Looking for the best Master's Degree in Psychology in Pennsylvania? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the psychology field.
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After you complete the best degree in Pennsylvania for psychology, you will have several career options available to you. A master's degree can open doors for employment in a variety of fields. With a master's degree, graduates gain the skills needed to move forward in their career.
Psychology Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in Pennsylvania in the Psychology Profession
If you love the human mind and want to learn more about how it works, then a degree in psychology could be a great option for you. Psychology is an interesting field of study because it delves into so many different topics and specializations. While psychology degree programs vary, common coursework topics include basic psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, and childhood development.
The average annual wage in Pennsylvania is $44,900, or $21.59 per hour. This number applies to a total of 5,583,410 employees in Pennsylvania. The BLS reports that the lowest 10% of earners earn approximately $23,120, while the highest 10% of earners receive approximately $99,330. The following illustrates the earnings for psychologists in Pennsylvania.
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Psychologists in Pennsylvania
Psychologists Nationally
All Occupations in Pennsylvania
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Psychologists in Pennsylvania and Nationwide
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Based on the cost of living index, Pennsylvania is ranked number 27 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) on the list of states with the lowest cost of living. The cost of living index measures how much it costs for people to live in specific states. The U.S. average is based on 100, with all locations in the U.S. either exceeding (more expensive) or falling below (less expensive) that average. According to a 100-point scale, Pennsylvania's cost of living index is 97.9, which is 2.1% lower than the national average. Determine whether Pennsylvania is the right place for you by reviewing our cost of living comparison.
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Psychologists can expect a 2% growth rate in their profession over the coming decade. BLS projects an increase in total employment of 55,200 in 2020 to 56,300 in 2030. For these positions, a master's degree is required. There are a number of typical job titles, including:
Psychologists
Developmental Psychologist
Experimental Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Psychometrist
Psychotherapist
Rehabilitation Psychologist
Social Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
Master's Degrees in Psychology in Pennsylvania
#1 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, enrolls master's students in its online psychology program. The master of applied positive psychology program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to psychology. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. Applicants without a psychology background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. Those who attend classes on campus can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library and gym. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 8%
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Program Name: Master of applied positive psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $36,254
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $36,254
Average Tuition
In-state
$53,166
Out-of-state
$53,166
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
9%
Students Enrolled
26,552
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in Pennsylvania
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Villanova University enrolls master's students in its online psychology program. The master of science in psychology program uses a rigorous curriculum to prepare graduates for advanced roles in the field. A master's degree can also lead candidates to new career paths.
The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners choose electives or a specialization to stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a background in psychology may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
Villanova University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 28%
Total Online Master's Programs: 17
Program Name: Master of science in psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $20,506
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $20,506
Average Tuition
In-state
$56,730
Out-of-state
$56,730
Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
31%
Students Enrolled
11,032
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in Pennsylvania
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
4 years
Campus
The online master's in psychology program, offered by Lehigh University from its Bethlehem campus, ranks as a top program. The master's 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 explores advanced methodologies and research in psychology. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. Applicants with prior experience in psychology or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on 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.
Lehigh University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 32%
Total Online Master's Programs: 13
Program Name: Master's in psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $27,000
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,000
Average Tuition
In-state
$54,790
Out-of-state
$54,790
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
7,067
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in Pennsylvania
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA
4 years
Campus
Based in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Bucknell University hosts a top-rated online master's in psychology. The master of science in general experimental psychology program builds specialized skills for leadership roles in the psychology field and related industries. After completing a master's degree, candidates pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in psychology. Learners individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. Applicants with prior experience in psychology or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
Bucknell University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 34%
Program Name: Master of science in general experimental psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $25,412
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,412
Average Tuition
In-state
$57,882
Out-of-state
$57,882
Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
38%
Students Enrolled
3,726
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh offers an online master's in psychology. The master of science in applied developmental psychology program strengthens specialized skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles with a higher earning potential. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new career paths.
The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in psychology or a related field.
Online enrollees can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
University of Pittsburgh at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 57%
Total Online Master's Programs: 6
Program Name: Master of science in applied developmental psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $23,530
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $39,898
Average Tuition
In-state
$18,628
Out-of-state
$32,656
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
32,277
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
23%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financing a Master's Degree in Psychology
Typically, financial aid is required to help pay for college. There are many options to explore for financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study opportunities. Some learners also pay for school with federal and private loans. It is a good idea to do your research to find out the financial aid options offered by the colleges you are interested in.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
To receive federal aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed.
Students should contact the school's financial aid department to learn about scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan opportunities.
Average Cost of Attending College in Pennsylvania
There is a wide variation in the cost of attending college in Pennsylvania, but a number of similarities exist among both public and private institutions. In order to determine whether attending a public institution is right for you, please review the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
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Pennsylvania
National Average
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How about attending a private university? The cost of education at private colleges is typically higher. Below you will find information regarding attending private colleges in Pennsylvania.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
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Pennsylvania
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
In order to pay for your education, have you considered applying for student loans? There are a few things you should keep in mind before taking out a loan.
You need to make sure that you will be able to make all payments on time to repay the loan in a timely manner.
If you are planning to advance your career goals, you should think about whether earning a degree from a particular school will help you.
Make sure you understand the repayment schedule to avoid any undue hardship on your financial situation.
Take a look at the data below to learn about the types of loans that students typically use.
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 main differences between an online degree and an on-campus degree are the cost and class sizes. Online degree programs have numerous advantages, including their flexibility, affordability, and convenience. On-campus degrees are typically more expensive, though student fees are usually optional for distance learners. In spite of this, there are some benefits to attending in-person classes on a regular basis.
Public colleges and private colleges differ in several ways, including the difference in cost between the two types of schools. There are government-funded grants and scholarships that provide students with financial aid to help with education through public institutions. A private college often offers merit scholarships based on the student's previous academic performance.
Private universities often feature smaller class sizes. This is beneficial for students who want more one-on-one time with professors. Consider the pros and cons of attending a private institution versus a public one.
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
In Pennsylvania, what is the salary for psychologists?
In-state psychologists make a mean annual salary of $100,290.
Are psychology degrees in high demand?
The total number of psychologists is expected to change by 2% from 2020 to 2030.
Can I get an online master's degree in psychology?
You can get an online master's degree in psychology. In today's educational environment, most schools offer some form of online education.
How long does it take for you to complete a master's degree?
Most full-time students complete their master's degree within two years. There is a difference between the completion time of part-time and full-time students.
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