Psychology (M.A.)

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Psychology, Human Behavior and Organization Psychology (HBOP) option provides advanced study of human behavior across individual, group, and organizational contexts. The program combines theoretical foundations, applied practice, and rigorous research training, preparing students for careers in organizational settings, human resources, consulting, education, mental health, or further graduate study in psychology.

Students develop expertise in key areas of psychology and human behavior while gaining practical skills in assessment, behavior modification, group dynamics, and organizational development. Emphasis on research methods and applied inquiry equips graduates to design and implement evidence-based interventions in a variety of professional environments, preparing them for roles as UX researchers, applied research specialists, school counselors, mental health practitioners, and academic researchers.

Through this comprehensive curriculum, graduates acquire the knowledge and skills to understand, analyze, and influence human behavior effectively, whether working with individuals, groups, or organizations. The program prepares students for roles that require advanced psychological insight, organizational competence, and applied behavioral expertise, as well as for continued research and academic pursuits.

Program Benefits

• Work closely with faculty on in-class or independent research projects, gain hands-on experience in designing research, data collection, and analysis.
• Access the Psychology Lab, equipped with VR technology, trekking setups, and opensignalsplux systems.
• Explore psychology faculty research labs, including the Center for Behavioral Research Across Cultures (BRAC), the Well-Being and Strengths Research Center (WSRC), and the Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience Research Center (CCNRC).
• Participate in field trips to industry partner schools and hospitals, including the Wenzhou International Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Services Clinic at Wenzhou No. 7, launched in collaboration with WKU’s Psychology Department.
• Participate in the yearly symposium by MA-HBOP to present your research to fellow students and academic faculty, gaining experience in scholarly communication and professional networking.
• Engage in activities at the International Honor Society of Psychology (Psi Chi), the first and only chapter in China

Potential Career Pathways

User Experience (UX) Research – studying how users interact with products, websites, and technology to improve design and usability.
Organizational & Industrial Psychology – evaluating employee behavior, engagement, and performance in corporations or institutions.
Behavioral Science Research – conducting studies in social, personality, or learning psychology in academic, private, or governmental research settings.
Educational & Training Development – designing evidence-based curricula, learning interventions, and organizational training programs.
Healthcare & Clinical Research – investigating behavioral interventions, patient outcomes, and health psychology applications.
School Counselors – supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic development using evidence-based interventions.
Mental Health Practitioners in Schools or Community Settings – conducting behavioral assessments, implementing interventions, and providing support for children, adolescents, and adults.
Academic Researchers – Teach and conduct studies in social, personality, learning, and organizational psychology in universities or research institutes.
Graduate/PhD Study – pursuing advanced degrees in psychology, education, or related behavioral sciences.
Applied Research Specialists – designing and evaluating interventions in organizations, education, healthcare, or technology sectors.

Course Modules -  Credits (33)

MA Psychology Coursework at WKU
1.    PSY 5640 – Analysis of Small Group Processes
2.    PSY 5120 – Social Psychology of Adolescence
3.    PSY 5660 – Industrial/Organizational Psychology
4.    PSY 5015 – Research Methods in Behavioral Science
5.    PSY 5515 – Advanced Psychology of Personality
6.    PSY 5610 – Advanced Social Psychology
7.    PSY 5320 – Learning Theory
8.    PSY 5430 – Psychological Dimensions of HRD
9.    PSY 5020 – Applied Research Methods & Inquiry
10.    PSY 5530 – Advanced Abnormal Psychology
11.    PSY 5420 – Behavioral Modification
Bridge Courses (If Required )
12.    PSY 3200 – Psychology Statistics
13.    PSY 4940 – Seminar: Issues in Contemporary Psychology
Note- Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday evenings. Some courses may also offer daytime sessions Monday to Friday, depending on enrollment.
Please note that actual class schedules are subject to change based on the admission results

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
   ● Applicants, if graduated from mainland China institutions, must submit an evaluation of their official university degree by China Credentials Verification (https://www.chsi.com.cn/).
   ● Applicants, if not graduated from either U.S. institutions or mainland China institutions, must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their official university degree by the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES) (http://www.naces.org), such as the International Education Evaluation (IEE) or World Education Services (WES).
2. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (lower GPAs will be considered based on strength of overall application) 
   ● Applicants, if graduated from mainland China institutions, must submit an evaluation of their official university transcript by China Credentials Verification.
   ● Applicants, if not graduated from either U.S. institutions or mainland China institutions, must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their official university transcript by the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES).
3. Two letters of recommendation
4. Professional Resume/CV
5. Personal Statement
6. Departmental interview may be required
7. Official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score reports of test taken within the past two years of application

*TOEFL iBT / TOEFL at home: 79, paper-based: 550; IELTS: 6.5; Duolingo English Test: 105.For TOEFL exams taken after January 21, 2026, a minimum total score of 4 (under the new banding scale) will be required.

      8. 12 credits in the Behavioral Sciences (at least 6 of which are in Psychology) or the candidates may be required to take bridge courses to fulfill this requirement.

Curriculum & Academic Standards

* If have taken 12 credits in the Behavioral Sciences at the undergraduate level (at least 6 of which are in Psychology), the curriculum of this program will be:

Graduation Requirements

The Psychology (M.A.) curriculum comprises 33 credits (and pre-requisite requirements, if any). Students who fulfill each course requirement and achieve a grade point average (GPA) of no less than 3.0 will be conferred the Master of Arts in Psychology degree from Kean University.

Message

The Master’s program in Human Behavior and Organizational Psychology at Wenzhou-Kean University prepares students to understand human behavior and make a positive impact in society. Students develop strong theoretical, empirical, and practical skills, supported by faculty specialized in research and a postgraduate student community with diverse professional and academic experiences. This combination provides a rich environment for learning, collaboration, and knowledge creation across a variety of professional and community settings.
The curriculum offers a carefully balanced blend of theory, applied practice, and rigorous research training, with courses focusing on individual, socio-psychological, and organizational processes. Students gain the skills to design and implement evidence-based interventions while expanding their academic, professional, and research capabilities.
We invite you to join our vibrant community and embark on this enriching academic journey.

Amrita Kaur,

Program Coordinator

Department of Psychology

Wenzhou-Kean University

Contact Us

Email: m.psy@wku.edu.cn

Tel: 0577-55870062

For more information on the Psychology (M.A.) program at Kean University USA, please see: https://www.kean.edu/academics/programs/psychology-ma

*For more information of 2026 graduate admissions, please refer to the Wenzhou-Kean University Graduate Admissions Guidelines 2024.