Psychology Master’s Programs Online: Comparing Top Schools

In Focus: Three Online Master of Psychology Programs

To give you a better idea of what an online psychology master’s program entails, let’s explore three accredited U.S. universities that offer this degree. We’ll look at program highlights, format, cost, and admissions requirements for each.

Exploring Psychology Master’s Degree Concentrations

Online master’s programs in psychology often offer specialized concentrations, allowing students to customize their studies to specific interests and career goals. These concentrations can range from clinical and counseling psychology to areas like forensic, health, or organizational psychology. Each path provides targeted coursework and training to prepare graduates for roles in their chosen field.

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 there American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited online master’s in psychology programs?

You should look for accreditation in your graduate school, but not generally from the APA at the master’s level. The APA mostly only accredits doctoral psychology programs, not master’s programs. 

For a master’s in psychology, ensure the university itself is regionally accredited instead. This is crucial for credit transfer, financial aid, and employer acceptance. In addition, some quality master’s programs pursue accreditation from the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), which sets standards for psychology master’s programs.

How much does an online master’s in psychology cost?

Costs vary widely. Tuition for online psychology master’s programs can range from around $15,000 on the low end to $50,000 or more for elite private universities. Public universities tend to have a lower cost per credit than private schools, and many online programs charge a flat per-credit rate regardless of residency. For example, here are the tuition costs for three online programs:

Keep in mind these figures exclude additional fees or supplies. Many students offset costs through financial aid. 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 an online master’s in psychology?

You won’t usually qualify with only a master’s degree. In most states, to become a licensed psychologist, you need to earn a doctoral degree in psychology. State psychology boards typically require a doctorate from an accredited program, supervised clinical experience, and passing the national licensure exam for psychologist licensure. 

An online master’s in psychology can be a great stepping stone toward that goal. For example, it can strengthen your application to a doctoral program or let you work in the field while pursuing further education. However, master’s graduates cannot practice independently as licensed psychologists in the vast majority of states. If you would like to pursue licensure, make sure to check your state’s psychology licensure requirements and see what degree paths are available.

What jobs can I get with a master’s in psychology?

A master’s in psychology can lead to a diverse range of careers, though not typically licensed psychologist roles, which require a doctorate. Many master’s graduates work in human services and mental health settings. For example, they may work as case managers, behavioral health specialists, or program directors in clinics and non-profits. 

Other psychology graduates apply their psychology expertise in the business world, landing roles in human resources, organizational development, marketing, or user experience (UX) research. Psychology master’s holders are valued in fields like education, social services, and research. Some specific job titles you might pursue include data analyst (for behavioral data), market research analyst, employee training and development specialist, or adjunct psychology instructor at a community college.

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

Most programs accept students with any undergraduate major, so you do not need a bachelor’s in psychology to get into a master’s program, as long as you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Admissions committees will look at your academic record and relevant experience regardless of your major. That said, having some background in social science or psychology can be helpful. Many programs expect applicants to have completed at least one or two prerequisite courses, such as Intro to Psychology, Statistics, or Research Methods, during their undergraduate studies. If your degree was in an unrelated field, you may still be admitted but be asked to take a couple of foundational courses or show equivalent experience.

Find Online Master of Psychology Programs in Your State

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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.

Our rankings are based on objective factors from U.S. Department of Education data and school-reported metrics, including graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios, accreditation status, and student support services. We also consider factors such as curriculum breadth and flexibility, giving weight to programs that combine academic excellence with convenience for online learners.