Explore Ohio’s Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs

Comparing Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Ohio

A Look at Ohio’s Top Fields of Study for Psychology Master’s Grads

Clinical and Counseling Psychology

Clinical and Counseling Psychology are top fields in Ohio due to the high demand for mental health services. With a master’s (plus licensure in counseling), graduates can work as licensed professional counselors or behavioral therapists in hospitals, private practices, or community agencies. Ohio has thousands of counselors and clinical therapists, and this sector is expected to grow as awareness of mental health increases.

While Ohio requires a doctorate to be a licensed psychologist, a master’s in a counseling-related program (often CACREP-accredited) can lead to licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Marriage and Family Therapist. The return on investment is solid: mental health counselors in Ohio earn about $45–$55K on average, and psychologists (doctoral level) average around $90K, with steady job growth projected. 

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology is a growing career field in Ohio’s robust business and manufacturing landscape. Ohio’s mix of corporate headquarters, healthcare networks, and government agencies provides ample opportunities for professionals in this specialty.

A master’s in I/O or business psychology (like Franklin’s program) can lead to human resources, organizational development, or talent management roles, applying psychology to workplace challenges — improving hiring practices, training, and employee well-being.

Job demand is strong: companies value experts who can boost productivity and morale. Salaries are also attractive — I/O psychology practitioners with a master’s often earn competitive incomes (e.g., $70K–$90K+ depending on role and experience), which goes far given Ohio’s reasonable cost of living. 

School Psychology

School Psychology is a top field in Ohio, driven by the need to support K-12 student mental health and learning. School psychologists typically earn a specialist degree (Ed.S. or Master’s + additional training), but many start by obtaining a master’s in educational or school psychology.

In Ohio, school psychologists are in demand across urban and rural districts, addressing issues from learning disabilities to behavioral challenges. The field offers a clear path to licensure through the Ohio Department of Education, and an in-state master’s can segue into the Ed.S. required for certification.

Careers in this area are rewarding — you’ll work directly with children, teachers, and parents to improve student outcomes. Ohio’s school psychologists earn an average of around $60K–$75K annually, and the state consistently needs more professionals, especially in high-need districts. 

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is an exciting and relevant field in Ohio that combines psychology with the legal and criminal justice systems. Master’s graduates with expertise in forensic psychology can pursue roles such as criminal justice consultants, victim advocates, court liaisons, or work in correctional settings. 

Ohio’s diverse criminal justice institutions — from state prisons to local courts — demand professionals who understand psychology and law. For example, a forensic psychology master’s holder might work in Ohio’s prison system developing inmate rehabilitation programs, or assist law enforcement with criminal profiling research (though clinical roles in forensic settings usually require a doctorate).

The ROI for this specialization can be good, especially if paired with law enforcement or social work experience; salaries vary widely ($50K–$80K) depending on the position. As Ohio continues to focus on mental health in criminal justice (such as specialized drug courts and offender rehab initiatives), forensic psychology experts help meet a critical need while enjoying dynamic, impactful careers.

Research and Academia

Ohio has a large higher education sector with many community colleges, providing opportunities for those who enjoy teaching. A master’s (especially an MA or MS in general psychology) enables you to teach psychology at community colleges or as an adjunct at universities.

While many research positions in psychology prefer a doctoral degree, a master’s can qualify you for roles like research assistant, lab manager, or data analyst on psychology studies — positions available at Ohio’s universities, hospitals, and research centers. Pursuing research also positions you well if you apply to a PhD or PsyD program later.

Many students use an online master’s to strengthen their research skills and academic credentials before doctoral studies. Regarding job outlook, research roles are project-based but plentiful, especially in developmental and industrial psychology research, often funded by Ohio’s education system or businesses. This field may not boast the highest starting salaries (a lab manager might earn ~$45K–$55K), but it offers intellectual fulfillment and a stepping stone to higher academic achievements. The academic and research field is a top choice for Ohioans passionate about advancing psychological science or teaching the next generation.

Accreditation Details for Ohio Online Psychology Master’s Programs

Accreditation is a crucial quality marker for any program, and Ohio’s online psychology master’s degrees meet high standards. All the universities featured here are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which assures overall institutional quality. In addition, specific programs may hold relevant specialty accreditations.

Likewise, counseling-related programs in Ohio often carry CACREP accreditation for licensure preparation. While the APA (American Psychological Association) does not accredit master’s-only programs, Ohio schools ensure their master’s curricula align with professional guidelines.

Accredited programs instill confidence that your degree will be recognized by employers and licensing boards. It means the program has been vetted for solid faculty, curriculum, and student support. For instance, Kent State’s College of Education is CAEP-accredited, and John Carroll University’s educational psychology program held NCATE accreditation, reflecting a commitment to educator preparation standards. When choosing an online program in Ohio, always verify its accreditation status — it’s your guarantee of quality and a valuable, transferable degree.

Types Ohio Psychology Master’s Programs

Online psychology master’s programs in Ohio come in various formats to suit different needs. Broadly, you’ll find accelerated full-time programs, which allow you to earn the degree quickly, part-time programs that offer flexibility for working students, and programs with streamlined admissions (no GRE required). Below is a closer look at three common program types available in Ohio’s online offerings, and what to expect from each.

Accelerated Online Programs

Accelerated programs are designed for speed — perfect if you want to graduate and advance your career as soon as possible. These programs condense coursework into shorter terms or heavier course loads so you can finish in about 12 to 18 months instead of the typical two years.

Expect an intensive pace: you might take classes year-round or multiple courses per term. The advantage is you’ll earn your master’s quickly, entering (or re-entering) the workforce with advanced credentials sooner.

However, accelerated formats require strong time management, since the material comes fast. They work best if you can dedicate significant weekly hours to study (often these students pause full-time work or reduce hours). In Ohio, accelerated online programs still maintain high quality — they’re the same credits as a regular program, just in a tighter timeframe. 

Examples of accelerated Ohio programs include:

• Franklin University — MS in Business Psychology
• Tiffin University— MS in Psychology
  

Part-Time and Flexible Programs

Part-time programs prioritize flexibility, allowing students to take fewer courses each term. This is ideal if you’ll be working full-time or managing other responsibilities while studying.

A part-time online master’s might take 2.5 to 4 years to complete, depending on the credit load per semester, but it significantly eases the weekly time commitment. Many Ohio universities offer “learn at your own pace” options — you might take one course per term instead of three, for instance.

The key benefit is balance: you can continue earning an income and applying what you learn in real time. Ohio’s part-time online programs often have rolling admissions and multiple start dates, so you can begin when ready. They also tend to offer support for adult learners, understanding that flexibility is crucial. 

Examples of flexible Ohio programs include:

• Kent State University — Online MEd in Educational Psychology
• Tiffin University — MS in Psychology
  

No-GRE Admission Programs

Many online psychology master’s programs in Ohio now offer no GRE required admissions, making it simpler and more accessible to apply. These programs focus on your undergraduate GPA, professional experience, and letters of recommendation instead of standardized test scores.

For prospective students, skipping the GRE saves time, money, and stress — you can often apply immediately rather than studying for an exam. Ohio universities recognize that the GRE isn’t always the best predictor of success, especially for adult learners who have been out of school for a while.

A no-GRE program doesn’t sacrifice quality; it simply evaluates candidates more holistically. You’ll still need to meet GPA requirements (often around 2.75 or 3.0 minimum) and provide transcripts and maybe a personal statement or résumé. The advantage is a more straightforward admissions process, and you can enroll sooner. This is great for those confident in their academic or professional record but who may not test well. 

Notably, all three programs we covered at the start of this article are no-GRE programs. This is becoming increasingly common among master’s programs across the board, so if this kind of program interests you, you should be able to find one.

Budgeting for Your Psych Degree

Costs for online psychology master’s programs in Ohio vary by institution and program type, but overall they tend to be more affordable than out-of-state or private on-campus options elsewhere. Public universities like Kent State or Ohio University charge tuition with Ohio residents in mind — roughly in the range of $550–$600 per credit for graduate online courses. This means a 30-credit master’s at a public university might cost around $18,000 for in-state students (a bit more if taken part-time due to per-credit rates). Private universities in Ohio, like Tiffin or Franklin, set per-credit tuition around $600–$700. These programs often bundle all costs (no added out-of-state fees) and may include resources like e-books or tech fees in that rate.

Keep in mind additional fees: many schools charge an online learning fee (Kent State’s is $15/credit) or technology fee, and you’ll need to budget for class materials. Financial aid can offset costs — online students are usually eligible for federal loans, grants, and sometimes scholarships.

Overall, compared to national averages, Ohio’s online programs offer a good value, especially if you’re an in-state student taking advantage of resident tuition or e-rate discounts.

The above costs are approximate for tuition only, as of the latest available data. They may exclude minor fees or any applicable scholarships/discounts.

Student Support: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a licensed psychologist in Ohio with an online master’s degree?

In Ohio, a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) is required to become a licensed psychologist. A master’s alone — even from an online program — won’t qualify you for psychologist licensure. However, with a master’s in psychology or counseling you can pursue other licenses. For example, Ohio offers licensure for master’s-level counselors (LPC, LPCC) and school psychologists (with an Ed.S.).

If your goal is clinical practice, consider an online Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s (often CACREP-accredited) which can lead to counselor licensure. Many online programs in Ohio prepare you for these paths.

In short, you won’t be a psychologist upon graduation (that title is doctorate-only), but you can become a licensed therapist or counselor depending on your program. Always check the Ohio state board requirements for the specific license you’re after.

Are online psychology master’s degrees respected by Ohio employers?

Yes — a reputable online psychology master’s from an accredited Ohio university carries the same weight as an on-campus degree. Employers today recognize that online programs meet the same academic standards. In fact, a 2024 survey found 87% of employers have hired graduates with online degrees and pay them the same as those with traditional degrees.

The key is accreditation and reputation: an online MA from, say, Kent State or Ohio University will be viewed as legitimate. Your diploma typically won’t even indicate it was earned online. Employers may actually see positives in an online grad, such as your self-motivation and time management skills.

How do online psychology classes work — will I need to log in at specific times?

Online programs usually strive to be flexible. Most Ohio programs use an asynchronous format, meaning you do not have to be online at the same moment as the instructor. Instead, you’ll access recorded lectures, readings, and discussion boards on your own schedule each week.

For example, you might have a weekly module with a set of tasks (readings, videos, a forum post, maybe a quiz) to complete by Sunday night. You can log in whenever it suits you — after work, early morning, etc. Some courses may have occasional synchronous elements like live webinars or virtual office hours, but these are typically scheduled in the evening and often recorded for those who can’t attend

Expect to use a learning platform (like Blackboard or Canvas) to turn in assignments and interact with classmates. Online doesn’t mean easy, though — you’ll need discipline to keep up. Ohio’s online programs also often require proctored exams or major projects just like campus classes.

Can I work full-time while pursuing my online psychology master’s?

Many students do. One big benefit of online programs is that they’re structured for working professionals. Whether you should work full-time depends on your personal bandwidth and the program’s intensity.

A part-time online master’s (say one course at a time) is very doable alongside a 40-hour job — you might spend ~10-15 hours a week on school. In fact, a lot of Ohio’s online psychology students are teachers, corporate employees, or healthcare workers who keep working and apply their learning on the job.

If you go full-time in an online program (accelerated), juggling a full-time job becomes tougher because the coursework could be 30+ hours a week. The good news is programs are flexible: you can often adjust your course load, and some universities like Tiffin explicitly allow students to “take a break” as needed.

Time management and setting a schedule are crucial. Also consider talking to your employer — some offer reduced hours or tuition assistance for staff in grad school. Many students in Ohio find that with careful planning (and maybe sacrificing some weekend leisure), they can successfully work and earn their degree simultaneously.

What kind of financial aid can online graduate students in Ohio get?

Online master’s students are typically eligible for the same financial aid as on-campus students. This includes federal aid like unsubsidized graduate student loans (through FAFSA) and potentially the Federal TEACH grant or others if in an education-related field. You won’t get Pell Grants (those are for undergrad), but you may qualify for state grants or scholarships targeted at graduate study. 

Many Ohio universities offer graduate assistantships or tuition scholarships even to online students — though assistantships usually require some campus presence, some schools have virtual research positions. Don’t forget employer tuition reimbursement: if you’re working in a related field, check if your company helps fund grad education. Finally, make sure to check out in-depth financial aid resources, such as our guide to financial aid.

Grow Your Career: Psychology Student Resources

• American Psychological Association (APA) — The leading professional organization for psychology. The APA website offers articles, research findings, and career resources. Student members can access journals, networking opportunities, and the APA Graduate Students section for guidance on scholarships, internships, and mentorship.
• Ohio Psychological Association (OPA) — The state-level professional association supporting psychologists and students in Ohio. OPA provides networking events, workshops, and updates on Ohio licensing laws. Student membership gives you access to a mentor program and local conferences — a great way to plug into the professional community while still in school.
• Psi Chi International Honor Society — The honor society in psychology. Psychology master’s students (even online) can join if their school has a chapter or via the Psi Chi Network. Membership recognizes academic excellence and offers grants for research, conventions to present work, and a community of peers passionate about psychology.
• APA “Speaking of Psychology” Podcast — APA’s official podcast seriesthat features leading experts talking about new research and how psychology applies to everyday life. Episodes (about 30 minutes) cover everything from mental health tips to the science of learning — perfect for students to stay current on trends beyond the textbook.
• “Hidden Brain” Podcast (NPR) — A popular podcast that explores the unconscious patterns driving human behavior. Hosted by Shankar Vedantam, Hidden Brain translates academic research into engaging stories. Listening can deepen your insight into psychological concepts and how they manifest in real-world scenarios — great fodder for class discussions or paper ideas.
• Coursera — Online Psychology Courses — Offers free and low-cost courses from universities worldwide. If you want to supplement your Ohio program or learn a niche topic (like neuroimaging or Jungian therapy), Coursera is a flexible resource. You can earn certificates or just audit courses to broaden your knowledge base alongside your master’s studies.
• Mendeley Reference Manager — A free reference management tool essential for graduate research. It helps you organize PDFs of journal articles, generate citations and bibliographies in APA Style, and even discover new papers. As you tackle research papers or your thesis project, Mendeley (or similar tools like Zotero) will save you tons of time and keep your sources neatly organized.
• Google Scholar — The go-to search engine for scholarly literature.Google Scholar lets you find peer-reviewed articles, theses, and books across the breadth of psychology. It’s invaluable for literature reviews — just type keywords and it returns relevant research with citation info. Tip: Use your university library login with Scholar to access full texts through Ohio school subscriptions.
• APA Style Central — The official APA Style resource site. As a grad student, you’ll write many papers in APA format. This site has tutorials, sample papers, and guidelines for everything from formatting your references to avoiding bias in language. There’s also an APA Style Blog for Q&A on tricky citation rules. Mastering APA style is a must, and this is the definitive guide.
• Psychology Today — The online home of Psychology Today magazine. It features accessible articles on mental health, relationships, and behavior written by experts. Browsing this site can help you see how psychological concepts are communicated to the public. It’s also useful for finding ideas for assignments or keeping up with popular discussions in psychology (and as a bonus, their Find a Therapist directory is a window into how professionals market their expertise).