For those looking to advance their career with a flexible and accessible online master’s in psychology program that doesn’t require the GRE, these programs may be the key to your success. Whether you prefer to be assessed on different metrics or simply want to avoid standardized tests, these programs offer a valuable opportunity.
Graduates can pursue careers as mental health counselors, with a median salary of $53,910, enter human resources as specialists, earning a median salary of $67,650, or become marketing analysts, making a median salary of $74,680.
These programs take 18 months to two years to complete for full-time students and three to four years for part-time students, allowing you to customize your education to your schedule and career goals.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Program (No GRE)
Choose your area of study
While it’s always possible to receive a general master’s in psychology, many programs offer the option to choose an area of study or specialization around which you can organize your studies. To make this decision, consider asking yourself:
- What are my career goals?
- Which population am I interested in working with?
- What areas of psychology am I most enthusiastic about?
Potential specialization options include clinical, counseling, industrial-organizational, forensic, and school psychology — but it’s essential to research the specific specializations offered by different programs, as these can vary.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve decided on a specialization, you can research schools and programs by considering key factors. Here are some questions to guide your research:
- Does the program offer my intended specialization?
- What are the faculty’s qualifications and areas of interest?
- What are the application requirements, especially in the absence of the GRE?
- What is the program’s format and duration?
Since these programs don’t require the GRE, they may need additional components like an interview or more extensive application materials.
Prepare for tests and applications
With your shortlist of programs in hand, it’s time to begin preparing for tests and applications. Standard application requirements include:
- Transcripts from previous academic institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
Instead of the GRE, some programs may require a writing sample or an interview. It’s always important to double-check these requirements, as they can vary by program.
Select your program
When acceptance letters arrive, take some time to revisit your initial research criteria and focus on what’s most important to you. This may include factors like curriculum relevance, faculty you’re excited to learn from, and the availability of support services for online learners.
You’ll also want to reassess the total cost of attendance and compare it against any financial aid offers, just to be sure your decision is as feasible economically as it is academically.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
For many students, figuring out how to finance a graduate degree begins with submitting the FAFSA, which will allow you to explore federal financial aid options. You’ll also want to seek out scholarships and assistantships, which can provide additional financial support. If you’re currently employed, check if your employer offers a tuition reimbursement program, which can significantly offset costs.
While widely available for most students, federal loans should be used sparingly — only to bridge any remaining financial gaps.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs (No GRE)
How we rank schools
This list features some of the country’s best online master’s in psychology (no GRE) programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best online master’s in psychology (no GRE) programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Online Master’s in Psychology Program (No GRE)?
Considering that the GRE has become synonymous with graduate school success, you may think that a program without this requirement may have a less rigorous curriculum. However, this is unlikely to be the case. These programs maintain the same academic standards as those with GRE requirements, ensuring a comprehensive education.
As a student, you can expect to learn different psychological theories, research methods, and applied practices. Key areas of study include cognitive and developmental psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and clinical psychology. The most innovative curriculums will cover advanced statistical analysis and research design, preparing you with essential skills for conducting and interpreting research.
Many programs culminate in a traditional thesis, but others offer the option to complete an applied research project. Regardless of graduation requirements, most programs can be completed in 18 months to two years of full-time study.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in psychology program
- Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: In this course, students will explore different counseling and psychotherapy approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and humanistic theories. They will learn to apply these theories in clinical practice and develop therapeutic techniques.
- Trauma in Diverse Populations: This course examines the impact of trauma on individuals from different cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants analyze various types of trauma, such as PTSD, and effective interventions for specific populations.
- Industrial Organizational Psychology: Students in this course will study applying psychological principles to workplace settings. They will explore employee motivation, organizational behavior, leadership, and performance assessment.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Psychology Degree?
This degree prepares students for careers in counseling and beyond, offering opportunities in marketing and human resources. The career outlook is largely positive, providing graduates with versatile skills that are in demand across various industries.
Career outlook
- Rehabilitation Counselor — Specializing in helping people with physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities, rehabilitation counselors assist clients in achieving greater independence.
- Median annual salary: $44,040
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 2%
- New jobs projected: 6,700
- Research Analyst — Graduates in this role utilize their understanding of human behavior to analyze consumer preferences and market trends. They provide insights to help businesses develop effective marketing strategies and improve their products and services.
- Median annual salary: $74,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 13%
- New jobs projected: 94,600
- Human Resources Specialist — Leveraging their knowledge of human behavior, graduates can work in HR to manage recruitment, training, employee relations, and organizational development.
- Median annual salary: $67,650
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 78,700
Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Program (No GRE) Frequently Asked Questions
How do degree programs with no GRE requirement work?
Degree programs without a GRE requirement work very similarly to those with GRE requirements — they just focus more on other admission requirements without the need for standardized test scores. This might mean that other application materials, such as your personal statement, resume, or interview, are weighed more heavily.
To learn more about the application process and the pros and cons of pursuing a no-GRE program, visit our page, which explores this in more detail.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in psychology degree?
Earning this degree takes 18 months to two years for full-time students and three or four years for part-time students. The completion timeline depends on the total number of required credits, which varies by program and can significantly impact the duration. Evaluating each program’s credit requirements is essential for estimating your graduation date.
How much does an online master's in psychology degree cost?
The average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $20,513. However, it’s important to note that tuition doesn’t typically cover all expenses. You’ll also want to budget for additional costs like technology fees, library fees, course materials, and textbooks.