Exploring Master’s Degrees in Psychology at Harvard University
The question of whether Harvard offers a Master's degree in psychology is not as straightforward as it might seem. While Harvard does not offer a standalone Master's in psychology, it does offer various programs and pathways that can provide valuable education and training in this field. Let's delve deeper into the unique educational opportunities available at Harvard for aspiring psychologists.
No Standalone Master’s in Psychology at Harvard
Harvard University, a leading institution in higher education, prioritizes its Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) for its extensive postgraduate programs. The Department of Psychology, as part of GSAS, primarily focuses on PhD programs. These programs include specializations in areas such as Clinical Science, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Social Psychology. However, students admitted to these PhD programs may have the opportunity to complete a Master's degree as part of their studies, but this is not a stand-alone Master's program.
If you are interested in pursuing a Master's degree in psychology, there might be other universities and programs that would better fit your needs. For example, Columbia University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Pennsylvania are renowned for their strong psychology programs. Additionally, Harvard Extension School offers a Master's program, though it is important to note that it does not carry the same academic weight as a PhD from GSAS.
Harvard’s PhD Program in Psychology
People who choose to study psychology at Harvard, whether in developmental, social, cognitive brain and behavior, or clinical science, are typically pursuing a PhD. This terminal degree requires several key steps:
Graduate-level coursework Comprehensive exams Research and writing a dissertationThe comprehensive exams serve as a significant milestone, as passing them grants students the title of Master, demonstrating that they have mastered the current knowledge in their field. The dissertation phase is perhaps the most challenging, as it involves producing significant, original research that contributes to the broader academic discourse. While this experience is undoubtedly rewarding, it is also a marathon, requiring much dedication and perseverance.
The Significance of the M.A. Degree
Those who complete the course work and pass the comprehensive exams in the PhD program are awarded a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree. However, it is crucial to understand that the M.A. degree, in itself, is not a terminal degree but rather a significant achievement within the PhD pathway. Many students complete the M.A. during their PhD journey before their comprehensive exams, as part of their academic credentials.
The M.A. degree is sometimes referred to as an "A.B.D." (All But Dissertation) degree, which can be misleading. This term is typically used for students who have completed all required coursework and comprehensive exams but have not yet submitted their dissertation. Furthermore, the significance of the M.A. degree diminishes once the student embarks on their dissertation, with the focus shifting entirely to the completion of this extensive research project.
In summary, while Harvard does not offer a standalone Master’s degree in psychology, students have the opportunity to earn an M.A. as part of a rigorous PhD program. Though not a terminal degree in the same sense as the PhD, the M.A. remains a significant achievement in a student's academic journey. For those interested in a standalone Master’s degree, there are numerous other academic institutions and programs that offer such degrees without the requirement of a PhD.