Online Masters in Psychology

By Derick de Souza

Updated February 10, 2023
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Derick de Souza

Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

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There has been a growth in the demand for professionals who can monitor, research, diagnose, and treat mental illness and disability in the United States. Usually, unseen ailments can be missed or shrugged off easier, compounding the many mental health issues people face. Fortunately, psychology and psychologists leverage the science of human behavior to improve people’s lives – address their bad attitudes and other dissociative behaviors. An Online Masters in Psychology provides the foundation an individual needs to conduct or apply psychological research that ultimately improves mental health and the quality of life. Those interested in pursuing a career as a psychologist must start with a graduate masters in psychology before earning a doctorate. Getting a masters in psychology involves in-depth coursework, practicums, a capstone or thesis, and sound reasoning and analytical skills. The best psychology masters programs in the country will teach students how to apply psychological theory to real-life situations and deal with the many challenges they will face in their careers as psychologists. Aspiring students can better prepare for careers in business, government, and law enforcement by pursuing an online masters degree in psychology.

Best Online Masters
in Psychology

A master’s degree can positively influence a person’s career path, employment opportunities, and earnings potential. Choosing the right program from a list of psychology masters programs to complete one’s education is critical for students. Several factors, such as the institution’s reputation and the quality and experience of faculty, the institution’s infrastructure, student services, affordability, and accreditation, have been vetted by the FBD team of experienced professionals to find the best online masters in psychology in the United States easier.

Here are the best online psychology masters programs: *

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page

Find Online Masters in
Psychology near me

When getting a master’s degree in psychology, location is critical because colleges typically charge different tuition costs for in-state and out-of-state students. However, in most instances, the cost of an online master’s degree in psychology program is the same regardless of the student’s state of residency. Several FBD teams have worked together to make the process of finding the best and most affordable online psychology master’s degree more convenient. Here is the list of ‘psychology masters programs near me’:

Types Of Online Masters
In Psychology Programs

What to expect from the Online Master’s in
Psychology Program?

Areas of Specialization Online Masters
in Psychology

Why should I pursue an Online Masters
in Psychology?

Free Courses giving Online Masters
in Psychology

Online portals that claim to give free online masters in psychology are questionable. There is a good chance that none of these schools or websites will be accredited or issue a certificate of graduation that can be used in the job market. At best, free courses can assist students in better comprehending the subject and provide additional knowledge. Here are a few well-known destinations for free psychology courses and classes:

Course Description Offered by
Psychology & Psychology-related TopicsMIT Open Courseware by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers free courses on a wide range of psychology topics at various levels of study.MIT Open Courseware
Psychology & Psychology-related TopicsUdemy offers over a thousand courses in psychology, many of which are accredited and tutored by reputable industry-professionals. Although, unfortunately, most courses are not free, many of them are available really cheap.Udemy
Psychology & Psychology-related TopicsCoursera offers over a thousand free guided projects, courses, specializations, and professional certificates in psychology, from reputable universities such as Yale University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wesleyan University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and more.Coursera

How to get an online Master’s
in Psychology?

Admission to a psychology master’s degree is a simple process. While factors such as the applicant’s experience and test scores count, many programs will also look at the coursework taken in the undergraduate studies. Those who apply for other science disciplines may be required to fulfill prerequisite courses in psychology or subjects related to psychology. Here are some of the essential masters in psychology requirements:

How long does it take to complete the Online
Master’s in Psychology Program?

Accelerated Online Master’s
in Psychology Programs

It is not uncommon for universities to offer psychology masters programs from which one can graduate in less than the typical 2 years. Lower graduation time can be achieved by opting for fast-track programs or credit transfers. Additionally, some universities offer accelerated masters in psychology online that combine a bachelor’s and master’s degree, shaving off considerable time to graduate. In most instances, students who opt for an accelerated online master’s in psychology will complete their bachelor’s and master’s in a total of 5 years, instead of 6.

Another option for students is a terminal degree, in which students are prepared to directly (and immediately) enter the workforce, instead of allowing them the choice to pursue a Ph.D.

Divine Mercy University

psychology programs can be completed in as little as 16 months.

Mercy College

4+1 years (bachelor’s + master’s degree psychology programs offered).

California University of Pennsylvania

1-year sporty psychology master’s offered.

Accreditations for an Online Master’s
in Psychology Degree

How to Pay for an Online Masters
in Psychology Course?

Scholarships Programs For Online Master’s
In Psychology

Students who have a good academic track record can explore the many graduate scholarships they would be eligible for. Scholarships may be provided by universities or by external organizations and associations. Here are a few examples:

Scholarship Description Amount/AwardDeadline
APF Graduate Student ScholarshipsThe American Psychological Foundation (APF) gives scholarships, dissertation funding, research support, travel grants, and fellowships to launch careers for graduate students dedicated to psychology.$2,000 to $5,000TBA
APF Queen-Nellie Evans ScholarshipThe Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship, administered by the American Psychological Foundation (APF) will honor outstanding graduate students from underrepresented groups who have demonstrated financial need and are committed to addressing disparities in societal structures and issues that disproportionately affect people of color, particularly people of African descent.$4,000 annuallyJanuary 31, 2023
AAC’s Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship ProgramAAC’s Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program, administered by the American Addiction Centers (AAC), assists students who were enrolled in college programs in behavioral health and provides financial assistance that enables undergraduate and graduate students to pursue careers in the areas of behavioral health and addiction-related studies.3 scholarships of $2,500, $2,500 & $5,000TBA
Psi Chi Graduate ScholarshipsThe Psi Chi Graduate Scholarships, by Psi Chi (International Honor Society in Psychology), help defray direct educational costs such as tuition, institutional fees, required textbooks, etc., of exceptional Psi Chi students attending graduate school.8 scholarships of $3,000 eachJuly 04, 2023 | July 23, 2023

No GRE Required for Online Master’s
in Psychology Program

Entry to most master’s programs requires a GRE score. However, it is increasingly common for some universities to either do away with the GRE score as an admissions requirement or waive its requirement if the applicant has a high GPA. Here are some online masters in psychology no GRE:

Northcentral University (NCU)
Northcentral University has no physical residency requirements and weekly start dates and offers a rigorous yet flexible academic experience designed to help passionate students achieve their goals.
Master of Science in Sport Psychology
Master of Science in Educational Psychology
Master of Science in Health Psychology
Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology
Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Master of Arts in Psychology
California Southern University (CalSouthern)
California Southern University is a pioneer in online learning and is one of the few regionally accredited universities to combine 100% online programs with world-renowned faculty, monthly class-starts, and a personal touch highlighted by one-on-one guidance.​
Master of Arts in Psychology
Master of Science in Psychology
University of Hartford (UHart)
UHart is a diverse institution with a global reach and focuses on helping students partner their passion with their dream profession. The university is committed to learning and research that impacts the world in meaningful ways.

Master of Science in Organizational Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School offers more than 30 academic programs rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community across a wide range of professional fields by integrating physical and mental well-being and combining theory with hands-on experience.
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Clinical Psychology
Master of Arts Psychology
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Master of Arts in Industrial & Organizational Psychology

Faqs About Online Master’s
In Psychology

How to get a Masters in Psychology?

What are the best universities providing a Masters in Psychology?

What can you do with a Masters in Psychology?

What is the average fee charged by the colleges?

Can I become a psychologist with a master’s?

Can I get my psychology degree online?

Is an online psychology degree as good as a regular psychology degree?

Career Opportunities And Salaries After Online
Master’s In Psychology

Jobs for those with a master’s degree in psychology are as varied as the field of psychology itself. Lawyers, doctors, engineers, teachers, legislators, and business executives are among those with a master’s degree in psychology who work both individually and with other experts and professionals. Psychologists can work for both the government and the business sector. Some psychology experts specialize in research, while others specialize in practice. An online master’s degree in psychology can also help graduates prepare for higher education and put them on the path to a doctorate. Typical job titles include but are not limited to:

In most instances, students are allowed to customize their psychology online master’s program by selecting from a variety of courses that include but are not limited to:


Some of the careers and settings in which psychologist master’s graduates can work are:

Students should note that many careers in psychology may require additional education, experience, certification, training, or licensure beyond a master’s degree in psychology.

Psychologists make good money; the type of job and years of experience impact the salary. In general, they earn an annual median salary of $82,180 and have an employment outlook of 8% between 2020 and 2030 (as fast as average), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The list below highlights some of the careers that master’s degree psychology graduates can pursue, along with their yearly median salaries and growth potential as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

OccupationJob DescriptionMedian Annual SalaryJob Growth (up to 2030) 23%
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health CounselorSubstance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide treatment and advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, or other mental or behavioral problems.$47,66023% (much faster than average)
Training & Development SpecialistTraining and development specialists plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of their employees.$62,70011% (faster than average)
Social & Community Service ManagerSocial and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.$69,60015% (faster than average)
School and Career Counselors and AdvisorsSchool counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.$58,12011% (faster than average)
Marriage and Family TherapistsMarriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome problems with family and other relationships.$51,34016% (much faster than average)

Certifications and Licensing Online
Masters in Psychology

Additional Resources for Online Masters
in Psychology Program

Author Bio:

Derick de Souza

Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.