Although a bachelor’s degree lays the foundation for pursuing a career in psychology, online Master’s of Psychology degrees are generally considered the minimum credential for positions in this rewarding field. An online graduate psychology degree can also help students prepare for doctoral studies. Colleges and universities deliver their online, Web-based programs in a flexible format that allows professionals to continue to work in their place of employment while earning their degree. Students who have completed an undergraduate psychology program and are considering furthering their education may find the following list of the top 25 most affordable online Master’s of Psychology degrees to be a useful starting point.
Methodology
There are hundreds of online master’s degrees in psychology available, and it can get confusing trying to narrow down programs based on delivery format, location, tuition, and quality. For this reason, we decided to compile a list of the top 25 most affordable online graduate psychology degrees. We consulted each school’s website as well as the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to ensure we had obtained the most up-to-date information available. Using the NCES, we conducted a search for the term “online Master’s of Psychology degree” and narrowed down the initial pool of more than 100 schools into the top 25 based on the following categories.
Average Cost of Attendance
As you begin to compare prospective colleges or universities to attend for your online Master’s in Psychology degree, the cost of the program is likely one of the first things you want to know. After all, why waste time comparing degrees and schools if they are unaffordable? Isn’t the goal to find a program that meets your academic and professional goals without breaking the bank? For this list, we included both in- and out-of-state tuition rates for your reference. However, we only awarded points and ranked institutions based on the total program cost for in-state graduate students.
Points:
Under $20,000: 3 points
$20,001 to $30,000: 2 points
$30,001 or more: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Another important factor to consider when choosing an online Master’s in Psychology degree program is whether you thrive in a large or small learning environment. For instance, some students prefer a smaller, more intimate setting in which they receive individualized mentoring and opportunities for one-on-one studies, while others prefer a larger school that may offer more choices for academic programs or concentrations. Although there are positives and negatives to both types of institutions, we awarded the most points to schools that reported classes of 10 or fewer students per professor.
Points:
10:1 or lower: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Higher than 15:1: 1 point
Ranking Top 25 Graduate Degree Programs in Psychology
25. Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Points: 3
Program Website
The affordable online Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Colorado State University requires students to complete 38 credit hours of coursework. Students may earn their degree within two or four years depending on course availability, intensity of study, and previous coursework. Students can expect to spend a minimum of nine to 12 hours per week on each three-credit course. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in industrial/organizational psychology as well as a strong focus on quantitative research methods. Other areas of study include research methods and design, competency modeling and criterion development, workforce training and development, applied measurement theory, and organizational development. The low cost online degree program culminates in a practicum and skills development capstone course.
Degree Options:
Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology (M.A.I.O.P.)
In-State Tuition: $28,766
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,766
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
24. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Waxahachie, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
Southwestern Assemblies of God University confers an affordable online master’s degree in clinical psychology that allows students to develop a foundation in the clinical practice of counseling and assessing adults, adolescents, and children. The 48-hour low cost online program focuses on comprehensive behavioral and mental healthcare for families and individuals, research-based practice, education, training, and consulting with communities and agencies. Students delve into key topics in the field such as clinical psychopathology, cognitive behavior and therapy, methods and techniques, human growth and life span development, and psychopharmacology. Graduates of this inexpensive online clinical psychology program have the ability to apply and integrate proven psychology principles as well as demonstrate advanced skill and understanding regarding the treatment, prognosis, assessment, and diagnosis of mental disorders.
Degree Options:
Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology
In-State Tuition: $28,080
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,080
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
23. University of California Irvine
Irvine, California
Points: 3
Program Website
The University of California Irvine offers an affordable online Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology program that promotes interdisciplinary learning. Conferred by both the Department of Criminology, Law, and Society and the Department of Psychological Science, the inexpensive online psychology program focuses on the intersection of legal issues and psychology with an emphasis on the application of psychological research, theories, and principles, allowing students to better understand legal systems and processes. Students must complete 52 credits of online graduate courses in this two-year professional program, and they are required to attend a one-week in-residence course preceding the first quarter of instruction in the fall. The curriculum involves two online courses per quarter such as research methods, quantitative methods, forensic assessment, psychology and law, and legal reasoning. The second year is dedicated primarily to completing electives as well as the capstone requirement.
Degree Options:
Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology
In-State Tuition: $27,948
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,948
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
22. National Louis University
Chicago, Illinois
Points: 3
Program Website
The affordable online MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at National Louis University features small class sizes and a cohort model that allows students to progress through the program at the same pace as their peers. Students must take 36 to 42 semester hours to earn their inexpensive online psychology degree, including six hours in foundational courses, three hours in a gateway course, three hours in an elective, three hours in a capstone course, and 27 hours in core courses. Key areas of study include training and development, organizational leadership, statistics and analysis, research design, talent acquisition and retention, and performance analysis and measurement. Available entirely online, students may complete the accelerated program within 20 months.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
In-State Tuition: $27,684
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,684
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
21. Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Points: 3
Program Website
Nova Southeastern University’s affordable online MS in Forensic Psychology is a 36-credit-hour program that offers insight into the area in which legal issues and psychology meet. Available entirely online, the low cost online program consists of a non-clinical curriculum that includes 24 credits in core courses, two possible nine-credit concentration areas, and a three-credit capstone course. Areas of study include psychological and violence risk assessment, best practices and policies, gender violence, communication skills, and evaluation, methodology, and psychological research. Students may follow either the Forensic Psychology in the Legal System track or the Forensic Psychology for Mental Health Workers, First Responders and Disaster Teams track. In addition, students may choose between either a field experience or a thesis for the capstone requirement; students considering doctoral studies are urged to choose the research option.
Degree Options:
M.S. in Forensic Psychology
In-State Tuition: $27,180
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,180
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
20. Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Points: 3
Program Website
The Harold Abel School of Psychology at Capella University confers an affordable online MS in Clinical Psychology degree that dives into human behavior via a scientific, competency-based study of various assessments, mental disorders, and exposure to psychotherapy theories. Students may choose from three specializations within the master’s degree in clinical psychology, including forensic psychology, clinical counseling, and applied research. Students take online classes within their respective areas of specialization as well as core courses in psychopathology, theories of counseling and psychotherapy, theory and practice, tests and measurements, and survey of research methods. Graduates of this low cost online psychology degree program are prepared for clinical practice, academia, or research in behavioral and mental health as well as higher education.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
In-State Tuition: $26,675
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,675
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
19. University of Houston-Victoria
Victoria, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
The School of Arts & Sciences at the University of Houston-Victoria confers a 60-hour affordable online MA in Counseling Psychology degree that features a clinical component and prepares students to sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Texas. Students complete 21 semester hours of core classes, 30 semester hours within the specialization, and nine semester hours in counseling psychology practicum experiences. Areas of study include group psychotherapy, personality assessment, addiction counseling, psychopathology, crisis intervention, and research methods. Through the curriculum, graduates develop the consultation, intervention, and assessment skills necessary to become effective and successful LPCs. The program also prepares students for doctoral studies in psychology.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
In-State Tuition: $25,197
Out-of-State Tuition: $50,097
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
18. Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Points: 3
Program Website
Offered through the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences at Arizona State University, the affordable online MS in Psychology is a 36-credit-hour program comprised of 12 classes, each lasting seven and a half weeks. Full-time students can complete the low cost online degree program in as few as 18 months, while part-time students have a maximum of six years to earn their degree. Students tailor their degree through elective courses in behavior analysis, affective science, and psychophysiology as well as social, legal, health, developmental, cognitive, and abnormal psychology. Core courses cover topics in research methods, quantitative analysis, and professional issues in psychology, and the program culminates in a capstone in general psychology.
Degree Options:
Online Master of Science in Psychology
In-State Tuition: $23,168
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,168
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
17. Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
Angelo State University’s affordable online MS in Counseling Psychology consists of 60 semester hours of study and prepares graduate students to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) or Licensed Psychological Associates (LPAs) in Texas. Offered by the College of Graduate Studies and Research, the program includes either a thesis or non-thesis option, and students are required to complete up to nine credit hours of supervised practical experience. Required areas of study include developmental psychology, addictions counseling, counseling methods and techniques, group counseling, psychological assessment, marriage and family counseling, and research methods. Students also delve into psychopathology, abnormal psychology, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
In-State Tuition: $22,732
Out-of-State Tuition: $48,052
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
16. Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Points: 3
Program Website
Eastern Kentucky University confers an affordable online master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology that consists of 36 hours of coursework. Inexpensive online classes are offered in eight-week terms, and the curriculum blends professional and academic preparation through course topics in professional and consulting development, applied research methods, quantitative research methods, performance management, development and training, and organizational psychology. Opportunities to gain real-world, hands-on experience through fieldwork are available through the Center for Applied Psychology and Workforce Development (CAPP). The program follows the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) guidelines and provides a practitioner-focused method of learning. There are no required campus visits, and numerous research opportunities are available for students considering doctoral studies in psychology.
Degree Options:
Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree
In-State Tuition: $21,996
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,996
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
15. McNeese State University
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Points: 3
Program Website
The Department of Psychology in the Burton College of Education at McNeese State University confers three affordable online Master of Arts degrees in applied behavior analysis, counseling psychology, and general/experimental psychology. Each low cost online degree program is designed to provide a deeper understanding of human behavior through different perspectives, and all students are required to complete a common core of psychology classes before working with an academic advisor to choose an area of specialization. Regardless of the graduate degree pursued, every student is required to complete a master’s thesis or internship before graduating that allows them to gain real-world experience in the field.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts, Applied Behavior Analysis
Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology
Master of Arts, General/Experimental Psychology
In-State Tuition: $20,453
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,453
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
14. William James College
Newton, Massachusetts
Points: 4
Program Website
William James College offers an accelerated affordable online MA in Organizational Psychology that can be completed in 11 months of full-time study or 23 months of part-time study. Students can choose from an online-only option or a combination of online classes and weekends-in-residence, each of which is held at the end of a core course. The inexpensive online psychology degree program is comprised of 30 credits of study, including 24 core courses and a six-credit field project that consists of 80 hours of participation. The multidisciplinary curriculum draws from the psychology of organizational behavior as well as human behavior, integrating theories of systems, group, and individual behavior with research, applied projects, and workplace case studies. A concentration in talent management is available.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology (MAOP)
In-State Tuition: $30,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
13. Albizu University-Miami
Miami, Florida
Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable online MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Albizu University-Miami provides students with practical training in the areas of organizational development, performance measurement, training and development, selection and placement, and quality of work-life. Within the 42-hour program, students benefit from opportunities to engage in capstone and/or applied research projects that offer an experiential component to the degree. Faculty members are working professionals in the field who provide students with a solid, comprehensive understanding of practice, research, and theories in the field of I/O psychology. Graduates of this low cost online psychology degree program are prepared for careers in education, research, government, and human resources.
Degree Options:
Master of Science (M.S.) in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology
In-State Tuition: $26,040
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,040
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
12. Baker College
Flint, Michigan
Points: 4
Program Website
Baker College’s affordable online MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology teaches students how to leverage psychological principles, methods, and theories to help individuals, teams, and entire companies. Students complete 36 hours of online coursework in areas such as leadership, performance and motivation, research methods, statistics and data analysis, and industrial/organizational psychology. Other key topics, including training and learning, tests and assessments, and organizational development, change, and consultation are also studied. Students choose from either a course in evidence-based coaching or an industrial/organizational psychology residency, and the inexpensive online psychology program concludes with an integrative capstone in psychology. The program does not intend to prepare students for licensure as a clinical or counseling psychologist.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
In-State Tuition: $25,020
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,020
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
11. Franklin University
Columbus, Ohio
Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable online MS in Business Psychology at Franklin University equips students to resolve complex managerial issues, motivate behavior, and use the latest neuroscience and psychological research to succeed in a number of roles. The curriculum includes 36 semester hours of online coursework in organizational coaching, human resources, marketing, behavioral economics and neurofinance, managerial psychology, individual and organizational intelligence, and creativity, change, and innovation. Working with an assigned instructor, graduate students complete a business psychology mastery demonstration that consists of a self-selected major project in an area of interest. Graduate students can earn their low cost online psychology degree within 14 months.
Degree Options:
M.S. in Business Psychology
In-State Tuition: $24,120
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,120
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
10. Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Points: 4
Program Website
Southern New Hampshire University provides an affordable online MS in Psychology degree with a concentration in forensic psychology. Students complete 36 credits of study, including classes in forensic psychology, measurement and assessment, cognitive processes, social psychology, and research methods. The low cost online M.S. in Psychology program culminates in a capstone course that assesses students’ ability to integrate what they have learned into real-world situations. Courses are taught by faculty members with relevant, real-world experience and professional credentials in the field. Although the program does not lead to certification or licensure in forensic psychology, it does prepare graduates to pursue advanced positions in the field as well as doctoral-level coursework.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Psychology With a Concentration in Forensic Psychology
In-State Tuition: $22,572
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,572
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
9. Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Points: 4
Program Website
Fort Hays State University confers two affordable online graduate degrees in school psychology: a Master of Science and an Education Specialist. The MS consists of 30 hours of study, while the EdS is comprised of 36 hours of coursework. Both inexpensive programs are available online with the exception of one five-day workshop held during a summer semester. The MS courses cover experimental methods, developmental psychology, and behavior therapy, and the EdS focuses on program evaluation, characteristics of early childhood special education, and theories of exceptionalities and diversity. Upon completion of the EdS program, which includes a 1,200-hour internship, students are eligible for conditional licensure as school psychologists in the state of Kansas.
Degree Options:
MS in School Psychology
EdS in School Psychology
In-State Tuition: $18,991
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,991
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
8. Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, Tennessee
Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable online MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Austin Peay State University follows the scientist-practitioner model of training, and it is comprised of 34 credits of coursework in industrial-organizational research methods and theories. Through the online curriculum, graduate students develop their expertise in a number of areas, including leadership, team performance, motivation, performance management, training and development, and personnel selection and assessment. The inexpensive psychology program is available entirely online, and students have access to the same faculty and peer support as on-campus learners. Methods of delivery include email, phone, messaging applications, live video recordings, discussion boards, and virtual classrooms.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MSIO)
In-State Tuition: $18,700
Out-of-State Tuition: $42,466
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
7. Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Points: 4
Program Website
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Grand Canyon University, the affordable online MS in Psychology with an emphasis on human factors psychology examines the interactions between technological systems and humans. Through the online 36-credit curriculum, students examine current knowledge in communications, sociology, and psychology to develop a strong foundation of knowledge regarding information retention and processing. Students can expect to take core courses in cognition, software, social and cultural psychology, sensation and perception, foundations of human factors, and ethical and contemporary issues in psychology. The inexpensive online psychology degree program culminates in a two-credit professional capstone course in which graduate students prepare to continue their education in psychology and/or enter their prospective careers.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Psychology With an Emphasis in Human Factors Psychology
In-State Tuition: $18,540
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,540
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
6. CUNY School of Professional Studies
New York, New York
Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable online MA in Psychology at the CUNY School of Professional Studies prepares students for positions in psychology as well as doctoral studies that require a deep understanding of teamwork, communication, and research skills as well as the motivations behind human behavior. It is the first and only fully online psychology degree at CUNY, and students may specialize in one of two areas: developmental psychology and industrial/organizational psychology. The curriculum for each low cost online program provides studies in core applications, theories, and concepts in three of five areas such as psychopathology, theories of personality, social behavior, biological bases of behavior, and learning and cognition.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Psychology
In-State Tuition: $16,380
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,380
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
5. University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable online MA in Forensic Psychology at the University of North Dakota prepares graduate students to apply psychological competencies, skills, knowledge, and theory to the criminal and civil justice systems. It is a part-time, low cost online psychology program that can be finished within two years. Consisting of 30 credit hours of coursework, students gain a solid foundational knowledge of psychology and the law, diversity psychology, behavior pathology, and advanced social psychology. Distance learners benefit from online assistance such as advising, tech support, library help, and tutoring services. There are no GRE requirements to attend this program.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Forensic Psychology
In-State Tuition: $14,400
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,400
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
4. University of Nevada – Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Points: 4
Program Website
The 33-credit-hour affordable online MS in Educational Psychology offered by the University of Nevada – Las Vegas is designed for graduate students seeking the educational experiences, research tools, and core knowledge necessary to succeed in different types of academic environments. Available online, the inexpensive psychology program consists of either a thesis or a non-thesis track, both of which include six credits of core learning and development courses and nine credits of research courses in psychometrics, inferential and descriptive statistics, and research methods. The low cost online programs differ in terms of the number of elective courses required and whether a student chooses to write and defend a master’s thesis or complete a capstone seminar as his or her culminating experience.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Educational Psychology
In-State Tuition: $10,766
Out-of-State Tuition: 420,922
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
3. University of Hartford
West Hartford, Connecticut
Points: 5
Program Website
The fully online affordable MS in Organizational Psychology at the University of Hartford prepares graduate students to consult with, lead, and/or manage diverse and dynamic organizations through the integration of practice and theory. Class sizes are kept to an average of nine students per professor, and students complete 36 credits of study in order to graduate. Topics investigated within this inexpensive online psychology program include advanced research methods, experimental design, personnel psychology, and an introduction to industrial/organizational psychology as well as a capstone project. Students are required to choose seven electives to round out their degree, thus tailoring the program to meet their academic and career goals.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Organizational Psychology
In-State Tuition: $21,780
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,780
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
2. Touro University Worldwide
Los Alamitos, California
Points: 5
Program Website
With one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios on our list, the affordable online MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Touro University Worldwide prepares students with the skills and knowledge to help organizations understand the link between profitability and productive, happy employees. The curriculum is comprised of 12 classes for a total of 36 semester credits, including nine core classes as well as three courses from one of three areas of concentration: occupational health psychology, human resource management, or coaching and consulting. The low cost online psychology program culminates in a capstone course that focuses on a career-related or organizational situation that relates to the student’s individual professional goals.
Degree Options:
Online Master of Arts in Industrial & Organizational Psychology
In-State Tuition: $18,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
1. University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
Points: 5
Program Website
Our top affordable online MS in Experimental Psychology at the University of West Alabama is a one- to two-year program that consists of 36 to 54 credit hours of study. Students have three options: a general 36-hour track, a 36-hour health and sports psychology track, and a clinical psychology track comprised of 39 to 57 hours of study. Low cost online courses are offered in eight-week formats, and students build upon research skills they learned in the bachelor’s degree, including research presentation, quantitative and qualitative analysis, search methods, and critical thinking skills. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, all students receive one-on-one mentoring from a Department of Behavioral Sciences psychology faculty member.
Degree Options:
M.S. Experimental Psychology
In-State Tuition: $15,444
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,444
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Master’s in Psychology Degree?
The career options available for someone with a Master’s in Psychology degree will vary depending on the area in which he or she specialized while pursuing the program. For instance, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some clinical and counseling psychologists are required to complete an internship, earn a doctoral degree, and attain one or two years of professional experience under supervision prior to seeking licensure.
However, students who earn a graduate degree at the master’s level are prepared for employment as industrial-organizational psychologists as well as assistants to licensed psychologists in research, counseling, or clinical settings. Graduate students may also consider pursuing a career in counseling psychology, a field in which most professionals can seek employment and licensure with a master’s degree in psychology. Some common positions one can attain with a master’s in psychology include:
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Forensic Psychologist
- School Psychologist
- Neuropsychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
Although earning an undergraduate degree in psychology lays the foundation for careers in the field, many jobs are reserved for students who earn a master’s degree in psychology. In addition to improving job placement rate, a graduate degree can also boost a professional’s earning potential. Psychologists report higher wages as they progress through their career, whether in clinical psychology, therapy, or counseling. In general, professional psychologists that focus on scientific study and research, including forensic, neurological, and clinical psychology, earn a higher salary over the course of their career than those working in substance abuse treatment, school psychology, or other areas of community outreach.
Since there are a number of career paths one can take in this field, it can be hard to pinpoint one single salary figure. Salary earnings also depend on individual specializations, level of professional experience, and the area in which one intends to work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for psychologists in May 2018 was $79,010. The top 10 percent earned more than $129,250, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,800. Top-paying industries for this occupation include:
- Government: $96,410
- Private, local, and state hospitals: $86,530
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $79,180
- Private, local, and state elementary and secondary schools: $75,890
In addition, the BLS breaks down the general category of psychologists into several categories and reports the following salary information:
- All other psychologists: $100,770
- Industrial-organizational psychologists: $97,260
- Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists: $76,990
What Will You Learn in an Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Program?
Most universities and colleges provide online master’s degrees in psychology in the form of either a Master of Science, which is grounded in the natural sciences and more focused on research, or a Master of Arts, which revolves around psychology’s liberal arts characteristics. When selecting an online graduate psychology degree, make sure you are choosing one that is geared toward your individual professional goals. Regardless of whether you earn an M.S. or an M.A. in Psychology, there are several fundamental courses you can expect to take, including:
- Human Neuropsychology
- Psychology of Aging (Gerontology)
- Lifespan Development
Although specific course requirements will vary depending on each individual school, most programs are comprised of 30 to 36 credit hours of study. While students may complete the program within two years of full-time study, many schools allow part-time students to have up to five or six years to earn their degree. Graduate students looking to pursue careers in research or who are interested in the scientific aspect of the field may find more on-campus visit requirements than their liberal arts-focused peers. Schools typically schedule these in-person sessions during the summer months to accommodate professional students’ work schedules. Many online Master’s in Psychology degrees also require a thesis or capstone project and, depending on which a student selects for his or her culminating project, this may add additional time to earn the degree.
Some schools structure their online Master’s in Psychology programs into cohorts, meaning that students complete tests, projects, and assignments at the same pace as their classmates. However, other universities or colleges may offer classes asynchronously, meaning that they can move through the program on their own time, at their own pace. As you narrow down your options, consider if an asynchronous or cohort model, or combination of the two, works best with the way you learn.
What Are the Different Types of Degrees in Psychology?
Earning a psychology degree at the master’s level opens up doors to a number of careers other than private counseling. The critical therapeutic and engagement tactics learned in master’s programs can benefit both psychology professionals as well as organizations like schools, businesses, and hospitals. Not only do psychologists rely on observational and communication skills to solve issues facing small groups or individual clients, but they may also work as clinical research analysts or coordinators in academic settings, work as a youth counselor in the educational system, or work as a home care aid responsible for assisting aging or disabled clients. There are several different types of psychology degrees and specializations that prepare graduates for these professions, including:
- Educational Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- School Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
What Licenses or Certifications Can You Seek With a Master’s Online in Psychology?
Depending on the field in which you intend to work as well as the school through which you earn your master’s online in psychology, there are a number of licenses and certifications for which a master’s degree prepares graduate students, including:
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Teaching of Psychology Certificate (TPC)
According to the BLS, overall employment of psychologists is expected to grow 14 percent between 2016 and 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Although there is potential for job stability, selecting the right master’s degree in psychology is a personal choice that can be confusing at times, and only each student will know whether a college or university and its programs match his or her professional and educational ambitions. It is our hope that the above list of the top 25 most affordable online Master’s of Psychology degrees should serve as a useful resource in your search for the best online Master’s in Psychology degrees.
AS Staff
April 2019
This concludes our ranking of the top 25 most affordable online Master’s of Psychology degrees.
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