Best Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs
An online master’s degree in psychology can help you advance your knowledge of the field, learn the latest research and best practices, and make a positive impact on others. This guide will help you discover the best online psychology programs and how to apply for them.
Pursuing a master’s degree in psychology opens the door to a multitude of career opportunities, from clinical practice to research and organizational consulting. With the rise of online education, many aspiring psychologists are now able to obtain their degrees from the comfort of their homes, providing flexibility and access to a broader range of programs. In this article, we will explore the best online psychology master’s degree programs available today, focusing on their curriculum, faculty expertise, accreditation, and overall value. Whether you’re looking to advance your career in mental health, delve into psychological research, or transition into a new field, our curated list will help you find the right program to meet your goals.
We’ll highlight key features of each program, including specializations offered, the format of coursework, and support services for online students. With the demand for mental health professionals on the rise, earning an advanced degree in psychology can not only enhance your knowledge but also significantly improve your career prospects. Join us as we navigate the top online options, equipping you with the information needed to make an informed decision on your educational journey in psychology.
Explore Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Popular States
- Psychology Master’s Programs in California
- Psychology Master’s Programs in Florida
- Psychology Master’s Programs in Georgia
- Psychology Master’s Programs in Texas
Best Online Psychology Master’s Programs
Choosing the right online master’s degree in psychology is crucial for career success. With so many options available, 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 and sort important metrics to select a program that meets your academic needs and career goals.
Pepperdine University
Malibu, California
Private
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Private
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America
Santa Fe Springs, California
Private
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, California
Public
Tiffin University
Tiffin, Ohio
Private
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, Indiana
Private
Saint Peter’s University
Jersey City, New Jersey
Private
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado
Private
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Public
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
Public
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Public
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Private
Russell Sage College
Troy, New York
Private
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
The Chicago School
Los Angeles, California
Private
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Private
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, Missouri
Public
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Public
Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Public
Brescia University
Owensboro, Kentucky
Private
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Public
Touro College
New York, New York
Private
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Public
University of Southern Maine
Portland, Maine
Public
Marian University
Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Private
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
Private
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, California
Private
University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
Public
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Southern Nazarene University
Bethany, Oklahoma
Private
Albizu University-Miami
Miami, Florida
Private
Indiana Tech
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Private
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Private
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
Ferrum College
Ferrum, Virginia
Private
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio
Public
Plymouth State University
Plymouth, New Hampshire
Public
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii
Private
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Public
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Public
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota
Public
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Public
Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Public
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
Public
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Public
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Public
5 Reasons to Earn an Online Master’s in Psychology
1
You want to become better prepared for a psychology doctoral program.
Master’s in psychology online degrees often serve as the gateway to doctoral study, preparing you mentally and academically to take on advanced coursework when the time comes.
2
You want the flexibility of online learning.
In addition to allowing you the flexibility of turning in assignments, watching prerecorded lectures, and interacting with faculty and peers at times that suit you best, online programs are often less expensive than campus-based degrees.
3
You want to earn a higher salary.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that master’s degree holders earn about 12k more annually than their bachelor’s degree counterparts however this will vary based on your post collegiate career path.
4
You’re interested in pursuing a specialized topic.
Master’s in psychology online frequently offer many different concentrations that allow students to focus their studies in a particular area of the discipline, such as forensic, industrial-organizational, cognitive, or sports psychology.
5
Your bachelor’s degree is in an unrelated field and you want to change careers.
Many students come to the conclusion later in life that they want to move into a psychology career but lack the credentials to do so. Having already completed a bachelor’s degree, master’s programs offer a great transition point.
Can You Really Get Your Master’s Degree in Psychology 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. 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. 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.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Master’s Psychology Program
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.
Common Classes in Online Psychology Master’s Degree Programs
Social Psychology
Term
Year 1, Fall Semester
Type
Core
Delivery
Online or Campus
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.
Research Methods
Term
Year 1, Spring Semester
Type
Core
Delivery
Online or Campus
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.
Statistics
Term
Year 1, Spring Semester
Type
Core
Delivery
Online or Campus
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.
Developmental Psychology
Term
Year 2, Fall Semester
Type
Core
Delivery
Online or Campus
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.
Sports Psychology
Term
Year 2, Fall Semester
Type
Elective
Delivery
Online or Campus
Designed for students looking to work with amateur and professional athletes, this course looks into some of the psychological components around motivation, collective consciousness, visualization, and peak performance. Learners also consider how factors such as the use of substances, sports medicine, and training all impact how a player feels about their game.
Clinical Practicum
Term
Year 2, Spring Semester
Type
Core
Delivery
Site-based
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.
Final Project
Term
Year 2, Spring Semester
Type
Core
Delivery
Online
Final projects typically revolve around a master’s thesis composed of independent research about a nuanced topic in the field. Students apply existing psychological theories to a research question, gather primary and secondary sources, and write a long-form paper on their findings. These must be presented to faculty members and receive approval before students are cleared to graduate.
Specializations for Your Online Master’s Degree 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. Learn more about earning your clinical psychology master’s degree online.
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. Learn more about online school psychology master’s programs.
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.
Forensic Psychology Master’s Degree
Sitting at the intersection of psychology, law, and criminal justice, forensic psychology specializations equip graduates with skills in assessing mental functions within defendants and victims, educating police and law enforcement professionals on mental evaluations, and working with the courts to provide assessments and criminal profiles. Learn more about online forensic psychology master’s degrees.
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. Learn more about online counseling psychology master’s degrees.
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.
Master’s Degree in Behavioral Psychology
Behavioral psychology, also referred to as cognitive psychology, is a research-oriented discipline that investigates mental processes such as memory, language, thinking, and social interactions. The focus is on gaining a deeper understanding of each of these processes and how they relate to human behavior. Students in this field explore how this understanding can contribute to advancing the field and improving patient care. By studying behavioral psychology, students can gain insights into the mechanisms underlying human thought and behavior, which can inform clinical practice and research.
FAQs About the Online Master’s in Psychology
When making a big life decision like college, it’s normal to have lots of questions. Especially when that decision costs a lot of money and affects your future career. You can find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions in this section.
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. We’ve listed the tuition rate for three schools to give you a better idea of how affordable this degree can be. For a list of the cheapest accredited programs, view our ranking of the most affordable online psychology master’s degrees.
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.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | 36 | $637 | $22,932 |
| Union Commonwealth University | 36 | $370 | $13,320 |
| Angelo State University | 36 | $232.30 (in-state); $642.30 (out-of-state) | $8,362.80 (in-state); $23,122.80 (out-of-state) |
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 admissions departments to learn more.
What are the admissions criteria for the online master’s in psychology?
Admission requirements vary by school, but in general consist of the following components.