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Interview

Dr. Jessica Nicklin, Director, Online Master's Program in Organizational Psychology, University of Hartford, joins us today to discuss their online Master’s in Organizational Psychology program

1. Can you tell us about the master’s program(s) offered at the University of Hartford?

The online MS in Organizational Psychology (MSOP) program aims to address critical leadership skills required to enhance organizational effectiveness. Today's leaders and managers need to know how to promote teamwork, manage transitions, and restructure organizations. The program provides students with a theoretical framework in organizational psychology and the opportunity to improve their own skills in research, communication, facilitation, interpersonal, group, and organizational issues. The integration of theory and practice prepares graduates to lead, manage, and/or consult with dynamic and diverse organizations operating in a global environment. To learn more about our online MSOP program, please visit our website.

We also offer on-ground master’s degree programs in Clinical Practices, School Psychology, and Organizational Psychology.

2. How long does a typical master’s program take at the University of Hartford? What is the maximum and minimum time of completion?

We understand that many of our students are full-time working professionals and are balancing work and family roles. The online MSOP program strives to be as convenient and flexible as possible. The program is 36 credits and the courses are offered in 7-week terms throughout the academic year. Students can also take on-ground courses if they desire. Students can attend full or part-time and finish the program in as little as one year or take up to seven years, depending on their needs. Our typical timeframe for completion is 2 years.

3. What do you think makes the University of Hartford master’s program stand out from other programs offered by similar schools?

Not only is our online program convenient and affordable, but students are trained by faculty members who are experienced in the field, publish in their disciplines, and have a variety or work experience. With small class sizes, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with faculty members, network with their peers, and obtain attention catered to their individual needs.

4. Does your Master’s in Psychology program offer any concentrations or dual enrollment opportunities?

Our online MSOP program does not have a concentration, but we do allow students to select 21 credits of electives among a variety of options.  Students can pick and choose courses that fit with their interests and future career goals.

5. How important would you say accreditation is when choosing a Master’s in Psychology?

It depends on the concentration and area of focus. For programs in Clinical or School Psychology, specialized accreditation is an important factor. In Organizational Psychology, it is not uncommon for programs to not be accredited in the same way that a program in Clinical or School Psychology may be accredited. The most important factor regarding accreditation for MSOP programs is whether the college or university is regionally accredited. The University of Hartford is regionally accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

6. What kind of student characterizes your ideal candidate in the Master’s in Psychology program (i.e. personality traits, background, interests, career aspirations, etc.)?

We look at students as an entire package, and consider the whole individual. We examine academic competence (grades), interests, goals, work and research experience, and references. We welcome students who are looking for a career change, promotion, or their first professional position. We also welcome students who are fresh out of undergraduate programs or students who have been working for years. As long as you are a motivated, have demonstrated your professional and academic aptitude, and are ready to learn and grow, we welcome your application!

7. What are your class sizes for courses in the Master’s in Psychology degree program?

In the online Organizational Psychology program, we cap classes at 20 students, but often there are 8-15 students in each class.

8. What are the advantages to earning a Master’s in Psychology degree in general and where are you seeing employer demand for this degree?

Master’s degrees allow students to gain more focused, specialized training and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in psychology. We spend more than 30% of our lives at work, and organizational psychology aims to make the world of work a better place. Employers who are concerned about employee motivation, stress management, and leadership development are ideal for those who have earned a Master’s in Organization Psychology. 

9. Is your university linked with any government, educational, or industrial partnerships to provide internships or practicum experiences for enrolled students?

Some programs have partnerships, but this is not a component of the online MSOP programs.

10. Does the University of Hartford offer job placement for students who graduate with a Master’s in Psychology?

We have an excellent career services office and network of alumni who are ready and willing to help graduates find their first job, or to look for promotional opportunities in their current fields.

11. What type of financial aid packages are available for students in psychology? Are there any fellowships, grants and scholarships available?

There may be some assistantships and grant opportunities available, but there are no guarantees. Most students utilize student loans, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and payment plans. We have a great financial aid office that can answer all of these questions in more detail.

12. Are graduate students enrolled in the Master’s in Psychology program offered assistantships for teaching or research?

Most students in the online MSOP program are working full-time while balancing personal responsibilities. However, options for assistantships are possible, but not guaranteed.

13. Do you have any advice for students enrolling in a Master’s in Psychology program for the first time?

Make sure it is something that you really want to do, not something that you think you have to do. Graduate school is like having a full time job, and you want to be committed and passionate about whatever path you choose. It is also a lot of work – but it is very rewarding!

14. What do you enjoy most about your position at the University of Hartford?

The people. The students, faculty, and staff are so wonderful and create such an amazing community, whether on-ground or online. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!

For more information on the Master’s in Psychology programs offered at the University of Hartford, visit them online.

Thank you Jessica Nicklin, for sharing and participating in this piece.

That concludes our interview!

Learning Format:

Campus + Online

Accreditation

APA Accredited

Costs

  • Tuition for full time students (In State): Approximately $ 12,800.00/year
  • Graduate Out of State Tuition: Approximately $ 12,800.00/year
  • Average Books/Supplies Cost: $ 1,118.00
  • Off Campus Room Board Average Cost: $ 12,104.00
* Based on 2012 data

Psychology Degrees Offered:

  • Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology
  • Master of Science in Organization Psychology
  • PsyD in Clinical Psychology

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Tuition & Financial Aid

  • Campus Setting: City - Midsize
  • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12 to 1
  • Total Enrollment: 1610
  • Inquire for current tuition

Category:

University of Hartford has programs in the following specializations: Clinical Psychology, General Psychology

Location

University of Hartford has campus locations in: Connecticut

Nearby Schools for Psychology

Central Connecticut State University logo Central Connecticut State University (7.87 miles)
New Britain, CT

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