Online Graduate Certificate in Applied Psychology
Gain core competencies for promoting mental health and well-being for all individuals.
100%
online
4+
Months
12
credits
$5,250
$438/credit
Program Overview: Apply psychological insights in real-world professional settings
Mental health awareness is essential across industries—from healthcare and education to business and community outreach. The Online Graduate Certificate in Applied Psychology at Northeastern University is designed for non-clinical professionals who want to better support individuals impacted by trauma, mental health challenges, or cultural and social adversity. Whether you're working in human resources, public health, education, or social services, this program provides foundational skills to communicate effectively, apply trauma-informed principles, and support inclusive environments for children, adolescents, and adults.
What You'll Learn: Practical psychology for real-world impact
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Apply trauma-informed communication skills in professional and community-based settings
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Understand the mental health impacts of trauma, including PTSD, and related treatment approaches
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Analyze the role of culture, diversity, and sociocultural systems in shaping mental health experiences
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Explore psychological diagnoses and treatment planning through a non-clinical, applied lens
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Choose a specialized focus area in adult or child/adolescent psychopathology to deepen your knowledge
Applied Psychology Program Benefits and Features
Tailored for non-clinical professionals
Designed for those working outside of traditional clinical roles, this program builds psychological fluency in a way that supports professionals across a wide range of fields—from educators and social workers to HR specialists and healthcare administrators.
Skill-building for communication and inclusion
Coursework emphasizes practical, trauma-informed skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations. You’ll gain tools to navigate challenging conversations, foster supportive environments, and promote mental well-being.
Earn credits toward a master's degree
Lay the foundation for a future master’s degree: The Online Graduate Certificate in Applied Psychology can pave the way to a master's degree at Northeastern University—if you earn a B or better in your coursework, you can apply credits to the following degrees:
Incrementally advance your education with valuable credentials that immediately help you move forward in your career.
How to Join
Join the Online Graduate Certificate in Applied Psychology using Northeastern Online's Fast App, a streamlined graduate admissions process you can complete in less than 5 minutes. No lengthy application. No waiting for an admission decision.
All you need is a bachelor's degree in any field to join.
College
Current Fast App dates
| Term | Submit app by | Enroll by | Start courses |
| Fall 1 | August 1 | August 25 | September 3 |
Submit your Fast App by August 1 to start September 3.
Not ready to start?
Request more information.
Core courses
Take all 3 courses as part of the graduate certificate.
CAEP 5880: Clinical Skills in Context
Offers non-clinical professionals an opportunity to develop effective communication skills for working with individuals with mental health disorders and/or trauma histories. Provides opportunities to apply these skills in context via relevant, real-world scenarios and decision-making situations. Covers key clinical communication techniques and how to integrate trauma-informed principles into their daily interactions. Focuses on effective communication and relationship-building skills with children, adolescents, and families or adults. Combines theoretical knowledge, evidence-based strategies, and practical applications to enhance interpersonal interactions.
3 credits
CAEP 5879: Trauma and Mental Health
Introduces the foundations of trauma theory to offer students a trauma-sensitive perspective to the continuum of practice from policy making to direct client service. Reviews the neurophysiology of trauma. Examines causative factors and evidence-based treatments of trauma-related mental health issues (e.g., PTSD). Reviews current theory and research on topical areas related to trauma including intimate partner violence, child abuse, sexual assault, school and community violence, war and terrorism, and other emerging trauma issues.
3 Credits
CAEP 6203: Understanding Culture & Diversity
Works from a broad definition of culture and diversity. In addition to traditional culture and ethnic classifications, examines disability, poverty, and gender as culturally defining factors. Also explores the dynamics of culture in social systems, with the perspective of valuing differences in society and sociocultural forces impinging on culture from the ecological perspective.
3 Credits
Elective courses
Choose 1 of the following. Your elective choice determines your certificate focus area.
CAEP 6242: Psychopathology, Diagnosis & Treatment
Applied Psychology Focus
Identifies categories of human difficulty and abnormal behavior through current DSM terminology. Is based in a cultural and gender competent bio-psycho-social model over the life span. Discusses both preventive and individual interventions for each category. Also introduces treatment planning and treatment guidelines.
3 Credits
CAEP 6247: Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
Child, Adolescent, Family Focus
Covers DSM-IV and major forms of psychopathology including the neuroses (obsessional states, hysteria, anxiety states, and phobias), the pyschoses (schizophrenia, mania, depression, and paranoia), psychosomatic, sociopathy, conduct disorders, organic disorders, and mental retardation. Discusses the relationship between categories of special education disabilities (emotional impairment, autism, and so on) and DSM-IV.
3 Credits
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