Best Masters in Psychology Programs in Maine
Psychology Masters programs in Maine help students prepare for careers in this rapidly expanding field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% job growth in psychology-related careers through 2024. Mental health sector opportunities will grow even faster.
A psychology master’s degree ranks #7 in popularity among 37 similar graduate programs nationwide. Maine colleges deliver comprehensive psychology programs with biopsychosocial models. These programs prepare students effectively for successful careers or advanced education. Students can choose flexible pathways that match their goals. Some programs let students earn both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in 6-7 years of full-time study. This option works great for aspiring clinical psychologists or mental health professionals.
We have analyzed and listed the seven best psychology master’s programs in Maine to help you choose the right path for your future.
1. University of Maine – M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology
The University of Maine serves is essential to psychology education in the Pine Tree State. Its graduate-level programs prepare students for academic and research careers. The university’s M.A. and Ph.D. tracks in psychological sciences give students a detailed pathway to become psychologists.
Program Overview
The psychology department at University of Maine lets students earn Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Psychological Sciences. Students can specialize in Social Psychology or Cognitive and Biological Psychology. This two-track system helps students develop expertise in their chosen field while building broad psychological knowledge.
The psychology graduate program at Maine is unique because of its focus on mentorship. The department believes “a quality graduate education involves close working relationships between faculty and individual students”. Students start working with research advisors in their first year, which makes the shift from coursework to independent research smooth.
The doctoral program shapes graduates for careers in college teaching and research. Students master their specialty areas and build skills in general psychology, statistics, and experimental design. This creates scholars ready for academic roles.
Key Features
UMaine’s psychology graduate programs shine because of their excellent faculty-to-student ratio. Small class sizes and high faculty presence create individual-specific experiences. The program currently has 31 graduate students, supported by 15 full-time faculty members and 1 part-time faculty member.
Research possibilities are everywhere at UMaine. Students work with faculty members to gain valuable teaching, research, and professional experience. The department’s specialized research labs focus on social psychology and cognitive and biological psychology. Faculty research covers various areas including:
- Adult and geriatric neuropsychology
- Peer relationships
- Belief and intergroup bias
- Stress and wellbeing
- Adolescence
Students get many chances for individual study, directed readings, and supervised teaching. Advanced graduate students benefit from this tailored approach as they develop their research identity and gain practical experience.
Admission Requirements
Students need to submit these items to the Graduate School:
- An electronic application for admission
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions (with translation if international and not in English)
- Letters of recommendation from qualified references
- Non-refundable application fee
- GRE scores (many master’s programs might waive this)
- For international students who aren’t native English speakers: TOEFL scores (minimum 80 on iBT)
The application deadline for psychology graduate programs is December 31 for fall admission. Spring semester starts aren’t available. Students who want assistantships or fellowships should submit everything by January 15th.
International students seeking teaching assistantships need higher TOEFL scores—92 on iBT or equivalent. The department suggests that future students reach out to faculty members in their research area before applying.
Career Outcomes
UMaine psychology graduates find success after graduation. The university reports a 93% positive outcomes rate for all graduates who are either employed, continuing education, or doing service work. Most employed graduates (82%) work full-time, and 84% work in their field of study.
Psychology remains one of UMaine’s most popular undergraduate degrees, making up 4.4% of all graduates. Graduate satisfaction runs high, with 83% saying they felt ready for work or further study.
Salary prospects look promising. Full-time employed UMaine graduates earn a median annual salary of $50,000. Those working outside Maine earn more ($54,000) than those staying in-state ($46,000).
Psychology graduates work in a variety of fields. While many choose clinical roles, others work in education/library (15.6%), business (14.1%), healthcare/nutrition (6.4%), and computer/math fields (6.4%). Common jobs include psychiatric/mental health technicians ($37,000-$54,000), behavioral health professionals ($41,000-$50,000), case managers ($44,000-$52,000), and research/program assistants ($44,000-$52,000, with potential to reach low $60,000s).
2. University of New England – M.S. in Psychology
The University of New England offers a psychology program that combines scientific rigor with ground application. UNE is one of Maine’s top colleges for psychology education. Students learn psychological concepts through active learning experiences that prepare them for careers in mental health and related fields.
Program Overview
UNE’s Psychology program advances scientific discipline by combining student-centered teaching with hands-on research and valuable internships. Students become psychologically literate graduates with skills needed for both research and practice. The psychology curriculum helps students advance scientific knowledge, solve ground problems, and make communities better.
Students can specialize in mental health, education, business, or research while building strong foundations in core psychological concepts. This flexibility helps graduates develop broad knowledge and specific skills that match their career goals.
UNE’s faculty brings expertise in behavioral neuroscience, lifespan development, mental health issues, cognitive processes, and social relations. Their diverse backgrounds benefit future psychologists and students heading into education, nursing, medicine, and business.
Key Features
The psychology curriculum emphasizes scientific approaches to understand human behavior, mental health, and social interactions. Faculty members use scientific research both as a teaching tool and to advance the field through the teacher-scholar model.
Students develop psychological literacy through:
- Active learning experiences in classrooms and laboratories
- Internships that build practical skills
- Strong data analytical and critical thinking abilities
- Better information literacy and communication skills
The Mental Health concentration challenges students to apply psychological knowledge to help individuals with mental health challenges. Graduates can work in social services and healthcare systems, helping with mental illness, addiction, and personal development.
Faculty members work closely with students to create ethical and socially responsible individuals with strong critical thinking and communication skills. This mentorship teaches students to respect different views and cultures while becoming stewards of the planet.
Admission Requirements
UNE’s psychology program has specific entry requirements. Students need a 2.25 grade point average to add a Psychology major. Every psychology course counted toward graduation needs at least a C- grade.
The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences wants students to complete PSY 225 (Psychological Statistics) and PSY 285 (Research Methods) during their sophomore year. These courses must be finished by the end of junior year.
Psychology majors must complete the University Core mathematics requirement in their first year. These requirements build a strong foundation for advanced coursework and research.
Career Outcomes for UNE Psychology Graduates
UNE psychology graduates choose many career paths or continue with postgraduate education. Alumni often pursue advanced degrees or start careers in clinical/counseling, health, education, law, business, and government sectors.
A recent graduate shared her experience: “My time at UNE was very influential to my current and future plans… I was a teaching and research assistant in Dr. Jennifer Stiegler-Balfour’s Reading Comprehension and Cognition Lab during my last two years at UNE. Working in this kind of environment allowed me to immerse myself more in the field of psychology, specifically with regard to teaching and research”.
The Mental Health concentration opens doors to careers as applied behavior analysts, addiction or mental health counselors, social workers, and therapists. Students develop communication, interpersonal, leadership, and teamwork skills that employers value.
UNE’s psychology program prepares graduates for psychology careers and many other disciplines. UNE psychology bachelor’s graduates earn a median salary of $34,791, higher than the national average of $31,484 for psychology bachelor’s degree recipients.
3. University of Southern Maine – M.S. in Psychology
USM’s Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in School Psychology ranks among Maine’s best Masters in Psychology Programs. The program helps graduates become specialist-level school psychologists. Students learn the skills they need to boost children’s academic, social-emotional, and behavioral success in schools.
Program Overview
The 67-credit MS program at USM lines up with professional credentialing standards set by the Maine Department of Education and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Students learn through a mix of coursework and hands-on field experience. They build skills in assessment, intervention, consultation, and applied research. Students also learn about data-based decision-making, shared problem-solving, and applied behavior analysis.
Students complete 400 hours of practica and a final 1,200-hour internship. Working professionals will find the schedule convenient – all courses run on weekdays during late afternoon and early evening. Students can take about one-third of their required courses online, which adds flexibility without sacrificing quality.
USM’s psychology department created a balanced curriculum based on biopsychosocial models. Students get ready for both graduate school and today’s workplace. They develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, social dynamics, and information processing – qualities that employers value more than ever.
Key Features
The USM psychology program stands on four core philosophical commitments:
- Evidence-Based Practice – Students learn to conduct reliable assessments that consider diversity factors and use scientifically-proven interventions.
- Collaborative Problem-Solving – Students work with educators, families, and stakeholders to provide detailed services including assessment, intervention, consultation, and outcomes evaluation.
- Data-Based Decision Making – Students learn to collect and analyze reliable assessment data. This helps them determine service eligibility, design interventions, and track progress.
- Applied Behavior Analysis – Students study functional assessments that shape behavior-analytic interventions. These lead to real improvements in students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
Faculty members hold BCBA® credentials and bring years of clinical experience. Many also work as school psychologists. Their expertise gives students both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Students looking to speed up their education path can take advantage of USM’s Accelerated Graduate Pathway to the University of Maine School of Law. This option lets them finish both degrees in six years instead of seven.
Admission Requirements
The MS in Educational Psychology program remains competitive yet available to qualified candidates. During 2022-2023, the program received 62 applications, accepted 15 candidates, and welcomed 14 new students. Accepted students showed strong academic performance with a mean undergraduate GPA of 3.83.
The program reviews applications on a rolling basis with recommended deadlines:
- June 15 for fall semester
- November 15 for spring semester
- March 15 for summer semester
Final deadlines run until August 1, December 15, and April 15 respectively. Applicants should submit transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a resume showing relevant experience.
Career Outcomes for USM Psychology Graduates
USM graduates find excellent job opportunities. Recent data shows impressive results – 45% of graduates became fully licensed and credentialed professionals. About 23% went on to doctoral programs.
Most graduates work in educational settings where they provide assessment, intervention, and consultation services. After completing the program, they qualify for state and national certification as specialist-level school psychologists.
This degree often leads to strong financial returns. Psychology graduates in Maine often become Human Resources Specialists earning $76,060 yearly or Marketing Research Analysts making $83,190 annually. These numbers show how psychology skills create value in a variety of professional settings.
4. Husson University – B.S. to M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Husson University stands out with its accelerated B.S. to M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Students can earn both degrees in just 6-7 years through this innovative “Bridge” program, which creates a quick path into counseling.
Program Overview
The Bridge program at Husson creates an optimized path from undergraduate psychology studies to graduate-level counseling training. Students complete a B.S. in Psychology and can focus on areas they love, such as developmental or experimental psychology.
The program’s CACREP accreditation (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) shows it meets national standards. This certification makes getting licensed after graduation easier.
Students need 120 undergraduate credits for the B.S. in Psychology and 63 graduate credits for the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program lets students take 12 credits of graduate courses instead of undergraduate electives in their senior year. This helps them get ahead in their graduate studies before finishing their bachelor’s degree.
Key Features
Students can start their graduate education early at Husson. The program lets qualified students take up to 12 credits of master’s-level courses in their fourth year.
The complete curriculum prepares students in counseling basics and has sections on:
- Individual and group counseling theories and skills
- Child and adolescent counseling
- Marriage and family counseling
- Addictions and crisis intervention
Hands-on experience is the heart of this program. Students must complete a 100-hour practicum and a 900-hour clinical internship before graduating. This hands-on training exceeds what many similar programs require.
The program gives students a chance to get the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) certification. Maine requires this state-granted credential for many entry-level mental health jobs. Graduates can work right away while pursuing full licensure.
Admission Requirements
Students must first meet Husson’s regular requirements to join the B.S. in Psychology program.
Moving to graduate courses in senior year requires students to:
- Keep a minimum 3.5 grade point average
- Get recommendations from Bridge program advisors
- Interview with a counseling program faculty member
The full graduate program needs students to:
- Finish at least 108 credits of undergraduate psychology coursework with a 3.2 GPA
- Get B grades or higher in all graduate-level courses
Career Outcomes
The program prepares students for success in counseling. Graduates can apply for national certification and state licensure to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maine or a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC).
The results speak for themselves. 91-100% of students find jobs or move on to doctoral programs after graduating. Even better, every graduate passes their licensing and certification exams. Husson University helps 90-95% of its graduates find careers or get into graduate school within a year.
Graduates work in agencies, hospitals, schools, or start private practices. The MHRT/C certification they earn helps them qualify for entry-level mental health jobs across Maine. This certification serves as a great starting point for advanced careers in mental health counseling.
5. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine – M.S. in Psychology
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers a psychology master’s program that blends academic excellence with hands-on training. Working professionals who want to build careers in mental health will find this program valuable. The campus sits in Standish, where students learn both theory and clinical skills they need to work in psychological services.
Program Overview
The college’s Master of Science in Psychology program works well for professionals who want to move up in mental health careers. Students progress as a group through their courses, which creates opportunities to learn from each other and build professional networks.
Full-time students can complete the program in approximately two years, while part-time options help those who need to balance work and study. Saint Joseph’s program is notable because students learn both theory and practice, which gives them academic knowledge and clinical skills.
Students take courses in these areas:
- Advanced psychopathology and diagnosis
- Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
- Psychological assessment techniques
- Ethics in psychological practice
- Multicultural counseling competencies
Key Features
The program’s focus on hands-on learning sets it apart. Students head over to practicum experiences that connect classroom learning to real-life application. These supervised clinical experiences happen at various Maine locations, which exposes students to different populations and treatment settings.
Small class sizes allow professors to mentor each student effectively. Professors get to know each student’s professional goals and can help shape their learning experiences. This personal touch makes a big difference.
Students work with current psychological research and clinical applications. They solve case studies, practice role-playing, and complete research projects. These activities build critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in psychological practice.
Admission Requirements
The M.S. in Psychology program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While psychology majors have an advantage, the program welcomes students from other fields if they’ve taken basic psychology, statistics, and research methods courses.
Applicants need to submit:
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges
- A personal statement about their interest in psychology and career goals
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- Current resume showing relevant experience
- Application fee
Strong candidates usually have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or higher, experience in human services, and clear goals that line up with the program’s offerings.
Career Outcomes
The program’s graduates work in various mental health and related fields. They become clinical case managers, behavior specialists, research coordinators, and take positions in community mental health centers, hospitals, and social service agencies.
Many graduates use this degree to pursue doctoral studies and become licensed clinical psychologists. Others improve their existing careers in education, healthcare, or human resources, where understanding human behavior helps organizations work better.
The program’s strong ties with regional employers often turn internships into full-time jobs after graduation. These connections prove valuable in Maine’s close-knit professional community, where personal relationships often lead to career growth.
6. University of Maine at Farmington – M.S. in Counseling Psychology
The University of Maine at Farmington takes a fresh approach to counseling with its Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program. The program focuses on creative arts in therapy. Only two other programs nationwide share this unique approach that blends artistic methods with psychotherapy, making it special among Maine’s Psychology Masters Programs.
Program Overview
Students can complete this 64-credit master’s program through a mix of online and in-person learning. The program runs 70% online and 30% in-person. You can choose to finish full-time in two years or take the part-time route. Maine’s quickest part-time option lets you graduate in just four years. After gaining post-graduate experience, graduates can take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination to become Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC).
The program shines in its use of creative expression in counseling. Students learn standard counseling skills while discovering how music, painting, creative writing, and other art forms can build stronger connections with clients. This approach works really well, especially when traditional talk therapy might not be the best fit.
Key Features
Students get a solid clinical background plus hands-on experience with creative arts therapies. The program uses a cohort model where students learn together and build lasting professional relationships. This team approach helps everyone grow both academically and professionally.
Graduates are ready to help various groups including children, older adults, and people with autism, dementia, or PTSD. The U.S. Veterans Administration points out that creative arts therapies can help patients who don’t respond well to traditional treatment.
Working professionals love the program’s mix of online and in-person classes. The program has filled every available spot in its full-time track since starting in 2020.
Admission Requirements
You’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school
- A 500-word essay about why you want to join the program
- Two professional recommendations
- A resume with work history
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- A passed criminal background check[292]
Transfer students can bring up to 9 graduate credits from other schools, but only 3 credits can be from core courses.
Career Outcomes
The program’s unique focus opens doors to many career paths. Graduates often work in:
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Home health agencies
- Community mental health centers
- Children’s treatment facilities
- Veterans services organizations
Maine needs more qualified counselors. Right now, people seeking mental health help might wait up to four months to see a therapist. This shows how much the state needs mental health professionals.
7. University of Maine at Augusta – M.S. in Mental Health and Rehabilitation
The Mental Health and Human Services Program at University of Maine at Augusta excels with its complete approach to psychology education. Graduates get ready for careers in a variety of community-based services.
Program Overview
UMA’s Mental Health and Human Services Program provides multiple educational paths with a strong focus on practical application. Students can customize their curriculum to match their career goals, whether they plan to work with children, adolescents, adults, or older populations. In the last decade, UMA has helped over 1,500 students graduate with various degrees and certifications, showing its 10-year old presence in Maine’s psychology education landscape.
Key Features
UMA’s curriculum combines theory with hands-on fieldwork experience. The Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation concentration has specialized courses in Cultural Competence, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Crisis Intervention, and Trauma Recognition. Students learn critical skills to handle crises, manage caseloads, advocate for clients, and provide psychosocial rehabilitation. In spite of that, the program’s biggest strength lies in its flexibility with four distinct concentrations that match different career paths in mental health.
Admission Requirements
The program upholds standard academic prerequisites while emphasizing professional growth through practical experience. Students prepare for licensure in Maine, so they must meet state educational standards.
Career Outcomes
Graduates qualify for the Licensed Social Worker-Conditional credential, while those completing the Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation concentration earn the MHRT/C certification. A 2018 graduate survey showed that over 85% found jobs in their field. Career options include crisis stabilization, case management, counseling, and various social service roles.
Start Here
Your career goals in psychology start with picking the right graduate program. Maine has seven outstanding programs that match different interests and career paths. You can pursue research-focused education at the University of Maine, get clinical training at Husson University, or blend creative arts at UMF. Maine’s programs give you excellent options for your psychology education.
The psychology field is growing faster than most – with a 19% job growth expected through 2024. This makes it the perfect time to get your advanced psychology degree. These institutions also let you specialize in clinical mental health, school psychology, or counseling psychology.
These programs shine with their adaptable learning formats that work for both full-time students and professionals. You can find accelerated paths at several schools to complete both your undergraduate and graduate degrees in much less time than usual programs. This approach helps cut education costs and gets you into professional practice sooner.
Hands-on training through internships, practica, and field work is a key part of these programs. Students develop clinical skills and build professional networks that often turn into job opportunities after graduation.
Maine’s psychology master’s programs blend academic excellence with real-world preparation. Graduates find success in hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, and private practice. Local employer connections make the transition from student to professional smoother.
Each program has its own strengths that match different career paths. The University of Maine leads in research, UNE focuses on psychological literacy, and USM excels in school psychology. Husson provides a quick path to clinical practice. Saint Joseph’s College gives customized mentorship, UMF combines creative arts therapies, and UMA specializes in community-based services.
Whatever path you take, a psychology master’s degree from Maine prepares you to tackle critical mental health needs. Job prospects are strong throughout Maine and beyond. The future looks promising for psychology professionals.