94 of North Carolina’s 100 counties are designated mental health professional shortage areas. That’s not just a statistic — it’s a signal of where the state is heading. Qualified graduates have strong options across clinical practice, schools, research, and business. This guide covers top online psychology master’s programs in North Carolina, the career paths with the strongest local demand, what accreditation means in practice, program formats, how costs break down across the state, and answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Author: OMD Staff
Expertise: Online LearningStudent SuccessGraduate Ed.Editor: Jordan Cosselman
Reviewer: Rebecca Newman, MSW
Expertise: Social WorkPsychologyMental Health- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields in North Carolina
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
Read more - Accreditation Details
What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Resources
More resources that dive deeper into specific degree programs, student success, and more…
Read more - Top Schools
Top Online Master’s in Psychology Programs in North Carolina
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Explore the Best Online Psychology Schools in NC
Fayetteville State University (FSU)
For students who want a flexible, fully remote psychology master’s at a price that won’t require loans, FSU’s MA in Psychology stands out. At $256 per credit for North Carolina residents, it’s among the most affordable accredited options in the state.
The curriculum spans psychological theories of individual and family development, behavior, diversity, and ethical practice, building the kind of broad foundation useful for doctoral applications or research-adjacent roles.
One distinctive feature: students can stack one of two 12-credit graduate certificates — in Professional Psychology or Behavioral Research — directly alongside the master’s. That’s a meaningful way to specialize without committing to a longer degree.
This is not a licensure-track program; it doesn’t lead directly to counselor or psychologist credentials. But for those aiming at graduate study, education, or behavioral research careers, it’s a strong and affordable fit.
- Duration: 1-2 years; 36 credits
- Mode: 100% online
- Cost: $256/credit (in-state) | $717/credit (out-of-state)
- Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree | Minimum 3.7 undergraduate GPA | Official transcripts | 2-3 letters of recommendation | Personal statement
North Carolina State University (NC State)
This is a program built specifically around the reality of working while going to school. NC State’s MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling moves students through the curriculum as a cohort, two courses per semester, including summers, entirely online — with the expectation that most enrollees have jobs and lives they’re not putting on hold.
The clinical piece is serious: two in-state internships are required, completed in community settings near where students live. Graduates meet North Carolina’s educational requirements for LCMHC licensure — the program is CACREP-aligned, which matters for licensure eligibility and reciprocity if you ever move states.
- Duration: 3 years; 60 credits
- Mode: Online coursework with in-state field internships
- Cost: $547/credit
- Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree | Official transcripts | 3 letters of recommendation | Resume | Statement of purpose
North Carolina A&T State University
Health psychology sits at the crossroads of behavioral science and public health, and A&T’s MS in Health Psychology is one of the few graduate programs in the country dedicated to it. The focus is on how psychological, behavioral, and social factors shape health outcomes, with particular attention to health disparities and underserved communities.
That emphasis is central to A&T’s identity as an HBCU, and it gives the program a grounding that distinguishes it from general psychology degrees.
The format blends in-person evening classes with online coursework, providing access to faculty mentorship without requiring a full campus commitment. Students choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks. Graduate assistantships are available, which can meaningfully offset cost.
- Duration: 2 years, 45 credits
- Mode: Hybrid
- Cost: $250-$877/credit, residency-dependent
- Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree | Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA | GRE scores | 3 letters of recommendation | Personal statement of interest | $60 application fee
5 In-Demand Careers for North Carolina Psychology Graduates
Expert Insight
It’s valuable to think about your temperament and desired setting when contemplating a degree. Different students bring so much to the micro, mezze, and macro settings in our communities, and these are five great examples of these systemic levels.
1. Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Therapy
With 94 of 100 counties designated as mental health shortage areas and 27% projected job growth through 2032, the need for licensed counselors in North Carolina is acute and well-documented.
LCMHC and LPA credentials open doors to community agencies, hospitals, private practice, and school-based roles. Licensed counselors in NC earn around $68,500/year on average, with higher earning potential in private practice settings.
Expert Insight
With increased Telehealth implementation, licensed counselors can boost earnings with part-time work with these platforms supporting more North Carolinians from home.
2. School Psychology
North Carolina’s school psychologist shortage is severe — roughly one per 2,000 students versus the recommended 1:500. High vacancy rates and increased focus on student mental health have created consistent demand.
A master’s plus specialist certificate (MA/SSP or EdS) is the standard credential path for Licensed School Psychologist roles in NC public schools. Starting salaries typically run $50K–$60K with state employee benefits and strong job security.
3. Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology
Research Triangle Park and Charlotte’s banking and fintech sector have made North Carolina one of the more active markets for I-O talent on the East Coast. Companies prioritizing data-driven talent strategy are steady employers in this space.
Average salaries for I-O specialists in North Carolina run around $81,000, with experienced consultants exceeding $120,000. The path doesn’t require clinical licensure, which means faster workforce entry compared to counseling tracks.
4. Health Psychology and Behavioral Health
North Carolina’s healthcare industry supports over 515,000 jobs statewide, and providers are actively integrating behavioral health into hospital systems, chronic disease programs, and community health initiatives.
Roles include health educator, wellness program coordinator, behavioral medicine specialist, and research project manager. Salaries typically range $50,000 to $70,000.
5. Forensic and Correctional Psychology
The state’s Department of Public Safety and mental health hospitals regularly hire clinicians for offender evaluation, inmate therapy, court-ordered assessments, and rehabilitation programming.
Master’s-level graduates work as probation counselors, victim support coordinators, behavioral analysts for law enforcement units, and mental health professionals in correctional facilities. State government positions start around $45,000 to $60,000 with strong benefits, with growth tied to experience and specialization.
Accreditation for North Carolina Psychology Programs
Regional accreditation is the baseline to verify for any NC program. All reputable North Carolina universities hold SACSCOC accreditation (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges), which is what licensing boards and employers look to when evaluating your degree — and what makes you eligible for federal financial aid.
For counseling specifically, CACREP accreditation carries additional weight. North Carolina’s LCMHC board expects degrees from CACREP-accredited or equivalent programs. NC State’s MEd is CACREP-aligned. School psychology programs should hold NASP or CAEP approval. Confirming these credentials before you enroll protects your licensure eligibility down the line.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The spread between programs in NC is wide. At one end, FSU charges NC residents $256 per credit — less than $10,000 for a full master’s degree. At the other end, a private university like Wake Forest runs $1,700 per credit and $102,000 total. Most students will land somewhere in between.
UNC system schools are consistently the most affordable option for in-state students. Private universities charge a single rate regardless of residency, which can actually benefit out-of-state applicants. Beyond tuition, budget for technology fees (FSU charges roughly $30/credit), books ($50–$150 per course), and — for clinical programs — any costs associated with practicum placements.
Financial aid may include:
- FAFSA — the starting point for federal loans and any grants; file early
- NC Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS) — loans forgiven in exchange for working in high-need fields in NC, including counseling
- NC State Loan Repayment Program — loan forgiveness for mental health professionals serving rural or underserved NC communities
- Graduate assistantships — available at A&T and other NC programs; can include stipends or tuition waivers; ask each department directly
- Employer tuition reimbursement — common at NC school districts and healthcare systems; worth checking before assuming you’ll pay full cost out of pocket
| School | Credits | Cost per Credit | Est. Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville State University | 36 | $256.25 | $9,225 |
| North Carolina State University | 60 | $546.50 | $32,790 |
| Wake Forest University | 60 | $1,700 | $102,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a licensed psychologist in North Carolina with just a master’s degree?
Not as a fully licensed psychologist — but North Carolina is one of the few states that licenses master’s-level practitioners separately, as Licensed Psychological Associates (LPAs). As an LPA you can practice assessments and therapy under a doctoral psychologist’s supervision.
LPA qualification requires a master’s in psychology with at least 45 graduate credits (including supervised practicum) from a regionally accredited program, plus passing the national licensing exam. LCMHC licensure follows a different path: a qualifying counseling master’s (typically 60 credits, CACREP-accredited), 3,000 post-degree supervised hours, and a passing exam score.
Will my online degree be respected by employers in NC?
Yes, with the right program. Degrees from accredited NC institutions — whether HBCU, research university, or regional state school — are well-recognized by employers in Charlotte hospitals, Raleigh school districts, and Research Triangle companies. Your diploma won’t say “online.”
What can matter more than format: that your program included the required clinical components for your intended career. A counseling degree without CACREP alignment, or a school psychology program without the right specialist credential, creates problems no amount of prestige resolves.
What financial aid and scholarships are available for online master’s students in NC?
Federal loans through the FAFSA are the most common route. NC-specific programs add meaningful options for students in mental health fields.
The NC Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS) and NC State Loan Repayment Program both offer loan forgiveness tied to post-graduation work in underserved areas — a compelling arrangement given the state’s documented provider shortage.
Beyond that, university scholarships, graduate assistantships, professional association awards (NCPA and NCSPA both occasionally offer student scholarships), and employer tuition reimbursement are all worth exploring before taking on full loan burden.
My bachelor’s degree isn’t in psychology — can I still get into an NC psychology master’s program?
Usually yes. Most NC programs accept students from any undergraduate background, though some require foundational psychology prerequisites before or during the program.
What helps most is relevant experience — work or volunteering in mental health, education, or human services — and a personal statement that makes a clear case for why you’re ready for graduate-level study in psychology.
How long does it take to complete an online psychology master’s, and can I work while studying?
Two years full-time; three or more part-time. Most NC students do keep working, particularly in programs designed for that — like NC State’s MEd, which builds its entire structure around it.
The caveat is practicum and internship semesters. Clinical tracks in counseling or school psychology require in-person supervised hours that may need some daytime schedule flexibility. Everything leading up to those placements is generally flexible and self-paced within weekly deadlines.
Resources for North Carolina Psychology Master’s Students
- North Carolina Psychological Association (NCPA) — Professional organization for NC psychologists; networking events, webinars, job board, and continuing education
- North Carolina Psychology Board — State licensing authority for psychologists and LPAs; official licensure requirements, applications, and ethics regulations in NC
- NC Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (NCBLCMHC) — Governs LCMHC licensure in NC; supervision guidelines, licensure forms, and FAQs for counseling students
- North Carolina School Psychology Association (NCSPA) — Student resources, advocacy updates, annual conference, and mentorship connections for school psychology students in NC
- American Psychological Association (APA) — Career guidance, PsycINFO database, APA Style resources, and the APAGS graduate student division with webinars and scholarship opportunities
- APA Graduate Students (APAGS) — A division of the APA specifically for graduate psychology students. APAGS provides webinars, scholarship opportunities, and a strong community to address grad student concerns. They produce guides on everything from internships to self-care, tailored to those in master’s and doctoral programs.
- “Speaking of Psychology” Podcast (APA) — Free podcast covering current research and practice; useful supplement to coursework
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) — Headquartered in Greensboro, NC; administers the NCE exam used for LCMHC licensure, study guides, and information on the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential