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Program Overview

Program Overview

A Lipscomb M.S. in psychology will allow you to build your identity as a psychological researcher while giving you the clinical knowledge needed to be successful at the next level. A range of electives & an individualized thesis project allow you to tailor this program to your specific clinical & research interests. Because of this, most of our graduates receive acceptances into prestigious Ph.D. programs across the country. Others apply what they've learned to advance in their field or land their dream job in areas like human resources, public relations and law enforcement. 

Through this program you will mature both as a person and as a psychological scientist by crafting a thesis project based on your own interests. Our faculty have diverse research backgrounds and can help you design a thesis project that deepens your knowledge and feeds your passions. You will work 1-on-1 with your faculty thesis advisor throughout the process to make sure you have a successful thesis experience. 

Through your classes you will have the opportunity to grow in a community of like-minded students. Small classes allow you to receive personalized attention from faculty while opportunities for competitive internships & research assistantships will help boost your career. 

Are you a current Lipscomb undergraduate psychology major interested in pursuing your M.S.? Learn how you can get ahead with our bridge program

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Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Please submit:

  • Lipscomb University's online application
  • A two-page (500-750 words) essay detailing your goals and why you are applying to Lipscomb
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all schools in which a degree was conferred
  • GRE scores*
    • GRE scores are waived if you already hold a master's degree or if your undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or above
    • GRE scores are required if your GPA is below a 3.0
  • Interview

Deadline to apply for Fall 2024 will be June 1, 2024.  

All Interviews are on a rolling basis.

Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid

Program tuition is currently $962* per credit hour.

*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.

Types of Aid

Networking

Both our deeply connected faculty and our experiential learning opportunities offer myriad ways for you to form relationships with leaders in the industry. These connections will serve and support you throughout your career.

Higher Education

Many individuals pursue a Master of Science in Psychology with the goal of obtaining a Ph.D. We have implemented a rigorous program to ensure that any student who graduates from our program is a competitive candidate for any APA accredited doctoral program. Many of our students are successfully pursuing a Ph.D. or other post graduate program at institutions including Virginia Tech, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Baylor, Mississippi State and Notre Dame.

Nashville, TN

A big city. An even bigger opportunity. We consider Nashville, Tennessee, an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.

Small Class Sizes

You’ll have opportunities to engage in meaningful discussion, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and ask difficult questions in our small class sizes. Plus, you’ll feel supported in a tight-knit learning community.

Our Faculty

  • AJ Heritage headshot

    A.J. Heritage

    Director of Graduate Psychology

    A.J. joined the Lipscomb faculty full time in January of 2021 after several years as an adjunct faculty member and faculty fellow with Lipscomb Online. A.J. earned his Ph.D. in...

    Meet A.J. Heritage
  • Shanna Ray headshot

    Shanna Ray

    Executive Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Dr. Shanna Ray is a Nashville native and proud Lipscomb alumna. Since joining Lipscomb's faculty in 2002, Shanna Ray has been involved in various administrative roles. Currently, she serves as...

    Meet Shanna Ray
  • Jaclyn Spivey headshot

    Jackie Spivey

    Lead Faculty, Undergraduate Psychology

    Dr. Jaclyn Spivey is originally from Las Vegas, NV. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans and a Ph.D. in Psychology (Behavioral Neuroscience) from the University...

    Meet Jackie Spivey

Career Paths

Social science research assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

Psychologist

Our program prepares you to move into a Ph.D. psychology program where you will prepare to teach or work on research in psychology.

Postsecondary Teachers

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and technical subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.