Ready to turn your interest in human behavior into a rewarding career? An accredited online Master of Psychology can help you get there, whether you’re pursuing clinical work, research, or roles in organizational psychology. These flexible programs offer the credentials you need for advancement while allowing you to balance work and study. OMD will help you explore top online MPsych programs and discover how to take your psychology career to the next level.
- Accreditation Details
What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state…
Read more - Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more
Why Accreditation Matters: Major Benefits
Accreditation is a stamp of quality assurance for graduate programs. It indicates that a program meets rigorous educational standards and is recognized by licensing boards and employers. Especially in psychology, choosing an accredited master’s program is crucial if you want your credentials to be respected.
Below are key benefits of accreditation for online psychology master’s students.
Meets Licensure Requirements
Many state licensing boards require or prefer a degree from an accredited program. Graduating from a school and program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) can facilitate licensure eligibility in many states.
This means you’ll likely have the proper academic credentials to pursue psychologa ist or counselor license without facing extra hurdles.
Eases Credit Transfer & Further Education
Credits earned in an accredited program are more readily accepted if you transfer schools or later pursue a doctoral degree. Universities are far more likely to recognize coursework from programs vetted by a recognized accrediting body, helping you avoid loss of credits.
In short, accreditation keeps your educational pathway flexible for future academic or training opportunities.
Boosts Employment Opportunities
Employers (including hospitals, clinics, and government agencies) often require candidates to hold degrees from accredited institutions. An accredited master’s signals to employers that you received a rigorous education meeting national standards.
This credential recognition can expand your job prospects and even be a prerequisite for roles in certain organizations (for example, some federal agencies hire only graduates of accredited programs).
Ensures Program Quality
Accreditation assures you that the program meets high standards for curriculum, faculty, and student support. Additionally, accredited psychology programs undergo comprehensive self-study and external review.
This process validates the program’s quality so you can trust that your education will effectively prepare you for real-world practice. Quality accreditation also means the program continuously improves and upholds ethical and professional training benchmarks
In Focus: Accredited Online MPsych Programs
Not all psychology master’s programs are created equal. Below, we spotlight two online and hybrid master’s programs at regionally accredited U.S. universities that have achieved (or are pursuing) APA accreditation. Each overview includes a summary and key details — from format and length to cost and admissions — based on information from the universities’ own websites.
Fairleigh Dickinson University—Master of Arts in Clinical Forensic Psychology
Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a hybrid MA in Clinical Forensic Psychology that prepares students for entry-level practice in health service psychology within forensic settings. This 36-credit program is one of the first master’s degrees accredited by the American Psychological Association, receiving a full 10-year accreditation through 2034.
The curriculum is sequential and can be completed in about 1.5 years of full-time study, blending on-campus and online coursework. Students spend the first fall and spring terms in person at FDU’s New Jersey campus, then complete the remaining courses fully online over the summer and final fall term. T
he program emphasizes evidence-based assessment and therapy in forensic contexts, includes a 300-hour clinical externship, and culminates in a comprehensive exam on forensic psychopathology.
Accreditation: APA, MSCHE
Duration: 1.5 years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $672/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Personal statement, two letters of recommendation
- Interview
- Prerequisite courses
Capella University—Master of Science in Psychology: General Psychology
Capella University’s MS in Psychology with a General Psychology specialization is a fully online program known for its flexibility and breadth. Capella, a regionally accredited online university, was among the first institutions to earn APA accreditation for a master’s psychology program in 2024.
The 48-credit General Psychology MS is a non-clinical track that provides a broad foundation in psychological theories, research methods, and applications. Students can tailor electives to their interests, ranging from developmental and social psychology to education or industrial topics. As such, it’s a versatile choice for those aiming to apply psychology in various professional settings or to prepare for doctoral study.
The program is designed for working adults, offering two learning formats and price points: the structured GuidedPath or the self-paced FlexPath option.
Accreditation: HLC, APA
Duration: 15 to 24 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $307 to $510/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- Minimum 2.3 GPA
- Transcripts
Accredited Psychology Master’s Programs: Student FAQs
How do online psychology master’s programs incorporate hands-on research experience?
Most programs integrate practical research components through virtual labs, data analysis projects, and collaborative studies.
Students often work with faculty on ongoing research initiatives, using digital tools and platforms for data collection and analysis. Programs typically provide access to psychology research databases and statistical software, and many offer opportunities to present findings at virtual conferences or contribute to published research, building valuable experience for doctoral applications or research-focused careers.
How much do accredited online psychology master’s programs cost?
Tuition for accredited online or hybrid psychology master’s programs varies widely, but generally ranges from about $500 to $800 per credit. Total program tuition tends to fall between $30,000 and $50,000, depending on credit requirements and university type (public vs. private).
Online students typically pay the same per-credit rate regardless of state residency, but it’s important to factor in fees and whether any in-person residencies might add travel costs.
For context, here is a comparison of two APA-accredited programs:
| School | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capella University | 48 | $307-$510 | $14,750- $24,480 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | 36 | $672 | $24,192 |
If finances are a major concern, OMD offers a host of guides covering everything from grants and financial aid to scholarships and effective budgeting techniques.
Can I become licensed with an online master’s in psychology?
Yes, an online master’s in psychology can lead to licensure if the program meets specific requirements. While clinical psychologist licensure requires a doctorate, graduates can pursue other credentials like Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
That said, the program must be regionally accredited, and state requirements vary. Verify your state’s specific board requirements for coursework, supervised hours, and examinations.
How do online and hybrid psychology master’s programs handle practical training?
Accredited online psychology master’s programs include substantial hands-on training through supervised practicums (100-150 hours) and intensive internships (600+ hours) at local facilities. Programs help arrange field experiences at nearby mental health clinics, schools, or hospitals that are supervised by qualified professionals.
Many programs also include brief on-campus residencies for face-to-face skills practice. This hybrid approach ensures online students receive the same practical training as campus-based students, meeting licensure requirements.
Will employers and doctoral programs respect an online master’s from an accredited university?
Yes, an online master’s degree from an accredited institution carries the same academic weight as an on-campus degree. Most employers and PhD programs focus on the school’s reputation and your performance rather than the delivery format. Additionally, your diploma typically won’t specify whether you studied online or on-campus. Being prepared to discuss your skills and experiences confidently during interviews will help demonstrate the value of your degree.