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Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the effects of individual, social, physiological, developmental, and environmental factors on thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Psychology courses seek to teach students about the methods of psychological inquiry and the findings of psychological research. The practice of psychology at the professional level requires a graduate degree beyond the bachelor's degree. The program offers a wide range of specialties and interdisciplinary options and students actively engage in research. 

Careers in Psychology

The Psychology Program prepares students for careers in business, human resources, organizational effectiveness, management, consulting, and as well as advanced degrees and doctoral-level study, including school psychology.
  • Art Therapist
  • Behavior Analyst
  • Career Counselor
  • Case Manager
  • Child Development Specialist
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Social Services

Potential Salary

Median Salary $92,740

The median annual wage for Psychologists in May 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Psychology Degrees at MSU

Psychology, Bachelor of Science

Psychology is the scientific study of the effects of individual, social, physiological, developmental, and environmental factors that have an influence on thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Psychology courses cover the methods of psychological inquiry and the findings of psychological research. Students study psychology to prepare for careers as a psychologist or social scientist, pursue professions where understanding of human behavior is important, or because they wish to develop a greater understanding of themselves and others. 

Psychology, Minor

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Psychologists study the individual, social, physiological, developmental, and environmental effects on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Students majoring in a wide range of disciplines will benefit from a minor in psychology.

Experimental Psychology, Certificate

This certificate provides undergraduate students with hands-on research experience in psychology. Psychology majors who are considering graduate school are highly recommended to complete this certificate.

Industrial Organizational Psychology, Master of Arts

The Industrial-Organizational Psychology MA is a full-time, two-year course of study. Our focus is a scientist-practitioner model that prepares students for careers in human resources, organizational effectiveness, management and I-O psychology consulting or for doctoral level study in industrial-organizational psychology or related fields. Graduates typically pursue careers in applied professions. This is a STEM OPT program and was identified as a top MA program by SIOP.org

General Psychology, Graduate Certificate

The certificate is designed for teachers of psychology at the high school level who need graduate-level coursework in psychology to further their knowledge of the discipline and/or meet post-secondary faculty qualifications for accreditation. The certificate provides a broad exposure to the major areas of psychology, as well as opportunities to apply psychological science to real-world issues.

School Psychology, Master of Science

The Master of Science (MS) in School Psychology is earned as part of our nationally certified Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in School Psychology. This embedded degree is available exclusively to students enrolled in the doctoral program, designed to prepare future school psychologists and educators at the highest level. The program emphasizes data-based decision making, equitable practices, and proactive support to promote academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success for all students.

School Psychology, Doctor of Psychology

Certified by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in School Psychology trains students to practice as licensed school psychologists and other doctoral-level roles. The program focuses on data-based decision making, equitable practices for diverse populations, supporting positive outcomes for students; and providing preventative supports at the individual, group, and systems levels. With an emphasis on research, it prepares students for diverse careers, including practicing in K-12 schools or clinics and teaching in university settings.

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Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Enhance your skills beyond the classroom by working as a research assistant. Students considering graduate school are strongly encouraged to join a research team, where they collaborate with faculty to design studies, collect and analyze data, and present findings. Additionally, participating in research studies provides valuable insight into the research process from a participant’s perspective.

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Psych in Your World

The “Psych In Your World” video series features short lectures by psychology professors at Minnesota State University, Mankato on a range of topics connected to psychology. These videos were created as resources for teachers of psychology at all levels.

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Peer Advising and Tutoring

The Psychology Peer Advising and Tutoring Center offers drop-in academic support to any student enrolled in a psychology course.

Field Experience

Field experiences provide students with practical, hands-on training in real-world settings, enhancing their professional skills and readiness for their chosen careers. These experiences are integral to bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Psychology Clubs

Join the Psychology Club to explore psychology with peers through events and discussions. Striving for academic excellence? Psi Chi honors top students in psychology and promotes research.

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Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary program that explores how we understand and improve things like perception, language, reasoning, learning and problem-solving in living things or machines.
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Sociology

The sociology program at Minnesota State, Mankato leads to careers in academic and applied settings including human services, government, business, nonprofit organizations and social action organizations.

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Counseling and Student Personnel

Counseling and Student Personnel prepares culturally responsive and equity-minded professional practitioners at the graduate level who will serve in a variety of helping settings including K-12 schools, colleges and universities, community mental health agencies, treatment centers, correctional facilities, and hospital settings.

Psychology Department

College of

Humanities and Social Sciences

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.

Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences