Health Psychology Master’s Programs Online: Finding a School

Are You Ready?

Pursuing a master’s in health psychology is an exciting step, but it’s important to make sure it aligns with your goals and situation. Before you apply, ask yourself these questions: they’ll help you reflect on your readiness and whether this program fits your career vision, learning style, and personal commitments.

1. Am I passionate about the link between mental and physical health? Consider if topics like behavior change, wellness, and psychology truly excite you – this drives success in the program.
2. What are my career goals in health psychology? Do you aim to work in healthcare settings, research, or continue to a PhD? Make sure the degree will move you toward your specific goals.
3. Can I commit the time and effort to an online program? Evaluate your schedule: Will you dedicate 15–20 hours a week for studies? Online courses offer flexibility, but self-discipline is key.
4. Do I meet the prerequisites and have a plan to finance my degree? Check that your academic background meets admissions criteria and consider how you’ll pay tuition – savings, financial aid, employer assistance, etc.
5. Am I prepared for graduate-level coursework and research? Graduate health psychology programs involve research methods, statistics, and writing. Think about whether you’re ready to handle rigorous coursework and potentially a capstone or internship.

Inside Popular Online Health Psychology Master’s Programs

Curious how different schools approach health psychology? Below, we spotlight three top online master’s programs that blend flexibility with academic rigor. From accelerated timelines to real-world applications, each program offers unique features to help you deepen your expertise and advance your career in this growing field.

Understanding Cost: Pricing the Online Health Psychology Master’s

The cost of an online health psychology master’s program can be broken down into tuition plus additional fees. Tuition is typically charged on a per-credit basis – for example, a program might require 36 credits at $500–$900 per credit, so tuition totals can range from around $21,000 to $30,000 for the entire degree. On top of tuition, factor in fees: some schools have technology fees, course materials fees (e.g. online library or lab fees), or an enrollment fee. 

Online programs often reduce certain costs – you won’t pay for campus housing or commuting, and many online students pay in-state tuition rates regardless of location. However, you should budget for books or e-textbooks (which can be a few hundred dollars per term) and a reliable internet connection. If an optional internship or short residency is required, there could be travel or supervision costs, but many health psychology online programs are non-residential. Keep in mind that financial aid (loans, grants) and scholarships can significantly offset costs if you qualify. Always check the latest tuition information and talk to a financial aid advisor at each school – costs can change yearly. Below is a snapshot of tuition for three programs:

Tuition figures are as of 2024–2025 and do not include incidental fees or supplies. Most schools offer financial aid and scholarships to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

After Graduation: What Can You Do with a Master’s in Health Psychology?

Earning your master’s in health psychology can open up a variety of career paths in the intersection of mental and physical health. Graduates typically pursue non-clinical roles focused on improving health outcomes for individuals and communities. One common career is as a health education specialist, developing and managing programs that promote healthy lifestyles – for instance, running community wellness workshops or patient education in hospitals (the median salary for health educators is around $62,600 in the U.S.). 

You might work in a hospital or healthcare system, helping design interventions to support patients’ mental well-being and adherence to treatment plans. Some graduates become wellness or corporate health program coordinators, applying psychology to improve employee health and reduce workplace stress. Others take roles in public health agencies, crafting public health campaigns and policies that encourage healthy behavior on a larger scale. 

If you enjoyed research during your studies, you could work as a research assistant or project coordinator in health psychology studies – for example, helping investigate how stress impacts chronic illness outcomes. Teaching is another avenue: with a master’s, you may be eligible to teach psychology or health science courses at the community college level, sharing your expertise with students. Importantly, while a master’s alone does not qualify you to be a licensed psychologist, many graduates use this degree as a stepping stone to a doctoral program.

Licensing Requirements for Health Psychology Graduates

Because an online master’s in health psychology is typically a non-clinical degree, most graduates do not immediately qualify for professional licensure as psychologists or counselors upon graduation. However, if your career goal is to become a licensed health psychologist (i.e. a psychologist specializing in health), you will need to pursue additional steps after your master’s:

• Earn a Doctoral Degree: In virtually all states, practicing as a psychologist requires a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology. Health psychology is usually practiced under a clinical or counseling psychology license, which means you’ll likely need to enroll in a doctoral program after your master’s. These doctoral programs should be accredited and include specialized training in health psychology. Why a doctorate? State licensing generally requires a doctorate for psychologist licensure, as well as a certain number of academic credits and supervised practice hours that a master’s alone doesn’t fulfill.
• Complete Supervised Experience: During and/or after your doctorate, you must accrue supervised clinical hours. States usually mandate between 1,500 and 6,000 hours of supervised experience for licensure. If you focus on health psychology, this might include internships in medical settings or health-focused practicums. The exact hour requirement and settings accepted can vary by state, so it’s important to check your state psychology board’s rules.
• Pass the Licensing Exam: The standard exam for psychologist licensure in the U.S. is the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology). All aspiring psychologists (regardless of specialty) must pass the EPPP, which tests broad knowledge in psychology. Some states also have a jurisprudence exam on state laws/ethics. Once you pass the required exams and meet the education and hour criteria, you can become a licensed psychologist in your state, legally able to use the title and practice independently in clinical health psychology.
• Optional Specialty Certification: After obtaining your license as a psychologist, you can pursue board certification in Clinical Health Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). This voluntary certification isn’t required to practice, but it provides formal recognition of expertise in health psychology. To become board certified, a psychologist typically undergoes a peer review of their credentials and an oral or written exam focused on health psychology competencies. Board certification is the “last step” after licensure, demonstrating you’ve met high national standards in the specialty of health psychology. Many health psychologists choose this to showcase their specialty skills to employers and clients.
• Related Licenses/Certifications: If you plan to work in health education or wellness roles, you might consider certifications like Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). The CHES credential, offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, is open to those with a bachelor’s or master’s in health education or significant related coursework. Earning CHES involves passing an exam covering seven areas of responsibility (like program planning, implementation, and evaluation). While not mandatory, CHES certification can enhance credibility if you’re pursuing community health or patient education careers.

After earning your master’s, decide which path fits your career goals. Always research the specific requirements for your desired role and location – for example, licensing boards (for psychologists) or certification bodies (for educators) – to ensure you take the right steps. Resources like the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and the Society for Health Psychology (APA Division 38) are great starting points to understand licensing in your specialty.

FAQs About Health Psychology Master’s Programs

Q: What can I do with a master’s in health psychology?

A: A master’s in health psychology prepares you for non-therapist roles focusing on the interplay of psychology and health. Graduates often work as health educators, wellness coordinators, or behavioral health specialists in settings like hospitals, public health departments, nonprofits, or corporate wellness programs. You might design community health programs, help patients adopt healthier habits, or conduct research on how psychological factors affect health. Some master’s grads also teach at the community college level or serve as research assistants on health psychology studies. While you won’t be a licensed psychologist with only a master’s, you will have expertise to work in many supportive and administrative roles that improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes.

Q: Do I need a doctorate to become a health psychologist?

A: If by “health psychologist” you mean a licensed psychologist specializing in health, then yes – a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) is typically required. In the U.S., psychologists (including those in health psychology) must have a doctorate and state licensure to practice independently. A master’s alone does not qualify you for psychologist licensure or to provide clinical therapy in most states. However, you do not need a doctorate for many related careers. With a master’s, you can still work in health research, program management, community health, etc., without the “psychologist” title. Some students use the master’s as a stepping stone: it can lead into a doctoral program later if you decide to pursue licensure.

Q: Are online health psychology master’s degrees respected by employers?

A: Yes – as long as your degree is from a reputable, accredited university. Employers today recognize that many quality programs are offered online. What they care about most is that the school has proper accreditation and that you gained relevant skills. An online health psychology degree from an accredited institution should hold the same credibility as its on-campus equivalent. In fact, your diploma usually won’t even specify “online.” To ensure employer acceptance, choose programs accredited by recognized agencies. 

The curriculum and faculty should meet the same standards as traditional programs. Many well-known universities now offer online master’s in psychology, so employers are familiar with this format. During interviews, you can even highlight the self-motivation and time-management skills it took to succeed in an online program. All told, an accredited online degree is widely respected – and it enables you to continue working while advancing your education.

Q: How long does it take to complete an online master’s in health psychology?

A: Most online master’s programs in health psychology take about 2 years of full-time study to complete. Typically, you’ll need to earn between 30 and 45 credits, which usually spans four to six semesters (depending on whether a school is on semesters, quarters, or accelerated terms). Some programs offer accelerated tracks – for example, Walden University notes you can finish in as little as 15 months if you take a heavy course load. On the flip side, many students are balancing work or family, so they opt for part-time and finish in 3 years or so. The flexibility of online programs often lets you slow down or speed up as needed. Keep in mind that taking summers off or a lighter course load will extend the duration. Always check the program’s structure: is it cohort-based or self-paced? Are there any internship requirements that add time? In general, plan on 2 years, but know that you may have options to adjust the pace to fit your life.

Q: What are the admissions requirements for a health psychology master’s program?

A: Admissions requirements can vary by school, but generally you’ll need at minimum: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college (not always in psychology – many programs accept any undergraduate major). Most programs expect a minimum GPA, often around 3.0, though some accept 2.5–2.75 range (with conditions). You’ll typically submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. Many traditional programs ask for letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume to understand your background and goals. However, some online-focused programs have streamlined admissions – for example, Walden doesn’t require recommendation letters or an essay for its MS in Psychology. 

The GRE is increasingly optional; a lot of online master’s in psychology programs either waive the GRE or don’t require it at all, especially if you meet the GPA threshold. If your undergraduate background is not in psychology or a related field, don’t worry – you might just need to complete an introductory course in psychology or statistics (some programs have prerequisites or offer foundational courses at the start).