Discover how you can supercharge your career with our online Master of Science in Applied Psychology program! Designed specifically for those who want to combine their passion for psychology with business interests, this program will propel you into exciting and lucrative fields where you can make a real impact.

With our cutting-edge curriculum, you’ll learn the latest theories and practices in psychology and business, and gain hands-on experience in a wide range of areas that can be applied to functions both within the organization and to functions that are external to the organization.

So whether you’re interested in working within your organization or for department that deal with external facing clients, our program will give you the skills and knowledge you need to excel. Don’t wait – take the first step towards a brighter future today!

Job Prospects

Applied Psychology can be the key to ensuring a business is working at maximum productivity and efficiency. Knowing how to strategically apply psychology and research tools in business settings can open many career opportunities in growing fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employments growth in business applications of psychology with a 22% increase in job growth by 2030 in Market Researchers / Consumer Insights positions and a 10% increase in Human Resources and Learning Development positions.

With its focus on practical applications of psychological research and theories, this degree can prepare you for a range of internal and external roles:

Career Planning

While it is important to be prepared for such job opportunities, it is equally critical that students have access to an infrastructure that assists in finding job opportunities. MAPP graduate students are not only joining one of the strongest alumni networks in the world, they also have access to every resource provided by USC Career Services.

Professional Workshops

Career Counselors

Networking events & Career Fairs

Access ConnectSC USC’s online job posting platforms

Alumni Spotlight

The M.S. in Applied Psychology program (MAPP) prepares students to pursue a variety of career opportunities in which psychological concepts and theories are utilized daily.  Recent graduates have found employment in diverse types of jobs across industries, including healthcare, entertainment, technology, consulting, non-profit, and government/public entities. While not an exhaustive list, listed are some of the prominent roles some of our students have pursued.

Ava Pomerantz

Jury Trial Consultant – Trial Behavior Consulting

MAPP Class of 2021

“With MAPP, I saw a path to a career that would merge my interests in qualitative and quantitative research. It was a career that also had enough breadth to hold my passion for connection, as well as my curiosity for understanding different perspectives. Through peer consulting projects, reading relevant and thought-provoking texts, and engaging in a wide variety of skill-based workshops, I began not only to see the path, but also all the potential to apply psychology to the business world. And, most importantly, while building, and now maintaining, strong and supportive bonds with both peers and professors.”

Campbell Rechey

Senior UX Researcher – Morgan Stanley

MAPP Class of 2018

“The MAPP program has a thorough, yet balanced approach to fostering student’s “hard” and “soft” skills. The curriculum challenged me to think critically, analyze complex problems through various research methods, and develop innovative solutions. And the supportive faculty and collaborative environment helped me hone my networking skills, foster my growth as a professional, and prepared me to excel in a dynamic and constantly evolving industry. The lessons I learned through MAPP landed me my first full-time job out of school and have continued to proven invaluable in my day-to-day work since!”

Bahar Pishdadian

Workforce Transformation – PwC

MAPP Class of 2021

“MAPP was the perfect bridge from my undergraduate degree in psychology to a career in consulting. The program equipped me with essential skills and invaluable experiences that have accelerated my growth and set me up for long-term success.”

Tahani AlAli

Design Thinking – Aramco

MAPP Class of 2017

Tanya Khazaie

Human Resources – SpaceX

MAPP Class of 2020

Sophia Hunt

Diversity Coordinator – Loeb & Loeb

MAPP Class of 2021

Galen McAllister

Augmented Reality Research – Snapchat

MAPP Class of 2019

Frank Montana

Global Gaming Research – Sega

MAPP Class of 2018

David Giardino

Director Marketing & Brand Strategy – NBC Sports

MAPP Class of 2018