Edited By Lauren Monser
Review & Contribution By Ava Clark
There has been a growth in the demand for professionals who can monitor, research, diagnose, and treat mental illness and disability in the United States. Usually, unseen ailments can be missed or shrugged off easier, compounding the many mental health issues people face. Fortunately, psychology and psychologists leverage the science of human behavior to improve people’s lives – address their bad attitudes and other dissociative behaviors. An Online Masters in Psychology provides the foundation an individual needs to conduct or apply psychological research that ultimately improves mental health and the quality of life. Those interested in pursuing a career as a psychologist must start with a graduate masters in psychology before earning a doctorate. Getting a masters in psychology involves in-depth coursework, practicums, a capstone or thesis, and sound reasoning and analytical skills. The best psychology masters programs in the country will teach students how to apply psychological theory to real-life situations and deal with the many challenges they will face in their careers as psychologists. Aspiring students can better prepare for careers in business, government, and law enforcement by pursuing an online masters degree in psychology.
Featured Online Programs
Best Online Masters in Psychology
A master’s degree can positively influence a person’s career path, employment opportunities, and earnings potential. Choosing the right program from a list of psychology masters programs to complete one’s education is critical for students. Several factors, such as the institution’s reputation and the quality and experience of faculty, the institution’s infrastructure, student services, affordability, and accreditation, have been vetted by the FBD team of experienced professionals to find the best online masters in psychology in the United States easier.
Here are the best online psychology masters programs: *
Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
Pepperdine University | 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, California 90263 | $36,200 | 89% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
Find Online Masters in Psychology near me
When getting a master’s degree in psychology, location is critical because colleges typically charge different tuition costs for in-state and out-of-state students. However, in most instances, the cost of an online master’s degree in psychology program is the same regardless of the student’s state of residency. Several FBD teams have worked together to make the process of finding the best and most affordable online psychology master’s degree more convenient. Here is the list of ‘psychology masters programs near me’:
Types Of Online Masters In Psychology Programs
There are mainly two types of psychology graduate programs. One is the Master of Arts in Psychology or MA Psychology, and the other is the Master of Science in Psychology or MS Psychology.
Master of Arts in Psychology
The Master of Arts in Psychology or MA Psychology Online is multi-disciplinary and is based on the humanities and liberal arts. This degree type is best suited for those who wish to pursue their Ph.D. to finally take up careers in teaching, counseling, social work, and other professions.
Master of Science in Psychology
The Master of Science in Psychology or MS Psychology Online is science-dependent and includes science and math topics. This degree type approaches psychology from a technical and scientific viewpoint and involves a fair amount of research and practice. This degree type is also suited for a Ph.D. to pursue careers in research, counseling, clinical practice, etc.
What to expect from the Online Master’s in Psychology Program?
The masters in psychology curriculum entail coursework across several disciplines. What courses one takes also primarily depends on the specialization one opts for. In general, however, an online master in psychology will require a minimum of 33 credit hours of approved graduate work and the fulfillment of research through a capstone project or submitting a thesis.
Some students ask, “can I do a psychology masters without a psychology degree”? The answer is a simple “no”. A psychology masters requires foundational courses to have been taken in a bachelor’s degree.
Students who opt for a non-thesis program are usually required to complete a capstone. In a capstone project, students can apply the knowledge and skills they have learned throughout their studies to a real-world problem. Each student must complete a major integrative paper linked to their specialty during this term, which requires them to draw on their accumulated theoretical and practical knowledge as well as their social and scientific research skills.
An example of what an online master’s in psychology comprises of is as follows:
In most instances, students are allowed to customize their psychology online master’s program by selecting from a variety of courses that include but are not limited to:
Master’s degree students in psychology would have acquired the following skills upon graduation:
Areas of Specialization Online Masters in Psychology
Psychology has many sub-fields that students can study, depending on their personal interests and professional goals. These sub-fields or specializations dive deep into the subject area, offering specific knowledge and skills to students, thereby presenting them with an opportunity to seek particular jobs and stand out from the competition. Here are a few examples of online master’s in psychology specializations:
Specialization | Description | Careers |
---|---|---|
Masters in Health Psychology Online | This specialization prepares students to provide specialty paging services to seniors with specific requirements. Students learn about the difficulties older people face, such as declining health, mental health, financial worries, and social isolation. | Health Psychologists can work in education institutions, social work organizations, governmental agencies, and health and wellness establishments. |
Masters in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology Online | This specialization provides an in-depth look at developmental stages and explores how family, school, peers, society, and culture intertwine, impact and affect the development of children and adolescents. | Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychologists can work in schools, social service agencies, government organizations, the juvenile justice system, and private practice. |
Online Clinical Psychology Masters | This specialization explores mental, behavioral, and emotional illnesses and their treatment. Students learn how to interview and counsel families and individuals and how to diagnose, assess and treat chronic disorders. | Clinical Psychologists can work in healthcare, education, research, and training or provide consultation to other health professionals and organizations. |
Public Policy Administration | This specialization prepares students for leadership and administrative roles in social work. Students learn how to work at the administrative level, assisting organizations in serving clients in need, and advocating for social change. | Public Policy Administration social workers can work as managers, administrators or directors of social work organizations, governmental agencies, healthcare organizations, and welfare agencies. |
Masters in School Psychology Degree Online | This specialization teaches people how to use their understanding of psychological topics to help pupils learn. Students are taught how to assist children with learning and developmental disabilities, as well as behavioral issues. | School Psychologists can work in K-12 educational settings, private companies, mental health agencies, educational organizations, school districts, or as independent consultants. |
Masters in Educational Psychology Online | This specialization teaches students how to analyze how children learn and interact with instructors and administrators to enhance instructional methods by integrating the tools, research, and methodology of psychology to learning and teaching. | Educational Psychologists can work for school districts, local governments, private schools, and colleges or as independent consultants for schools. |
Masters in Environmental Psychology Online | This specialization takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining sociology, anthropology, environmental science, and other disciplines to better understand the connections between humans and the various systems that make up the world we live in. | Environmental Psychologists can work in fields such as architecture, landscape architecture, planning & design, healthcare, governmental agencies, environmental agencies. |
Masters in Forensic Psychology Online | This specialization looks at human behavior and criminality. It teaches students how to construct psychological profiles of criminals and apply forensics to aid the efforts of law enforcement officials. | Forensic Psychologists can work in rehabilitation centers, remand homes, the courts, prisons, law enforcement centers, correctional facilities, and victim services. |
Online Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology | This specialization applies psychological ideas and practices to improve employee performance, satisfaction, and safety in the workplace. Students learn how to conduct research, test, and evaluate employees and processes, as well as offer advice on topics including leadership development, team building, and workplace diversity. | Industrial/Organizational Psychologists can work as trainers, coaches, development specialists, HR professionals, and research associates or consult, create workshops, and administer personality assessments. |
Masters in Sports Psychology Online | This specialization aims to help athletes improve their communication skills, emotional control, motivation, and stress management. Students are taught how to apply their cognitive and behavioral knowledge to overcome challenges and improve athletes’ performance. They can focus on specific people, such as injured players or young athletes. | Sports Psychologists can work in hospitals, gyms, clinics, rehabilitation centers, professional sports organizations, colleges and universities, larger K-12 school districts, and as independent consultants |
Other examples of specialization degrees within the study of psychology include:
Why should I pursue an Online Masters in Psychology?
Psychology is defined formally as a science that studies mental processes, experiences, and behavior in different contexts. It combines biological and social science methods to systematically obtain data and process it to understand the human mind and how it functions under various scenarios.
Students who are naturally gifted in identifying problems and seeking solutions to them and willing to utilize their skills for good should consider taking up psychology. Compassionate students, who can apply reason and logic to help others grow and change, collaborate with others to generate new ideas, and put those ideas into action, can become successful psychologists.
Although psychology is a positive field of study and vocation, students can expect to be exposed to the darker aspects of human nature – abuse, stigma, phobias, and a wide range of mental disorders.
“Is a masters in psychology worth it?” is a popular inquiry from many prospective students. Psychology can provide practitioners with a sense of fulfillment and achievement, knowing that they have somehow improved or impacted someone’s life.
As for another frequently asked question – “can you get a masters in psychology online” – the answer is “yes”. Many colleges today offer their in-person programs online. Students can rest assured that the quality of psychology master’s degrees earned through distance learning is on par with on-campus programs, with universities embracing cutting-edge technology for delivering their programs right to where a student is located.
Graduates with a master’s degree can continue their education by pursuing a Ph.D., expanding their employment options, and earning potential. Even with a master’s degree, graduates can find work in business, social work, education, healthcare, and the government. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychologists (in general) earn an annual median pay of $82,180 and have a job outlook of 8% between 2020 and 2030. This can vary by job and years of experience in the field.
Free Courses giving Online Masters in Psychology
Online portals that claim to give free online masters in psychology are questionable. There is a good chance that none of these schools or websites will be accredited or issue a certificate of graduation that can be used in the job market. At best, free courses can assist students in better comprehending the subject and provide additional knowledge. Here are a few well-known destinations for free psychology courses and classes:
Course | Description | Offered by |
---|---|---|
Psychology & Psychology-related Topics | MIT Open Courseware by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers free courses on a wide range of psychology topics at various levels of study. | MIT Open Courseware |
Psychology & Psychology-related Topics | Udemy offers over a thousand courses in psychology, many of which are accredited and tutored by reputable industry-professionals. Although, unfortunately, most courses are not free, many of them are available really cheap. | Udemy |
Psychology & Psychology-related Topics | Coursera offers over a thousand free guided projects, courses, specializations, and professional certificates in psychology, from reputable universities such as Yale University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wesleyan University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and more. | Coursera |
How to get an online Master’s in Psychology?
Admission to a psychology master’s degree is a simple process. While factors such as the applicant’s experience and test scores count, many programs will also look at the coursework taken in the undergraduate studies. Those who apply for other science disciplines may be required to fulfill prerequisite courses in psychology or subjects related to psychology. Here are some of the essential masters in psychology requirements:
How long does it take to complete the Online Master’s in Psychology Program?
How long does a masters in psychology take? The length of a psychology master’s degree program is dictated by course selection and program structure (such as if summer terms are offered). If the program permits students to study at their own pace asynchronously, it can potentially lead to early graduation. On the other hand, if students adopt a cohort learning model, where they advance through their curriculum at the same time as their peers, the duration of the program could be longer. Here are some master’s degree completion specifics:
- Typical Length of a Full-Time Master’s Program : 2 Years (sometimes 3 years)
- Typical Length of a Part-Time Bachelor’s Program : Up to 5 Years
- Number of Required Credits : 33 to 60 (approximate)
Some colleges offer the flexibility for working individuals to put in fewer hours per week to complete their programs, resulting in an extended duration to graduate.
Accelerated Online Master’s in Psychology Programs
It is not uncommon for universities to offer psychology masters programs from which one can graduate in less than the typical 2 years. Lower graduation time can be achieved by opting for fast-track programs or credit transfers. Additionally, some universities offer accelerated masters in psychology online that combine a bachelor’s and master’s degree, shaving off considerable time to graduate. In most instances, students who opt for an accelerated online master’s in psychology will complete their bachelor’s and master’s in a total of 5 years, instead of 6.
Another option for students is a terminal degree, in which students are prepared to directly (and immediately) enter the workforce, instead of allowing them the choice to pursue a Ph.D.
Accreditations for an Online Master’s in Psychology Degree
Accreditation assures that a program or institution delivers students a relevant, high-quality education. Institutions that voluntarily go through a procedure to show that they meet predetermined quality requirements are given the title of accreditation. Graduating from an accredited online masters in psychology demonstrates that the student has attained a certain level of knowledge and expertise in psychology. Furthermore, many licensing boards would ask applicants to have completed an approved curriculum or demonstrate equivalency to be considered and qualified for licensure.
The American Psychological Association (APA) is the primary accrediting body for psychology programs within the United States. Universities that may not offer APA accredited master’s programs may alternatively be regionally accredited by one of the following authorized accrediting bodies:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.
How to Pay for an Online Masters in Psychology Course?
Although online students usually do not have to pay for transport, course materials, childcare during class hours, or meals, they must still pay tuition. Unlike regular college students who have these additional costs to bear, online students are only charged tuition, distance learning fees, and course materials/textbooks. Additionally, the biggest advantage of online education is that it allows students to work while pursuing their degrees. A significant benefit is that they also usually pay in-state tuition at colleges outside of their home states. Depending on whether one enrolls in a public or private college and several other factors, masters in psychology cost from around $7,500 to $45,000 per year. Fortunately, there are several funding mechanisms to consider for those looking for ways to fund their master’s degree in psychology. Some such funding possibilities are:
Scholarships are based on academic success and other factors like community service, cultural heritage, religious affiliation, etc. As a result, they are usually the first and most popular choice for funding education. Scholarships are typically merit-based and may be privately provided, alumnae-funded, or awarded by cultural, religious, or commercial organizations. (Note: Read about Scholarship Scams to avoid being scammed.)
While scholarships consider the student’s academic strengths and achievements, grants are frequently awarded based on the family’s finances, making them more need-based. However, it is not uncommon for universities that award these need-based grants to consider an applicant’s grades and test scores as well.
Students can consider a Teaching Assistantship, where they are provided a fee waiver or stipend for working as assistants for professors – assisting them with instructional constraints, assisting in a lab or workshop, or teaching and demonstrating for undergraduates. Another option is the Research Assistantship, which provides a fee waiver or stipend, but differs by allowing students to help a professor with their research.
Student Loans
Students can look at raising a loan from federal agencies, banks, or private financial institutions. Loans drive up the cost of education because of payable interest. Delayed or missed payments drive up student debt.
Students can fill in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to evaluate whether or not they are eligible for financial aid. More FAFSA-related information is available here.
Read the best Financial Guide to understand more about funding higher education.
Scholarships Programs For Online Master’s In Psychology
Students who have a good academic track record can explore the many graduate scholarships they would be eligible for. Scholarships may be provided by universities or by external organizations and associations. Here are a few examples:
Scholarship | Description | Amount/Award | Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
APF Graduate Student Scholarships | The American Psychological Foundation (APF) gives scholarships, dissertation funding, research support, travel grants, and fellowships to launch careers for graduate students dedicated to psychology. | $2,000 to $5,000 | TBA |
APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship | The Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship, administered by the American Psychological Foundation (APF) will honor outstanding graduate students from underrepresented groups who have demonstrated financial need and are committed to addressing disparities in societal structures and issues that disproportionately affect people of color, particularly people of African descent. | $4,000 annually | January 31, 2024 |
AAC’s Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program | AAC’s Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program, administered by the American Addiction Centers (AAC), assists students who were enrolled in college programs in behavioral health and provides financial assistance that enables undergraduate and graduate students to pursue careers in the areas of behavioral health and addiction-related studies. | 3 scholarships of $2,500, $2,500 & $5,000 | TBA |
Psi Chi Graduate Scholarships | The Psi Chi Graduate Scholarships, by Psi Chi (International Honor Society in Psychology), help defray direct educational costs such as tuition, institutional fees, required textbooks, etc., of exceptional Psi Chi students attending graduate school. | 8 scholarships of $3,000 each | July 04, 2024 | July 23, 2024 |
No GRE Required for Online Master’s in Psychology Program
Entry to most master’s programs requires a GRE score. However, it is increasingly common for some universities to either do away with the GRE score as an admissions requirement or waive its requirement if the applicant has a high GPA. Here are some online masters in psychology no GRE:
Northcentral University (NCU) Northcentral University has no physical residency requirements and weekly start dates and offers a rigorous yet flexible academic experience designed to help passionate students achieve their goals. | Master of Science in Sport Psychology Master of Science in Educational Psychology Master of Science in Health Psychology Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology Master of Science in Forensic Psychology Master of Arts in Psychology |
California Southern University (CalSouthern) California Southern University is a pioneer in online learning and is one of the few regionally accredited universities to combine 100% online programs with world-renowned faculty, monthly class-starts, and a personal touch highlighted by one-on-one guidance. | Master of Arts in Psychology Master of Science in Psychology |
University of Hartford (UHart) UHart is a diverse institution with a global reach and focuses on helping students partner their passion with their dream profession. The university is committed to learning and research that impacts the world in meaningful ways. | Master of Science in Organizational Psychology |
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology The Chicago School offers more than 30 academic programs rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community across a wide range of professional fields by integrating physical and mental well-being and combining theory with hands-on experience. | Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Clinical Psychology Master of Arts Psychology Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Master of Arts in Industrial & Organizational Psychology |
Faqs About Online Master’s In Psychology
How to get a Masters in Psychology?
For entry into a master’s program in psychology, a prospective student must have earned an undergraduate degree in psychology or other science disciplines. Once the requisite coursework and capstone or thesis are completed, students are conferred a master’s degree.
What are the best universities providing a Masters in Psychology?
What can you do with a Masters in Psychology?
What is the average fee charged by the colleges?
Can I become a psychologist with a master’s?
Can I get my psychology degree online?
Is an online psychology degree as good as a regular psychology degree?
Career Opportunities And Salaries After Online Master’s In Psychology
Jobs for those with a master’s degree in psychology are as varied as the field of psychology itself. Lawyers, doctors, engineers, teachers, legislators, and business executives are among those with a master’s degree in psychology who work both individually and with other experts and professionals. Psychologists can work for both the government and the business sector. Some psychology experts specialize in research, while others specialize in practice. An online master’s degree in psychology can also help graduates prepare for higher education and put them on the path to a doctorate. Typical job titles include but are not limited to:
In most instances, students are allowed to customize their psychology online master’s program by selecting from a variety of courses that include but are not limited to:
Some of the careers and settings in which psychologist master’s graduates can work are:
Students should note that many careers in psychology may require additional education, experience, certification, training, or licensure beyond a master’s degree in psychology.
Psychologists make good money; the type of job and years of experience impact the salary. In general, they earn an annual median salary of $82,180 and have an employment outlook of 8% between 2020 and 2030 (as fast as average), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The list below highlights some of the careers that master’s degree psychology graduates can pursue, along with their yearly median salaries and growth potential as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Occupation | Job Description | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) 23% |
---|---|---|---|
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor | Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide treatment and advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, or other mental or behavioral problems. | $47,660 | 23% (much faster than average) |
Training & Development Specialist | Training and development specialists plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of their employees. | $62,700 | 11% (faster than average) |
Social & Community Service Manager | Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being. | $69,600 | 15% (faster than average) |
School and Career Counselors and Advisors | School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment. | $58,120 | 11% (faster than average) |
Marriage and Family Therapists | Marriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome problems with family and other relationships. | $51,340 | 16% (much faster than average) |
Certifications and Licensing Online Masters in Psychology
In general, education, certification, and licensure are required to become a psychologist. To work in clinical and counseling positions, a psychologist often needs a Ph.D. degree, including years of college and graduate education. However, many jobs are accessible to master’s degree holders with specific certifications and licensure, which endorse the knowledge and skill the candidate has acquired to be ready to practice some form of psychology. Some popular certifications online master’s in psychology graduates pursue are:
- Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) – by the Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners
- Board Certification in Forensic Psychology – by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)
- Certified Co-occurring Disorder Professional (CCDP) – by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
Mental Health First Aider
by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Any person who provides psychology services to patients or clients must be certified and licensed. Psychologists and other psychology practitioners must be licensed in each state, and licenses are awarded by the state psychology board or other equivalent organizations. Although many jurisdictions provide a single, general psychology license for doctoral-level psychologists, others offer additional certification for specific areas of practice (such as school psychology) or for those with a master’s degree in psychology.
Licensure requirements vary by state, but the general requirement for licensure is:
- The completion of a master’s degree in psychology
- Two years of supervision (post-degree)
- Passing a state licensure exam (most states require this for an individual to become licensed as a professional counselor or its equivalent.)
- Sometimes, individuals must also have at least 2,000 hours of postdoctoral experience.
Candidates must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The EPPP is a standardized exam established by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) that state psychology licensing boards use to assess professional competency as part of the licensing process.
Additional Resources for Online Masters in Psychology Program
Psychology evolves continuously, and any single definition or theory cannot capture the range of phenomena it studies. Therefore, it is essential to network with others for broader perspectives and better exposure to the subject. Connecting with peers, attending webinars and seminars, staying up to date with publications and journals are great ways to stay ahead of the competition. Professionals and students should tap into the vast resources available at their fingertips. Some such resources are:
American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)
The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) has a comprehensive website with information on certifications, early access options, training and education, awards, and more.
Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)
The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) creates the psychological license examination utilized in most states. The site offers information on policies, assessments, certifications, etc.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the principal federal agency for research on mental diseases. It provides crucial information to mental health professionals, psychologists, and the general public as well.
Association for Psychological Science (APS)
The Association for Psychological Science (APS) has a Student Caucus that offers publications, a convention, grants and awards, opportunities for community involvement, and a financing database. All of them are intended to help students grow in the field of psychology.
The American Psychological Association (APA)
The American Psychological Association (APA) is the foremost organization for psychology in the United States. It offers much information on a variety of psychology topics, current issues, career advice, and much more.