Student Experience

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Student Experience

The online Master of Science in Applied Psychology is project-based and real-world focused so you can immediately transfer what you learn in the online classroom to challenging workplace scenarios. The program blends content in consumer psychology and organizational psychology to create a universally relevant academic experience. Our faculty are experienced practitioners who are active in their field, and have regular, close interaction with students during live video chat sessions.

Small Class Size

Small classes between 15-25 students foster a highly engaging learning environment of mutual respect in which ideas, knowledge and experiences are readily exchanged.

Diverse Roles

Within each cohort there is a diverse mix of professionals from a variety of organizations — all of whom have a passion for making a difference in organizations around the world using applied psychology.

Team Collaboration

Through group discussions, activities and projects, students engage deeply and gain insights from each other.

Tight Community

From the first week of classes through years after graduation, students rely on their tightly connected community for camaraderie and professional and personal support.

Practical Experiences: Internship and Capstone Treatise

The Internship
During the first semester, students participate in planning and writing exercises to help identify special interests and topics they wish to pursue as part of their internship and capstone project. Classroom exercises in resume creation and interviewing skills are incorporated to assure students are skilled and prepared to attain a quality internship match.

During the internship semester, students register for an Internship course (4 units) in which they share their experiences with their peers while processing their internship through structured assignments.

Students have held internships in market research, marketing, human relations, talent acquisition, organizational development and social media communications in many corporations, nonprofits and start-ups throughout the country and now abroad (through our Dublin, Ireland Summer Internship Opportunity), seeking out opportunities that match their unique interests.

Dublin Summer Internship

Gain valuable experience and learn to apply your education to real-world situations in the Silicon Valley of Europe. The online M.S. in Applied Psychology offers an optional summer internship program in Dublin, Ireland, giving you the opportunity to experience an international organization and practice cross-cultural skills.

Get to Know Our Students and Alumni

Robbi Spencer, M.S.

USC MAPP Online Graduate, Class of 2020
Project Manager, North America Skin Health PMO
Johnson & Johnson

When I considered applying to USC MAPP, I knew I would have access to a world-class education taught by world-class professors, but as a 2020 graduate my expectations were far exceeded. I transferred from another graduate program so I had something to compare it to, and I must say that making the move to USC MAPP was probably the greatest professional gift I could have given myself! From the director (Dr. Leggett) down to every one of my professors, I felt cared about. The MAPP family has been an amazing foundational springboard into the career of my dreams!

Samantha O’Mara

Samantha O’Mara is a current student in the MAPP Online program. She graduated from University of Maryland in 2020with a B.A. in Human Resources minoring in Business Administration.