If you’re thinking about a career in psychology but worried about the time commitment, accelerated online Master of Psychology (MPsych) programs let you earn an advanced degree fast in as little as one year. With demand for mental health professionals surging, these programs offer a convenient path for career changers and busy adults. These accelerated MPsych programs blend speed with flexibility, so you can advance your education without putting life on hold. To fast-track your psychology career, use this OMD guide to learn how an online accelerated master’s can help you reach your goals. What the benefits of this type of degree are, how it’ll help me succeed, and why I should enroll… An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more… Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree… Reflective questions to help me determine if this degree aligns with my goals and readiness…
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master of Psychology Online?
Traditional master’s in psychology programs typically take two to three years to complete. However, accelerated online options can significantly reduce this timeline to 12 to 18 months through intensive scheduling and efficient course delivery. These programs maintain academic rigor while compressing the standard 36- to 45-credit requirements into shorter terms.
Accelerated programs achieve faster completion through several key strategies: year-round enrollment including summer terms, compressed six- to eight-week courses instead of traditional 16-week semesters, and continuous back-to-back scheduling with minimal breaks. Some programs also offer credit for prior learning or professional experience (though this is less common in psychology than in other fields).
While accelerated programs maintain the same curriculum content as traditional programs, they require strong time management skills and dedication to handle the intensive pace. Students should consider their work-life balance when deciding between a 12-month intensive track or a more moderate 15- to 18-month timeline.
Exploring 3 Popular Online Accelerated MPsych Programs
Here, you’ll uncover three accredited U.S. universities that offer online or hybrid master’s degrees in psychology with accelerated formats. Each program is unique in its focus and requirements, but all share a commitment to flexibility and speed. We’ve summarized key details—format, length, cost, admissions, and career outlook—to help you compare options.
Touro University Worldwide—Master of Arts in Psychology
Touro University Worldwide (TUW) offers an online MA in Psychology with five concentration options (including forensic, health, media, educational psychology, etc.). This program is 100% online with no residency restrictions, and it’s tailored for flexibility. Courses run in intensive eight-week sessions, with six start dates year-round, allowing continuous enrollment. The curriculum requires 36 semester credits and can be completed in as little as 12 months by taking two courses per term without breaks. While it does not lead to licensure for clinical practice, it prepares graduates for a variety of careers in human services, business, education, or as a stepping stone to doctoral programs.
Duration: 1 year (FT), 1.5 years (PT)
Mode: Online
Cost: $500/credit, $18,000 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.5 GPA, 2.75 for transfer grad students
- Transcripts
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology—Master of Arts in Psychology, Forensic Psychology Concentration
The Chicago School offers an accelerated Master of Arts in Psychology with a Forensic Psychology concentration that is designed for students interested in the intersection of psychology and law. This program comprises 36 credits in topic areas such as ethics and professional issues in forensic psychology, understanding addictive disorders, and diagnostic interviewing. The coursework provides students with tools to work in settings such as family service agencies, courts or law enforcement consultation, and victim advocacy organizations. Students learn how to evaluate and treat individuals in forensic contexts, preparing for roles where they might, for example, assist law enforcement with offender profiling or work with communities on rehabilitation programs.
Duration: 1 year (FT), 2 years (PT)
Mode: Online
Cost: $1,409/credit, $50,724
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2.8 GPA (or additional work history/essay)
- Transcripts
- Personal statement or essay
- Two letters of recommendation
University of West Alabama—Master of Science in Experimental Psychology
The University of West Alabama (UWA) offers an online Master of Science in Experimental Psychology that can be pursued in an accelerated format. This program is primarily research-focused, providing a strong foundation in psychological research methods, statistics, and theory. The 36-credit program is a general experimental psychology track, which includes a thesis project. UWA’s program structure is flexible, as courses are delivered in eight-week online sessions with multiple state dates. Graduates of the general experimental track often go on to roles like research analysts, college instructors, or continue into PhD programs.
Duration: 1 year (FT), 2 years (PT)
Mode: Online
Cost: $429/credit, $15,444 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Prerequisite psychology courses
- Minimum scores on GRE
- Statement of purpose, writing sample, three academic references
Answering Accelerated Psychology Master’s Student Questions
How do accelerated programs maintain educational quality while shortening the timeline?
Accelerated master’s programs in psychology maintain quality by offering intensive, focused coursework with condensed schedules. They streamline content delivery by removing unnecessary electives while emphasizing core subjects. Many programs integrate rigorous assessments, practical applications, and hands-on experiences to ensure students meet learning outcomes. Plus, faculty often provide enhanced support through smaller class sizes and frequent interaction. Additionally, these programs require strong commitment from students to maintain their high standard of learning.
Can I work full-time while attending an accelerated online master’s in psychology?
Although working full-time during an accelerated online program is possible, it can be demanding. An 8-week graduate course typically requires 18-22 hours of weekly study, making two simultaneous courses equivalent to a second full-time job. Many working professionals take one course at a time to maintain balance. The program’s flexibility allows coursework completion during evenings and weekends. Consider discussing with program advisors to determine an appropriate course load.
How much do accelerated online psychology master’s programs cost?
The cost of accelerated online psychology master’s programs typically ranges from $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the institution and program structure. Factors influencing the price include tuition rates, course materials, and any additional fees. So it’s essential to research various programs to find one that fits your budget while ensuring it meets accreditation standards and offers quality education.
The following examples give you an idea of the range of tuition costs:
| School | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of West Alabama—MS in Experimental Psychology | 36 | $429 | $15,444 |
| Touro University Worldwide—MA in Psychology | 36 | $500 | $18,000 |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology—MA Psychology | 36 | $1,409 | $50,724 |
Tuition information excludes fees, books, etc.
While challenging, managing educational costs shouldn’t be overwhelming. Access OMD’s complete financial planning toolkit, featuring our financial aid overview, guide to graduate grants, list of 68 master’s scholarships, and guide for smart budgeting techniques.
Are accelerated online master’s degrees in psychology respected by employers and universities?
Yes, accelerated online master’s degrees in psychology are respected by employers and universities, provided they are offered by accredited institutions, as proper accreditation for graduate school ensures that the program meets rigorous academic and professional standards.
Additionally, universities often recognize these degrees for further studies, such as doctoral programs. Success largely depends on the program’s quality, your performance, and how you apply your knowledge in professional settings.
Will an accelerated master’s in psychology make me licensed or help me become a psychologist?
An accelerated online master’s in psychology doesn’t qualify you as a licensed psychologist, as that requires a doctorate and state licensure. For counseling roles, you’ll need a specific counseling-focused master’s with supervised practice hours. However, the master’s degree is valuable for careers in research, human services, business, or education, and it can prepare you for doctoral studies. Plus, it enhances opportunities in mental health support, academic research, and psychology-related business roles. To learn more about licensure, explore OMD’s state-by-state guide to psychology licensure requirements.
Could an Accelerated Master’s in Psych Be Right for You?
Accelerated programs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Before you commit to an online accelerated master’s in psychology, consider your learning style, your life commitments, and your career objectives. Below are five key questions to ask yourself to help you determine if the fast-track route is the best fit for your needs— or if a more traditional pace would suit you better.
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced academic environment?
Enrolling in an accelerated program means you’ll be covering dense material in weeks rather than months. If you’re the type of student who can absorb information rapidly and likes an intensive challenge, you may thrive. If you often find yourself needing extra time to process topics, a traditional program might be less stressful. Being honest about your learning style is crucial, as thriving in a fast-paced environment will make the accelerated journey rewarding (instead of overwhelming). - How much time can you dedicate each week to coursework?
These types of programs demand significant time commitment, typically 18+ hours of study per week per course. If you’re balancing full-time work, family responsibilities, or other major obligations, carefully evaluate whether you can consistently dedicate 15-25 hours weekly for one course, or double that for two courses.
Many successful students start with a single course to assess the workload’s impact on their schedule before attempting multiple courses simultaneously. It’s also important to consider whether your chosen program requires GRE scores. To learn more, explore OMD’s guide to online psychology master’s degrees with no GRE requirements. - Are you self-motivated and disciplined as an online learner?
Online accelerated programs offer flexibility but demand strong self-discipline. Success requires regularly logging in, keeping up with readings, and completing assignments without the structure of in-person classes. Consider whether you can create and maintain a strict study routine with self-imposed deadlines. While programs provide support through tutors and discussion boards, you must be proactive and organized. - What are your career goals, and will an accelerated program meet them?
Connect your degree pursuit to specific career objectives, whether advancing in your current role, transitioning to a new field, or preparing for doctoral studies. Ensure the accelerated program’s curriculum, practical components, and networking opportunities align with your goals. For example, if seeking licensure as a therapist, verify that the program meets those requirements. Consider whether the courses and available internships will provide the skills and experience needed for your intended career path. - Do you have a support system and self-care plan for this journey?
To do well in these programs you’ll need not just academic commitment, but also emotional resilience. Consider whether you have family, friends, or colleagues who understand your upcoming time constraints and can provide practical or moral support. Having a strong support network and self-care routine helps prevent burnout during intensive study periods.