Unlocking the mysteries of the human mind and understanding the intricacies of behavior are ambitions that drive many toward a career in psychology. With the promise of high-paying roles for qualified professionals, obtaining higher education is the key to achieving these goals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of psychologists will grow 6% through 2032. There will be, on average, 12,800 new job openings per year for psychologists, who have a median annual salary of $92,740.
To help students find the online master’s in psychology degree program that’s right for them, Intelligent.com researched and compiled this list of the best online psychology degree programs. We also interviewed Blanca Villagomez, a program coordinator and counselor at UC-Irvine, for her insight into selecting a master’s degree program and answers to frequently asked questions about applying to and paying for a master’s degree program.
What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Psychology Program?
A master’s in psychology is an advanced academic degree that delves into the intricate workings of the human mind and behavior. Unlike counseling, which primarily focuses on helping individuals cope with personal challenges and develop coping strategies, psychology explores the broader aspects of human cognition, emotion, and behavior.
Most master’s in psychology programs require 30 to 60 credits for completion, depending on the specialization. Students typically earn either a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS). MA degrees emphasize therapeutic techniques, assessment, and intervention strategies, while MS degrees focus on research methods, statistical analysis, and experimental design.
The typical curriculum encompasses core courses in areas like research methods, statistics, and psychological theories, supplemented with specialized electives. Students may take cognitive psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and more classes, gaining in-depth knowledge in their chosen field.
Field experiences are often a crucial component of these programs, with students engaging in internships or practicums. These hands-on opportunities allow them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, honing their skills and gaining valuable insights into the profession.
In online programs, courses are delivered synchronously or asynchronously. In a synchronous program, students attend virtual classes at pre-designated times, allowing for engagement with faculty and classmates. Asynchronous programs have no scheduled classes, allowing students to complete their lessons and assignments according to their own schedules.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in psychology program
- Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: Focuses on the fundamental theories, principles, and techniques of counseling and psychotherapy, as well as applications to various therapeutic settings.
- Psychology of the Lifespan: Examines normal development from infancy through advanced age, focusing on the development of perceptual and cognitive processes, psychosocial roles, and familial interpersonal processes.
- Psychopathology and Introduction to Psychopharmacology: Addresses the psychological, biological, neurological, social, and spiritual etiology of psychological and emotional disorders with an emphasis on diagnosis, conceptualization, and treatment care planning. Presents an overview of the disorders in the current DSM.
Research Methods and Program Evaluation: This course teaches students experimental and quasi-experimental research design at both the conceptual and applied levels, emphasizing quantitative and qualitative methodology (research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation), basic statistical analyses, program evaluation, and critical appraisal of published research.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Psychology degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 40 Online Master’s Programs in Psychology
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Nova Southeastern University
Intelligent Score: 98.36In-state: $32,370
Out-of-state: $32,370
In-state: $20,618
Out-of-state: $20,618
SAT: 1030-1240
ACT: 20-27
$537
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
University of South Dakota
Intelligent Score: 98.04In-state: $7,697
Out-of-state: $11,172
In-state: $6,062
Out-of-state: $6,062
SAT: 1000-1245
ACT: 20-25
$470
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
33
University of Idaho
Intelligent Score: 96.24In-state: $6,182
Out-of-state: $25,418
In-state: $7,754
Out-of-state: $7,754
SAT: 990-1220
ACT: 20-26
Resident: $586
Non-Resident: $1,655
Online, On-Campus
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
30
Divine Mercy University
Intelligent Score: 95.75In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: $38,869
Out-of-state: $38,869
SAT: Not Applicable
ACT: Not Applicable
$850
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
Golden Gate University
Intelligent Score: 95.47In-state: $12,456
Out-of-state: $12,456
In-state: $19,620
Out-of-state: $19,620
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,090
Online, Hybrid
WASC Senior College and University Commission
33
Azusa Pacific University
Intelligent Score: 95.22In-state: $40,830
Out-of-state: $40,830
In-state: $16,571
Out-of-state: $16,571
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$783
Online, On-Campus
WASC Senior College and University Commission
60
University of Oregon
Intelligent Score: 94.25In-state: $10,962
Out-of-state: $35,881
In-state: $15,417
Out-of-state: $15,417
SAT: 1090-1290
ACT: 22-29
$592
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
49
University of Southern California
Intelligent Score: 93.52In-state: $59,260
Out-of-state: $59,260
In-state: $47,880
Out-of-state: $47,880
SAT: 1340-1530
ACT: 30-34
$2,244
Online
WASC Senior College and University Commission
34
Pepperdine University
Intelligent Score: 93.30In-state: $57,750
Out-of-state: $57,750
In-state: $36,200
Out-of-state: $36,200
SAT: 1200-1410
ACT: 26-31
$1,875
Online, On-Campus
WASC Senior College and University Commission
36-68
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 92.62In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$695
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
39
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 92.50In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
$565
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
36
Mississippi State University
Intelligent Score: 91.32In-state: $8,800
Out-of-state: $23,840
In-state: $8,800
Out-of-state: $8,800
SAT: 1050-1270
ACT: 22-30
$537
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
40
George Mason University
Intelligent Score: 90.95In-state: $9,510
Out-of-state: $32,970
In-state: $12,594
Out-of-state: $12,594
SAT: 1100-1300
ACT: 24-30
$815
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
University of Louisiana Monroe
Intelligent Score: 89.82In-state: $5,407
Out-of-state: $19,135
In-state: $5,511
Out-of-state: $5,511
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
$500
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
McNeese State University
Intelligent Score: 89.51In-state: $5,147
Out-of-state: $13,185
In-state: $5,703
Out-of-state: $5,703
SAT: 1050-1240
ACT: 20-25
$1,436
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
39
Harvard Extension School
Intelligent Score: 89.29In-state: $49,653
Out-of-state: $49,653
In-state: $49,448
Out-of-state: $49,448
SAT: 1460-1580
ACT: 33-35
$805
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
48
Palo Alto University
Intelligent Score: 88.01In-state: $17,627
Out-of-state: $17,627
In-state: $30,116
Out-of-state: $30,116
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$912
Online
WASC Senior College and University Commission
37.5-47
The Chicago School
Intelligent Score: 86.43In-state: $46,796
Out-of-state: $46,796
In-state: $50,636
Out-of-state: $50,636
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$1,368
Online, On-Campus
WASC Senior College and University Commission
30-40
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Psychology Programs?
Psychology is a versatile degree that allows students to pursue several different career paths in industries as varied as marketing, human resources, academia, government, and more.
There are many specializations for psychology students to choose from, allowing them the flexibility to select the area of focus that best aligns with their interests and goals. Some of the most popular specialization areas include:
- Clinical Psychology for students interested in diagnosing and treating individuals with mental health disorders. This is ideal for those who want to become licensed therapists or psychologists.
- Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology for those interested in applying psychological principles in workplace settings and pursuing employment in human resources or organizational development.
- Forensic Psychology explores the intersection of psychology and the legal system and is ideal for those interested in working as expert witnesses, criminal profilers, or in correctional settings.
- Experimental Psychology is a good option for research-oriented students pursuing academic roles, research, or data analysis.
Although a master’s in psychology is an advanced degree, students should note that to become a licensed psychologist in the U.S., they must have a doctorate. Candidates must also accumulate supervised clinical experience and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
If you’re earning your graduate degree in pursuit of eventual licensure, you will want to double-check your institution’s accreditation to ensure that the program has been thoroughly vetted by a recognized accrediting body, such as the American Psychological Association (APA).
Career outlook
- Licensed Psychologist (with further education): After completing a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. and obtaining licensure, graduates can work as psychologists in clinical, counseling, or research roles. This role also includes specializations within psychology, such as forensics, sports, and industrial-organizational psychology. Earning a master’s in psychology is necessary to achieve this goal, as it prepares students for advanced study with required coursework.
- Median annual salary: $92,740
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 12,800 per year
- Human Resources Specialist: Graduates can work in HR, leveraging their understanding of human behavior to assist with employee management, recruitment, and workplace dynamics. The strong foundation in human behavior and interpersonal skills that a master’s in psychology provides can be a significant asset to Human Resources departments, as students are well-prepared to understand, engage, and support employees within organizations.
- Median annual salary: $67,650
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 78,700 per year
- Market Research Analyst: Market researchers use psychological insights to analyze consumer behavior and trends to guide business decisions. While it may not be the most traditional path, the skills and knowledge acquired in a psychology program can be highly valuable in this role. This career path allows psychology graduates to apply their unique skill sets to help businesses make informed decisions, develop effective marketing strategies, and understand their target audiences better.
- Median annual salary: $74,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 13%
- New jobs projected: 94,600 per year
How to Choose the Online Master’s in Psychology Degree That’s Right for You
Step 1: Choose your area of study
“In the early stages of the college search process, I encourage students to invest their time reflecting on their academic interests, career goals, and types of learning environments they thrive in to identify the best programs for them,” Villagomez says. “Understanding academic interests can help students choose a major and co-curricular activities. I also encourage students to reflect on what goals they want to accomplish during college and what environments help them learn best, such as smaller classes, group work, or hands-on projects.”
Students pursuing a master’s in psychology must make pivotal choices, such as whether to pursue a specialization, such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, or school psychology. If licensure or further education is your objective, specialization choice is pivotal. Clinical psychology is suitable for future clinical psychologists, while forensic psychology suits those who want to become forensic psychologists.
It’s also important to consider learning format and scheduling options. Those working full-time may prefer part-time, asynchronous programs for their flexibility, allowing them to balance work and studies. Conversely, students with more time to devote might opt for full-time, synchronous programs for an immersive learning experience.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
Once you’ve determined your desired specialization and learning format, conducting thorough research is crucial. Start by checking for institutional and programmatic accreditation to ensure you’ll receive a quality education. Then, consider asking:
- What is the faculty-to-student ratio?
- Is there 24/7 tech support for online students?
- How are the online classes structured? Synchronous or asynchronous?
- What internship or practicum opportunities are available online?
- Are there opportunities for networking and collaboration with peers?
- What is the school’s track record for job placement or further education for graduates?
Villagomez also recommends students verify the accreditation status of schools and programs they’re considering. “This ensures that the institution has the seal of approval by the U.S. Department of Education,” she says. “With institutional accreditation, colleges and universities are evaluated and must achieve several standards to receive regional or national accreditation. Programmatic accreditations evaluate the quality and legitimacy of the specific degree programs offered at institutions.”
Students can verify institutional accreditation status using the U.S. Department of Education’s online accreditation database. Psychology degree programs should be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
You can gather this information by visiting school websites, attending virtual open houses, contacting admissions offices, and seeking insights from current students or alumni.
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
“After researching the degree programs and schools that are the best fit for them, students should have a strong sense of the admission requirements for the programs they’re considering,” Villagomez says. “With requirements that vary by school, it’s important for students to stay organized with a comprehensive and detailed checklist to track their progress, submit all required materials, and meet deadlines. I encourage students to decide what systems help them organize the application requirements and track their progress for each school.”
Preparing for a graduate school application involves clearly understanding program-specific requirements. For typical applications, you’ll want to gather the following materials:
Enrolling in a test prep program can be helpful if GRE scores are mandatory. It enhances your chances of securing a seat in your ideal program by improving your test-taking skills and boosting your scores.
Remember that eligibility requirements may vary, but most programs expect a bachelor’s degree with prerequisite courses in psychology and may have GPA minimums.
Step 4: Select your program
If you apply to multiple programs, you may receive numerous acceptance letters, and selecting the right program for you can be intimidating. Focus on factors like curriculum alignment with your career goals, the availability of your intended specialization or relevant coursework, overall cost, and financial aid opportunities. It’s essential to choose the program that not only matches your aspirations but also fits your budget.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
To finance your degree, prioritize non-repayable options like scholarships and grants, which can alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential as it assesses your eligibility for federal loans and need-based aid. If you’re currently working, consider employer tuition assistance programs.
Balancing these sources can make your education more affordable and minimize the need for loans, ensuring you embark on your academic journey with manageable financial commitments.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Psychology Programs
Should I get a master’s in psychology degree in person or online?
The choice between an in-person or online degree will depend on your unique circumstances, but you’ll especially want to consider your flexibility needs and preferred learning style.
Online programs offer more flexibility for those with work or family commitments, while in-person programs provide structure and in-person networking opportunities. Additionally, assess your learning style and ability to self-motivate. In-person programs offer face-to-face interaction, which some learners find more engaging, while online programs are best for ambitious, disciplined students.
How do I apply for an online master’s in psychology degree program?
Start by researching the program’s specific admissions procedures and requirements on its website. Generally, you’ll need to:
- Complete an online application form.
- Submit transcripts and any required standardized test scores.
- Prepare a statement of purpose.
- Obtain letters of recommendation.
- Pay the application fee.
- Check for additional requirements related to your chosen specialization.
Admissions requirements vary among programs, so speaking with an admissions counselor to confirm the specific steps and ensure a smooth application process is essential.
How much does an online master’s in psychology degree cost?
The price of an online master’s in psychology degree can vary widely. Still, for context, the average tuition for graduate degrees in the 2021-22 academic year was approximately $12,596 for public schools and $29,931 for private institutions. It’s important to remember that online learners usually benefit from lower tuition rates, with programs that offer additional cost savings due to reduced commuting and housing expenses. However, tuition rates depend on the specific program and institution. It’s advisable to consult with a financial aid counselor at your chosen school to get accurate cost estimates and explore financial aid options.
How long does it take to complete an online master’s in psychology degree?
The time it takes to complete your graduate degree can vary widely depending on your institution’s credit requirements. For master’s degrees, in particular, programs can require 30 to 60 credits to graduate, and, generally speaking, the more credits required, the longer it will take to complete your degree.
It’s also essential to consider factors such as your enrollment status and learning format, as these can significantly influence your completion time. Full-time enrollment typically takes two to three years, while part-time options can extend it to three to four years. Asynchronous learning, allowing for flexible scheduling, may extend the timeline, while synchronous programs may align more closely with a traditional academic calendar.
Some institutions offer accelerated programs for those looking to complete their degree even quicker, shortening the timeline but necessitating a more intensive commitment.
Is an online master’s in psychology degree worth it?
Yes, an online master’s in psychology is worth it for students pursuing careers as licensed psychologists. While further education is necessary to seek a role in this field, these professionals enjoy a median salary of $92,740 and faster-than-average job growth. Alternatively, for those entering the workforce directly after obtaining this degree, opportunities in human resources or market research offer competitive salaries of around $70,000, significantly above the U.S. average for all occupations
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