This fall, Roanoke College will welcome the first cohort of students into its Master of Science in psychology degree program.
Faculty voted to approve the program last spring. The two-year, terminal master’s degree is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
“What's special about this graduate degree is how individualized it is and how it will set students up equally well for either pursuing a doctorate or entering the workforce,” said Kathy Wolfe, vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of the college. “Mentoring and professional development are hallmarks of a Roanoke College education, and I know the faculty are excited to work closely with students in the program.”
The Master of Science in psychology will have small, intimate cohorts of around a dozen students each year. This environment will enhance the students’ learning experiences, allowing them to develop strong relationships with their professors and peers.
This advanced degree in general psychology emphasizes practical skill-building and will prepare students to either pursue a Ph.D. or join the workforce. One unique feature of the program is that each student will participate in a series of professional development courses where they will build skills relevant to their specific career path.
Students in the program will be required to complete 11 course units. Classes will be held in the fall and spring, leaving time in the summer for research and other professional development. All courses are in-person and will be held in the mornings Monday through Thursday. This schedule is meant to offer students the flexibility they need to balance multiple obligations while they pursue the degree.
Danielle Findley-Van Nostrand, associate professor of psychology and graduate program coordinator, said the curriculum explores the core domains of psychology and was thoughtfully designed with student success in mind.
Each student will be paired with a faculty mentor whose expertise aligns with their interests. These personalized mentorships will help students develop the professional skills necessary to advance in their chosen field of psychology.
“We plan to be as needs-focused as possible, because we really want students to succeed,” Findley-Van Nostrand said. “Psychology in particular is a broad discipline. We want to make sure students are able to work through that—to figure out how to articulate their skills and how to explore what options are available.”
Mentors will also guide students through the thesis process. Students have an option of a traditional empirical thesis route but will also have the option to instead collaborate with community partners to apply their work in a real-world setting.
While Roanoke will not offer graduate assistantships to students, each student in the program will receive a stipend that they may use to help pay research subjects, publish and present their research and/or travel to conferences.
Applications for the first Master of Science in psychology cohort are due by March 1, 2026 with rolling admissions after; however, students who would like to live on campus are encouraged to apply by mid-February. Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, along with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applications entail a personal statement, transcripts, a CV/resume and contact information for two letters of recommendation.
Visit the Master of Science in psychology webpage for more information or to apply. Questions should be emailed to Findley-Van Nostrand at findley@roanoke.edu.