The Master of Science in Applied Psychology program (MAPP) focuses on psychology applied to business through both consumer and organizational perspectives. While other graduate programs may focus on one or the other, both are vital to managing the workforce and for effectively engaging with consumers. Our unique program equips you to speak to these challenges through the language of psychology.
We offer students two options for completing our program:
MAPP Residential: Students engage in a 1-year intensive On-Campus experience. MAPP’s residential courses are exclusive to students for that year’s cohort.
MAPP Online: Students from across the country participate in an innovate online program that is completed in four semesters and as few as 16 months. Online students experience the same small class sizes taught by world-class faculty. Learn more here.
Program at a Glance
| On Campus | Online |
| 9 Months (Full-Time) | 16 Months (Part-Time) |
| 34 Units | 34 Units |
| Start: Fall | Start: Fall / Spring / Summer |
Program Learning Objectives
- Practical Application
- Research Implementation
- Effective Communication
- Career Adaptability
Featured Courses:
Our program includes foundational courses in applied psychology, organizational psychology, consumer behavior and applied research methods.
Electives provide students an opportunity to specialize in areas such as UX, employee assessment, consumer insights, DEI, talent management, marketing analytics, and more.
In order to gain direct experience, students also complete an applied internship and an original applied research project.
Consumer Psychology
Review of consumer psychology insights to better understand and intervene in consumer, user, and audience behavior.Organizational Psychology
Examination of the psychological factors that impact employee motivation, job satisfaction, teamwork, leadership, and organizational development.Cross – Cultural Psychology in Applied Settings
Examines major theoretical frameworks mapping worldwide cultures, focusing on applying that knowledge in organizations.User Experience
Provides an in-depth review of UX researchers’ social science methods, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.Detailed Course List
- Core Courses
- Electives
- Practicum
Experiential Learning
Our program is focused on experiential learning, which refers to a process where students learn through practical experience, rather than just through theoretical instruction. This approach can provide students with a more holistic understanding of the subject matter, as they are able to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
Internship & Capstone Treatise
All students complete both an applied internship and original applied research project (capstone treatise). The internship experience provides students the opportunity to explore exciting careers and industries while enhancing their work experience and professional network.
The treatise projects demonstrate the ability to apply psychological theory and research methods to a real world organizational or consumer problem.
Consulting Projects. Many students opt to conduct consulting projects as part of their capstone treatise requirements. These projects involve working with companies to conduct stakeholder-driven research, giving students the opportunity to experience all stages of a consulting project.
Dublin Summer Internship
Internationally recognized in 2018 by Go Abroad and in 2019 by the Professionals in International Education, our program offers an optional internship in Dublin, Ireland
Students gain valuable experience and learn to apply your education to real-world situations in the Silicon Valley of Europe!
Global Immersion Trip
Our Spring Break Global Immersion trip is a unique opportunity to provide students with a global perspective. We are committed to providing a rich educational and cultural immersion experience exclusive to MAPP students, exploring topics like cross-cultural leadership, consumer marketing, and organizational change while experiencing the rich culture of the cities visited.
MAPP professors help travelers gain the most from this trip to deepen student’s understanding of both consumer and organizational trends in across the world through onsite company visits and activities like immersive shopping experiences.