online certificate is for organizational psychologists or consultants who focus on executive development, performance enhancement, and workplace motivation. This certificate combines pertinent information regarding leadership with an understanding of human factors and life stages in order to help executives develop productive and effective decision-making skills. This course is designed for professionals at the master's degree level and above.

Executive Human Resource Management and Consultation
This online certificate provides the foundation of knowledge necessary to pursue higher-level certification in the field of human resource management. This course is designed for professionals at the master's degree level and above.

Organizational Testing and Assessment
This online certificate is for organizational psychologists or consultants who focus on assessment tools designed for executive development, performance enhancement and motivation, and professional coaching and mentoring. This course is designed for professionals at the master's degree level and above.

Specialist Certificate in School Psychology
This online certificate is designed for graduates of the Master of Science school psychology specialization. The master's degree in school psychology and the certificate program in school psychology, combined, are designed to prepare learners to apply for a license or a certificate to practice as a school psychologist.

Residency Requirements: Year-in-residency Part II (two residential colloquia and three weekends-in-residence)

Sport Psychology
Professionals seeking specialized training to work with recreational and professional athletic programs and athletes will require a background in performance enhancement techniques, exercise training and applied psychology principles. This online course is designed for professionals at the bachelor's degree level and above.

Links

BS in Psychology Online Bachelors of Science Degrees BS in Psychology

MS in Psychology Online Masters of Science Degrees MS in Psychology

PhD in Psychology Online PhD in Psychology Doctorate Degrees

Psychology Programs Online Psychology Graduate and Undergraduate degrees and certificates