General Psychology, M.S.

A one-year, full-time, 30 credit-hour program, the Master of Science in General Psychology is designed for students who wish to obtain additional research experience to strengthen and/or focus their applications to PhD programs in Psychology. In addition to pertinent coursework, students work closely with a faculty mentor on research activities and on a required thesis project. Students are matched with faculty members based on interests and expertise.

Format

Summer - Online

Fall/Spring - On Campus

Schedule

Summer admission

Credits Required

30

Time Commitment

One year, full-time

Cost

2025-2026 Academic Year
$1,176/credit

Fees

2025-2026 Academic Year
$490/semester

Ways to Save

Scholarships and grants available

Apply By

Summer: February 1 (Priority Deadline), March 1 (Regular Deadline), April 15 (Final Deadline)

Faculty in the Psychology Department represent various areas in the field, including Social, Developmental, Clinical, Health, Experimental, Legal, and Forensic Psychology, as well as Neuroscience. Please refer to our Faculty page for more information about specific faculty research interests.

The Master of Science in General Psychology Learning Outcomes:

Students will apply advanced knowledge and training to the conceptualization of  research appropriate for their area of interest. 

Students will design and execute a research project that represents a novel contribution to their area of interest within the discipline of Psychology, and that employs appropriate methodologies and analysis techniques. 

Students will communicate research findings through conference presentations and/or publications. 

Graduates of the program typically seek admission into PhD programs in Psychology or seek employment as research assistants in various settings to gain more research experience and/or exposure.

麻豆色情片 has a long history of offering graduate programs in Clinical Psychology and Forensic and Legal Psychology. In 2025, we expanded our offerings with the MS in General Psychology to encompass all areas of Psychology represented in our department. This program reflects our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive graduate education in the field. Our alumni have gone on to enroll in or complete doctoral degrees (PhD) at various institutions. 

Doctoral Programs

  • University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa (Clinical Forensic)
  • Carleton University (Canada, General)
  • Suffolk University (Applied Developmental)
  • University of Nevada, Reno (Legal)
  • Middlesex University (UK, Forensic)
  • East Tennessee State University (Clinical)
  • Montclair State University (Clinical)
  • University of Wyoming, Laramie (Experimental)
  • Florida International University (Experimental)
  • Pacific University (Clinical)
  • Portland State University (Criminology)
  • University of Rhode Island (Clinical, Education, Behavioral Science)
  • John Jay College of Criminology (Clinical)
  • University of New Hampshire (Sociology) 

Employers of our Graduates 

  • University of Rhode Island
  • University of North Dakota
  • Tufts University
  • Wisconsin Department of Health
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Public Safety Canada
  • Private Practice
  • 麻豆色情片
  • Prairie View A&M University
  • Hartford Hospital
  • National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas  

Campus Visit Request

Interested in meeting us in person and touring our beautiful campus?  Fill out our to set up a time to visit Bristol, RI!

Virtual Information Sessions

Short on time or just want to learn more about us from the comfort of your home, school, or office? Join us for a Virtual Information Session.

Program Requirements- 30 Credits (10 courses)

Required Courses (27 credits / 9 courses) 

PSYCH 500 Methods and Evaluation (Fall) 

PSYCH 502 Quantitative Methods (Summer) 

PSYCH 505 Introduction to Clinical Assessment (Spring) 

PSYCH 521 Adult Psychopathology (Fall) 

PSYCH 534 Advanced Developmental Psychology (Summer) 

PSYCH 550 Professional Ethics in Psychology (Spring) 

PSYCH 579 SpTp: Working with Diverse Populations (Spring) 

PSYCH 597 Thesis (Fall, Spring) 

Advanced Electives (3 Credits / 1 course) 

PSYCH 518 Trauma 

PSYCH 522 Biological Perspectives in Mental Health 

PSYCH 529 Health Psychology Interventions 

PSYCH 531 Family Violence 

PSYCH 543 Substance Abuse Counseling

Summer (2 courses / 6 credits)

PSYCH 502 Quantitative Methods (Summer)
PSYCH 534 Advanced Developmental Psychology (Summer) 

Fall (4 courses / 12 credits)

PSYCH 500 Methods and Evaluation (Fall) 
PSYCH 521 Adult Psychopathology (Fall)
*Elective (Chosen from list below)
PSYCH 597 Thesis (Fall) 

Spring (4 courses / 12 credits)

PSYCH 505 Introduction to Clinical Assessment (Spring)
PSYCH 550 Professional Ethics in Psychology (Spring) 
PSYCH 579 SpTp: Working with Diverse Populations (Spring) 
PSYCH 597 Thesis (Spring) 

Electives:
  • PSYCH 518 Trauma
  • PSYCH 522 Biological Perspectives in Mental Health
  • PSYCH 529 Health Psychology Interventions
  • PSYCH 531 Family Violence
  • PSYCH 543 Substance Abuse Counseling

Application Requirements

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field, and must have satisfactorily completed undergraduate courses in Statistics and Research Methods. To apply, students must submit the following items to the :

  1.  accompanied by the $50 application fee
  2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
  3. Letter of Intent (two double-spaced pages maximum) describing your research interests, experience, and future goals. In addition, identify the faculty member(s) you would prefer to work with.
  4. Academic Writing Sample submitted that has not been revised/edited by a professor/mentor.
  5. Three (3) letters of recommendation attesting to your potential to succeed in graduate school. All three letters should come from academic sources (professors) who can speak to your performance in the classroom. One letter may come from an internship supervisor or employer, if appropriate. You should select recommenders who know you well, can speak about your character and work ethic, and can attest to your ability to handle graduate level coursework. Recommendation letters should not be submitted from personal friends or family members.
  6. If your first language is not English, an official report of TOEFL or IELTS results

Where appropriate, documents should be submitted online through the or via email to gradadmit@rwu.edu. Any official documents that must be mailed (i.e. transcripts) should be sent directly to:

Office of Graduate Admission
1 Old Ferry Rd.
Bristol, RI 02809

Have questions about the application process? Read the from the Office of Graduate Admission.

Lyndsey Sheldon

A Buckeye Becomes a Hawk: Going Small for Grad School

Lyndsey Sheldon, 麻豆色情片 Class of 2023
Forensic Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)

Lyndsey Sheldon grew up in a small town in Ohio where everybody knew everybody. After undergraduate life as a Buckeye, she knew it was time to find a tight-knit experience for grad school. 鈥淲hen I knew it was time to get my masters and really buckle down, I knew a small community with interactive professors is what I needed,鈥 she said.

Read full story