The Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs in North Carolina

Explore the Best Online Psychology Schools in NC

Below are three accredited North Carolina universities offering reputable Psychology Master’s programs with online or hybrid formats. Each program provides unique strengths in curriculum and student experience. We summarize key details and the online learning environment for each, and highlight a specific degree including its duration, format, cost, and admissions requirements.

5 Best Psych Fields for NC Master’s Graduates

What can you do with a psychology master’s in North Carolina? Here are five in-demand fields where advanced psychology graduates are making an impact. These were chosen based on job market growth, salary/ROI, program availability, and state-specific needs.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Therapy

North Carolina faces a well-documented shortage of mental health providers. 94 of 100 NC counties are designated mental health professional shortage areas, meaning there’s high demand for counselors and therapists. Earning a master’s in counseling (or clinical psychology) can lead to licensure as a therapist (e.g., LCMHC or LPA in NC), allowing you to provide much-needed services. The job outlook is strong — NC is projected to see 27% growth in jobs for mental health counselors from 2022 to 2032, faster than average. 

Master’s graduates can work in community agencies, private practice, hospitals, or schools to provide therapy for individuals, families, and groups. ROI: While salaries vary, licensed counselors in NC earn around $68,500 annually on average and gain the reward of directly improving lives. 

School Psychology

Supporting K-12 students’ mental and behavioral health is critically important, and North Carolina (like many states) has an acute shortage of school psychologists. The state’s ratio is roughly 1 school psychologist per 2,000 students, far above the recommended 1:500. This gap means high demand for professionals who can provide assessment, counseling, and intervention services in schools. A master’s plus specialist certificate (typically an MA/S.S.P. or Ed.S.) in School Psychology enables you to become a Licensed School Psychologist in NC’s public schools.

Graduates often find employment with school districts or intermediate agencies; job openings are plentiful due to both the shortage and increased awareness of student mental health needs. ROI: School psychologists in NC enjoy solid salaries (often starting around $50–60k in many districts with potential to grow) and often receive state employee benefits. Beyond the numbers, this field offers high job security and the chance to positively impact children’s lives and educational outcomes every day. 

Industrial-Organizational Psychology (I/O)

The Research Triangle Park and major business hubs like Charlotte make North Carolina a hotbed for organizations seeking to improve workplace productivity and employee well-being. Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, who usually hold a master’s or doctorate in the field, apply psychological principles to business challenges — from hiring and training to employee engagement and organizational development. NC universities such as Appalachian State and East Carolina University offer I/O or related programs, reflecting demand. ROI: This field boasts high earning potential.

In North Carolina, I/O psychologists and specialists earn an average salary around $81,000, with top professionals making over $120,000. Even at the master’s level, one could work as an HR analyst, talent development manager, or consultant, which often command competitive pay. Job growth is steady as companies prioritize data-driven talent management. With NC’s mix of tech companies, banks, and manufacturers, I/O experts are increasingly sought to help optimize performance and culture. 

Health Psychology and Behavioral Health

Health Psychology is emerging as a crucial field, especially as North Carolina’s healthcare industry grows (hospitals and health systems supported 515,000+ jobs in NC in 2022. Professionals in this field explore how psychological factors affect physical health and develop interventions to promote healthier lifestyles. With a master’s in health psychology or a related area (like clinical health counseling or public health with a behavioral science focus), you can work in hospitals, public health departments, research centers, or community organizations. NC’s healthcare providers are increasingly integrating behavioral health — for example, employing health coaches, diabetes educators, and behavioral medicine specialists.

Many roles in this arena (such as health educators, wellness program coordinators, or research project managers) have moderate salaries (often in the $50k–$70k range), but the intrinsic rewards and stability are high. You might lead programs to address chronic illness management, improve patient adherence, or design community health interventions. Given North Carolina’s emphasis on improving rural health and addressing issues like diabetes and heart disease prevalent in the region, health psychologists play a top-field role in enhancing population health outcomes.

Forensic and Correctional Psychology

In North Carolina, forensic psychology careers can include working in prisons, juvenile detention centers, courts, or law enforcement agencies. With a master’s (often in forensic psychology or clinical psychology with forensic concentration), one can pursue roles such as probation counselor, behavioral analyst for a law enforcement unit, victim support coordinator, or mental health professional in a correctional facility. The state’s Department of Public Safety and mental health hospitals hire clinicians to evaluate offenders, provide therapy to inmates, and assist with court-ordered assessments.

While some forensic roles require doctoral-level credentials (e.g., forensic evaluator), many support roles are open to master’s graduates and come with competitive state government salaries and benefits (often starting around $45k–$60k and rising with experience). Importantly, this field offers a unique sense of purpose — you could be helping rehabilitate offenders, consulting on criminal cases, or informing public safety policy.

Accreditation Overview: NC Master’s Programs

When choosing an online psychology master’s program in NC, accreditation is crucial. Accreditation is a quality assurance process in which external agencies evaluate a school or program to ensure it meets established standards.

All reputable North Carolina universities hold regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This matters because regional accreditation is required for students to receive federal financial aid and for most state licensing boards (for psychologists, counselors, etc.) to recognize your degree.

In addition to institutional accreditation, many psychology-related programs pursue specialized accreditation. For example, counseling master’s programs often seek accreditation from CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) to signal they meet the national curriculum standards for counselors.

North Carolina’s Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor board now expects applicants’ degrees to come from a CACREP-accredited or equivalent program. Likewise, school psychology programs may be approved by NASP (National Association of School Psychologists) or CAEP. An accredited program not only guarantees educational quality but also facilitates licensure eligibility.

Psych Master’s Program Types & Requirements

North Carolina universities offer online Psychology master’s programs in various formats to fit students’ needs. The program types can generally be categorized by schedule and format. No matter your situation — whether you want an intensive experience or need flexibility — there’s likely a program type in North Carolina to match.

Full-Time, Accelerated Programs

Full-time online programs in NC allow you to complete your master’s at a quicker pace, often in about 1½ to 2 years. These programs typically require enrolling in a heavier course load each term. The pro is you enter the workforce sooner with your graduate degree — great for those eager to advance or switch careers quickly. Some NC programs even offer accelerated schedules, with short eight-week courses or year-round enrollment, so motivated students can finish in as little as one year (depending on credit requirements).

An immersive focus on studies and faster completion. You maintain momentum from undergrad and can dive into field opportunities or doctoral study sooner. However, the workload is intensive — expect 3-4 courses at a time, which can be challenging if you’re working. Full-time students should be prepared to treat school as their primary commitment.

Part-Time, Flexible Programs

Part-time programs are popular in North Carolina, designed for students who need to juggle work, family, or other responsibilities alongside graduate school. You take fewer courses per semester (often 1–2), making the workload manageable. This flexibility means you can keep your day job and immediately apply what you learn in real-time. NC’s part-time online programs often use asynchronous elements (learn on your own schedule each week) to accommodate busy lives.

The program will take longer — usually 3+ years for completion — which might delay career advancement slightly. It requires discipline to persist over a longer duration. You should expect steady progress with about 6–9 credits per term. You’ll still engage with professors and peers online, just at a slower pace. 

“No GRE Required” Programs

Standardized tests can be a barrier for busy applicants, so many North Carolina psychology master’s programs now offer “No GRE” admissions. This means you won’t have to take the GRE exam (or MAT, GMAT, etc.) to apply. It simplifies and speeds up the application process — you can focus on your GPA, experience, and letters of recommendation instead of studying for a test. It’s also great if test-taking isn’t your strength but you’re otherwise a strong candidate.

Many schools recognize that GRE scores don’t always predict success and have waived them to encourage a more diverse pool of applicants. Admissions might weigh other factors more heavily, so you’ll want to ensure the rest of your application shines (especially your academic record and personal statement). Additionally, a few programs may still require the GRE if your GPA is below a certain threshold (a conditional policy).

Keep in mind: No-GRE doesn’t mean “easy admission” — standards are still high, but it’s one less hurdle. For many adult learners returning to school, a no-GRE program in NC can be a perfect fit, allowing you to leverage your professional experience and academic history without the pressure of a test.

All About Money: NC Psych Programs

Costs for online Psychology master’s programs in North Carolina can vary widely, but overall the state’s public universities offer affordable tuition — especially for in-state residents — compared to out-of-state or private options. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Tuition (Fixed Costs): If you attend a UNC system school online, you’ll pay an in-state tuition rate that is often very competitive. For example, Fayetteville State University charges about $256 per credit for NC residents, which for a ~36-credit program comes to around $9,000 total — a great bargain for a master’s degree. Private universities (like Duke or Wake Forest) have higher tuition (often $1,000+ per credit), but online programs at those schools typically offer the same rate to in-state/out-of-state students.
  
• Fees: Online students usually pay reduced campus fees, but there can be distance learning fees (technology fees, online support fees). These are generally a few hundred dollars per term. North Carolina public universities keep mandatory fees modest for online programs — for instance, a tech fee per credit (FSU’s online tech fee is about $30/credit) and perhaps a one-time online orientation fee.
  
• Variable Costs: Don’t forget books and materials (which can run $50–$150 per course, unless you find used or digital copies). Online programs might save you money here too, as they often use e-books or open educational resources. You also save on commuting, parking, or relocating — a big cost advantage of online learning. If a program requires a few campus visits (some hybrids do), budget for travel/hotel, but many NC programs are fully online or use local internship placements, so you might not need to travel far.
  
• Financial Aid and NC-Specific Aid: Online students in NC are typically eligible for federal financial aid (loans, grants) just like on-campus students, as long as the program is accredited. NC residents might also access state-funded aid; while most state grants are aimed at undergrads, certain loan forgiveness programs exist for graduate students in high-need fields. Additionally, many employers in North Carolina offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing grad education, which can reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Online psychology master’s programs in NC can be quite cost-effective, especially at public universities. You’ll want to compare the per-credit rates and total credits required. Below is a quick cost comparison table for three NC programs:

Quick Guide: FAQs for Psychology Students

Can I become a licensed psychologist in North Carolina with just a master’s degree?

With a master’s alone, you can’t become a fully licensed psychologist, but you can become a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA).

North Carolina is one of the few states that licenses master’s-level psychology practitioners as LPAs. As an LPA, you can practice under supervision, doing many of the same tasks as a psychologist (like assessments and therapy). To qualify, your master’s must be in psychology (at least 45 graduate credits, including supervised practicum) and from a regionally accredited program. You’ll also need to pass the national licensing exam.

Will my online degree be respected by employers in NC?

North Carolina employers widely accept and respect online degrees as long as they’re from accredited institutions. Your diploma generally will not specify that the program was online — it will simply state the degree and university, same as for on-campus graduates.

It can actually be a talking point in interviews — you might highlight that managing an online degree shows you’re self-motivated and tech-savvy. That said, make sure your program includes any state-required components (for instance, a counseling program should have an in-person internship).

Ultimately, if you choose a reputable NC online program (as are the ones listed here), your degree will carry weight. Future employers, whether a Charlotte hospital or a Raleigh school district, will recognize your alma mater and the quality of your education — they likely won’t even know it was completed online unless you choose to mention it.

What financial aid and scholarships are available for online master’s students in NC?

As an online student in North Carolina, you have access to many of the same financial aid options as on-campus students.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first stop — by filing it, you can qualify for federal loans and any grants. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are common for covering tuition.

North Carolina doesn’t offer broad state grants for graduate study, but there are targeted programs. For example, the NC Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS) provides loans that can be forgiven if you work in certain high-need fields in NC (primarily teaching, nursing, allied health, and counseling). Additionally, the NC State Loan Repayment Program offers loan forgiveness to mental health professionals (like counselors or school psychologists) who serve in rural/underserved areas for a set time.

Beyond government aid, look to your university and outside organizations for scholarships. Many NC schools have graduate scholarships or assistantships (yes, some online students secure graduate assistant positions or research assistant roles that come with stipends or tuition waivers).

Professional associations in NC (like the NC Psychological Association or NC School Psychology Association) sometimes offer small scholarships to graduate students. Don’t forget employer tuition reimbursement — a lot of students working at NC companies or agencies get part of their tuition paid by their employer.

My bachelor’s degree isn’t in psychology — can I still get into an NC psychology master’s program?

Many North Carolina programs welcome students from diverse academic backgrounds, not just psychology majors. Generally, you need a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college. However, programs will look to see that you have some foundational knowledge or aptitude for psychology.

Admissions committees also value relevant experience: if your background is in, say, business or biology, but you’ve worked in mental health volunteering or have other exposure to the field, mention that. When you apply, use your personal statement to explain your passion for psychology and how your background is an asset.

How long does it take to complete an online psychology master’s, and can I work while studying?

The time to completion depends on the program structure and your pace. In North Carolina, most online master’s in psychology or counseling are designed to be finished in about 2 years full-time or 3+ years part-time.

Many students do work while studying, especially in part-time formats. NC’s part-time online programs are specifically intended for working professionals — you might take one evening class at a time while working 9–5.

Keep internships in mind: fields like counseling or school psychology will require daytime hours in practicums/internships toward the end of the program, which might require adjusting work schedules. Online coursework itself offers flexibility — lectures might be recorded, and you can often do weekly assignments on your own schedule.

Where and How to Advance Your Psychology Career

Whether you’re just starting a psychology master’s or looking ahead to your career in North Carolina, the following resources can help. From professional associations to study tools, these links offer support, networking, and knowledge to enhance your journey.

• North Carolina Psychological Association (NCPA) — The professional organization for psychologists in NC. Offers networking events, webinars, and a job board for psychology careers in the state. Great for staying updated on NC psychology news and continuing education.
• North Carolina Psychology Board — The state licensing board for psychologists (and LPAs). Visit their site for official info on licensure requirements, applications, and ethics regulations in NC. Essential if you plan to become licensed after grad school.
• NC Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (NCBLCMHC) — Governs licensure for counselors (LCMHCA/LPMHC) in NC. Find forms, supervision guidelines, and FAQs about becoming a counselor in North Carolina. A must-read for counseling students on the licensure track.
• North Carolina School Psychology Association (NCSPA) — A professional association supporting school psychologists in NC. Provides resources for students, advocacy updates, and an annual conference. Joining as a student member can connect you with mentors in the school psychology arena.
• American Psychological Association (APA) — The leading national body for psychology. APA’s student hub offers tips on grad school success, research databases, and career guidance. Membership (with student discounts) gives you access to journals and the APA Style guide — useful for coursework and thesis writing.
• APA Graduate Students (APAGS) — A division of the APA specifically for graduate psychology students. APAGS provides webinars, scholarship opportunities, and a strong community to address grad student concerns. They produce guides on everything from internships to self-care, tailored to those in master’s and doctoral programs.
• “Speaking of Psychology” Podcast (APA) — A free podcast by the APA featuring experts discussing cutting-edge topics in psychology. Episodes range from mental health issues to new research findings — perfect for supplementing your studies and staying inspired. Stream it during commutes or breaks to keep learning in an engaging way.
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) — The national certifying body for counselors (headquartered in Greensboro, NC!). NBCC’s site provides info on the NCE exam (which NC uses for counselor licensure) and offers resources like study guides and a directory of counseling scholarships through the NBCC Foundation. Counseling students can explore becoming a National Certified Counselor (NCC) after graduation for extra credentials.