Neuropsychology professionals earn an average salary of $117,750 — well above the national average, and a reflection of the advanced training the field demands. A master’s is typically the first step on that path, building the brain-behavior science foundation needed for doctoral study or research roles. This guide covers top online programs, where the degree can take you, what the licensing journey actually looks like, and the questions most applicants have going in.
Author: OMD Staff
Expertise: Online LearningStudent SuccessGraduate Ed.Editor: Jordan Cosselman
Reviewer: Rebecca Newman, MSW
Expertise: Social WorkPsychologyMental Health- 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…
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Is a Neuropsychology Master’s the Right Move?
Neuropsychology is one of the more demanding graduate tracks in psychology. The coursework is science-heavy, research is central to most programs, and the path to clinical practice extends well beyond the master’s. Being clear about that going in makes the decision cleaner.
A few questions worth sitting with before you apply:
- Is the science genuinely interesting to you? — Brain-behavior relationships, neuroscience, and cognitive assessment are the core of this field. If that’s the part of psychology that pulls at you, the workload is sustainable. If you’re drawn more to counseling or clinical practice, a clinical psychology program may be a more direct fit.
- Do you have the academic foundation? — Most programs expect a background in psychology, and several require science prerequisites. Review each program’s admissions criteria against your transcript before applying.
- What’s the end goal? — If you want to practice as a licensed neuropsychologist, the master’s is step one of a long training path that includes a doctorate, internship, and postdoctoral fellowship. If you’re aiming for research or lab roles, the master’s may be sufficient on its own.
- Can you manage 15–20 hours of study per week? — Online formats offer schedule flexibility, but neuropsychology coursework is rigorous. Self-discipline and consistent time management matter more than in some lighter programs.
Details of 3 Popular Online Neuropsychology Master’s Programs
University of Oregon
The University of Oregon’s online MS in Psychology takes a broad research-first approach to neuropsychology. The curriculum spans trauma, resilience, and program evaluation alongside neuropsychology foundations, all oriented toward understanding brain-behavior relationships rather than clinical licensure.
The 49-credit program culminates in an original research capstone, making it a strong preparation for doctoral applications. Everything is delivered asynchronously online, so students can continue working while enrolled.
Duration: ~2 years; 49 credits over 6 terms
Mode: 100% online; asynchronous
Cost: $607/credit; $29,743 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in psychology or related field
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- 2–3 letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Short personal essay
- Academic writing sample
- Official transcripts
University of Florida
For students with a science background, University of Florida’s MS is the most science-intensive option here. The 30-credit program goes deep into neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, and neurological disease — examining how changes in the brain produce disorders, addictions, and behavioral conditions. A capstone project closes out the curriculum.
No GRE is required, and the program allows flexible pacing up to seven years for students who need it. At $550 per credit across 30 credits, it’s also the most affordable of the three programs.
Duration: 2–3 years; 30 credits (flexible pacing, up to 7 years if needed)
Mode: 100% online; asynchronous
Cost: $550/credit; $16,500 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with 3.0+ GPA (preferably in science or psychology)
- Advanced undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or physics (grade B or higher)
- Official transcripts
- No GRE required
Albizu University
Albizu’s MS in Neuropsychology is one of the few dedicated neuropsychology master’s programs in the country, and it’s built for students who already have a psychology foundation. The curriculum emphasizes practical neuropsychological evaluation, diagnosis, and intervention across the lifespan — including synchronous online labs where students practice assessment techniques in a virtual format.
The program is explicitly marketed toward practicing professionals looking to deepen their expertise or strengthen doctoral applications. It does not lead to psychologist licensure on its own.
Duration: 1 year; 30 credits
Mode: Online with synchronous labs and practicum exercises
Cost: $620/credit; $18,000 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in psychology or closely related field
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Official transcripts
- Background check and health clearance
- 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. 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.
| School & Program | 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 |
What You Can Do with a Neuropsychology Master’s Degree
Most licensed neuropsychologist roles require a doctorate, but a master’s opens genuine pathways in research, healthcare support, and applied cognitive science. Here are the most common directions graduates take:
- Research Coordinator or Lab Manager — Supports neuroscience or neuropsychology research in university labs, medical centers, or research hospitals. Responsibilities include study design, data collection, cognitive testing, and manuscript preparation.
- Psychometrist — Administers and scores standardized neuropsychological assessments under the supervision of a licensed neuropsychologist or psychologist. A specialized role found in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private neuropsychology practices.
- Clinical Research Associate — Coordinates clinical trials in biotech or pharmaceutical companies, particularly those focused on neurological or psychiatric conditions. The neuroscience background from programs like UF’s MS is well-suited to this path.
- Cognitive Wellness Consultant — Applies neuropsychological knowledge to workplace or product design contexts. Tech companies, UX research firms, and corporate training organizations increasingly hire specialists who understand how people learn and process information.
- Doctoral Pathway — Many students pursue the master’s specifically as a bridge to a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program. A strong research capstone, faculty relationships, and graduate-level GPA all strengthen doctoral applications. Students heading this direction should also look at APA-accredited doctoral programs when planning the next step.
Expert Insight
Demand for neuropsychological testing for neurodiversity such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum is becoming increasingly high. This area will likely continue to grow and need more practitioners.
The Licensing Path for Neuropsychologists
A master’s alone is not sufficient for licensure as a psychologist or neuropsychologist in any U.S. state. For students whose goal is independent clinical practice, here is what the full training path actually looks like:
- Earn a Doctoral Degree — A Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology, ideally with a neuropsychology specialization, is the minimum required for psychologist licensure in every state. Doctoral programs include advanced coursework, research, and supervised clinical training.
- Complete a 1-Year Doctoral Internship — Accredited doctoral programs require a one-year full-time internship, typically in the final year of Ph.D. or Psy.D. training. Students targeting neuropsychology seek internships with neuropsychological assessment rotations.
- Complete a 2-year Postdoctoral Fellowship — After earning the doctorate, a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology (approximately 2,000 hours per year) is required to develop specialized competency in assessment, intervention, and research. Most fellowships follow guidelines established by the Houston Conference on Specialty Education and Training in Clinical Neuropsychology.
- Pass the EPPP and Obtain State Licensure — The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the national licensing exam required in all states, typically alongside a state jurisprudence exam on laws and ethics. Licensing requirements vary by state.
- Consider Board Certification (optional) — The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) offers board certification in Clinical Neuropsychology through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN). Not required to practice, but widely respected in medical and academic settings.
The full path from master’s to independent practice typically takes 8–10 years. The master’s is the foundation, not the finish line.
Common Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a neuropsychologist with just a master’s degree?
No — not as a licensed, independent-practice neuropsychologist. The field requires a doctorate, state licensure, and typically a two-year postdoctoral fellowship before you can practice independently.
Although it doesn’t support licensure, a master’s in neuropsychology does support:
- Pursuing research coordinator and psychometrist roles
- Doctoral program applications
- Career advancement for professionals already working in psychology-adjacent settings
Think of a master’s in neuropsychology as the foundation, not the credential that gets you to independent practice.
Do online neuropsychology master’s programs require any in-person components?
The three programs featured above are fully or primarily online, with no travel to campus required. Albizu’s program does include synchronous online labs where students practice assessment techniques in real time — those require live attendance at scheduled sessions, but not physical presence.
Some programs may offer optional in-person workshops or help students arrange local practicum placements for additional experience. Always confirm the specific format requirements with any program before applying.
What academic background is recommended before pursuing a master’s in neuropsychology?
A bachelor’s in psychology or a closely related field is the standard starting point before pursuing a master’s in neuropsychology.
Science prerequisites matter more in neuropsychology than in most psychology programs. Strong foundational knowledge in statistics and research methods is valuable across all three programs. If your undergraduate degree is in a different field, review admissions requirements carefully and consider completing any missing prerequisites before applying.
Expert Insight
Consider your local community college for affordable prerequisite courses you may have missed along the way. If you’ve been out of school for a while, this is a great chance to shine by earning standout grades.
Will an online master’s in neuropsychology prepare me for a doctoral program?
Yes, meaningfully so. Graduate-level coursework in neuroscience, a completed research capstone, strong faculty relationships, and a graduate GPA all strengthen doctoral applications.
Programs like UO’s, which are explicitly research-oriented and culminate in an original capstone project, are designed with this in mind. Students heading toward a Ph.D. or Psy.D. should also build research experience outside of coursework where possible — lab work, conference presentations, or co-authored publications carry weight in competitive doctoral admissions.
Expert Insight
It’s also important to appreciate that you might think you’re headed down the psychology path but then get fascinated by medicine or another area of psychology and choose further education in those areas. Make sure to keep your eyes open to the possibilities along the way.
Do employers respect an online master’s in neuropsychology?
Yes, from an accredited institution. The diploma won’t say “online” — employers see the degree and the university. What matters in this field is that the program is regionally accredited, that the curriculum is rigorous, and that you can demonstrate relevant skills: research methodology, assessment knowledge, and the ability to work independently.
For research and lab roles specifically, the quality of your capstone or research experience often matters more to hiring managers than whether courses were online or in-person.