Looking for the best Master's Degree in Psychology in Virginia? You should consider these top-tier graduate programs and jobs in the psychology field.
Credit: krblokhin | iStock | Getty Images Plus
TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
The best degrees in Virginia for psychology can lead to improved career prospects. Master's degrees may also lead to diverse career paths. Graduates with a master's degree possess the skills required to move forward in their careers.
Master's degree-holders typically earn $1,574 per week, or around $6,296 a month, or $81,848 annually. Master's graduates are more likely to be employed than those with a high school degree.
Psychology Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in Virginia in the Psychology Profession
A psychology program helps you learn more about yourself and the world. This includes learning how to think critically and improve your communication skills. There are many different fields of study within psychology, from clinical psychology to forensic psychology. You will learn about the social sciences and biology while completing a degree in psychology. You could also specialize in a particular area such as research or therapy.
The median annual salary in Virginia is $47,200, or $22.69 an hour. This holds true for the state's 3,753,230 workers. According to the BLS, the lowest 10% of earners in the state bring home about $23,190, while the highest 10% earn roughly $125,820. See below for an analysis of salaries for Virginia's psychologists.
Key
Psychologists in Virginia
Psychologists Nationally
All Occupations in Virginia
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Psychologists in Virginia and Nationwide
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying
salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
End of interactive chart.
Among 51 states (including Washington D.C.), Virginia ranks number 32 on the cost of living index, according to MERIC. This index measures the average cost of living in the U.S. in comparison 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, Virginia has a cost of living index of 103.2, which is 3.2% higher than the national average. Learners interested in relocating to Virginia can use the cost of living comparison to find the right fit for them.
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying values.
End of interactive chart.
Jobs for psychologists are projected to grow by 2% over the next decade. The BLS projects that the total employment for the occupation will change from 55,200 in 2020 to 56,300 in 2030. As a general rule, a master's degree is the typical entry-level educational requirement for these positions.
Psychologists
Developmental Psychologist
Experimental Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Psychometrist
Psychotherapist
Rehabilitation Psychologist
Social Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
Master's Degrees in Psychology in Virginia
#1 Master’s Degrees in Psychology in Virginia
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Based in Williamsburg, Virginia, William & Mary hosts a top-rated online master's in psychology. The master's in psychology program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in psychology. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused career paths. The admission requirements include a background in psychology or a related field.
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 grow their professional connections through internships and virtual networking events.
William & Mary at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 38%
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Program Name: Master's in psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,516
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $28,305
Average Tuition
In-state
$17,168
Out-of-state
$40,089
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
42%
Students Enrolled
8,939
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
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 Virginia
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, James Madison University offers an online master's in psychology. The school psychology program draws on a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches to psychology. Learners choose electives or a specialization to stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a psychology background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. The common facilities and services offered at most universities, such as the library and gym, are accessible to students who live on campus. Graduate students expand their professional network through internships and online events.
James Madison University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 77%
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Program Name: School psychology concentration (MA/Ed.S.)
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,848
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,888
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,250
Out-of-state
$23,564
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
21,594
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
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 Virginia
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University hosts a top-rated online master's in psychology. The MA in applied psychology program uses a rigorous curriculum to prepare graduates for advanced roles in the field. After earning a master's degree, candidates also pursue careers in new industries.
The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to psychology. 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 complement the classroom experience with internship opportunities in their local area. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 51%
Total Online Master's Programs: 67
Program Name: MA in applied psychology: industrial-organizational psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $7,980
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $7,980
Average Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
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 Virginia
Divine Mercy University
Sterling, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Graduate students interested in a master's in psychology can earn their degree from Divine Mercy University, located in Sterling. The MS 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 covers methodological and research perspectives. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. Applicants without a psychology background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their local area. Those who attend on campus can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library and gym. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.
Divine Mercy University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Total Online Master's Programs: 2
Program Name: MS in psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $15,890
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $15,890
Average Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
392
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
82%
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 Virginia
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Fairfax, Virginia, George Mason University offers an online master's in psychology. The MA in psychology program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. After completing a master's degree, candidates pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The master's curriculum explores psychology research and methodologies. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. Applicants with prior experience in psychology or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees gain real-world experience through internships offered in their local area. Students who attend on campus can access the library and gym, as well as other amenities and facilities available at most institutions. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.
George Mason University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 87%
Total Online Master's Programs: 14
Program Name: MA in psychology
Graduate Tuition In State: $12,144
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $33,456
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,510
Out-of-state
$32,970
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
38,541
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
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
The financial aid options available to you can assist you in paying for your college education. Scholarships, fellowships, and work-study programs help students lower degree costs. There are some students who qualify for federal and private student loans as well. You should research the colleges you are interested in to find out if they offer scholarships.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA allows degree-seekers to use federal student aid to cover costs.
Students should contact the university's financial aid department to pursue scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.
Average Cost of Attending College in Virginia
The cost of education in Virginia varies based on the college or university you attend. There are some similarities that exist among institutions of all sizes. The following information can assist you in determining whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
Key
Virginia
National Average
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying
salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
End of interactive chart.
How about attending a private college or university? Private schools generally report higher tuition costs. Here is information about attending private colleges in Virginia.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
Key
Virginia
National Average
Chart
Bar chart with 5 bars.
The chart has 1 X axis displaying
salary types.
The chart has 1 Y axis displaying annual salaries in USD.
End of interactive chart.
Federal Student Loan Information
If you are considering borrowing student loans to pay for your education, what are your options? You should keep a few things in mind before committing to a loan.
If you are considering a loan, you must ensure that you can make all the payments on time.
It is important to consider whether earning a degree from a particular school will help you in your career goals.
Ensure that you understand the repayment schedule so that it does not cause undue hardship on your finances.
You can review the data below to determine what students typically borrow.
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 major differences between an online program and an on-campus one include the cost and class size. Online programs offer flexible, affordable, and convenient degrees. The cost of on-campus degrees is typically higher because of student fees. Distance students don't have to pay these fees. The advantages of attending classes, however, are numerous.
Several differences are associated with both public and private colleges. The cost will be different depending on whether you choose a public or private school. If you are attending a public college, research grants and scholarships can help cover the cost of tuition. A private college often offers merit scholarships to those who demonstrate superior academic performance.
Students attending private colleges often benefit from more time with professors. Listed below are some benefits and drawbacks 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
What is the salary for psychologists in Virginia?
In Virginia, psychologists make a mean annual salary of $104,670.
Are occupations for psychology graduates in high demand?
The total number of psychologists is projected to change by 2% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you earn a master's degree in psychology online? How?
There are many opportunities to earn an online master's degree in psychology. Today, most schools offer at least some online courses.
How much time will you spend earning a master's degree?
Students typically complete a master's degree in two years. The completion time varies from student to student, as will the length of the program.
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
