Top Online Master’s in Psychology Degrees in New York (NY)

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Madison Reid

Madison Reid

Author

Madison Reid graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California and has been writing copy for clients in the health and coaching industries since 2019. She is passionate about learning and language, with a deep interest in psychology, mindset, and health and wellness. In her free time, Madison enjoys hiking with her dog Alo, singing loudly in the car, and traveling across the U.S.

Expertise: PsychologyGraduate Ed.Online Learning

PsychologyGraduate Ed.Online Learning

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Jordan Cosselman

Editor

Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.

Reviewer: Rebecca Newman, MSW

Rebecca Newman, MSW

Reviewer

Rebecca Newman, MSW, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in Philadelphia specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, infertility, substance abuse, grief and loss, gender and sexuality, trauma, and adjustment to life changes. She earned a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing from Oberlin College and an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, where she received the John Hope Franklin Award for Combating American Racism.

Expertise: Social WorkPsychologyMental Health

Social WorkPsychologyMental Health

Updated: 03/02/2026

Why Trust OMD?

Why Trust OMD? Our team of master's-educated experts delivers trusted insights on 50+ fields, from business and MBA programs to education, healthcare, psychology, social work, and STEM. Review our editorial standards and the contributors behind our content.

X

Updated: 03/02/2026

Details of Popular Online Psychology Master’s Programs in New York

5 In-Demand Careers for New York Psychology Graduates

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

The BLS projects 19% national job growth for mental health counselors from 2023 to 2033, and New York City continues to expand mental health services across agencies, clinics, and community programs.

The average LMHC in NYC earns about $82,000/year, with higher pay in hospitals and private practice. Entry-level salaries typically start at $50K–$60K. Licensure requires a 60-credit master’s plus 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience and a passing exam score.

Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

The BLS projects 16% growth in MFT jobs from 2023 to 2033, well above average. Demand for family-based therapy is rising in NYC’s clinics, social service agencies, and private practices.

MFTs in New York typically earn $50K–$80K, with the national median around $56,570. Those in private practice or with extensive experience can earn over $100K. MFT programs are typically 60 credits, similar to LMHC tracks.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

New York City’s corporate and tech sectors create steady demand for I-O specialists in talent management, leadership development, employee assessment, and organizational change.

I-O psychology is one of the highest-paying fields for psychology master’s holders. Job growth is moderate, but NYC’s density of large employers means consistent opportunities. No clinical licensure is required, allowing a faster path to the workforce.

School Psychologist

New York State projects about 19% growth in school and clinical psychologist roles. Schools across the state — urban and rural — need professionals to address student mental health, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges.

School psychologists in NYC public schools with a few years’ experience can earn $85,000+, often on teacher pay scales with supplements. The credential typically requires an MA/MS plus an Advanced Certificate (approximately 60 credits total) or an EdS degree.

Human Resources and Organizational Development

Every large company in New York needs HR and organizational development expertise — creating a steady stream of roles for psychology graduates who understand human behavior and research methods.

HR managers in New York earn a median salary of about $126,000/year. Mid-level HR specialist roles requiring a master’s typically pay around $68K. Employment of HR managers is projected to grow about 5% through 2032 nationally, with New York’s concentration of major employers providing strong in-state demand.

Accreditation for New York Psychology Master’s Programs

New York universities are typically accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the regional accreditor for the Northeast. MSCHE accreditation assures institutional quality and ensures your degree is recognized by employers, licensing boards, and other universities if you continue to doctoral study.

For counseling programs, look for CACREP accreditation (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) or MPCAC accreditation (Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council). New York State requires that counseling programs meet NYSED standards for LMHC licensure — verify that any program you’re considering is explicitly described as “licensure-qualifying” in New York.

Always verify accreditation status on the university’s website or the U.S. Department of Education database before enrolling.

Program Formats for Online Psychology Master’s in New York

Part-Time Programs

Part-time enrollment means taking 1–2 courses per semester instead of a full load, stretching a 2-year program to 3–4 years in exchange for a more manageable weekly commitment. You graduate with the same degree, and many New York programs — including CUNY SPS and Mercy — offer part-time options with asynchronous or evening classes.

Trade-off: longer time to graduation may delay licensure eligibility and career advancement.

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated formats compress the timeline through year-round enrollment or heavier course loads, with some programs completable in 12–18 months. This works well for career-changers eager to pivot quickly or students who can reduce outside work commitments during the program.

Trade-off: demanding schedule with minimal breaks between terms; burnout is a real risk without strong time management.

Expert Insight

Consider asking about whether students can take a break during an accelerated program, or whether the courses are offered in sequence (only in fall, only in spring, etc). If you can take a semester off if needed, it can give you some mental breathing room going in. Otherwise, take the step and prepare for the volume of work.

Rebecca Newman, MSW

No-GRE Programs

Many New York programs have dropped the GRE, evaluating applicants instead on GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. This lowers the barrier for busy applicants or those who have been out of school for a while. CUNY SPS’ MA in Psychology, for example, does not require GRE scores.

Note: without GRE scores, other application materials carry more weight, especially your personal statement and recommendations.

Tuition Costs for Online Psychology Master’s Programs in New York

The cost gap between programs is significant, from under $17,000 at CUNY to over $136,000 at NYU. Public universities like CUNY charge lower rates for New York residents, while private universities charge one rate for all students.

Additional Costs to Budget For

• University and technology fees — often charged per term on top of tuition
• Books and materials — many programs use e-texts; budget a few hundred dollars per term
• NYC immersion travel — NYU’s program includes one required on-campus visit; budget for travel and lodging if you’re not local
• Licensure exam fees — budget for post-graduation exam costs if pursuing LMHC or other credentials

Financial aid options include federal loans (file the FAFSA), scholarships, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement. New York students in mental health fields may also qualify for loan forgiveness through public service employment programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become licensed as a psychologist or counselor in New York with an online master’s degree?

For licensed psychologist, no — New York requires a doctoral degree. A master’s alone is not sufficient for psychologist licensure in NY.

For counselor and other mental health credentials, yes. With a qualifying 60-credit master’s from a program that meets NYSED standards, you can pursue LMHC licensure, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) status, or school counselor certification.

Always confirm that a program is explicitly “licensure-qualifying” in New York before enrolling, and if you plan to practice in another state, verify that state’s requirements as well.

Are online psychology master’s degrees respected by New York employers?

Yes, provided the degree is from an accredited institution. Employers in New York hospitals, schools, and companies are well-familiar with online graduate programs and evaluate degrees based on the institution’s reputation and accreditation, not the delivery format.

A degree from CUNY or NYU carries strong name recognition in New York regardless of how it was earned. Your diploma will not specify “online.” What matters most is accreditation, your practicum experience, and the skills you demonstrate in interviews.

Expert Insight

Ask about how your program may foster peer connection in an online (especially asynchronous) program. Now that a few cohorts have gone through post-pandemic, many institutions have a developed a sustainable protocol for this crucial component of learning.

Rebecca Newman, MSW

How long does it take to complete an online master’s in psychology in New York?

Typically about 2 years of full-time study. A 36-credit program, like CUNY’s or Mercy’s, can be completed in two academic years by taking approximately 3 courses per semester.

Programs around 60 credits (like counseling tracks) typically take 2.5 to 3 years full-time, especially when summer terms are included. Part-time students commonly take 3+ years. Some programs can be accelerated to 12–18 months with year-round enrollment.

Do I ever need to attend campus or in-person sessions in an online program?

It depends on the program. Many NY online programs are 100% remote with no campus visits required. However, programs with a practicum or internship component, like NYU’s LMHC track, require in-person clinical hours, completed in your local community rather than on campus.

NYU also includes one brief on-site immersion in NYC. Most other clinical placements are arranged near where you live. Always check the specific in-person requirements of any program before applying.

Best Resources for NY Psych Master’s Students

• New York State Office of Professions — Psychology Licensure Requirements: The official state page outlining requirements to become a licensed psychologist in NY; essential reading for understanding the doctoral pathway and state rules
• New York State Office of Professions — Mental Health Counselor License Requirements: Details the 60-credit master’s, 3,000 post-degree supervised hours, and exam requirements for LMHC licensure in NY; use as a checklist if LMHC is your goal
• New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA): Professional association for psychologists in NY; networking events, continuing education, mentorship, and job postings for psychology students and professionals
• New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA): Statewide association for LMHCs and counseling students; licensing FAQs, advocacy resources, and annual conventions; student memberships available at discounted rates
• New York Association of School Psychologists (NYASP): Professional hub for school psychology practitioners and trainees in NY; conferences, training, internship leads, and NY school policy updates
• American Psychological Association (APA) — Graduate Student Resources: Career guides, PsycINFO database, research funding, mentor matching, and the APAGS graduate student division with webinars and an annual convention
• American Counseling Association (ACA): National body for counseling professionals; ethics guidelines, practice toolkits, the Journal of Counseling & Development, and an ACA of New York branch for local events
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (Psychologists and Counselors): Reliable career data on job growth, median pay, and work environment for psychologists, counselors, MFTs, and related roles
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP): Search the CACREP directory to verify counseling program accreditation; the gold standard for licensure eligibility and credit portability across states
• Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC): Accrediting body focused on master’s programs in psychology and counseling outside CACREP or APA scope; lists accredited programs and explains standards recognized for NY licensure purposes

Top Online Master’s in Psychology Programs in New York