Psychology Master’s Programs Online: Comparing Top Schools

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Updated: 10/01/2025

In Focus: Three Online Master of Psychology Programs

To give you a sense of what an online psychology master’s program looks like, here are three accredited U.S. universities with distinct options. Each overview includes program highlights, format, cost, and admissions details.

Exploring Psychology Master’s Concentrations

Many online programs offer concentrations so students can align studies with career goals. Common options include:

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Students in this specialization learn therapeutic techniques, psychological assessment, and ethical practices.

Graduates often pursue licensure as clinical psychologists or therapists, working in hospitals, private practices, or mental health clinics. If you would like to take your studies directly into practice, this may be your best option.

Counseling Psychology

Counseling psychology emphasizes helping individuals cope with life challenges and improve their well-being. It’s an excellent specialization for those who would like to apply their expertise to guiding their patients in intimate settings.

The curriculum covers counseling theories, human development, and multicultural competencies. Careers include licensed professional counselors or marriage and family therapists in various settings.

Educational Psychology

Educational psychology explores how people learn and develop in educational settings. This specialization sits at the intersection between education and psychology, and students study learning theories, instructional strategies, and assessment methods that can help improve learning experiences.

Graduates may work as educational consultants or instructional coordinators or pursue doctoral studies.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology applies psychological principles to legal matters. The program includes courses on criminal behavior, legal systems, and psychological assessment.

Careers can be found in law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, or court systems. It’s a great specialization choice for psychology students interested in carrying their expertise into the nation’s justice system.

Health Psychology

Health psychology examines how psychological factors influence health and illness.

It’s a good option for students who wish to use their knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes. Students learn about behavior change, chronic illness management, and health promotion.

Graduates may work in healthcare settings, wellness programs, or research institutions.

Neuropsychology

For those fascinated by the workings of the human brain, neuropsychology can be a great specialization choice.

Neuropsychology studies the relationship between brain function and behavior. The curriculum covers cognitive neuroscience, brain injuries, and assessment techniques.

Careers include research assistants, clinical neuropsychologists (with further education), or rehabilitation specialists.

Organizational Psychology

Organizational psychology is a unique specialization that focuses on human behavior in workplace settings.

Students study leadership, motivation, and organizational development. In doing so, they acquire knowledge and expertise valuable to many businesses and organizations.

Graduates often work in human resources, consulting, or talent development roles.

School Psychology

School psychology addresses students’ learning and behavioral needs within educational systems. The program includes assessment, intervention strategies, and collaboration with educators.

Careers typically involve working in K-12 schools, requiring certification or licensure. If you are interested in taking your knowledge of psychology into the classroom, this can be a good path to take.

Social Psychology

Social psychology examines how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others.

This specialization represents an option for taking research into psychology into the bigger picture, examining how groups of people behave in different circumstances. Courses cover topics like group dynamics, social perception, and attitudes.

Graduates may pursue careers in marketing, public relations, or research.

Common Questions for Online Psychology Master’s Students

Are APA-accredited online master’s programs available?

No. The APA accredits doctoral programs, not master’s. For a master’s, check for regional accreditation and possibly MPCAC accreditation.

How much do programs cost?

Tuition varies from $15,000 to $50,000+. Public universities are more affordable; private schools cost more but may charge flat rates.

Keep in mind these figures exclude additional fees or supplies. Many students offset costs through financial aid and enrolling in an affordable online program. You can apply for federal loans, grants, scholarships, or sometimes tuition assistance from your employer. Always check the latest tuition on the school’s website, as rates can change year to year.

Can I become a licensed psychologist with a master’s?

No. Most states require a doctorate, supervised experience, and licensure exams. A master’s can strengthen applications for doctoral programs or support related careers.

What jobs are available with a master’s in psychology?

Graduates often work in human services, education, HR, UX research, market analysis, or program management. Roles include case manager, training specialist, data analyst, or adjunct instructor.

Do I need a bachelor’s in psychology to pursue an online master’s in psychology?

Not always. Most programs accept any accredited bachelor’s degree. Some may require prerequisites like Intro to Psychology, Statistics, or Research Methods. Applicants without these may need to complete foundation courses.

Find Online Master of Psychology Programs in Your State

• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Michigan
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Texas

List of the Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs

Choosing the best online psychology master’s program can feel overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered. Below, we rank the top online master’s in psychology programs in the nation, using a data-driven approach: