Experimental Psychology Master’s Program (MA in Psychology)
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A master’s in experimental psychology from Iona University prepares students to explore the “how” and “why” behind human behavior through scientific research and data analysis. Designed for those who are curious, analytical, and passionate about psychology, this program emphasizes experimental methods, quantitative analysis, and thesis-driven inquiry. Students learn to formulate hypotheses, conduct research, analyze data, and publish meaningful findings, all under the guidance of expert faculty mentors.
Whether you aim to pursue a Ph.D., work in a lab setting, or advance in behavioral science roles, Iona’s MA in Psychology with a general-experimental specialization offers a flexible curriculum, hands-on lab experience, and the foundational knowledge to build a successful future in research, academia, or applied psychology.
What Is Experimental Psychology?
According to the American Psychological Association, “Experimental psychologists use scientific methods to collect data and perform research.” As part of a scientific practice, psychological theories and understandings are based on carefully executed research. Experimental psychology is a specialization that develops hypotheses and conducts experiments that are designed to answer psychological questions. An experimental psychology master’s program prepares students to do the following:
- Develop a hypothesis and plan to test it
- Seek appropriate approval and funding
- Execute the experiment
- Collect and analyze data
- Draw conclusions and publish relevant research
This focus is different from that of someone who has earned a master’s in school psychology and chooses to devote their career to working with students, faculty, and administrators in an educational setting.
Why Choose Iona’s MA in Experimental Psychology?
Iona University has a diverse and successful Psychology and Neuroscience Department. Backed by faculty who have practical experience as well as teaching expertise, the Iona master’s in experimental psychology program serves as the ideal launching pad for many careers in psychology. Full-time students in Iona’s program typically complete their degree in four semesters over two academic years. However, by taking advantage of summer course offerings,some students may be able to accelerate their progress and finish in less than two years.
Quick Facts
Tuition and Financial Aid
We encourage you to utilize our Graduate Tuition Estimator to get an estimate of potential tuition costs after scholarships have been applied, based on current rates.
Explore scholarships and awards for graduate students here and contact Student Financial Services to learn more.
What to Expect
- Finish in four semesters
- Hybrid learning format
- Optional summer online courses
- Thesis project
- Preparation for career development or doctoral-level study
Degree Outcomes
Titles held by Iona graduates include:
- Director of Counseling Services
- Psychological Consultant
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Experimental Researcher
Program Curriculum and Research Focus
Research methodology is a core component of the experimental psychology program. However, flexibility is built into the degree, which features three required courses and a myriad of electives designed to allow students to choose their own paths forward.
The courses required for the master’s in experimental psychology include:
- Experimental Research Methods in Psychology
- Quantitative Research Methods in Psychology: Advanced Concepts
- Thesis Supervision
With these foundational choices to build upon, students can choose from core courses and electives that are as varied as:
- The Psychology of Exceptional Individuals
- Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice
- Physiological Bases of Behavior
- Understanding and Treatment of Addictive Behavior
Required courses, core courses, and electives are all selected based on best practices in psychological research and the scientific method. Learn more about Iona's Psychology and Neuroscience Department to decide which courses are right for you.
Career Pathways with a Master’s in Experimental Psychology
What can you do with a master’s in psychology? Many experimental psychology degree program graduates go on to earn doctoral level degrees to further their careers, while others leverage their research skills to work in labs or as consultants. The research focus of this degree plan makes working in a lab as a researcher or lab manager a natural fit.
To earn their licensure as a practicing psychologist, graduates must earn their doctoral level degrees, such as PhDs or PsyDs. Students who did not study psychology as undergraduates can benefit from earning a master’s in psychology to build the skills they need to apply to doctoral programs.
Job Titles
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Director of Counseling Services
- Psychological Consultant
- Lab Manager
- Experimental Researcher
Our graduates have gone on to work or attend doctoral programs at the following locations:
Faculty Mentorship and Lab Opportunities
Students in the Iona University master’s in psychology (general-experimental specialization) program will have the opportunity to engage with experienced and dedicated faculty, both inside and outside of the classroom.
An article in the Journal of Public Affairs notes that “For graduate students, mentorship offers valuable emotional support during the highly stressful phases of their academic journey, with long-lasting effects on their careers.” Choosing a graduate program that values faculty mentorship and encourages students to develop these crucial relationships can lead to positive results throughout graduates’ careers.
The experimental psychology program at Iona also places great importance on laboratory experience. Students will have the chance to develop experiments alongside faculty and conduct research in the University’s well-equipped labs.
How to Apply to Iona’s Experimental Psychology Graduate Program
To apply for Iona’s MA in psychology, general-experimental specialization, you will need to complete a graduate program application. In addition to the application itself, prospective students must submit the following:
- Two letters of recommendation (applicants with an undergraduate GPA that is higher than 3.0 may submit one academic recommendation)
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate programs attended
- Current resume
- Completion of at least nine credits of psychology courses, including Statistics for Behavioral Sciences and Research Methods
You can also choose to explore all programs at Iona and find the one that best suits your professional goals.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between Iona’s experimental and school psychology master’s programs
Iona’s MA in Psychology (General-Experimental Specialization) is designed for students who want to pursue careers in research, academia, or data-driven psychology roles. The program focuses heavily on the scientific method, research design, quantitative and experimental methodologies, and thesis work. Students gain hands-on experience conducting psychological experiments and analyzing behavioral data, which is ideal for those considering Ph.D. programs or roles in research labs and institutions.
By contrast, the Master’s in School Psychology at Iona prepares students for applied practice within educational settings. Graduates typically go on to work in K–12 schools, helping students with emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. This program emphasizes psychological assessment, intervention, counseling, and working directly with teachers, administrators, and families.
2. Can I pursue a Ph.D. after completing this program at Iona?
Yes, the experimental psychology program at Iona is intentionally structured to prepare students for doctoral study. With a strong foundation in experimental research methods, statistical analysis, and thesis develop ment, graduates are highly competitive applicants for Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs in psychology and related fields. Faculty mentorship, lab experience, and a personalized research thesis all help students demonstrate the academic and professional readiness needed for success at the doctoral level.
3. Does Iona’s experimental psychology program include lab or thesis requirements?
Yes, both are important components of the program. All students are required to complete a thesis, which involves proposing a research question, designing an experiment, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting conclusions. This process reflects the core of experimental psychology and offers a valuable opportunity to contribute original research to the field.
In addition, students are encouraged to gain hands-on lab experience by assisting faculty with ongoing research or developing their own projects. The program’s integration of lab-based coursework supports skill-building in areas such as experimental design, behavioral measurement, and interpretation of findings. While there may not be a separate “lab hour” requirement, many classes include applied lab elements and collaborative research.
4. Are GRE scores required for admission to Iona’s experimental psychology MA?
No, applicants to Iona’s experimental psychology MA program are not required to submit GRE scores.
5. How does Iona support students interested in psychology-related academic careers?
Iona University is committed to helping all students achieve their career goals. Students interested in academic careers in the psychology field will benefit from faculty mentorship, time spent in a laboratory setting, and assistance in preparing for doctoral programs.
6. What types of research projects are available to graduate students?
Graduate students in Iona’s experimental psychology program can participate in a variety of faculty-mentored research projects across multiple subfields, including:
- Cognitive psychology
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Social and emotional development
- Addictive behaviors
- Conflict resolution
- Physiological psychology
Students may assist faculty in ongoing studies or propose their own research projects for thesis development. All research is subject to faculty oversight and institutional review. This hands-on research experience allows students to refine their research skills, contribute to peer-reviewed work, and develop a strong portfolio for doctoral applications or employment in research roles.
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