Explore the Best Online Psychology Master's Programs in Georgia

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Michael Hoffman, JD, MA

Michael Hoffman, JD, MA

Author

Michael Hoffman has authored close to 300 articles for higher education publications, including dozens for OMD across criminal justice, legal studies, public administration, and more. He's interviewed and collaborated with hundreds of college and career professionals and students. Michael holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Before his writing career, he practiced as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked as a development executive for a major film producer in Santa Monica, California.

Expertise: Graduate Ed.Online LearningStudent Success

Graduate Ed.Online LearningStudent Success

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Jordan Cosselman

Editor

Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.

Reviewer: Rebecca Newman, MSW

Rebecca Newman, MSW

Reviewer

Rebecca Newman, MSW, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in Philadelphia specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, infertility, substance abuse, grief and loss, gender and sexuality, trauma, and adjustment to life changes. She earned a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing from Oberlin College and an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, where she received the John Hope Franklin Award for Combating American Racism.

Expertise: Social WorkPsychologyMental Health

Social WorkPsychologyMental Health

Updated: 02/26/2026

Why Trust OMD?

Why Trust OMD? Our team of master's-educated experts delivers trusted insights on 50+ fields, from business and MBA programs to education, healthcare, psychology, social work, and STEM. Review our editorial standards and the contributors behind our content.

X

Updated: 02/26/2026

School Spotlights: Online Psychology Master’s Programs in GA

Top Fields of Study for Psychology Master’s Students in Georgia

Georgia’s economy and population create strong demand across several psychology fields. Here are the five specializations with the best job outlook and ROI for Georgia graduates.

1. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Counseling and behavioral health jobs are projected to grow nearly 19% nationally by 2033, well above average. Community mental health centers, private practices, and hospitals across Georgia are actively hiring.

With a master’s in clinical mental health counseling and LPC licensure, you can provide therapy for individuals and families dealing with depression, anxiety, addiction, and more. It’s the most direct path to clinical practice with a master’s degree.

2. School Psychology and Counseling

Georgia expects above-average growth in school psychologist and counselor positions as part of an overall 22% psychology job surge. Schools need professionals to address student mental health, learning difficulties, and career guidance.

A master’s in school psychology with state certification leads to work as a school counselor. An educational psychology background can lead to district-level support roles or the EdS specialist degree required for school psychologist licensure.

3. Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology

Atlanta is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies and a growing tech and finance sector. I-O psychologists help organizations with hiring, leadership development, team dynamics, and organizational change.

The median psychologist salary in Georgia is around $100,870. While some I-O roles prefer a doctorate, many companies hire master’s-level consultants and HR analysts. It’s a strong fit for graduates who want to apply psychology in business settings.

4. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Demand for ABA professionals has expanded as insurance coverage for autism therapy has improved and schools seek behavior support specialists. Behavioral and mental health roles are growing nearly three times faster than the average for all occupations.

With a master’s that includes BACB-approved ABA coursework, graduates can become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), working in clinics, schools, or private practice to help individuals with autism and developmental challenges develop skills and independence.

Expert Insight

ABA is also changing with our increased understanding about how best to provide support to people with diverse neurotypes. Check out your prospective program’s literature to make sure they are implementing some of these progressions in the field.

Rebecca Newman, MSW

5. Forensic and Criminal Psychology

Georgia’s large prison system and urban centers like Atlanta create opportunities in correctional facilities, courts, law enforcement agencies, and community programs. Forensic psychology roles are expected to grow alongside the overall expansion of psychology jobs.

Master’s-level graduates can work as probation/parole counselors, court liaisons, victim advocates, or research analysts. Roles with the title “forensic psychologist” typically require a doctorate, but many master’s-level positions exist throughout Georgia’s criminal justice system.

Accreditation for Georgia Psychology Programs

Accreditation is the most important quality check before enrolling. In Georgia, universities are typically accredited by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) — the regional accreditor that ensures your degree is recognized by employers and eligible for licensure and further education.

For counseling programs specifically, look for CACREP accreditation (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs). Georgia’s LPC licensure board recognizes CACREP-accredited degrees, and this accreditation is increasingly required for counselor licensure nationwide.

Always verify accreditation status on the university’s website or the U.S. Department of Education database before enrolling.

Program Formats for Online Psychology Master’s in Georgia

Georgia’s online psychology programs come in several formats to match different needs and timelines:

Part-Time and Flexible Programs

Part-time enrollment means taking 1–2 courses per term instead of a full load, extending graduation but reducing weekly demands. You’ll graduate with the same degree, just over a longer timeline. Part-time online programs are well-suited for working professionals who need to keep earning income while they study.

Most Georgia online programs accommodate part-timers through asynchronous or evening course options.

No-GRE Programs

Many Georgia programs have dropped the GRE requirement, recognizing that undergraduate GPA and experience are often better predictors of graduate success. UGA’s online MEd in Educational Psychology, for example, does not require GRE scores.

Some programs may waive the GRE for applicants with a 3.0+ GPA or relevant professional experience. Always check each program’s current criteria before applying.

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated formats compress the timeline through year-round enrollment or condensed course modules, with some programs completable in 12–18 months. Life University’s MS in Positive Psychology, for example, can be completed in about five quarters of full-time study.

Accelerated psychology programs require a heavier weekly commitment and work best when students can reduce outside obligations during the program.

Cost for Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Georgia

Public universities in Georgia typically charge in-state students $300–$650/credit, with total tuition ranging from about $15,000 to $30,000. Private universities generally charge $700+/credit regardless of residency, with totals ranging from $30,000 to $50,000+.

Additional cost factors include:

• Technology and course fees — added on top of per-credit tuition at most programs
• Books and materials — variable but typically several hundred dollars per term
• Practicum fees — some clinical programs charge separately for supervised placement credits

Georgia-specific funding options include the FAFSA for federal loans, graduate assistantships, and the Behavioral Health Professions Service Cancelable Loan, which offers up to $20,000/year for graduate students in counseling, social work, or psychology, forgiven in exchange for working in a high-need area in Georgia after graduation. Employer tuition reimbursement is also worth checking, particularly for those in healthcare or education.

Note: Tuition figures are estimates for illustration. Always check the latest tuition on the university’s website. In-state online students at public universities often get a tuition break. Also, factor in fees, books, and any required residencies when budgeting for your program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a licensed psychologist or counselor in Georgia with an online master’s degree?

It depends on the license. To become a licensed psychologist in Georgia, a doctoral degree is required. But an online master’s can lead to other licenses.

With a CACREP-accredited counseling master’s, you can pursue LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) licensure in Georgia after completing post-degree supervision and passing the required exams. School counselor certification is also available with the right master’s and state approval.

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

Most programs take about two years of full-time study. Programs range from 36 to 60 credit hours, with shorter programs taking about 1.5 years and longer ones requiring 2–3 years.

Part-time students often take 3+ years. Some programs allow acceleration through summer enrollment (finishing in 12–18 months), while cohort-based programs move the full group at a set pace.

Expert Insight

If a program is self-paced, a great question for your informational call might be how you build rapport and connection with colleagues in a primarily asynchronous program.

Rebecca Newman, MSW

Do I need the GRE to apply to Georgia’s online psychology master’s programs?

Often no. Many Georgia universities have made the GRE optional or waived it entirely. UGA’s online MEd does not require GRE scores, and programs at Georgia State and Life University have also dropped the requirement.

Some programs still list the GRE but offer waivers for applicants with a 3.0+ GPA or relevant experience. If a program requires the GRE and you have concerns, contact admissions directly to see if exceptions are available.

How much does an online psychology master’s cost in Georgia, and can I get financial aid?

Public universities typically cost $15,000–$25,000 for in-state students; private universities range from $20,000 to $45,000+. Financial aid is available for online students.

File the FAFSA to access federal loans. Georgia’s Behavioral Health Professions Service Cancelable Loan can cover up to $20,000/year for qualifying students who commit to working in-state in a high-need area.

Many programs also offer graduate assistantships or scholarships for which online students can apply. Employer tuition reimbursement is worth exploring if you’re currently employed in education or healthcare.

What’s the job outlook for psychology-related careers in Georgia?

The job outlook for psychology-related careers in GA is strong across the board. Clinical, counseling, and school psychologist jobs in Georgia are projected to grow about 22% over the next 10 years.

Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists are in high demand, driven by state-level initiatives to expand access to mental health care. Atlanta’s corporate sector creates opportunities for I-O psychologists, and rising autism diagnosis rates are increasing demand for behavior analysts statewide.

Resources for Georgia Psychology Master’s Students

• Georgia Board of Examiners of Psychologists — The state licensing board for psychologists; provides licensure requirements, applications, and regulations for practicing psychology in Georgia
• Georgia Composite Board for Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and MFTs — Oversees LPC licensure in Georgia; key resource for understanding education, exam, and supervision hour requirements
• Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA of GA) — Networking events, continuing education, job listings, and advocacy updates; student memberships available at a discount
• Georgia Psychological Association (GPA) — State affiliate of the APA; offers mentorship, conferences, and a job board for psychology students and professionals in Georgia
• Georgia School Counselors Association (GSCA) — Professional development, an annual conference, and resources on best practices for school-based counseling in Georgia
• American Psychological Association (APA) — Career guides, research journals, ethics guidelines, and student affiliate membership (APAGS) with access to webinars and a nationwide grad student network
• Bureau of Labor Statistics — Psychologists and Counselors Outlook — Up-to-date job growth, salary, and work environment data for psychologists, counselors, and related roles
• Georgia OnMyLine (Online Programs Directory) — The University System of Georgia’s portal for online programs at public colleges; filter by psychology or counseling to find accredited in-state options
• Behavioral Health Professions Loan (Georgia) — Up to $20,000/year for graduate students in mental health fields, forgiven in exchange for working in a high-need Georgia area after graduation; administered through GSFAPPS
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) — Administers the NCE and NCMHCE licensing exams; provides exam prep info, NCC certification details, and webinars for students approaching graduation

Top Online Master’s in Psychology Programs in Georgia