Online Master's Degrees in Psychology: Finding Your Program

In-Depth Review of Online Psychology Master’s Degrees

Psychology master’s programs online are particularly suited to distance learning platforms because of their heavy focus on reading materials, written assignments, and examinations, all of which can be completed online. Fully online master’s degrees in psychology are available, allowing students to complete all program requirements without visiting a physical campus.

However, not all schools offer such programs, and it’s essential to check with program administrators to determine if the program is campus-based, fully online, or hybrid. Some programs may require students to complete an internship, but they can typically do so at an approved facility near their residence. During the thesis component, students may interact more frequently with their faculty mentor and reading panel, but these interactions can also be conducted through email, telephone, and/or videoconferencing.

Answers to Popular Questions from Online Psychology Master’s Students

Can you become a psychologist with a master’s degree you earn online?

Simply put, no – but not because of the online element. The American Psychological Association states that any person who wants to call themselves a psychologist must possess a doctoral degree in psychology and receive licensure in their state, province, or territory. While a master’s in psychology online degree is part of the process of becoming a psychologist, it is not the final step. That being said, this level of degree does qualify you for a whole host of professional and clinical roles in the field and can often lead to higher-paying jobs.

How long does it take to get a master’s in psychology online?

The length of time spent in school while completing an online master’s in psychology degree depends on several factors. Full-time students usually finish the program in two years given the average number of credits required. Part-time students, conversely, usually need three or four years to graduate. If you’re looking to start working in the field more quickly, consider finding a school that offers an accelerated path. In some instances, these programs can be completed in just one year, although most take 18 months.

What are the cheapest online master’s psychology programs?

Cost weighs heavily on the minds of many prospective degree seekers, and for good reason. Higher education is a significant investment. Fortunately, affordable online master’s degrees in psychology are out there. There are also programs that offer financial aid either through grants, scholarships, or FAFSA.

However, while cost is a major factor to consider during the college decision process, it shouldn’t be the only one. When looking at schools, don’t forget to research program reputation, graduation rates, percentage of alumni working in the discipline, and other attributes to better inform your selection.

Who accredits online psychology master’s degree programs?

While the American Psychological Association only accredits doctoral psychology programs, future master’s psychology students can still seek out high-quality online education from institutions that receive regional or national accreditation. Of these two types of institutional accreditation, regional is typically seen as the more rigorous option and is favored by most four-year institutions. If unsure whether a college or university under consideration maintains proper accreditation, you can use the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to search for it.

Attending an accredited institution is an important component of the educational process, as students who fail to do so may struggle to transfer credits, compete for jobs, and receive licensure and/or certification.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree in psychology to apply to an online master’s psychology program?

It depends on the individual school. While it’s less common for departments to require a bachelor’s degree in psychology to receive admittance to an online master’s psychology program, some schools may ask that applicants possess a minimum number of psychology or related credits before enrolling. This can be especially true for applicants who studied a completely unrelated topic at the undergraduate level. Check with the admissions departments to learn more.

Concentrations & Specializations to Pursue in Psychology

The American Psychological Association recognizes 18 specialties for graduate degree programs and 54 professional divisions for the profession as a whole, giving you a sense of how wide the discipline spans. Because of this, it’s highly common for schools to offer specializations, concentrations, and elective tracks for learners who want to focus on a particular part of the field. These concentrations offer markedly different outcomes (someone who studies educational psychology will take on a very different role than the person who follows a geriatric psychology path), so consider your options carefully. A few of the most prominent specializations are reviewed below.

Clinical Psychology Master’s

Typically seen as the most well-known specialization, clinical psychology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders. Over the course of the specialization, you’ll learn about diagnostic and intervention strategies, common mental health issues across the lifespan, assessment tools, research methods, and consultation practices.

Educational and School Psychology Master’s Degree

Educational and school psychology exist as separate specializations but focus on similar areas of the field. While educational psychology takes a look at macro topics surrounding school systems, curriculum, and overarching decisions, school psychology focuses on training individuals to work directly with children to address emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues.

Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology

I/O psychology, or industrial-organizational psychology, is a field that examines human behavior in work environments and aims to enhance productivity, effectiveness, and well-being. Topics covered in this field include recruitment, training, performance metrics, motivation, rewards, and work-life balance. As learners explore this area of study, they gain insights into how to create systems that increase job satisfaction and organizational success.

Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology

Counseling psychology overlaps with clinical psychology in many ways as it focuses on training students to work in individual and group therapy settings. Learners gather tools related to working with patients across the lifespan, helping them manage big life choices (e.g., school, family, work, relationships), address stress management and life events, and cope with mental disorders.

Sports Psychology Master’s Program

Sports psychology specializations give graduates the skills needed to help professional and amateur athletes alike address any physical, emotional, mental, or behavioral issues affecting their game. Sports psychologists focus on helping athletes improve their motivation and mindset, ultimately improving their overall performance on the field, track, or court.

Online Psychology Master’s Curriculum

Earning an online master’s degree in psychology provides students with skills and competencies beyond those obtained in a bachelor’s program. Pursuing a Master of Science (M.S.) degree provides a stronger foundation in research and clinical skills, while a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree typically emphasizes studies related to counseling. Both types of programs offer job opportunities that are not available to individuals with only a bachelor’s degree, as they focus on building specialized skills in various discipline areas.

In addition to obtaining a general overview of foundational topics such as research skills, individual and group counseling, and legal and ethical considerations, students also acquire practical, hands-on skills that are useful in many roles. Below is a list of summaries explaining the most common courses found in these programs.

Clinical Practicum

Usually completed in the final semester, this on-site experience allows degree seekers to build real-world experience in providing mental health services under the supervision of a licensed professional. Hours vary based on state requirements. Students typically check in with their professors and peers throughout the semester to report back and reflect on their experience.

Developmental Psychology

Students in this class learn about the major and emerging theories surrounding human growth and development, starting with conception and moving into the end stages of life. Students consider psychosocial, cognitive, and biosocial contributors to how humans develop over time while also learning about types of abnormal development.

Research Methods

This course familiarizes degree seekers with basic types of research within the world of psychology, with special emphasis on designing sound research proposals and structures, conducting experiments attuned to the scientific method, using methodologies and frameworks to gather and analyze findings, and deploying effective methods for disseminating and reporting findings.

Social Psychology

Recognizing that relationships and proximity to other humans often serve as the greatest environmental factor in behavior and attitudes, this course takes a look at individuals and groups, and how they relate to one another. Students consider topics such as social norms, antisocialism, tenets of attraction, and the concept of altruism.

Statistics

Building on themes discussed in research methods, this course gives students the tools needed to integrate statistics and raw data into their findings and presentations to create real-world applications. Students consider various modes of data gathering and statistical analysis and how these can be applied in different ways depending on the task at hand.

Careers Paths for Psychology Master’s Holders

Survey Researcher

Survey researchers are more focused on the research side of psychology and often work for governmental agencies, non-profits, corporations, and universities. More specifically, survey researchers conduct background research, design surveys, and analyze data using statistical software. This career utilizes the statistical and research skill one develops in a master’s in psychology program. You can expect to earn around the 2023 median annual pay of $60,960, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Community College Teacher or Adjunct Instructor

If you are interested in teaching beyond the high school level, then you might consider becoming a postsecondary instructor. As part of this career, you will be expected to develop syllabi that meets college standards, lecture, assess student’s progress, and advise students about which courses to take. However, if you would like more responsibilities and research opportunities, a doctoral degree in psychology may be required. The median annual pay, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $84,380 in 2023.

Marriage and Family Therapist

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to increase by 16 percent from 2023 to 2033. If you would like to enter this rapidly growing field, then you must be committed to treating behavioral and cognitive disorders in the context of familial relationships. The day-to-day responsibilities of marriage and family therapists include creating treatment plans to help clients develop coping mechanisms, asking questions that encourage introspection, and referring clients to other specialists. The median annual salary for this career was $58,510 in 2023.

Rating the Best Online Master’s Programs in Psychology

Choosing the right online master’s degree in psychology is crucial for career success, and it can be challenging to find the perfect program. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have compiled a list of top-ranked psychology master’s programs that are both affordable and meet high academic standards. Our college ranking allows you to identify important metrics such as accreditation, amount of financial aid awarded, graduation rate, and more to evaluate a program based on your academic needs. For more about our ranking methodology, visit the “About the Rankings” pop-up below.