Master of Arts

The purpose of the master’s program is to develop further knowledge and skills in Psychology and prepare students for a professional career or doctoral studies. This is achieved by completing courses in the primary field and related areas, and experience with independent work and specialization. The master’s program is available only to PhD students in Psychology and, under special circumstances, students enrolled in other graduate programs offered through the university.

Degree Eligibility

Current Stanford doctoral students can apply for a Master of Arts in Psychology during their PhD, JD, or MD program.

Graduate students already enrolled in the Psychology PhD program and who have completed (a) the first-year and second-year course requirements and (b) at least 45 units of Psychology courses may apply for conferral of the MA degree. This application should be discussed with the student services manager.

Students currently enrolled in a Stanford PhD or professional program in another department may be granted a Master of Arts in Psychology. In such cases, admission to the MA is considered by the faculty on a case-by-case basis. An admitted student must complete at least 45 units of Psychology courses and possibly other research or course requirements as determined by the faculty. Interested applicants should consult the student services manager, Dena Zlatunich (denamz@stanford.edu).

All applicants must satisfy university residency requirements for the degree and are responsible for consulting with their primary departments or the Financial Aid Office about the effects of the proposed program on their current funding. 

The Department of Psychology does not offer a terminal master’s degree. Only currently enrolled Stanford doctoral students (PhD, MD, or JD) are eligible to apply for the MA in Psychology.