Students seeking master’s in psychology degrees in Florida can enjoy warm year-round climate, unusual wildlife and scenic beaches while pursuing their career goals.
The Sunshine State is the home of Saint Augustine, the oldest known European settlement in North America, and was a frequent stop for explorers crossing the sea in search of the New World. With the longest coastline in the continental U.S., Florida borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east, the Gulf of Mexico on the west and the Straits of Florida to the south. Known for its production of citrus fruits, its amusement parks and the NASA launch pad at Cape Canaveral, the state of Florida has much to offer graduate psychology students both in the classroom setting and during their hours away from class.
This is the second half of our list of Master’s Degrees in Psychology in Florida. For the first half of our list, see: Psychology Master’s Degrees in Florida (A-L).
Nova Southeastern University
College of Psychology
As the home of one of the leading research and clinical psychological universities in the state of Florida, Nova Southeastern University is a private institution of higher learning that serves more than 4,600 students each year. The psychology program at Nova Southeastern is acclaimed for its top-notch educational staff; Dr. Mark Sobell, a professor at the university and an internationally renowned clinical psychologist, was awarded the 2015 Med Associates Brady-Schuster Award by the American Psychological Association for his body of work in the fields of behavioral science and substance abuse.
Master of Science in Experimental Psychology
Students who pursue a master’s degree in experimental psychology at Nova Southeastern University can continue their education to pursue a doctoral degree with this leading clinical institution or can enter the job market as teachers and researchers. Core class work includes theoretical and statistical analysis and methodology designed to prepare students for the rigors of the research environment. This degree program requires successful completion of 33 credits and a master’s thesis under the supervision of one of the university’s many distinguished faculty members. Students will also be called upon to write research papers for publication using American Psychological Association style and formatting.
Master of Science in Forensic Psychology Online
Nova Southeastern University’s online master’s degree in forensic psychology prepares students for jobs in law enforcement and other areas in the legal arena. Consisting of 36 credit hours, all of which can be completed online, this master’s degree program is an ideal option for working adults and for distance learners interested in completing advanced studies. Coursework is completed through Blackboard, one of the leading interfaces for online studies. Email, chat services and discussion boards are also available to allow collaboration in this learning environment. This online degree program does not meet current requirements for licensure as a counselor in the state of Florida.
Master of Science in General Psychology Online
Although the online master’s degree in general psychology offered by Nova Southeastern does not qualify students directly to engage in counseling in the state of Florida, this program can pave the way for a doctorate degree and further specialty study. Because the curriculum of this program is generally theoretical, it is not suitable for those who are seeking a license to provide psychological counseling in Florida. Students are required to complete 30 credit hours of coursework to earn their degree. To that end, the university provides students with access to a number of important resources from their own computers, including chat rooms, multimedia presentations and frequent interactions with faculty and other students in the online environment.
Accreditations
• Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
College of Psychology
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314
800-541-6682 ext. 27563
gradschool@nova.edu
Program Link
Saint Leo University
School of Criminal Justice
One of the oldest and most respected Catholic universities in Florida, Saint Leo University was founded in 1889 by the Order of Saint Benedict. It was recently ranked as one of the best universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Located in the rolling hills just north of Tampa, Saint Leo offers its 16,000 students a balanced learning experience close to the opportunities of the big city. The university welcomes individuals of all faiths and delivers a wide range of online-only and hybrid learning programs for undergraduate and graduate students. This makes the university a preferred choice for members of the U.S. military stationed across the country or around the world.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Students can pursue a career in the legal system or law enforcement field after completion of the master’s degree in criminal justice at Saint Leo University. This program is designed to provide hands-on experience through internships and student projects. The FBI National Academy Associates have approved Saint Leo as a qualified educational partner for their training programs and internship opportunities, ensuring that students have the widest possible range of options for completing their practicum and internship requirements. Coursework for this program focuses on ethics, offender treatment, human resources, legal aspects of criminal psychology and organizational analysis, allowing students to enjoy the best possible preparation for careers in this critical field. The program is available as a hybrid curriculum or online-only to provide optimal convenience for working adults.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Psychology Online
The forensic psychology specialization for the Saint Leo University Master of Science in Criminal Justice offers students the opportunity to complete their degree entirely online. The program consists of 36 credit hours and includes 12 required hours of forensic psychology courses. Students must also complete an applied project in criminal justice administration worth six credit hours prior to graduation from this degree program. Working adults will appreciate the added flexibility provided by this online curriculum and can typically achieve their educational goals quickly and in a cost-effective manner. This online program will not qualify students for licensure to perform individual counseling in the state of Florida. It will, however, prepare graduates for careers in government, law enforcement and first response in Florida and across the United States.
Accreditations
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
Saint Leo University
33701 State Road 52
Saint Leo, Florida 33574
800-334-5532
admissions@saintleo.edu
Program Link
University of Central Florida
Department of Psychology
Founded in 1963 by an act of the Florida Legislature, the University of Central Florida was originally named the Florida Technological University and was specifically designed to serve the personnel needs of Florida’s growing space industry. Over time, the purpose of this university evolved to include a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including two cutting-edge master’s programs in psychology. Today, it serves over 60,000 students each year and is the largest university by undergraduate enrollment in the entire U.S. The University of Central Florida has been ranked as one of the most innovative campuses for 2016 by U.S. News & World Report and as a best value by both Kiplinger’s and the Princeton Review.
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Students who complete the 61 credit hour master’s degree program in clinical psychology at the University of Central Florida can qualify for state licensure in mental health counseling after a two-year post-degree internship at an approved facility. This program is offered at the Sanford/Lake Mary campus. Both thesis and non-thesis degree options are available. Coursework includes psychotherapy, abnormal psychology, assessment, cognitive behavior therapies and ethics classes designed to provide a well-rounded foundation for future therapeutic endeavors. After graduation, most students go on to provide direct therapeutic support for patients in private practices or as part of a team in clinical or hospital settings.
Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Designed specifically for students who wish to practice psychology in the corporate arena, the industrial and organizational psychology master’s degree at the University of Central Florida consists of 38 credit hours to be completed over the course of four full-time semesters. Classes include test theory, statistics, theories of organizational behavior and structure, motivation and productivity and other aspects of modern business as it applies to psychology. Thesis and non-thesis versions of the program are available; students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average on all graduate coursework and in their specific program of study to remain in good academic standing with the university. Upon graduation, students can obtain employment with major corporations, government agencies and research companies to ensure positive morale and motivation for staff members in a wide range of working environments.
Accreditations
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
• American Psychological Association
Contact
Department of Psychology
4111 Pictor Lane
Psychology Building 99, Ste. 320
Orlando, Florida 32816
407-823-5862
psyinfo@ucf.edu
Program Link
University of Florida
Department of Psychology
Located in Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida has earned a number of accolades in Florida and nationwide. U.S. News & World Report ranked the institution as the fourteenth best public university in the country. The state of Florida also designated the University of Florida as one of two preeminent universities within the state university system. The Department of Psychology does not offer terminal master’s degree programs for its graduate students; instead, students can earn these degrees incidental to their pursuit of doctoral degrees in the field of psychology.
Master of Science in Psychology
The master’s degree programs offered by the University of Florida through the Department of Psychology are overseen by Master’s Degree Supervisory Committees that evaluate the coursework completed by students to determine the type and time of the degree award. These committees consist of three faculty members, one of which must be from another department or, at minimum, another specialization than that of the student. A research proposal is also required and must be approved by the Supervisory Committee. Students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework; some specializations or committees may require additional classes and research efforts to supplement the core requirements established by the university. One popular specialty at the University of Florida is the counseling psychology program, which generally leads directly to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and qualifies students to take on the challenges of practice as a licensed counselor in the state of Florida.
Master of Arts in Education – School Counseling
Consisting of 72 credit hours, this master’s degree program is designed to prepare students for certification in school counseling through the Florida Department of Education. Students who complete this program and successfully achieve certification are qualified to provide individual and group counseling in the educational environment. Coursework focuses primarily on child and adolescent psychology, assessment and developmental counseling and practical experience in the elementary and secondary school environments. An internship is also required for successful completion of this master’s degree program.
Education Specialist (EdS)
The University of Florida College of Education also offers a school psychology program that culminates in the receipt of an Education Specialist degree. This can be combined with a master’s degree in education with an emphasis on school counseling. Students who complete this program are qualified to take positions in the school psychology field. Required coursework comprises 78 credit hours; students must also undertake a year-long internship and must complete two six-hour practicum experiences to graduate from this advanced degree program. Coursework includes classes in developmental psychology, cultural diversity, educational research, statistics, ethics, legal issues cognitive assessments and developmental psychopathology. Most students will maintain full-time status during their pursuit of this degree, which is intended to provide the educational basis for careers in educational facilities and as researchers in the scientific application of psychological principles.
Accreditations
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
• American Psychological Association
• Florida Department of Education
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
• National Association of School Psychologists
Contact
Department of Psychology
945 Center Drive
Gainesville, Florida 32611
352-392-0601
webrequests@admissions.ufl.edu
Program Link
University of North Florida
Department of Psychology
The University of North Florida was established in 1972 and is located on 1,300 acres of scenic woodlands in Jacksonville. It has been named as one of the best colleges in the Southeast by the Princeton Review for four years running. Forbes Magazine has also singled out the University of North Florida as one of America’s Best Colleges. More than 16,000 students attend the institution each year. The University of North Florida is currently upgrading its facilities to meet green-friendly standards, making it a solid choice for environmentally conscious students.
Master of Arts in General Psychology
The master’s degree program in general psychology offered by the University of North Florida is designed specifically to prepare students for advanced doctoral studies or for jobs in the research and corporate fields. Successful completion of this program, however, does not qualify students for licensure to provide counseling in the state of Florida; instead, it serves as a solid foundation for further study or for research positions in the psychological field. The curriculum requires students to complete 12 credit hours of prerequisite studies in research, theoretical psychology and experimental analysis and 39 semester hours of coursework that includes a thesis and several supervised practicum and colloquium experiences. Students are required to maintain individual class grades and grade point averages of B or higher to maintain good academic standing with the university. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.
Accreditations
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
University of North Florida
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32224
904-620-1000
graduateschool@unf.edu
Program Link
University of South Florida at St. Petersburg
Department of Psychology
As part of the University of South Florida system, the St. Petersburg campus of the University of South Florida serves more than 5,000 students each semester and has earned high marks for its programs in journalism, environmental sciences and Florida studies. Located just off the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico, the university enjoys a solid reputation for excellence in the arts and sciences. The University of South Florida at Saint Petersburg offers smaller class sizes, personalized attention and greater diversity for returning adult learners and first-time college students alike.
Master of Arts in Psychology
The master’s degree program in psychology offered by the University of South Florida at Saint Petersburg is designed specifically to suit the needs of working adults. Most coursework can be taken during the evening hours or online, allowing students to maintain a full-time job while working toward their degree. Thesis and non-thesis options are available for students in this program. The psychology department also offers a specialty concentration in Risk, Resilience and Prevention, which focuses on the issues that face the weakest and most defenseless elements of our society. By intervening early with children, teens and young adults at risk of dropping out of school or engaging in violent acts, graduates of this program can make a positive and lasting difference in young lives. Successful completion of the degree program will also qualify students to pursue doctoral studies, to teach at the high school and college level and to take on high-ranking positions in hospitals and government agencies. The program will not, however, provide the necessary background for licensure as an independent counselor in the state of Florida.
Accreditations
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
Contact
USF St. Petersburg Dav 100
140 7th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
727-873-4156
applygrad@usfsp.edu
Program Link
The University of West Florida
Department of Psychology
Established by space-grant legislation in 1963, the University of West Florida provides educational opportunities for more than 12,000 students each year. The university has earned acclaim from numerous publications and organizations; the Princeton Review has named it a Best Southeastern College and it has earned mention three times in recent years as part of Forbes’ list of America’s Top Colleges. The scenic campus of the University of West Florida offers a peaceful retreat from studies and has attracted students from all over the world.
Master of Arts in Psychology
Participants in the master’s program in psychology can choose from three specializations, each of which offers career opportunities for successful students. The Applied Experimental specialty is ideal for those who wish to pursue job opportunities in the research environment and provides thorough grounding in experimental procedures, best practices and data analysis. Students who specialize in Counseling can qualify to become a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida upon graduation from this cutting-edge program. Finally, the Industrial/Organizational specialty program prepares students for jobs in the corporate world by offering hands-on experience with motivational techniques, environmental factors and measurement of various metrics involved in employment scenarios. The University of West Florida also offers a Health Psychology certificate that can be earned concurrently with a master’s degree program. A 3.0 grade point average is required to maintain good academic standing with the university. Successful completion of a thesis, internship or supervised research project is required for graduation.
Accreditations
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
• Master’s in Psychology Accreditation Council
Contact
University of West Florida
College of Psychology
11000 University Parkway
Pensacola, Florida 32514
850-474-2000
drobinson@uwf.edu
Program Link
Finding the right program can have a significant impact on future earnings and employment opportunities for students interested in psychology careers. By taking time to investigate the various on-campus and online options available in the state of Florida, prospective students can identify the programs most suited to their needs and future aspirations. This can provide real help for aspiring counselors and researchers in choosing the right master’s in psychology degrees in Florida.
See also: Psychology Doctoral Programs in Florida