Looking for the best Master's Degree in Psychology in North Carolina? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the psychology field.
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Looking for a good career? Start with the best degrees in North Carolina for psychology. You can prepare for the workforce and pursue diverse career paths with a master's degree. After earning a master's degree, graduates can take on advanced roles in their field.
Moreover, a person with a master's degree earns about $1,574 per week, or about $6,296 a month and $81,848 annually. With an unemployment rate of 2.6%, master's degree-holders are more likely to be employed than those with only a high school diploma.
Psychology Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in North Carolina in the Psychology Profession
Studying psychology can improve your communication, problem solving, and reasoning skills. Psychology degree-holders are sought after by employers for many jobs that require critical thinking. A degree in psychology offers a broad education in terms of critical thinking, research, and data analysis skills that can be put to use in many different career paths. Many people also go into psychology-specific careers, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology.
The median annual salary in North Carolina is $38,370, or $18.45 an hour. This holds true for the 4,422,020 employees in the state. BLS data shows that the lowest 10% of earners make $22,360 per year, while the highest 10% make $99,300 a year. The following displays the earnings for psychologists in North Carolina.
Key
Psychologists in North Carolina
Psychologists Nationally
All Occupations in North Carolina
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Psychologists in North Carolina and Nationwide
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As stated by MERIC, North Carolina is ranked number 23 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) for cost of living. In this index, the average cost of living in the United States is compared to specific places within the country. The U.S. average is measured as 100, and all locations in the U.S. are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) that average. On a 100-point scale, North Carolina has a cost of living index of 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. The following is a comparison of the cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and other items in North Carolina in comparison to the national average.
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Psychologists can look forward to a 2% growth in their field over the next 10 years. BLS projects that the total employment for the occupation will change from 55,200 in 2020 to 56,300 in 2030. The typical entry-level education required for these positions is a master's degree. These are some of the common job titles that can be found in the industry:
Psychologists
Developmental Psychologist
Experimental Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Psychometrist
Psychotherapist
Rehabilitation Psychologist
Social Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
Master's Degrees in Psychology in North Carolina
#1 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in North Carolina
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
4 years
Campus
The online master's in psychology program, offered by Wake Forest University from its Winston-Salem campus, ranks as a top program. The MA in psychology program draws on a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. After completing a master's degree, candidates pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The master's curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in psychology. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. Applicants without a background in psychology may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, like the library and gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
Wake Forest University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 30%
Total Online Master's Programs: 4
Program Name: MA in psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $38,650
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $38,650
Average Tuition
In-state
$56,722
Out-of-state
$56,722
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
8,789
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in North Carolina
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
Based in Raleigh, North Carolina State University hosts a top-rated online master's in psychology. The MS in psychology with a school psychology concentration emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. With a master's degree, candidates also pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the field. Learners individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. Applicants without a psychology background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees work with the program to identify internship opportunities at approved sites in their local communities. The common facilities and services offered at most universities, such as the library and gym, are accessible to students who live on campus. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
North Carolina State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 45%
Total Online Master's Programs: 38
Program Name: Psychology MS: school psychology concentration
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,095
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,421
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,535
Out-of-state
$26,654
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
46%
Students Enrolled
36,042
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in North Carolina
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers an online master's in psychology. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the MA in psychology program. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. Applicants without a degree in psychology or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. On-campus students have access to the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
University of North Carolina Wilmington at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 65%
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Program Name: MA in psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $4,719
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,548
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,443
Out-of-state
$18,508
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
17,915
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in North Carolina
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
East Carolina University, located in Greenville, offers a flexible online master's in psychology. The MA in psychology program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. After completing a master's degree, candidates advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in psychology. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in psychology before applying to the program.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, like the library and gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. Graduate students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.
East Carolina University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 79%
Total Online Master's Programs: 41
Program Name: Psychology MA
Graduate Tuition In State: $4,749
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,898
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,452
Out-of-state
$20,729
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
28,798
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in North Carolina
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
The online master's in psychology program, offered by Appalachian State University from its Boone campus, ranks as a top program. The master of arts in psychology program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.
The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to psychology. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in psychology.
Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, like the library or gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
Appalachian State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 77%
Total Online Master's Programs: 10
Program Name: Master of arts in psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $4,839
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $18,271
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,242
Out-of-state
$19,049
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
20,023
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Master's Degree in Psychology
Financial aid is available to assist with the cost of a degree. Scholarships, fellowships, and work-study programs help learners lower the cost of their college education. Some degree-seekers qualify for federal and private student loans to pay for college, and there are a number of colleges that offer scholarships and financial aid.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA allows degree-seekers to use federal student aid.
For scholarship, grant, and work-study opportunities, students should contact the college's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in North Carolina
College tuition in North Carolina varies based on which institution you attend. A number of similarities exist among institutions in both the public and private sectors. The information below will assist you in determining if attending a public institution is right for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: North Carolina vs. National Average
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North Carolina
National Average
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What about attending a private college or university? Private schools are generally more expensive. Information regarding private college attendance in North Carolina can be found in the graph below.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: North Carolina vs. National Average
Key
North Carolina
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
In order to pay for your education, have you considered borrowing student loans? Prior to taking out a loan, you should consider a number of factors.
In order to successfully repay the loan on time, you must ensure that you will be able to make all payments in a timely manner.
You need to consider whether or not a degree from a particular school will help you in your career goals.
Make sure you understand the repayment schedule to avoid disrupting your finances after you start working.
The following data will assist you in determining what students tend to borrow on a regular basis.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
The cost and class sizes are the main differences between an online degree and a degree completed on campus. Online degree programs offer numerous advantages, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. On-campus degrees are typically more expensive due to student fees, which are typically optional for distance students. However, there are many benefits to attending in-person classes in spite of the drawbacks.
There are a number of differences that exist between public and private colleges. First, the cost of your education will likely vary depending on whether you choose a public or private school. Students at public schools often use grants and scholarships to lower the cost of their education. Private institutions often charge tuition to their students, but merit scholarships are often available for students who demonstrate superior academic performance.
The smaller class sizes of private universities are an advantage to students who seek more personal interaction with faculty. There are several pros and cons to attending a private institution over a public institution.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for psychologists in North Carolina?
Psychologists make a mean annual salary of $87,210 in North Carolina.
Are the careers associated with psychology majors in high demand?
The total number of psychologists is expected to change by 2% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you earn a master's in psychology online?
It is possible to obtain a master's degree in psychology online. Almost all schools in today's environment provide some form of online education.
How long does it take to complete a master's degree?
It typically takes two years for a full-time student to complete a master's degree program. The completion time will differ between part-time and full-time students.
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