If you are looking to pursue a career in counseling, human resources, or social services in Texas, a master’s degree in psychology is a great starting point. With the option of online, hybrid, and in-person coursework, you can customize your education to fit your learning preferences and career goals.
This guide provides a comprehensive list of the best accredited psychology master’s programs in Texas to help you find the right fit. Whether you are interested in specializing in a particular field or seeking financial aid opportunities, we have got you covered. Keep reading to learn about tuition costs, online degree options, and specialization paths to help you make an informed decision.
Best Psychology Master’s Programs in Texas: 2024
The top psychology master’s programs in Texas can serve as stepping stones into doctoral programs or as preparation for a multitude of career fields. To help you choose the right school for you, we’ve highlighted some of the top programs in terms of affordability, accreditation, and student support services. The three colleges below earned top honors in 2023.
1
The University of Texas at Tyler
The College of Education and Psychology at the University of Texas at Tyler gives students three psychology master’s options: clinical psychology, school counseling, or clinical mental health counseling. Under the umbrella of clinical psychology, students choose between tracks in general clinical psychology or neuropsychology.
Each program requires 60 credits that usually take about two years of full-time study. Though the programs in clinical and counseling psychology require hands-on classroom training, the program in school psychology can be taken entirely online with its internship completed at a location convenient to the student. Admission requires three letters of recommendation, an admissions essay, and a completed application. GRE scores are required for the clinical psychology and school counseling programs.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- School Counseling
2
The University of Texas at Arlington
The Master of Science in Psychology at the University of Texas at Arlington is among the best psychology graduate programs in Texas. Application for this competitive program requires GRE scores, a bachelor’s degree with a grade point average minimum of 3.0, a personal essay, and completion of certain prerequisites like statistics and experimental methods.
The psychology master’s program at UTA offers three specializations: psychological sciences, health/neuroscience psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology. Students in the psychological sciences and health/neuroscience psychology concentrations are required to complete and defend a thesis, while those in the I/O concentration are not but have the option to do so. Additionally, all students must complete at least 400 hours of related internships.
As a student in the program, you’ll have access to a range of campus services, including the Industrial and Organizational Psychology Research Lab, computer labs, multi-media lab, and assistantship opportunities.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Psychological Sciences
- Health/Neuroscience Psychology
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
3
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University offers a Master of Science in Psychological Sciences that emphasizes industrial/organizational psychology and serves as a solid stepping stone to the PhD program, though it can also stand on its own for those wanting to enter the workforce. Students learn from nationally recognized leaders as they apply psychological principles to human resources and organizational behavior in business.
Program options include a 32-semester credit thesis option and the 33-semester credit non-thesis option. Those who choose the thesis option will defend it as their final project, and those who don’t must complete a comprehensive exam to graduate. Transfer credits can lessen your time in the program, and up to 12 are allowed as long as they come from Texas A&M.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Industrial/Organizational
Specializations for Master’s Psychology Programs in Texas
While bachelor’s level psychology degrees typically offer a general knowledge of psychology principles, the master’s level provides specialization and allows students to focus on an area of expertise. We’ve highlighted some of the most popular specializations in psychology master’s programs in Texas to give you an idea of what is available.
Clinical Psychology
Some psychology specialties focus heavily on data collection and analysis, but clinical psychology emphasizes research, theory, and practice and prepares graduates to work with clients in a clinical setting. Clinical psychology at the master’s level prepares graduates for work as counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, and the like. It can also serve as a solid stepping stone to the PhD.
Examples of Texas Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program
LeTourneau University (Online or On-Campus)
University of Texas at Tyler (On-Campus)
Applied Psychology
The master’s in applied psychology focuses on practical problem-solving skills, interdisciplinary theories and research, and the practice of psychology in various fields like industrial-organizational psychology, marketing, social work, healthcare, education, and more. Applied psychology opens doors to a variety of fields in which it’s important to understand the workings of the human mind.
Examples of Texas Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program
Angelo State University (Online or On-Campus)
Tarleton State University (On-Campus)
Texas A&M University – Commerce (On-Campus)
School Psychology
This major prepares graduates to work in educational settings as guidance counselors and career counselors or in administration. School counselors work closely with students, teachers, parents, and faculty members to create a safe, welcoming atmosphere for children and youth. They also offer assistance to families in the school community.
Examples of Texas Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program
University of North Texas (Online or On-Campus)
Stephen F. Austin State University (On-Campus)
Texas A&M (Online)
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Those specializing in industrial/organizational psychology often work with businesses, organizations, and governments to address workplace issues and employee satisfaction. They help improve productivity and create easier processes for better workflow. This degree is a pathway to work in a variety of fields, including healthcare, public relations, and social services.
Examples of Texas Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program
Southern Methodist University (Online or On-Campus)
University of Texas at Arlington (On-Campus)
University of Houston (Online)
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists work in the legal system to assess individuals who are accused of crimes, examine the motivation behind certain crimes, speak to the court about the accused or other players in the court system, and create reports of their findings. Forensic psychology on the master’s level both prepares students to work with forensic psychologists and the legal system and to pursue their doctorates.
Examples of Texas Colleges with this Psychology Master’s Program
University of Houston – Victoria (Online or On-Campus)
Inside Texas Online Psychology Master’s Programs
Master’s programs in psychology are often designed specifically for working professionals, so programs are flexible and allow for self-pacing as long as certain milestones are met. Other programs require students to take one class at a time to give them an intensive, often four to eight weeks, deep dive into the material before moving on to the next class.
Some psychology graduate programs in Texas provide distance learning for classroom work, but there are usually still in-person clinical hours or internship requirements. These requirements can often be met at a location convenient to the student’s home or even at their current workplace. Online courses are sometimes asynchronous, but many are synchronous. So, classes may have set times when classes meet and exchange ideas, provide lectures via recorded video, or facilitate discussion mainly via message boards.
Below we’ve highlighted this year’s best Texas colleges with online psychology master’s programs to help you on your school search. Colleges were ranked based on factors that matter most to students, including affordability, flexible class schedules, and quality instruction.
2024’s Best Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Texas
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Longview, Texas
Students have two online master's programs to choose from at LeTourneau University. The fully online Master of Science in General Psychology program offers advanced study of general psychological concepts. Roughly one-third of the required coursework is electives, allowing students to specialize in education, leadership, business, or religion. Those interested in licensure can apply to the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. With nearly double the number of credits, the curriculum in this partially online program prepares students to take and pass licensure exams for Texas. Online classroom instruction is supplemented by internship and practicum courses.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in General Psychology
- Credits: 39
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $625.00/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Credits: 66
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $625.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
2
San Angelo, Texas
Angelo State University offers a Master of Science in Applied Psychology to those interested in moving into positions of leadership or teaching, as well as those seeking a doctorate in psychology. Students can gain real-world skills and experience by working with professors conducting advanced research in this 100% online program. Thesis and non-thesis options are available. Students interested in applying psychology theories to the workplace can select the Master of Science in Organizational Psychology and Human Resources program. The program is also 100% online, self-paced, with no internship or thesis required.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Applied Psychology
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $402.56/credit (resident); $822.67/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Master of Science in Organizational Psychology and Human Resources
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $402.56/credit (resident); $822.67/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
3
Lubbock, Texas
The Master of Education in Educational Psychology from Texas Tech University is a hybrid program that combines the convenience and flexibility of online courses with the collaborative learning of in-person instruction. The curriculum has been designed to train education professionals in skills and knowledge related to learning and motivation within a pedagogical setting. Individuals interested in applying must have a bachelor's degree and provide GRE scores within the past five years. Students can transfer up to six credit hours within the last seven years with at least a B or better.
Program Highlights:
Master of Education in Educational Psychology
- Credits: 45
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $50.00/credit (resident); $458.00/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
4
Killeen, Texas
Spotlighting Texas Online Master’s Programs in Psychology
1
Texas A&M University – Commerce
Depending upon previous coursework and transfer credits, the Master of Science in Psychology at Texas A&M University – Commerce takes one to three years to complete. The program includes 36 to 66 credit hours, and its hybrid delivery includes both thesis and non-thesis options. Designed for working professionals, several courses are online only, while others are presented face-to-face at the Mesquite Metroplex Center and main campus locations.
Specializations for the MS in Psychology program include those in general psychology, clinical psychology, and educational diagnostician for school psychology. Those in clinical psychology can hone their skills at the Community Psychology Clinic on campus, and those in the school psychology track graduate ready to become licensed specialists.
Delivery:
- Hybrid
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Clinical Psychology
- General Psychology
- Educational Diagnostician for School Psychology
2
Angelo State University
A leader in online education, Angelo State University has 32 online programs, including the Master of Science in Applied Psychology. Anyone with a bachelor’s degree is eligible to apply. However, as with all psychology programs in Texas, this one is highly competitive. Incoming students need at least 18 credit hours of undergraduate psychology, and those who don’t have it are expected to complete a graduate leveling course for training in foundational areas of psychology.
Applicants must submit transcripts proving a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies and an essay detailing why ASU is their chosen option. Once admitted, students choose between the fully online option or a hybrid model and between the thesis and non-thesis options.
Program Delivery:
- Hybrid
- Online
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Applied Psychology
3
LeTourneau University
At LeTourneau University, students choose between the general psychology track and the clinical mental health counseling track, both of which are available fully online. The 39 credit hours required for the general psychology degree also include 12 credit hours that allow students to specialize in areas like leadership, education, religion, and more. The 66 credit hours required for the counseling degree prepares students for the state licensure exam, and the school currently has a 94 percent pass rate on the National Counseling Exam and a 93 percent placement rate for graduates. The holistic Christian view embraced by LeTourneau University helps ensure students carry a Christ-centered mission into their psychology careers.
Program Delivery:
- Online
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- General Psychology
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
More Schools with Accredited Online Master’s Psychology Programs in Texas
University of Southern Texas
University of Texas Permian Basin
Angelo State University
University of North Texas
- Educational Psychology Master of Science with a Concentration in Family Policy and Program Administration
- Educational Psychology Master of Science with a Concentration in Gifted and Talented
- Educational Psychology Master of Science with a Concentration in Learning and Development
- Educational Psychology Master of Science with a Concentration Research & Evaluation
Texas A&M University
FAQs About Psychology Master’s Programs in TX
What are the admissions requirements for psychology master’s programs in Texas?
Psychology graduate programs in Texas are highly competitive, so precisely following all admissions requirements is a must. Always meet application deadlines, and allow ample time to write and edit essays and collect letters of recommendation.
The following are common requirements for psychology graduate programs in Texas.
- A completed application
- Transcripts from all schools previously attended
- Letters of recommendation (often two or three)
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or curriculum vitae
Many schools, like the University of Texas at San Antonio, also require GRE test scores earned within the five years before admission. Places like the University of Texas at Austin require the GRE but do not have a minimum required score for admission but instead use it as a holistic look at overall potential. Additionally, schools like the University of Texas at Tyler do not require GRE scores for students who already hold a graduate degree.
How long do psychology master’s programs in Texas take to finish?
Psychology graduate programs in Texas take one to three years to complete. Accelerated programs move faster, especially if a student comes to the school with graduate credits that transfer to their new program. At Texas A&M, for example, the accelerated program takes 16 months to complete while students at Stephen F. Austin State University need at least three years but have up to six to complete the program.
How much do psychology master’s programs in Texas cost?
Though psychology graduate programs in Texas can be expensive, there are ways to help students pay for them. In addition to the financial aid options detailed below, maximizing any transfer credits and utilizing in-state tuition can help decrease cost. Online courses, though not always less in tuition, can save you money in travel expenses. We’ve highlighted some psychology master’s programs below to give you an idea of the cost.
Stephen F. Austin State University
Master’s Degree in School Psychology
Total Credits: 60 hours
$566.50/credit (in-state)
University of Texas at Tyler
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Total Credits: 60
$915/credit (in-state)
Texas A&M University – Commerce
Master of Science in Psychology
Total Credits: 36-66
$742/credit (in-state)
Paying for Your Psychology Master’s in Texas
Financial aid can help covers costs associated with earning a psychology master’s degree in Texas. In addition to scholarships and grants, there are often graduate assistantships, fellowships, paid internships, and other programs specific to a school itself. Find these opportunities by going to the fin
ancial aid and scholarship pages at specific schools. Texas A&M University – Commerce, for example, provides extensive financial and scholarship information, including that specific to graduate students.
You can also turn to loans through the federal government or pursue scholarships and other funding through organizations like the Texas Association of School Psychologists and the American Psychological Association. Explore a variety of options to pay for school before applying, and learn more about how to fund your psychology education through our financial aid guide and scholarship guide.
