Psychological Science (Graduate Certificate)
Curious about how psychological science explains thoughts, emotions and behavior? This Mandarin-taught program offers a scientific perspective on the mind, enhancing self-understanding and learning. Explore research-based insights into decision-making, relationships and well-being while strengthening analytical and reflective thinking for both academic growth and purposeful, mindful living.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
This program is offered for Mandarin-speaking students in China. Instruction is offered entirely in Mandarin. This program has a fee pending approval.
Certificate description
The graduate certificate program in psychological science provides you with a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, decision-making and well-being. Unlike many certificate programs, this curriculum includes training in research methods, reflecting psychology's emphasis on evidence-based knowledge and preparing you to critically evaluate how findings are produced. Coursework emphasizes the application of psychological concepts across a wide variety of professional contexts, encouraging you to think critically about how psychology informs both personal and organizational growth.
You engage with material relevant to fields such as education, human resources, organizational development and community services. While the program is designed as preparation for further graduate study in psychology, it also equips you with practical insights that enhance effectiveness in your current or future career. Through a rigorous curriculum, you develop skills in analysis, reflection, research literacy and problem-solving that deepen professional competence and broaden opportunities for impact.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
15 credit hours
Required Core (9 credit hours) Electives (3 credit hours) Research (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
PSY 503 History and Scope of Psychological Science (3)
PSY 585 Advanced Positive Psychology (3)
PSY 586 Emotion (3)
PSY 598 Topic: Family Dynamics in Chinese Culture (3)
PSY 500 Research Methods (3)
PSY 513 Fundamentals in Quantitative Methods (3)
For the research courses, students select PSY 500 or PSY 513. Courses should be selected in consultation with the student's program advisor.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: Additional Application Information
Eligibility is strictly limited to Mandarin-speaking applicants from China. Applicants who hold a Benke Graduation Certificate or Zhuanke without a bachelor's degree equivalent are eligible to apply.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling* | |
| Session B | Online | Rolling* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling* | |
| Session B | Online | Rolling* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling* |
*A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
The foundational knowledge in psychology gained through the program can support students in a wide variety of professional contexts. Concepts related to human behavior, decision-making, and well-being are broadly applicable and may enhance students¿ effectiveness in fields such as:
- community services
- education
- human resources
- organizational development
In this way, while the program's central role is as a pathway to admission for graduate study, it also provides students with insights that can contribute positively to their current or future careers.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
|
FAB N101
NC.AZXSupport@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
