Psychology master’s degrees in Connecticut are available at nine colleges, spanning general, clinical, school, and industrial-organizational tracks, along with combined bachelor’s-master’s programs. Most take one to three years and lead to fields like counseling, human resources, or further doctoral study. A master’s alone does not qualify graduates for psychologist licensure in Connecticut.
Psychology master’s degrees in Connecticut differ widely in structure. Some, like Central Connecticut’s community psychology track, prepare graduates for direct human-services work, while others, like Wesleyan’s combined BA/MA, function as a research bridge toward a PhD. Before comparing schools, it helps to understand what separates a Master of Arts from a Master of Science in psychology.
MA vs. MS: Which Master’s Degree Fits Your Goals
Most Connecticut programs award either a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS) in psychology, and the distinction usually comes down to emphasis rather than prestige. MA programs, like Central Connecticut’s and Connecticut College’s, tend to pair coursework with broader liberal-arts requirements and often ask for a thesis or capstone project. MS programs, like the University of Hartford’s organizational psychology track, generally lean more heavily on quantitative methods and applied, workplace-facing coursework.
Neither degree by itself leads to licensure as a psychologist in Connecticut, which requires a doctorate. Some master’s programs, like Fairfield’s and UConn’s school psychology tracks, pair the degree with a sixth-year certificate that qualifies graduates for state certification as a school psychologist. For a closer look at how the two degree types compare nationally, see our full breakdown, and if a research project factors into your decision, check whether a thesis is typically required for programs like these.
Connecticut Master’s in Psychology Programs at a Glance
All nine schools below are regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The American Psychological Association accredits doctoral psychology programs only, not master’s degrees, so program-specific approvals below come from bodies like NASP or CAEP where they apply.
| School | Degree | Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Connecticut State University | MA | Community, General, or Health Psychology | New Britain |
| Connecticut College | MA | Clinical, Social/Personality, Behavioral Neuroscience, or Health Psychology | New London |
| Fairfield University | MA | School Psychology | Fairfield |
| Sacred Heart University | MS | Applied Psychology (I/O, Community, or General) | Fairfield |
| Southern Connecticut State University | MA | General Psychology | New Haven |
| University of Connecticut | MA / Sixth-Year | School Psychology | Storrs |
| University of Hartford | MA / MS | Clinical Practices, Organizational, or School Psychology | West Hartford |
| University of New Haven | MA | Industrial-Organizational or Community Psychology | West Haven |
| Wesleyan University | BA/MA | General Psychology (combined degree) | Middletown |
Central Connecticut State University
MA in Psychology
Central Connecticut State University’s psychology master’s program runs 36 to 39 credits and offers three concentrations: community psychology, general psychology, and health psychology. A 12-credit core covers statistics, professional ethics, and current issues in the field before students specialize. Students choose between a research-based empirical thesis and a capstone project built around an extensive literature review, and the program does not require the GRE. Students have access to internship placements at sites including Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, the UConn Health Center, and the Whiting Forensic Institute.
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Contact: New Britain, Connecticut. Program website.
Connecticut College
MA in Psychology
Connecticut College’s psychology department is currently restructuring its graduate curriculum and is not accepting new applications to the MA program. When active, the degree consists of twelve 500-level courses, typically completed over two years, with concentrations in clinical psychology, social/personality psychology, behavioral neuroscience/psychobiology, and behavioral medicine/health psychology. Graduate students take courses alongside advanced undergraduates but receive a separate syllabus and an additional weekly graduate-only session, and second-year students can pursue clinical or research practicum placements. Prospective applicants should confirm their current admission status directly with the department before planning around this program.
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Contact: New London, Connecticut. Program website.
Fairfield University
MA in School Psychology
Fairfield’s school psychology program builds competencies in assessment, consultation, and direct intervention, reflecting the scientist-practitioner tradition. Candidates complete supervised practicum placements in public schools and can continue into Fairfield’s Sixth-Year Certificate in School Psychology, which, combined with the MA, meets Connecticut’s certification requirements for practicing school psychologists. All students in the program must clear a state criminal background check and child abuse clearance before working with students.
MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track
Offered through Fairfield’s Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, this 59-credit track prepares registered nurses for advanced practice in psychiatric care, including 600 hours of supervised practicum experience. Graduates assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and pursue board certification as psychiatric nurse practitioners through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The School Psychology program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the Connecticut State Department of Education.
Contact: Fairfield, Connecticut. Program website.
Sacred Heart University
MS in Applied Psychology (MSAP)
Sacred Heart’s applied psychology program uses a scientist-practitioner model delivered through eight-week evening hybrid courses, with three concentrations: industrial/organizational psychology, community psychology, and general applied psychology. Students can accelerate the 38-credit program to as little as one year by taking two courses per session, and both concentration tracks end in a capstone and comprehensive examination.
MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Sacred Heart also offers a standalone I/O psychology master’s for students focused specifically on workplace psychology, covering personnel selection, organizational behavior, and employee training and development.
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Contact: Fairfield, Connecticut. Program website.
Southern Connecticut State University
MA in Psychology
Southern Connecticut’s psychology master’s is a research-focused program open to students headed toward doctoral study as well as those working in clinical, industrial, or educational settings who want to update their credentials. Students choose between a thesis track and a comprehensive-exam track, the latter of which can be completed in two semesters and a summer session. The program is not a clinical or counseling training program and does not lead to licensure on its own, though several graduate faculty are licensed clinical psychologists and some coursework applies toward later clinical training.
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Contact: New Haven, Connecticut. Program website.
University of Connecticut
School Psychology, Master’s/Sixth-Year Program
UConn’s Neag School of Education combines a master’s degree with a sixth-year certificate in a single sequence built to prepare scientist-practitioners for work in schools. Program sources place the combined coursework requirement in the high-60-semester-hour range, including a 1,500-hour, 10-month supervised internship, with full-time students typically finishing in three years. Graduates meet Connecticut’s 070 School Psychologist certification requirements and are eligible for the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential.
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Contact: Storrs, Connecticut. Program website.
University of Hartford
MA in Clinical Practices in Psychology
This 54-credit, two-year program trains students to assess and treat clinical problems using a range of therapeutic approaches, with two supervised practicum placements in clinical settings. The curriculum emphasizes ethical practice and evaluating research alongside applied clinical skill-building.
MS in Organizational Psychology
Hartford’s organizational psychology program aligns with the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology’s guidelines and carries a STEM designation. Coursework covers leadership, employee motivation, and organizational development, and the program is available on-campus or fully online.
MS and Sixth-Year Certificate in School Psychology
This combined track prepares school counselors and psychologists through coursework in child psychology, psychological disorders, and academic counseling, backed by extensive practicum experience required for graduation and licensure eligibility.
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Contact: West Hartford, Connecticut. Program website.
University of New Haven
MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MAIOP)
New Haven’s 45-credit I/O program offers concentrations in industrial-human resources psychology, organizational development and consultation, and psychology of conflict management. The program has run a dedicated internship track for more than 20 years, placing students with employers such as Pratt & Whitney and Yale University, and most students complete the degree in two years full-time or three years part-time.
MA in Community Psychology
Now in its fifth decade, this program prepares graduates for mental health and human services careers by pairing 21 credits of core coursework, including two semesters of fieldwork, with 9 credits in a chosen concentration and 6 elective credits.
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Contact: West Haven, Connecticut. Program website.
Wesleyan University
Combined BA/MA Degree Program in Psychology
Wesleyan’s combined degree lets qualifying psychology majors add a research-focused MA in the year immediately following their bachelor’s degree, working closely with a single faculty mentor rather than through formal concentration tracks. Students must secure a faculty mentor before applying, complete at least six credits beyond the BA requirements, and submit an original MA thesis, typically defended the following spring. The program suits students planning to pursue a research career or doctoral study who want a head start on independent research experience.
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Contact: Middletown, Connecticut. Program website.
Admission requirements, concentrations, and credit counts change from year to year, so confirm current details directly with each program before applying. If a doctorate and eventual psychologist licensure are the goals, see our guide to Psychology Doctoral Programs in Connecticut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a licensed psychologist with a master’s degree in Connecticut?
No. Connecticut requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) plus supervised experience and the EPPP to become a licensed psychologist. A master’s degree can qualify graduates for other credentials, such as school psychologist certification or, depending on the program, eligibility to pursue counselor licensure. See Connecticut’s licensing board requirements for the full doctoral pathway.
Does the APA accredit master’s degree programs in psychology?
No. The American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation accredits doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology, along with related internships, not master’s degrees. Connecticut’s master’s programs carry regional institutional accreditation from NECHE, and some hold subject-specific approval from bodies like NASP or CAEP.
What’s the difference between an MA and an MS in psychology?
The distinction varies by school, but MA programs generally combine psychology coursework with broader liberal-arts requirements, while MS programs tend to emphasize quantitative and applied training. See our MA vs. MS guide for a closer comparison.
How long does a psychology master’s degree take in Connecticut?
Most programs take one to three years, depending on enrollment status and program design. Accelerated options exist, such as Sacred Heart’s one-year MSAP track and Wesleyan’s combined BA/MA, which adds just one additional year after the bachelor’s degree.
Can I use a master’s in psychology to work toward a PhD later?
Yes. Several Connecticut programs, including UConn’s and Central Connecticut State University’s, are designed to strengthen applications to doctoral programs through research training and thesis work, though many PhD and PsyD programs also accept students directly from a bachelor’s degree.
Select your state below to find accredited psychology programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.