Completing an online master's degree in psychology can help you progress your career and take on roles focused on providing therapeutic services, advancing research, and managing administrative functions.
While a master's in psychology does not qualify you to work as a licensed psychologist, it does lead to several growing roles that offer substantial salaries and the opportunity to help others.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that roles for psychologists will grow by 14% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. More than 26,000 new roles should be created by the end of this time frame.
#1 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA |
#2 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA |
#3 | Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA |
#4 | University of Idaho | Moscow, ID |
#5 | Ball State University | Muncie, IN |
#6 | Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA |
#7 | University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT |
#8 | Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY |
#9 | Southwestern Assemblies of God University | Waxahachie, TX |
#10 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH |
Best Online Master's in Psychology Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Harvard University |
Cambridge, MA Apply Now | ||
2 |
University of Southern California |
Los Angeles, CA Apply Now | ||
3 |
Pepperdine University |
Malibu, CA Apply Now | ||
4 |
University of Idaho |
Moscow, ID Apply Now | ||
5 |
Ball State University |
Muncie, IN Apply Now | ||
6 |
Regent University |
Virginia Beach, VA Apply Now | ||
7 |
University of Hartford |
West Hartford, CT Apply Now | ||
8 |
Eastern Kentucky University |
Richmond, KY Apply Now | ||
9 |
Southwestern Assemblies of God University |
Waxahachie, TX Apply Now | ||
10 |
Southern New Hampshire University |
Manchester, NH Apply Now | ||
11 |
Touro University Worldwide |
Los Alamitos, CA Apply Now | ||
12 |
Albizu University |
Miami, FL Apply Now | ||
13 |
Austin Peay State University |
Clarksville, TN Apply Now | ||
14 |
Saint Leo University |
Saint Leo, FL Apply Now | ||
15 |
Mercy College |
Dobbs Ferry, NY Apply Now | ||
16 |
Lynn University |
Boca Raton, FL Apply Now | ||
17 |
LeTourneau University |
Longview, TX Apply Now | ||
18 |
Arizona State University-Skysong |
Scottsdale, AZ Apply Now | ||
19 |
University of Louisiana at Monroe |
Monroe, LA Apply Now | ||
20 |
McNeese State University |
Lake Charles, LA Apply Now | ||
21 |
Life University |
Marietta, GA Apply Now | ||
22 |
Tiffin University |
Tiffin, OH Apply Now | ||
23 |
Angelo State University |
San Angelo, TX Apply Now | ||
24 |
Indiana Institute of Technology |
Fort Wayne, IN Apply Now | ||
25 |
Franklin University |
Columbus, OH Apply Now | ||
26 |
Medaille College |
Buffalo, NY Apply Now | ||
27 |
National Louis University |
Chicago, IL Apply Now | ||
28 |
National University |
La Jolla, CA Apply Now | ||
29 |
University of West Alabama |
Livingston, AL Apply Now | ||
30 |
Golden Gate University-San Francisco |
San Francisco, CA Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
Online Master's in Psychology Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected the following programs based on their quality, the types of courses offered, the faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation -- including the school's reputation for effectively providing online degrees.
What Is a Master's in Psychology Degree?
While individuals who complete a bachelor's in psychology can work in several types of support roles, they lack the credentials and licensure required to provide therapeutic services. A master's in psychology gives you the qualifications required to take on clinical and non-clinical roles. The curriculum also provides an advanced understanding of generalist and specialized topics.
A master's in psychology gives you the qualifications required to take on clinical and non-clinical roles.
Pursuing an online master's degree in psychology helps you build skills and knowledge in psychopathology, lifespan development, theories of behavior and change, and assessment/consulting. You can also select a concentration in an area such as developmental psychology, clinical psychology, or school psychology to build niche understanding.
Individuals who want to work in specific clinical roles often pursue this degree, as do those looking to take on managerial and/or leadership positions. Learners who aspire to a doctorate in psychology often skip this degree, as it is not typically required for admission into a doctoral track.
Online Master's in Psychology Programs
Online learning often appeals to degree-seekers who need to balance academic learning alongside professional duties and personal responsibilities. Many degrees are delivered in an asynchronous format, making it possible for learners to watch pre-recorded lectures, interact with faculty and peers, and submit assignments at their convenience.
Some programs offer synchronous classes, meaning students must sign-in at specific times to take part in live lectures. Many schools that use this type of course delivery also schedule meetings on evenings or weekends to help busy students.
Online learning often appeals to degree-seekers who need to balance academic learning alongside professional duties and personal responsibilities.
Online psychology degrees at the master's level may also appeal to individuals looking to save money. Some public colleges allow out-of-state learners to pay the same rate as in-state students if they study exclusively online. Distance learning can also help save on costs related to transportation, insurance, campus-based fees, and room and board.
What Can You Do With a Master's Degree in Psychology?
Pursuing a master's degree in psychology qualifies you to take on a variety of positions based on your individual interests and career goals. In the following section, we take a look at some of the top jobs available to graduates of these programs.
Psychology Jobs
Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists
These professionals work with a variety of people seeking counseling services. They may work with individuals, couples, families, and other groups to address relational problems, such as infidelity, infertility, anger issues, and other hardships leading to family strife.
Mental health counselors work across the lifespan to help people experiencing behavioral, emotional, and psychological issues in their everyday lives. Both mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists must maintain licensure. Most states require an advanced degree as a prerequisite for licensure.
Substance Abuse Counselors and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Substance abuse counselors work with individuals who struggle with substance abuse. They provide counseling to individuals in inpatient or outpatient treatment centers, prisons, and other rehabilitative settings. Many employ 12-step programs, while others use newer frameworks.
Behavioral disorder counselors work with people experiencing addictions, eating disorders, and other mental health issues. They offer therapeutic services, develop treatment plans, and provide assessments for clients. They may also give referrals for other mental health services as needed.
Psychologists
Psychologists work in myriad clinical, research, and academic settings. To work with clients, these professionals must possess a license and earn a doctoral degree.
Psychologists use their advanced knowledge of behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social brain processes to treat patients, develop new therapeutic frameworks, educate up-and-coming psychology professionals, and publish their findings within the discipline. They may choose to use a variety of psychological frameworks (e.g., developmental and experimental) to better understand brain functions.
Postsecondary Teachers
Postsecondary psychology professors work in public and private colleges and universities across the globe to help teach aspiring psychologists. They develop syllabi, lead lectures, assign and grade projects and papers, and offer guidance and support to learners as they progress toward graduation.
When not in the classroom, postsecondary psychology teachers may engage in research projects designed to shed light on new psychological topics. They may also attend psychological academic conferences to share their findings and publish reports in academic journals.
Additional master's in psychology careers
- Behavioral Counselor
- Career Counselor
- Case Manager
- Chief Executive
- Child Protection Case Manager
- Clinical Practitioner
- Data Analyst
- Developmental Specialist
- Director of Community Outreach
- Family Services Worker
- Forensic Psychologist
- Group Home Coordinator
- Human Resource Manager
- Human Service Worker
- Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
- Laboratory Assistant
- Legal Psychologist
- Market Researcher
- Marketing Specialist
- Parole Officer
- Project Manager
- Psychology Professor
- Public Relations Representative
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- School Counselor
- School Psychologist
- Social Service Counselor
- Sports Psychologist
How Do I Choose an Online Master's in Psychology Degree Program?
Pursuing a master's degree in psychology represents a massive personal, academic, and professional decision. As such, you should give several program components serious thought.
- Program Cost
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If degree cost represents a significant factor in your decision, look for public, in-state programs or online degrees that allow distance learners to pay a reduced rate.
- Transfer Policies
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Despite your best efforts, sometimes your first school is not the best fit. Try to find a school offering friendly transfer policies so you do not need to retake multiple classes if you need to switch schools.
- School Size and Type
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Decide whether a large school with tens of thousands of students or a smaller, more intimate student body provides the best learning environment for your needs.
- Program Length
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Master's in psychology programs usually take 2-3 years of full-time study, but some schools provide accelerated and/or part-time options.
- On-campus Requirements
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Some programs require learners to visit campus for residencies or learning intensives. If traveling does not fit your budget or schedule, look for a fully online degree plan.
- Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements
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Different programs set different graduation requirements. Decide which type of culminating project best matches your future goals.
How Are Online Psychology Master's Degree Programs Accredited?
Attending an accredited school and master's in psychology program is very important. Failing to do so can create problems related to transferring credits, receiving licensure, and competing for jobs. Accreditation comes in two forms: institutional and programmatic.
When looking at schools, find a regionally accredited institution. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education recognize six regional accreditation commissions, which award accreditation to individual schools.
You can use the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to verify that a school or program holds proper accreditation.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs is the main accrediting organization in psychology. This organization accredits both master's and doctoral programs, while the American Psychological Association (APA) only accredits doctoral tracks. You can use the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to verify that a school or program holds proper accreditation.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Psychology Master's?
Earning an online master's degree in psychology typically takes 2-3 years for full-time learners. Part-time students usually need 3-4 years, while students in accelerated programs can usually graduate in 18-24 months.
Several factors affect how long a program takes, including the number of credits required, whether or not you can transfer in credits, and if a school offers courses year round or only during the fall and spring semesters. A program's culminating project can also determine when you graduate.
Courses in an Online Master's in Psychology Program
Online master's in psychology programs cover advanced topics that help graduates prepare for clinical and administrative positions. The list below reviews a few common courses.
- Lifespan Development
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Typically taken in the first year of a program, this foundational course examines how humans change, evolve, grow, and decline as they age. Students consider questions related to the behavioral, cognitive, physical, and socioemotional shifts that take place during key developmental stages and how those can shape our lives. Learners who take this course should be able to identify the psychological shifts taking place at the eight stages of development and explain how culture and society affect development.
- Culture and Psychology
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Students in this class learn how psychology and culture intersect in meaningful ways. Learners discover different meanings associated with culture and how this concept plays out in different communities, socioeconomic groups, age brackets, and geographic locations. Students also consider how cultural identities shape how we see ourselves and others. The course uses case studies to help students develop a deepened sense of cultural competency.
- Psychology of Personality
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This course helps students understand how personalities develop, evolve, and grow over the lifespan. Learners consider various frameworks and methodologies related to personality development and complete assignments designed to help them better utilize these theories in research and practice. They also consider how factors such as gender identity, sex, and age can affect how personalities differ and how that knowledge can better inform their practice.
- Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
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This course covers theories around cognition and how individuals process new information, organize their thoughts, and store their emotions. Students learn how brain functions, such as memory, language use, reasoning, and categorizing, take place and how external factors affect each function. Coursework also takes a look at how stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma affect cognition.
- Research Theory, Design, and Methods
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Designed for distance learners who want to focus their talents on psychological research, this course teaches students to design, implement, and conduct scientific research projects. Content focuses on quantitative and qualitative data retrieval, ethical considerations, mixed-method study design, and using various frameworks to carry out successful projects. As part of class requirements, students must frequently design their own research studies.
Psychology Concentrations
APA recognizes 54 divisions of psychology. Psychology master's programs mirror these divisions by offering a variety of specializations, some of which are highlighted below.
Behavioral Psychology
Behavioral psychology looks at how our experiences, ways of thinking, and habits inform how we behave. Psychologists working in this area use evidence-based practices to help clients identify problematic behaviors, create treatment plans, and address common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorders, and substance abuse. They deploy a variety of methodologies to improve behavior and develop strategies for avoiding issues in the future.
Careers this concentration prepares for:
Social worker, mental health counselor, substance abuse counselor, behavioral specialist
Educational Psychology
Educational psychology concerns itself with improving outcomes for preK-12 and college students -- in their educational lives and beyond. Educational psychology professionals conduct research related to cognitive development, social-emotional learning, and other topics that affect a child's ability to learn. When working as practitioners or administrators, they often liaise with school leaders, educators, families, and students to help learners achieve their potential and address any roadblocks that keep them from doing so.
Careers this concentration prepares for:
Student development specialist, crisis intervention counselor, school counselor, assessment coordinator
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology sits at the crossroads of psychology and criminal justice. The interdisciplinary curriculum familiarizes learners with theories of criminality, victimology, and the rule of law, while also instilling knowledge of behavioral issues, personality disorders, and psychopathology. Individuals working in this area of the field often study the minds of criminals in an effort to understand aberrations that cause them to break the law. They may also assist in jury selection and interview eyewitnesses.
Careers this concentration prepares for:
Jury consultant, victim advocate, court liaison, juvenile offender counselor
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Another interdisciplinary branch, industrial and organizational psychology combines studies in business and psychology. The discipline looks at how businesses can improve in efficiency, effectiveness, production, and safety while also increasing employee happiness, quality of life, and loyalty. Topics commonly include workforce training and development, organizational change, team dynamics, and occupational health psychology.
Careers this concentration prepares for:
Behavioral analyst, human resources manager, talent management specialist, hiring/management consultant
Counseling Psychology
Counseling psychology focuses on providing therapeutic services to clients across the lifespan. Students build skills in identifying emotional and mental health concerns, assessing client needs, developing treatment plans, and helping clients develop coping mechanisms to improve their mental state. Common courses include socio-cultural competence in counseling; human development; counseling theories and practice; and therapies for children, adults, and families.
Careers this concentration prepares for:
Counseling psychologist, mental health counselor, bereavement counselor, crisis response counselor
Professional Psychological Organizations
Professional organizations help students, mid-level professionals, and industry veterans alike build contacts, participate in continuing education, and stay attuned to industry news.
American Psychological Association
APA was founded in 1892. Today, the organization serves more than 121,000 members throughout the United States. APA serves as the largest member organization for professionals in this field and works diligently to act as an industry leader. The group provides educational resources for students and teachers, including curricula development tools, scholarships, and advanced education funding.
Members can also access several publications and professional resources, industry news, events, and job listings.
Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology
Psi Chi is one of the largest honor societies in America with nearly 1,200 campus chapters and approximately 750,000 lifetime members. What started as a conversation between two students at the University of Kansas in 1927 has blossomed into a meaningful professional group that serves members in many ways.
Aside from providing nearly half a million dollars in awards and grants each year, the society publishes several academic journals and magazines, hosts regional conventions, produces a podcast, and offers access to industry news.
Association for Psychological Science
APS has established itself as an international association since its founding in 1988. The group hosts domestic and international conventions throughout the year, publishes several journals alongside the Observer magazine, offers member discounts and affinity services, and provides helpful resources on research topics. Members can also search through a regularly updated database of jobs, fellowships, and research opportunities.
International Association of Applied Psychology
Formed in 1920 by a leading applied psychologist, IAAP serves professionals around the world. Membership comes in five different forms: full members, fellows, students, honorary members, and alliance members. The group provides awards, releases publications, manages 18 professional divisions, and offers meetings in the U.S. and abroad. IAAP also presents at the United Nations and hosts the International Congresses of Applied Psychology every four years.