Online Master’s in Social Psychology: Comparing Top Schools

Are You Ready?

Pursuing a master’s in social psychology is a significant commitment. Beyond meeting admissions criteria, it’s important to reflect on your goals, learning style, and career aspirations to determine if this path is the right fit. Below are five questions to ask yourself before applying. These will help you gauge your readiness and enthusiasm for an online or hybrid social psychology program:

1. Do you have a genuine interest in understanding social behavior and conducting research? Successful social psychology students are naturally curious about why people behave as they do in groups. If you’re excited by questions of social influence, attitudes, and group dynamics (and don’t mind designing studies or analyzing data to explore those questions), that’s a great sign.
2. Are you comfortable with statistics and research methods (or willing to learn)? Social psychology graduate programs involve significant research work, including statistics and experimental design. Consider whether you enjoy analyzing data and can handle advanced coursework in these areas. If quantitative analysis isn’t your strength, be prepared to dedicate extra effort to developing these skills.
3. Do your career goals align with this degree? Think about how an MS in Social Psychology will move you toward your professional goals. For instance, do you plan to work in research, academia, or a field that values understanding of social dynamics? If you aim to become a therapist or clinical psychologist, note that this degree alone won’t lead to that license. Make sure the outcomes of this program match the roles or further education you envision.
4. Do you need the flexibility of an online program to balance other responsibilities? Many prospective students are working adults or have family obligations. Honestly assess your time management skills and self-discipline for an online learning environment. An online program offers convenience, but you’ll be responsible for keeping up with lectures and assignments without the structure of a daily campus routine. If you require flexibility and can stay motivated, an online format is a strong fit.
5. Are you self-motivated and organized in your study habits? Online master’s programs require proactive learners. There are no in-person classes, so you must take initiative to engage with material, seek help from professors, and collaborate with peers virtually. Consider whether you can set aside regular hours each week for coursework and research. If you’re the kind of person who can create a schedule and stick to it independently, you’re likely ready to thrive in an online social psychology program.

Exploring Online Social Psychology Master’s Programs

If you’re ready to dive deeper into your options, here’s a closer look at three standout online programs in social psychology. Each offers unique strengths, like flexible schedules and affordable tuition to strong research preparation. Use this list to help you find the right fit for your academic goals and professional aspirations.

Understanding the Cost of Social Psychology Master’s

Tuition for an online master’s in social psychology can vary widely, but it’s typically calculated on a per-credit basis. Programs range from roughly 30 to 60 credits in length, so the total cost will depend on the credit requirements and the rate per credit. Fixed costs include tuition and any required fees. Some universities bundle fees into the tuition rate, while others itemize them separately. Variable costs might involve books, course materials, and possibly travel for any optional residencies or conferences. However, most pure online programs have no travel requirement.

One advantage of online learning is that you won’t incur relocation or on-campus housing expenses – you can study from home while maintaining your job. Additionally, many online programs charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, making budgeting straightforward. Keep in mind that tuition rates can increase year to year, so if you study part-time over a longer period, factor in the potential for annual tuition adjustments.

Below is a comparison of three programs to illustrate typical cost structures:

Note: Total tuition is calculated by multiplying the cost per credit by the number of required credits. Actual totals may vary if a program has additional fees per term or offers transfer credits. Always check the university’s current tuition page for the most up-to-date figures. Also, these figures do not include living expenses, but since programs are online, additional costs are generally limited to personal expenses.

Social Psychology Careers Opportunities

Earning a master’s in social psychology can open the door to a variety of careers across different sectors. A common one is the social and community services sector. With your expertise in group dynamics and behavior change, you could qualify for roles like social services program manager, outreach coordinator, or intervention advocate. You would work with community organizations and non-profits to design and lead programs that address social issues, such addiction or teen homelessness.

Similarly, some graduates work in education. For instance, teaching psychology at the high school or community college level, or serving as academic advisors and student support specialists who apply psychology to improve student success.

In the business world, a social psychology master’s is appreciated in fields like marketing, user experience (UX) research, and human resources. You might become a market research specialist who studies consumer behavior to help companies tailor their products and advertising. Or you could work as a human resource manager, using insights about teamwork, leadership, and prejudice reduction to foster a positive workplace culture and effective teamwork. 

Additionally, a master’s in social psychology can also be a stepping stone to a doctoral degree. If you aspire to be a social psychologist in an academic or high-level research setting, you’ll likely need a PhD. Graduates who continue to a PhD or PsyD often go on to become professors, lead research for universities or private firms, or take on senior roles in consulting.

Licensing Considerations for Social Psychology Graduates

One common question is whether you need any licensure or certification after earning a master’s in social psychology. The answer depends on the career path you choose. For many roles that social psychology graduates pursue, such as research analyst or community program manager, there is no state licensure requirement. Employers in these fields will focus on your skills and possibly professional certifications (which are usually optional), but they don’t require a government-issued license to practice.

However, if your goal is to become a licensed psychologist providing mental health services, additional steps are necessary. In the United States, practicing as a licensed psychologist generally requires a PhD or Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) and a state license. After completing a doctorate, candidates typically must complete supervised clinical hours and pass a licensing exam.

The national standard exam for psychologist licensure is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). All states require passing the EPPP, and many also have an oral exam or a jurisprudence exam.

Beyond licensure, you might consider certifications or professional memberships to bolster your credentials. While there’s no license for “social psychologist” per se, organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) offer memberships that connect you with ethical guidelines, continuing education, and professional networks in the field. These are not required to practice but can enhance your professional profile. If you go into user experience research or HR, analogous certifications like UX research certifications or HR certifications such as SHRM-CP could be beneficial but are again optional.

Student Help Center: Social Psychology Master’s FAQs

Do I need a bachelor’s in psychology to be eligible for a social psychology master’s program?

Not necessarily. You will need a bachelor’s degree, but it can often be in any field as long as you meet the GPA requirement. That said, having some foundational coursework in psychology or social science can be helpful. For example, Arizona State University notes that applicants should have completed at least one course in statistics or research methods and preferably have a major or minor in fields like psychology, sociology, or political science. If your bachelor’s isn’t in psychology, you may have to take prerequisites to ensure you’re prepared for graduate-level psych courses. In short, a psychology BA or BS is not always required, but check each program’s prerequisites. Be ready to highlight any research experience or coursework that shows your aptitude for graduate study in social psychology.

Will employers and Ph.D. programs respect an online master’s in social psychology?

Yes. As long as you complete an accredited psychology program, it will be regarded as equivalent to a traditional degree. In fact, acceptance of online degrees has grown substantially. Recent research from the University of Illinois Chicago indicates that 61% of HR leaders believe the quality of online education is equal or superior to traditional learning. Over 70% of organizations have hired applicants with online degrees in the past year, reflecting the normalization of online credentials. Employers primarily care that your university is accredited and reputable; they may not even know your degree was earned online unless you choose to mention it. 

Likewise, Ph.D. admissions committees will focus on your academic performance, research experience, and letters of recommendation. An online master’s from a respected university, plus any research or thesis work you’ve done, can strengthen your Ph.D. applications. To ensure credibility, consider programs that are well-established and possibly those affiliated with traditional universities. Accreditation is key, and all the programs listed in our guide are regionally accredited, which is the standard that employers and other schools accept. 

Will I need to complete a thesis or internship in an online social psychology master’s program?

It depends on the program, but most likely you will have to complete a thesis or capstone, and maybe an internship. Many social psychology master’s programs require students to complete an independent research project or master’s thesis as a culminating experience. This involves conducting original research or an in-depth literature review under faculty supervision, which helps build your research skills. Some programs offer a non-thesis option, such as a comprehensive exam or additional coursework. However, if you aim to pursue a PhD later on, a thesis or capstone is a common application requirement. 

As for internships or practicums, because social psychology is more research-focused, it doesn’t always require an internship in the way a clinical counseling program would. However, a few programs include or allow an applied internship for experience. For instance, you might have the opportunity to do an internship in a research lab, an educational setting, or a community organization. 

When researching programs, check the curriculum: look for a course labeled “Thesis”, “Capstone”, or “Research Project”, and see if there’s an optional internship elective. If hands-on experience is important to you, target programs that facilitate internships or practical projects. But be prepared that you will almost certainly be doing a significant research paper or project as part of earning your degree.

Is a master’s in social psychology good preparation for a Ph.D. program?

Absolutely. A master’s in social psychology can serve as excellent preparation for doctoral studies. You’ll gain advanced training in research methods, experimental design, and statistical analysis – all crucial for success in a PhD program. In fact, completing a master’s may boost your chances of admission to a doctoral program because you’ll have demonstrated the ability to handle graduate-level coursework and possibly completed a thesis. Many PhD programs value applicants with a master’s, as they often enter with clearer research interests and experience. 

Keep in mind that some Ph.D. programs will allow you to transfer some credits or waive certain requirements if you’ve already earned a relevant master’s. Overall, if academia or high-level research is your goal, a master’s in social psychology provides a solid stepping stone – academically and professionally – toward that Ph.D., offering both skill development and a chance to refine your research focus.

Can I work full-time while pursuing an online master’s in social psychology?

Many students do work full-time while earning their online master’s, thanks to the flexibility of online programs. The feasibility depends on your time management and the program’s design. Courses are usually asynchronous, so you can study during evenings and weekends. That said, expect to devote a significant number of hours each week to readings, discussion posts, and assignments. Graduate courses can easily require 10-15 hours per week each.

It’s important to be realistic about your commitments: if you work full-time, you likely won’t want to take more than 1 or 2 classes at once. Many online students find their employers are supportive with some offering tuition assistance or flexible hours while you’re in school. The online format is designed for working professionals, and universities often have advisors to help you find the right balance. If needed, start with one course in your first term to gauge the workload, then adjust your course load in subsequent terms based on what you can handle.