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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.

Courses

Courses

The 39-hour M.S. in psychology is for degree-seeking students who will not seek licensure as a counselor. If attending full-time, this degree could be completed in four semesters. The courses are listed below.

Core Courses (30 Hours, 3 hours each)

  • PSG 5103 - Theories of Counseling and Personality
  • PSG 5203 - Introduction to Psychopathology and Adaptive Behavior
  • PSG 5303 - Lifespan Development
  • PSG 5603 - Research Methods and Statistics
  • PSG 5803 - Integration of Psychology and Christianity Seminar
  • PSG 6713 - Biological Psychology
  • PSG 6613 - Statistics I
  • PSG 6623 - Statistics II
  • PSG 6933 - Thesis I
  • PSG 6943 - Thesis II

Elective Courses (select 9 Hours)

  • COUN 5903 - Introduction to Counseling Skills
  • COUN 6003 - Grief and Crisis Counseling
  • COUN 6053 - Multicultural Issues in Counseling
  • COUN 6253 - Career Counseling
  • PSG 6403 - Psychopharmacology
  • PSG 6603 - Advanced Psychopathology
  • PSG 6653 - Assessment Techniques
  • PSG 6503 - Human Sexuality
  • PSG 675V - Psychological /Counseling Topics
  • PSG 685V - Research Practicum
  • COUN 6303 - Substance Abuse Counseling
  • Other courses, as approved by the Psychology program director

Suggested course sequence for Full-time M.S. in Psychology (39-hour program) students entering in Fall:

Note: Some of the classes listed below are only offered once per year. If a student deviates from this plan, it may delay graduation. Students should consult with their advisor about any deviation from this course sequence.

Fall 1:
1Theories of Counseling & Personality (Tuesday)
1Research Methods and Statistics (Monday)
2Biological Psychology (Thursday)

Spring:
1Introduction to Psychopathology and Adaptive Behavior (Tuesday)
Lifespan Development (Thursday)

1Thesis I (independent)

Summer:
Spiritual Competencies (Monday)
1,2Statistics I  (Wednesday)
Elective 1 (TBA)

Fall 2:
2Statistics II (Wednesday)
Thesis II (independent)
Elective 2 (TBA)
Elective 3 (TBA)

1 Prerequisite for later classes.  (Theories of Counseling and Intro to Psychopathology are needed before many electives in our department; Research Methods before Thesis I; Statistics I before Statistics II; Thesis I before Thesis II)

2Only available once per year, during the semester listed

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

    Shanna Ray has a B.S. in Psychology from Lipscomb University, M.A. in Experimental Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University and a Ph.D./M.S. in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University. Ray joined...

    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.