Top Online Master’s Degrees in Psychology of 2023
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- A Master's in psychology can qualify you for clinical roles with better pay.
- The demand for mental health workers is high and climbing.
- A graduate degree in psychology can prepare you to work with the demographics you are most passionate about.
- An online master's in psychology can also equip you with widely marketable skills.
Today, demand for mental health practitioners far exceeds supply. According to the 2022 State of Mental Health in America report, well over half of people with mental health conditions do not receive treatment.
That's nearly 30 million adults. And on top of that, over 60% of kids with major depression are navigating it alone.
Which is probably why you're here — you want to help.
If you think an online master's in psychology might be the best way to address widespread mental health conditions, here's what to do next:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online master's in psychology programs and our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for your schedule, pocketbook, and career goals.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Psychology Degree?
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Purpose: This degree may be a fit for you if you want to use your skills and interests to help others. A master's in psychology qualifies you for various clinical roles unavailable to professionals with only an undergraduate degree.
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Place of Work: Graduates can use their degrees in both the public and private sectors. You can work in corporations, schools, healthcare agencies, government agencies, nonprofits, law enforcement agencies, religious organizations, and political organizations.
Featured Master's in Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Should I Get a Master's in Psychology Degree?
Students with a bachelor's degree in psychology know that more education equals more job opportunities within the field. If you want to make a bigger impact and earn more money, pursuing a master's degree in psychology is a smart next move.
Even outside the mental health field, the extensive knowledge of human motivations and behaviors you develop during your master's in psychology program can make you an attractive candidate for many jobs.
Benefits of a Master's in Psychology
- Specialize in your field of interest
- Experience greater job satisfaction
- Open the door to counseling careers
- Access better employment opportunities
- Earn a higher salary
- Qualify for a doctorate
Reasons to Get Your Psychology Degree Online
- More flexibility
- Complete your coursework remotely
- Ability to learn from anywhere
- Great for career-changers
What Are the Different Types of Psychology Concentrations?
Many master's programs in psychology offer niche specializations, which can give you the skills you need to work in a particular field of psychology, including clinical psychology, forensic psychology, and educational psychology.
For example, if you want to provide direct mental health services, you might consider pursuing a clinical psychology specialization. If you're interested in corporate or organizational behavior, you may consider enrolling in organizational psychology programs.
Common Types of Psychology Specializations
- Clinical Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Behavioral Health Psychology
- Marriage and Family Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- School Psychology
- Clinical Child Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
How Much Does a Master's in Psychology Degree Cost?
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Master's Degree
Public Institution
$11,957
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$19,167
Source: BestColleges
Total Average Cost of a Master's Degree (Two Years)
Public Institution
$54,718
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$72,572
Source: BestColleges
How Much Does Online College Cost?
What Are the Best Online Master's in Psychology Programs of 2023?
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Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $565
Out of State | $565
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you're looking for an online master's in psychology that's more focused on problem-solving, you might consider Liberty University. Liberty's online master of applied psychology program offers concentrations in general psychology, developmental psychology, and public mental health. You can also choose an industrial and organizational psychology focus.
To apply, you must submit official transcripts and pay an application fee. If you're coming from another master's program, you can transfer up to 50% of those credit hours.
Brescia University
Owensboro, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $625
Out of State | $625
Credits to Graduate
45
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
A master of science (MS) in clinical psychology from Brescia University can prepare you for a career in mental health or addictive disorders. The program offers a thesis option, which will benefit you if you pursue a doctorate.
To apply to Brescia's online master's in psychology program, you need to submit an application, official transcripts, and a personal statement. You must also show at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a minimum of 12 credits in psychology.
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $500
Out of State | $500
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers an MS in psychology with a forensic concentration option. ULM's online MS in psychology program includes courses in research methods, neuropsychology, and statistics. If you don't specialize in forensic science, you'll need to take personality and social psychology coursework.
The application requires official transcripts, an online application, and a minimum 2.5 GPA. You also need to provide a GRE score.
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $650
Out of State | $650
Credits to Graduate
37
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Consider an MS in psychology at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. Lynn's online MS in psychology program might be ideal if you want a career in research or scientific writing. You can choose between the general track and the industrial/organizational psychology concentration.
To apply, submit an application, official transcripts, and personal statement. You also need to provide a recommendation letter from a professor or previous employer, along with a resume. The school does not need GRE scores.
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $490
Out of State | $490
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | The Higher Learning Commission
Consider this online master of arts (MA) in psychology if you want a faith-based graduate education. Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global's MA in psychology program offers concentrations in industrial and organizational psychology, and life coaching and positive psychology.
Application requirements include an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher and two recommendation letters. You won't need to pay an application fee.
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $554
Out of State | $554
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
The University of Idaho offers an MS in psychology that can prepare you with a foundation in human performance, human-machine interactions, product design, and ergonomics. U of I's research-based psychology program requires comprehensive exams and a thesis.
In your application, you'll need to include official transcripts, three recommendation letters, and a purpose statement. Your application won't require a GRE score, but it will need a resume or CV.
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $865
Out of State | $865
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Nova Southeastern University's master's in general psychology provides a general track or an applied health science concentration if you're not interested in a clinical psychology career.
NSU's MS in psychology program also covers all the prerequisite courses needed to transition into a doctoral program. In addition to scheduling an interview, you must submit official transcripts, two recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $720
Out of State | $720
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
An MS in psychology from Saint Leo University can prepare you for data analysis, market research, or teaching careers. Saint Leo's online MS in psychology program teaches broad psychological knowledge with applied skills.
If you apply to this program with an undergrad GPA lower than 3.0, you'll need to submit GRE scores. Your application should also include official transcripts from an accredited school, two recommendation letters, and an application essay.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $627
Out of State | $627
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education
If you want to work with diverse populations in business, government, or healthcare, you might consider a master's from Southern New Hampshire University. SNHU's MS in psychology allows you to choose from one of three concentrations. Options include child and development psychology, forensic psychology, and industrial organizational psychology.
You don't need GRE scores to apply. However, you must submit official transcripts from your undergrad school and a free online application. If you don't have an undergrad degree in psychology, you might need to take foundation courses once you're accepted.
National University
La Jolla, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $442
Out of State | $442
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | The Western Association of Schools and Colleges
If you need a flexible program where you can tailor your degree, consider applying to National University. In National University's MA in psychology program, you can choose a gender and sexual fluidity specialization or a general psychology concentration.
The program accepts applications year-round, and new courses start weekly. To begin the application process, you must complete an online form.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master's Degree in Psychology?
A full-time student can complete an online master's degree in psychology in two years. Part-time students who are also juggling jobs or families may take 3-4 years. Most master's programs in psychology also require internships.
Required Course Credits
30-60*
*Depending on your program and specialization
Field Study Requirements*
Yes
*Depending on your program and specialization
How Much Money Can I Make With a Master's in Psychology Degree?
A master's in psychology qualifies you to work in many positions that offer above-average pay. The median salary for those with a master's in psychology was approximately $60,000 in 2019, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).
In 2021, marriage and family therapists earned a median annual salary of $49,880, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while those employed by state government organizations earned $77,960.
The same year, school counselors earned a median annual salary of $60,510, while those employed by elementary and secondary schools earned $63,460. Meanwhile, the median annual wage for industrial-organizational psychologists was $105,310.
"With clinical work, the salary will vary based on the setting. Community agencies typically pay the least, as these tend to be nonprofit. Larger practices or hospital settings will typically have more attractive compensation packages."
— Danielle Tucci, B.S. in Psychology, M.S. in Counseling, CAADC, LPC
Salary varies by industry, occupation, and location. Some of the top-paying states for psychologists include Oregon, California, Maryland, and New York.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Master's in Psychology Degree?
You can do a lot with a master's degree in psychology. You can work in clinical roles like school counselor, marriage and family therapist, and mental health counselor. You can also become an addiction counselor.
Depending on your interests, you can apply your psychology background to leadership roles like human resources manager, organizational psychologist, or social service manager. You can also contribute to scholarly research as a research assistant.
Many psychology careers require professionals to hold at least a master's degree. Some popular psychology career paths include:
Common Career Paths
- Clinical Psychologist
- Mental Health Counselor
- Forensic Psychologist
- Social Service Manager
- Organizational Psychologist
- Addiction and Abuse Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- School or Career Counselor
"You can pursue work in hospital systems, drug and alcohol settings (rehabs, detox, group work), mental health clinics, university counseling centers, physician offices that offer integrative care services, private practice, research, or even at insurance companies."
— Danielle Tucci, B.S. in Psychology, M.S. in Counseling, CAADC, LPC
Is a Master's in Psychology Degree Worth it?
It's safe to say that a master's degree in psychology pays off for most grads. The APA has found that earning a graduate degree in psychology is likely to increase rates of job satisfaction and chances of finding employment in the field.
That may be why, according to APA data, 73% of people with master's degrees go directly into a career without pursuing a doctorate.
"Having a master's degree opens up the number of positions you qualify for, especially positions involving more direct contact with clients," said Tucci, who spent most of her career as a psychotherapist.
That's not to say getting a master's in psychology is worth it for everyone – it takes a special kind of person to thrive in this field.
"As a clinical supervisor, I have found people who have difficulty with boundaries and burnout struggle in this field, because of the emotional impact client work can have. Also, Individuals who prefer a more structured and predictable work [environment] may find this field challenging," said Tucci.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Master's in Psychology Degrees
What's the difference between a master of arts (MA) and a master of science (MS) in psychology?
When looking at programs, you should take note of whether an MA or MS degree better suits your career goals.
An MA is a great fit if you're interested in providing direct services to clients such as counseling services. An MS, on the other hand, helps prepare you for a future in education and research.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in psychology?
Want to rake in the big bucks? Here are three high-paying careers you can pursue with your master's in psychology:
- Industrial-organizational psychologists working for local governments earned an annual mean wage of $160,180 in 2021, according to the BLS.
- Engineering psychologists in business settings earn over six figures a year, according to the APA.
- Clinical Psychologists have a median annual base salary of $84,000 (not including bonuses or profit sharing), according to Payscale – with the top 10% of clinical psychologists earning base salaries of over $120k a year.
Can I be a licensed psychologist with a master's degree?
Typically, no: A master's degree does not qualify you for full licensure as a psychologist. In some states, a master's degree may be sufficient to work as an industrial or organizational psychologist, though many come to that position through their doctoral research.
To become a licensed psychologist, you almost always need:
- A doctoral degree from an accredited or regionally recognized institution
- Passing scores on state and national examinations
- A post-doctoral supervised practice requirement
But there are some exceptions in Kansas, Michigan, Vermont, and West Virginia. It's a good idea to check out the practice and licensure requirements in your state to find out what your options are wherever you hope to live and work.
Can I be a school psychologist with a master's degree?
Most states require school psychologists to hold a doctorate. However, there are some exceptions. In the following states, a master's degree is the minimum education required to work as a school psychologist:
- Ohio
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Within the wider mental health field, you can also qualify to become a licensed counselor or social worker with a master's degree in psychology (though you may need additional supplemental education first).
