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You don't need to quit your day job to earn an online master's in psychology degree. Going to college while balancing family and work life is never easy. However, online learning makes it possible with flexible courses and asynchronous assignments. With a master's in psychology, you can advance careers in clinical counseling or academia — and make more money.
Our guide will walk you through the career options you'll have with an online master's in psychology degree and examine what advanced education costs.
Why Earn Your Master's in Psychology Online?
- You can qualify for many in-demand psychology jobs in counseling, social work, and human services.
- An advanced degree can make you eligible for leadership roles and higher pay.
- Online master's in psychology programs are flexible, making it easy to balance school, work, and family commitments.
- You can apply for a doctorate, which can lead to research, clinical, and lecturer positions.
- Master's degree-holders can generally make more money than bachelor's degree-holders.
- You can gain specialized knowledge in psychology by completing concentrations such as child and development psychology or forensic psychology.
Did You Know?
Roughly 48% of people who work in psychology have an advanced degree, compared to 37% of people in all other fields. Postsecondary teachers, guidance and career counselors, lawyers, and human resources specialists make up the top-employing jobs for psychology degree-holders. Psychology-related professions such as substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are in high demand. Community and social service occupations are projected to grow 10% from 2021-2031. Some cognitive scientists argue that when your mind wanders, it's exercising a positive cognitive process.
Explore Our Featured Psychology Programs
Does Accreditation Matter for Master's in Psychology Programs?
Accreditation always matters —whether you choose an undergraduate or master's degree. Independent accrediting agencies that provide programmatic and school accreditation must adhere to standards set by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Accredited online master's in psychology programs meet standards of excellence, ensuring that their quality is worth your investment. Accreditation also assures employers that candidates have a graduate-level knowledge of psychology. At the doctorate level, you need to complete an accredited program to qualify for licensure in most states.
To receive college accreditation, schools or programs voluntarily apply for a peer review. Accrediting agencies assess the program and review the curricula, student outcomes, facilities, and instructors. Common accrediting agencies that review psychology programs include:
- American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation
- Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Top 10 Online Master's in Psychology Programs
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#1 The 10 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2023
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $565
Out of State | $565
Credits to Graduate: 36
Liberty's master's in applied psychology is a nationally recognized, fully online program that offers a flexible format and a tuition rate that's been frozen for the last seven years. Courses follow an eight-week format. Students have access to valuable resources, including an online research library.
With an emphasis on Christian principles, this master's in psychology program offers four specializations, including general psychology and industrial-organizational psychology. Courses center on application-based projects and prepare graduates for a research-heavy field.
Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
#2 The 10 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2023
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $1,700
Out of State | $1,700
Credits to Graduate: 36-48
At Pepperdine, you can earn a master's in psychology degree in as little as 18 months, with some program paths taking up to two years. The college offers flexible enrollment, with cohorts starting four times a year in the fall, winter, spring, and summer.
Students must complete five foundational courses and nine core courses. What's more, the program lets you take multiple electives so you can cater your course of study to your biggest interests. All classes have a clinical framework structure and balance theoretical and practical psychology.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree. GRE scores are not required.
#3 The 10 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2023
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $627
Out of State | $627
Credits to Graduate: 36
SNHU's online master's in psychology program combines research, psychological theories, and ethical practices. You can choose one of three concentrations: child and development psychology, forensic psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology.
This psychology graduate program focuses on experiential learning and includes a capstone project and seminar in your area of interest.
SNHU does not have an application fee. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and submit official undergraduate transcripts.
#4 The 10 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2023
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $300
Out of State | $333
Credits to Graduate: 58
McNeese's online master's in psychology revolves around applied behavior analysis. Students take an Association for Behavior Analysis International-verified course sequence that includes 18 core credits and 40 concentration credits. Academic advisors assist you in developing a specialization area.
The program combines theoretical courses, research opportunities, and supervised hands-on practicums. McNeese emphasizes critical thinking skills and ethical behavior analytic research. Students conclude their program of study by either writing a thesis or completing an internship.
To apply, you must have completed a bachelor's degree with at least a 2.5 GPA.
#5 The 10 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2023
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $695
Out of State | $695
Credits to Graduate: 39
Regent provides a Christian-based, nationally recognized psychology program. Students enrolled in the university's master's in psychology degree can choose one of six concentrations, including addictions, cyberpsychology, and leadership coaching. Regent boasts small class sizes, with online classes averaging 18 students.
Courses follow eight-week sessions and are typically asynchronous. You must complete 27 core credits in order to graduate, which includes coursework in statistics, theoretical psychology, and research methods. Online students have access to a student success team throughout the program.
Regent does not require the GRE for admission. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree.
#6 The 10 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2023
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $500
Out of State | $500
Credits to Graduate: 36
In the University of Louisiana at Monroe's online master's in psychology program, you can concentrate on either general psychology or forensic psychology. The program comprises 12 required credits in statistics and research and 24 elective credits.
Courses are offered in four-, eight-, and 16-week sessions, with two traditional semester sessions, two summer sessions, and intensive session options. Online students have access to the same curriculum and resources as on-campus students, including a free app to keep assignments organized and color-coded.
Applicants must submit transcripts for a completed bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. Students need to have taken nine credits in psychology and three in statistics.
#7 The 10 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2023
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ - 4 years
- Online
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $543
Out of State | $543
Credits to Graduate: 36
ASU's online master's in psychology degree emphasizes contemporary topics and challenges in psychology. Courses, including a capstone course in general psychology, use a 7.5-week format. You can tailor coursework to your interests and professional goals.
Online students can access services such as academic counseling, tutors, career advisors, and time management coaches. Professors host virtual office hours as well. Along with the learning management platform, students collaborate through virtual meetings and Slack channels.
Prospective students need a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from the last 60 hours of a bachelor's program. You must submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement along with your application.
#8 The 10 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2023
Divine Mercy University
Sterling, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $826
Out of State | $826
Credits to Graduate: 33
Divine Mercy promotes a Catholic education with an emphasis on leadership, ministry, and human services. The university's online master's in psychology program can be completed in as little as 16 months. Courses last eight weeks and are asynchronous, though there's one virtual residency course that is synchronous.
Enrolled students can choose among five concentrations, including leadership, human services counseling, and marriage and family studies. The program even allows for a self-created concentration so you can customize electives into a specialization that best aligns with your interests.
Admission requirements include at least a 2.5 GPA from a completed bachelor's program, a letter of intent, a resume, and two letters of recommendation.
#9 The 10 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2023
Los Angeles Pacific University
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $630
Out of State | $630
Credits to Graduate: 36
LAPU is a fully online college that promotes a Christian education. The school's master's in psychology program focuses on research, theory, and practical application. Students get a personal success coach for the entire program.
LAPU offers courses in three semesters per academic year, which can help you graduate faster. The program uses a faculty "practitioner" model, meaning that courses are taught by instructors with both content expertise and real-world, professional experience in their subject areas.
All prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree.
#10 The 10 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2023
Northcentral University
La Jolla, CA - 4 years
- Online
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $856
Out of State | $856
Credits to Graduate: 30
Led by doctoral faculty, Northcentral's master's in psychology program allows each student to study independently with no group assignments. The program offers two specializations: gender and sexual fluidity and general psychology.
Although classes follow a 1:1 format, students can build connections through Northcentral's online community, the Commons. Other student resources include an online library, time management training, and an academic success center.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree. All applications are subject to an academic evaluation.
How Much Does a Master's Degree in Psychology Cost?
On average, graduate students in the 2020-21 school year paid $12,390 at public colleges and $28,450 at private nonprofit institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This price fluctuates depending on different variables, such as:
- How long it takes to graduate (most master's in psychology programs take 1-3 years)
- Whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
- Your qualification for federal financial aid, such as loans and grants
- Additional charges for distance learners, such as technology fees
- Purchasing equipment if needed, such as a laptop with updated software
Scholarships can help offset college expenses and don't need to be repaid. You can learn of scholarship opportunities by visiting your school's financial aid office.
Common Courses in Master's in Psychology Programs
Adult Psychopathology Behavioral Neuroscience Cognitive Psychology Human Growth and Development Human Sexuality Intervention Strategies Social Psychology Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy Trauma in Diverse Populations
What Can You Do With a Master's in Psychology?
If you wish to become a licensed psychologist, you'll need a doctorate degree. An online master's in psychology program, however, can prepare you for many other in-demand careers in counseling, psychology, and human services.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mental health counselors rank as one of the fastest-growing careers, with an expected 22% growth rate from 2021-2031.
Human resources managers make one of the highest salaries, with a median annual wage of $126,230, while rehabilitation counselors have lower-end wages, with a median annual salary of $38,560.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 | 7% |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $105,310 | 4% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 | 12% |
| School and Career Counselors | $60,510 | 10% |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $49,880 | 14% |
| Mental Health Counselors | $48,520 | 22% |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $38,560 | 11% |
Is an Online Master's in Psychology Worth It?
Will an online master's in psychology be a worthwhile pursuit? Only you can answer that question. What degree or program you choose depends on your work and life schedule, your timeline, your career goals, and your budget.
You need a flexible program that fits around your work or family life. You want a budget-friendly degree. You work well independently in a deadline-driven environment. You prefer studying from home.
An Online Psych Master's May Be Worth It If …
You need one-on-one interaction to thrive in school. You can't work independently. You can't concentrate at home. You have difficulty prioritizing work and meeting deadlines on your own.
An Online Psychology Master's May Not Be Worth It If …
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Psychology
You typically need a doctorate in psychology, supervised experience, and licensure to become a psychologist in the U.S.
That said, some psychologist roles, like industrial-organizational psychologists and school psychologists, may be open to those with only a master's degree.
Graduates of online master's in psychology programs qualify for a variety of careers, many of which pay well. For example, human resources managers make a median annual salary of $126,230.
That said, not every post-graduate career fetches a high salary. For instance, rehabilitation counselors earn a median annual salary of $38,560.
Psychiatrists earn the best pay in psychology. According to the BLS, psychiatrists make an average annual salary of $249,760. This career, however, requires going to medical school.
Another top-paying gig in psychology is neuropsychology. Neuropsychologists, who typically need a doctorate, make a median annual salary of $97,000, according to Payscale.
Whether you choose a master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS) in psychology depends on your career goals and interests. Most MA degrees have an arts and humanities focus, while MS degrees emphasize scientific methods. Students looking to pursue a Ph.D. might prefer an MS degree, especially if they want a career focused on research or teaching.
Either an MA or MS degree would provide a good foundation for a Psy.D. degree, which focuses on the clinical application of scientific research.
Yes, a psychology master's degree challenges students. Studying human behavior, contemporary theories in psychology, and group and individual counseling techniques can be fascinating. At the same time, teaching practicums, directed research, and clinical rotations can be emotionally and physically strenuous as well as rewarding.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.