Best Master's Degree Programs in Biopsychology

Although it is not usually required that applicants to master's degree programs in biopsychology hold a degree in a specific major, many applicants have a background in psychology or a natural science, such as biology. Some students may even double major in biology and psychology to prepare for the field. There are also bachelor's degree programs specifically in biopsychology available. Some programs could require or prefer applicants to have prior coursework in areas such as math, science, and computer science, which can be accomplished through a variety of undergraduate degree programs.

Admissions requirements vary by school, and several of these master's degree programs are highly competitive. Applicants to master's degree programs in biopsychology have to have at least a bachelor's degree and may need to meet a minimum GPA requirement of a 2.75 or higher. Some programs may also have minimum GRE score requirements, such as verbal and quantitative scores above 150. Depending on the program, students could be required or recommended to have prerequisite coursework in areas such as:

• Biology
• Anatomy and physiology
• General chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Biostatistics
• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Computer science
• Mathematics

Some programs encourage applicants to contact potential faculty graduate advisors prior to applying to help match students with faculty advisors who share research interests. Other application materials for these programs may include letters of reference, transcripts, and a career/personal statement.

Students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in biopsychology typically enjoy research and learning about how the human brain works. A master's degree is often a great stepping stone into a doctoral program in the field with research preparation or can help prepare students for starting a career in the field. Holding a master's degree usually qualifies students for more advanced positions than those with only a bachelor's degree and commonly leads to a higher salary.

Choosing a master's degree in biopsychology can be a little challenging, as there are not too many of these degree programs available. One of the biggest factors could be finding a location that is suitable for students and offers a program in the field. Students who can relocate may have more options or those who are willing to study online. Course options and unique learning experiences that can help prepare students for their desired career should also play a big part in their decision. For example, many of these programs are research-based, but some offer various culminating experiences that help students apply what they have learned. The cost and availability of financial aid could also affect students' choice in biopsychology programs.

Master's degree programs in biopsychology can require between 34 and 36 credits for completion. Typically, students can finish these degrees in 1.5 to 2 years. The coursework generally consists of core courses in the field and elective courses that give students the chance to explore different areas of interest. Depending on the program, students may be required to finish out their degree with a culminating experience of some kind. Below, we discuss the core courses and electives for these programs in greater detail.

Biopsychology Foundational Courses

Students typically take multiple core courses that explore the main concepts and theories of biopsychology. Sometimes, these core courses are broken up into core psychology and core neuroscience or neurobiology courses. Students also typically take some research methods classes that help prepare them for conducting research in the field for their culminating experience or future career. Programs that require a culminating experience may allow students to choose from several different options, such as completing a thesis, participating in an internship, or finishing a master's project. Other core course topics for these master's programs could include:

• Biomedical science
• Ethics in health science
• Medical anatomy
• Physiology
• Experimental methods and statistics
• Social psychology
• Biological basis of behavior
• Neuroscience

Biopsychology Specialist & Elective Courses

Students usually conclude their master's degree in biopsychology with concentration courses in biopsychology or elective courses. Typically, students are able to choose some of these courses from an approved list of courses to more closely match course topics with areas of interest or areas pertaining to their research. These courses can provide students with an overview of a new topic in the field or provide detailed knowledge in a specific area of the field. Some courses are more biology-focused, while others are more psychology-focused. Examples of possible concentration and elective courses include:

• Developmental neuropsychology
• Child psychology
• Adult psychology
• Research methods in neuroscience
• Psychoactive drugs
• Sensation and perception

Licensure & Certification in Biopsychology

There is not a license or certification available specifically in biopsychology. However, there is a range of possible career options for students in the field that have different licensing and certification requirements. For example, in order to work under the title 'psychologist,' students typically need a doctoral degree and state licensure. Licensure requirements vary by state but commonly include meeting a range of requirements for experience in the field. There is also board certification available to psychologists in different discipline areas, including neuropsychology from the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology. Other related positions, such as mental health counselors, also need additional training and certification. Mental health counselors need to earn state licensure after completing supervised clinical work.

Although it is not overly common, there are some master's programs in biopsychology that conclude with a culminating experience, such as a thesis, master's project, or internship experience. Students who choose an internship experience will likely gain additional hands-on, practical experience in the field. They may have the opportunity to observe and participate in different research opportunities but are typically supervised by a professional in the field. Participating in an internship could require students to take an additional accompanying course. Internship placements usually have to be approved by faculty members who work in the biopsychology concentration area. This extra experience can help students stand out to admissions committees for doctoral programs or employers.

Some graduates with their master's in biopsychology may pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biopsychology degree program. There are also related degree programs available, such as a PhD in Applied Psychology with a concentration in applied biopsychology. This advanced degree can help students begin their career in independent research, postsecondary education, or as a practicing psychologist. Doctoral programs in the field are even more research-intensive, and students can typically customize their degree to take courses that align with their research and career interests.

There are several different careers involving psychology and biology, but many of these careers require additional training beyond a master's in biopsychology. There could be some careers in neuroscience research that only require a master's degree, but advanced positions, such as a career as a neurobiologist, medical scientist, or psychologist, typically requires a doctoral degree. Graduates with their master's could take on management positions within a laboratory setting and may focus more on biology or psychology. Many graduates take on careers involved in research, but some may pursue additional training to apply what they have learned and interact with various types of patients, such as becoming a genetic counselor or mental health counselor. Explore some career options below.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Biopsychology

The job outlook for graduates with a master's degree in biopsychology is positive overall. While the individual job outlooks for different positions vary, in general, graduates with this degree qualify for a range of positions in the fields of psychology and biology, which can increase job prospects. Graduates also tend to have more advanced leadership and research skills in the field, which can help them pursue more advanced positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), natural sciences managers, for example, have a job outlook of 5% from 2019 to 2029. This job outlook is faster than the national average. Other positions have even greater rates of growth. For instance, the BLS reported that over the same decade, the job outlook for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is 25%, which is much faster than the average.

How to Become a Mental Health Counselor

Education requirements for mental health counselors can vary by state and employer, but typically, these counselors need to have at least a master's degree. States typically require mental health counselors to complete a supervised internship experience prior to earning state licensure in the field.

Mental health counselors are able to treat individuals or groups of people, including families and couples. They evaluate their patient's struggle with various types of conditions, such as stress, depression, and anxiety. They then determine the best treatment plan option and work closely with clients to find ways to modify their behavior and develop skills for healthy behaviors. As of 2020, the BLS reported that substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors made a median annual salary of $47,660.

How to Become a Natural Sciences Manager

Scientists interested in taking on more leadership and responsibilities could become a natural sciences manager. These professionals could be required to hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, depending on the position and employer. Usually, these managers hold a degree in a science-related field but some may also have a degree in management. Generally, natural sciences managers work their way up through experience. They typically begin working as scientists and then begin working more independently and taking on leadership roles, such as leading research teams. Professional certifications are available in the field for specific areas of study or practice, but are not usually required.

Natural sciences managers coordinate and supervise the actions of other scientists. These managers include laboratory managers and working managers. They commonly work in a laboratory setting and help ensure that all safety protocols are being followed. They also hire staff, manage the budget, monitor the progress of different projects, and check the accuracy of findings. Per the BLS, natural sciences managers made a median annual salary of $137,940 as of 2020.

There are many resources available to help graduate students in any field pay for their advanced degree. All graduate students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to see if they meet qualifications for any state or federal loans and grants. Students are also free to apply to as many scholarships and grants from schools and outside organizations as they would like. Students studying biopsychology could qualify for a range of biology- or psychology-related awards, as well as general scholarships based on factors such as financial need, academic merit, community services, demographics, and more.

While scholarships specifically for students in master's degree programs in biopsychology are rare, students can check with their school of interest for additional funding options. For example, due to the research-based nature of the field, some programs offer research assistantships that can help lower tuition rates and provide a monthly stipend. Depending on the school, teaching assistantship or teaching fellowship programs may also be available to help students pay for school. Research assistantships require students to assist faculty members on different research projects, while teaching assistantships require students to help faculty members teach undergraduate courses.