According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, neuropsychology professionals earn an average salary of $117,750 — well above the national average. This high salary is likely due to the advanced education required to become a licensed neuropsychologist. Before you can earn your PhD and become licensed, however, you’ll first need to earn your master’s degree. Use this OMD student guide to explore top online master’s degrees in neurpsychology, including what these programs entail, how to choose one, and where this degree can take you.
- Are You Ready?
Reflective questions to help me determine if this degree aligns with my goals and readiness…
Read more - Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - Career Options
What doors open after graduating with my master’s degree…
Read more - Licensing Requirements
An explanation of necessary licenses and certifications, including requirements and steps to achieve them…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more
Are You Ready?
Pursuing a master’s in neuropsychology is exciting, but it’s a big commitment. Before you apply, it’s wise to do some self-reflection. Ask yourself the following questions to ensure you’re ready for the challenges and opportunities of an online neuropsychology program:
- Do I have a genuine curiosity about how the brain affects behavior and a passion for psychology? – A strong interest in brain-behavior science will sustain you through intensive coursework.
- Am I prepared for graduate-level coursework in science and research? – Consider whether you have the academic foundation (e.g. in psychology, biology, or statistics) and the study skills to succeed in a rigorous program.
- Can I devote sufficient time each week to an online program? – Estimate how you will balance classes, study, work, and personal responsibilities. Most online master’s degrees will require 15–20 hours per week of effort, so ensure that you have efficient time management skills as a grad school student.
- What do I want to do after earning this degree? – Clarify your goals. Whether it’s pursuing a PhD, working in a clinic, or doing research, knowing your aim can help you choose the right program and stay motivated.
- Is an online learning format right for me? – Be honest about which mode of learning is best for your learning style and discipline. Online programs offer flexibility, but you’ll need to be self-motivated and comfortable with virtual communication and learning tools.
Breaking Down 3 Popular Online Neuropsychology Master’s Programs
Not sure which program is right for you? Below we highlight three accredited U.S. universities offering online or hybrid master’s degrees with a neuropsychology focus. Each overview includes the program format, length, cost, admissions criteria, and what you can expect after graduation.
University of Oregon – Online Master’s in Psychology
University of Oregon offers an innovative online Master of Science in Psychology with a neuropsychology focus. The program’s curriculum bridges neuroscience and psychology, covering topics like trauma, resilience, and program evaluation in addition to neuropsychology foundations. Rather than clinical licensure training, the emphasis is on research and understanding brain-behavior relationships. Students complete an original research capstone, which is great preparation for those considering a PhD. Since the format features asynchronous online coursework, the program allows you to continue working while studying. Graduates are prepared for research roles or to pursue doctoral study in neuropsychology or clinical psychology.
Duration: ~2 years (49 credits over 6 terms)
Mode: Online (asynchronous)
Cost: $607 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in psychology or related field
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- 2–3 Letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV
- Short personal essay
- Academic writing sample
- Official transcripts
University of Florida – Online M.S. in Biomedical Neuroscience
The University of Florida offers a Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Biomedical Neuroscience. This 30-credit program explores how changes in the brain lead to disorders, addictions, and behavioral conditions. The curriculum delves into neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, and neurological diseases, culminating in a capstone project. All coursework is delivered online through lectures and interactive modules with no residency requirements. As a biomedical program, it’s heavy on neuroscience, making it a great fit if you have a science background or aim to work in research or healthcare settings. Upon graduation, students often pursue work in research labs, biotech/pharmaceutical companies, or continue to doctoral programs in neuroscience or clinical neuropsychology.
Duration: 2–3 years (30 credits, flexible pacing up to 7 years if needed)
Mode: Online (asynchronous)
Cost: $550 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with 3.0+ GPA (preferably in a science or psychology field)
- Completion of advanced undergraduate coursework (grade B or higher) in biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or physics
- Official transcripts
- No GRE requirement
Albizu University – M.S. in Neuropsychology (Online)
Albizu University (Miami campus) offers a unique Master of Science in Neuropsychology that is one of the few dedicated neuropsychology master’s programs in the U.S. The coursework emphasizes hands-on skills in neuropsychological evaluation, diagnosis, and intervention across the lifespan. Students engage in case studies and even synchronous activities to practice assessments in a virtual format. Albizu’s program is tailored for students who already have a foundation in psychology – in fact, it’s marketed to complement the competencies of practicing professionals. It’s important to note that this master’s does not by itself lead to licensure as a psychologist or neuropsychologist; instead, it augments your expertise and can help with career advancement or doctoral program preparation.
Duration: 1 year (30 credits)
Mode: Online (synchronous online labs/practicum exercises)
Cost: $620 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in psychology or closely related field (master’s or professional experience in psychology recommended)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges
- Background check and health clearance (for students age 21 or younger, per Puerto Rico law)
- Applicants who plan to practice psychology in Puerto Rico must already hold or be pursuing a license in psychology
Costs of an Online Neuropsychology Master’s Degree
The cost of an online master’s in neuropsychology can be a significant investment, so it’s important to understand how tuition and fees work (and to consider the most affordable psychology programs). Tuition is typically charged per credit. For example, public universities might charge a lower per-credit rate for in-state students, while private institutions have a flat rate for all online students. In addition to tuition, be mindful of fees: online programs often have technology fees, and some schools charge a per-semester fee (sometimes called a “global fee” or online program fee). You’ll also need to budget for books or course materials, which can be digital or physical. The table below compares tuition costs for three example programs:
| School & Program (Link) | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Est. Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon – MS Psychology | 49 | $607 | ~$34,500 |
| University of Florida – MS Biomedical Neuroscience | 30 | $550 | ~$16,500 |
| Albizu University – MS Neuropsychology | 30 | $620 | ~$18,600 |
Note: “Total tuition” estimates above do not include additional fees or any financial aid. Always check the latest tuition rates and fees on the program’s website.
Post-Graduation: What to Expect
Earning your master’s in neuropsychology can open the door to a variety of career paths and advancement opportunities. While many neuropsychology roles (like clinical neuropsychologist) require a doctorate and licensure (see next section), a master’s degree provides specialized expertise that is valuable in its own right.
Graduates often find roles as research assistants or lab managers in neuroscience or psychology labs, where they help design studies and analyze cognitive data with the help of their heightened research and reading skills. Some work in healthcare settings, clinical facilities, rehabilitation center, and private practices.
If you’re interested in conducting research practices or pursuing a career in academia, a master’s can be a springboard to a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program. Additionally, with a master’s, you could teach psychology at the community college level or serve as a corporate consultant on cognitive wellness and product design (some tech and training companies seek experts in how people learn and process information).
Finally, the analytical and scientific skills you hone – from advanced statistics to understanding brain imaging data – are attractive in fields like biotech, pharmaceuticals, and even UX (user experience) research. In short, while many graduates do pursue doctoral education, others leverage the master’s to advance in research, healthcare, or allied health professions that benefit from neuropsychological knowledge.
Neuropsychology Licensing Requirements for Graduates
Many prospective students ask: What does it take to become a licensed clinical neuropsychologist? It’s important to know that a master’s degree alone is not sufficient for licensure requirements as a psychologist or neuropsychologist in the U.S. If your goal is to practice independently as a clinical neuropsychologist, you will need to pursue further education and training. Here are the typical steps, based on professional guidelines and licensure requirements:
- Earn a Doctoral Degree in Psychology: After your master’s, you’ll need to complete a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology (preferably with a neuropsychology specialization). Doctoral programs include advanced coursework and research. A doctorate is the minimum required for psychologist licensure in every state.
- Complete a 1-Year Internship: Accredited doctoral programs in clinical psychology require a one-year full-time internship (usually in the final year of Ph.D./Psy.D. training). To focus on neuropsychology, you would seek an internship that offers neuropsychological assessment rotations.
- Obtain Postdoctoral Training: After earning your doctorate, you must complete a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology (typically 2,000 hours per year). This supervised experience is crucial to build specialized competencies. Many fellowships follow guidelines set by the Houston Conference, ensuring you get training in assessment, intervention, and research in neuropsychology.
- Get Licensed as a Psychologist: Licensure requirements vary by state but generally involve passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) (a national licensing exam) and a state law/ethics exam. You’ll apply to your state board for a psychology license once you’ve completed your doctorate and required hours (most states require the postdoc for licensure; a few allow licensure after internship with postdoc hours completed afterward).
- Consider Board Certification: While not mandatory, many clinical neuropsychologists pursue board certification in Clinical Neuropsychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). To become board certified, you undergo a rigorous review process and examination by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN). Board certification demonstrates expertise and can enhance job prospects, especially in medical settings.
Throughout this journey, it’s important to stay current. Even after licensure, continuing education is required to maintain your license. In summary, the pathway to becoming a licensed neuropsychologist is a significant commitment and your online master’s in neuropsychology is a valuable first step, giving you foundational knowledge and research experience to propel you toward those goals.
Common FAQs from Future Neuropsychology Master’s Student
Q: Can I become a neuropsychologist with just a master’s degree?
A: In most cases, no – a master’s alone won’t qualify you to work as a licensed neuropsychologist. Neuropsychology is a specialized branch of clinical psychology, and practicing as a psychologist typically requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and state licensure. A master’s can, however, lead to other roles (research coordinator, psychometrist, etc.) and is often a stepping stone to a doctorate. Think of the master’s as laying the groundwork in brain-behavior science, after which you’d pursue a doctorate for clinical practice.
Q: Do online neuropsychology master’s programs require any in-person labs or practicums?
A: Most online programs are designed to be completed fully remotely, using virtual simulations and case studies in place of in-person labs. Because neuropsychology has a hands-on assessment component, you won’t find many purely online programs – a few may require brief residencies or encourage internships, but the programs highlighted above demonstrate that fully online options do exist. Always check each program’s structure: some may offer optional in-person workshops or help you arrange a local practicum for experience. Generally, you can expect to complete your coursework and even practice assessments through online platforms without needing to travel to campus.
Q: What academic background is recommended before pursuing a master’s in neuropsychology?
A: Ideally, you should have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field. If your degree is in another discipline (like biology, neuroscience, or education), that can work too, especially if you’ve taken courses in psychology. Strong foundational knowledge in statistics and research methods is very helpful. Some programs list specific prerequisites (e.g. introductory psychology, abnormal psychology, biology). Before applying, review the admissions criteria and consider taking any missing prerequisite courses or gaining relevant experience (such as working in a psychology lab).
Q: Will an online master’s in neuropsychology prepare me for a doctoral program?
A: Yes; in fact, many students pursue the online master’s as preparation for a Ph.D. or Psy.D. The curriculum and research experience can strengthen your doctoral applications. Through your master’s, you’ll typically gain graduate-level knowledge of neuroscience and assessment, learn how to design research studies, and often complete a thesis or capstone project. All of these are excellent preparation for doctoral work. Graduating with a strong GPA and faculty recommendations from your master’s can make you a more competitive doctoral applicant. Just be sure to also seek out any research opportunities and build relationships with professors during your master’s, as those will further support your next academic step.
Q: Do employers respect an online master’s in neuropsychology?
A: Yes. Employers today recognize that quality online programs can be just as rigorous as on-campus ones – especially if the school is accredited and well-regarded. In fact, over 70% of employers have hired candidates with online degrees and find those graduates well-prepared.
The key is accreditation and reputation: an online master’s from a reputable university (like the ones profiled above) carries weight. Your diploma usually won’t even specify “online.” Employers often value the skills online learners bring, such as time management, self-motivation, and tech proficiency. As long as you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills, and explain how your training applies to the job, your online neuropsychology degree should be not only respected but appreciated in the workplace.