ADA, Okla. – The College of Education and Psychology at East Central University (ECU) has announced a new online Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Psychology through the ECU Graduate Studies program.

"The Department of Psychology is excited to offer an online Master of Science in Applied Psychology program,” said Dr. Marc Klippenstine, chair and professor for the Department of Psychology. “This is a degree designed to prepare students for job opportunities in a diverse range of fields that involve human behavior.”

This premier program will prepare students for roles in behavioral health, community health, instructional design, management, marketing, teaching and more. Students will learn to analyze situations through a psychological lens, draw on appropriate psychological research and transform their knowledge into actionable solutions.

The 30-credit-hour program includes 12 credit hours in psychological foundation courses, 9 hours in research foundation courses and 9 hours of elective coursework, including an option for the completion of a Master’s Thesis.

The program is designed to help students:

  • Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives and the research-oriented nature of psychology.
  • Develop skills in basic psychological research, including data analysis, critical evaluation and research design.
  • Apply psychological principles to personal, social, developmental, cultural and organizational issues.
  • Communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
  • Use psychological knowledge, skills and values in a variety of occupational settings and pursuits.

“The program has a strong, research-based, educational component that will prepare students for doctoral level programs in multiple disciplines,” Klippenstine added. “This 30-hour program can take students from an undergraduate degree and help transition them into a life-long career in the behavioral sciences."

The M.S. in Applied Psychology begins in the Fall 2025 semester. Applications are now being accepted. Courses will be offered entirely in an online format (i.e., online or synchronous zoom).

For more information about the Department of Psychology at ECU, please visit www.ecok.edu or contact Dr. Marc Klippenstine at mklippen@ecok.edu.

Cutline: East Central University’s Lanoy Education Building, home to ECU’s Department of Psychology.

-ECU-