Affordable Schools

Because high quality education can be affordable

25 Most Affordable Online Master’s of Psychology Degrees

(source)

 

This college rankings article focuses on online Psychology degrees at the masters graduate level (e.g., MA, MS, etc.).

Careers in Psychology

Psychology-related skills and knowledge are currently in high demand, in many industries/ sectors. Roles of particular interest are Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, Industrial-organizational Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists in general. The predicted jobs growth rate is some of these areas is 19% for the period 2014 to 2024. (The period 2012 to 2024 had a predicted jobs growth rate in these occupations of up to 53%.)

A master’s degree in psychology is sufficient for some of these roles, though others do require a doctorate. As well, it is not a necessity to be licensed to find a high-paying and rewarding career as a psychology professional, though having certification increases career opportunities. Some of these opportunities — and the industries/ organizations that hire for advanced skills in psychology — are listed below, compiled from the Web pages of the 25 colleges that are ranked in this article. (If you are instead looking for a psychology program at the undergraduate level, have a look at our affordability ranking of online bachelor’s degrees in psychology.)

 

  1. addiction service centers
  2. administration and management
  3. analyst, organizational development
  4. applied behavior analysis instructor
  5. applied behavior analysis therapist
  6. assessment services manager
  7. assessment specialist
  8. athletic coach
  9. author
  10. behavior analyst/ specialist
  11. behavioral health specialist
  12. case worker
  13. casework manager
  14. child and family service agencies/ organizations
  15. child development specialist
  16. child protection worker
  17. civil and criminal courts
  18. clinical specialist
  19. coach
  20. colleges/ universities/ community colleges
  21. community counseling centers
  22. community development
  23. community/social service organizations
  24. conflict resolution counseling
  25. correctional facilities/ prisons/ jails
  26. counselor
  27. court liaison
  28. credentialing and accreditation agencies
  29. criminal justice
  30. data analyst/manager
  31. director of training and development
  32. early childhood education specialist
  33. education and training
  34. educator/ faculty/ instructor/ lecturer
  35. employee trainer
  36. evidence-based coach
  37. expert witness
  38. faith/religious organizations
  39. family services worker
  40. forensic psychologist
  41. forensic researcher
  42. government agencies (local, state, or federal)
  43. group homes
  44. health and human services agencies
  45. health project coordinator
  46. health services
  47. healthcare agencies
  48. healthcare systems
  49. hospitals
  50. human capital management consultant
  51. human resources manager
  52. human resources specialist
  53. industrial consultant
  54. intervention advocate
  55. jury consultant
  56. juvenile facilities
  57. K-12 public/private schools
  58. lab manager
  59. law enforcement advocate
  60. law enforcement agencies
  61. life/ career coach
  62. LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist)
  63. LPCC (licensed professional clinical counselor)
  64. management consultant
  65. manager/ director of labor relations
  66. market researcher
  67. master’s level psychologist
  68. medical centers
  69. mental health clinics
  70. mental health professional (unlicensed)
  71. mental health worker
  72. military
  73. nonprofit groups/ organizations
  74. officer (law enforcement, parole, probation, or correctional)
  75. organization behavior management
  76. organizational development consultant
  77. personnel management specialist
  78. private coaching/consulting practices
  79. private consulting
  80. private research
  81. private/group practices
  82. professional athletes coach
  83. project coordinator/manager
  84. protective services
  85. psychology assistant
  86. psychology program manager
  87. psychology technician
  88. psychometrician
  89. psychotherapist
  90. rehabilitation counselor
  91. rehabilitation specialist
  92. religious organizations
  93. research and assessment organizations
  94. research assistant/ associate
  95. research psychologist
  96. research scientist
  97. research/risk-assessment agencies
  98. residential programs (group home, foster home, institutional)
  99. sex therapist/counselor
  100. sexual health educator
  101. social and community services agencies
  102. social services manager
  103. social services worker
  104. state forensic units
  105. teacher
  106. therapist
  107. treatment facilities
  108. trial consulting services
  109. victim advocate
  110. youth development

 

Notes

  • We use the average out-of-state tuition listed in NCES for affordability rankings of master’s programs. However, a given program’s actual costs may differ from what we list and is subject to change by the colleges in question. Check Web sites for up-to-date graduate tuition rates.
  • These master’s degree rankings do not factor in fees, which can vary for online programs.
  • As college accreditation can change or only be valid regionally, please verify accreditation of any college to which you are planning to apply.
  • This college rankings list uses the most recently reported data at time of writing; however, NCES data is subject to change as colleges report new information.
  • The Areavibes cost of living score is from Areavibes.com and represents the city/ town of the college in question. It is completely independent of each college’s on-campus housing costs.

 

Rankings: Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Psychology

 

25: Saybrook University

Skyline view of Oakland, CA (source)

Saybrook University is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1971 and located in Oakland, California, about 12 miles roughly east-northeast of San Francisco, CA, and five miles roughly south of Berkeley, CA. Original name: Humanistic Psychology Institute (as part of California State University, Sonoma).

SU offers three online master’s degrees. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MA Psychology (MAP) with five optional Specializations: (1) Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health, (2) Creativity Studies, (3) Existential, Humanistic, and Transpersonal Psychology, (4) Jungian Studies, (5) Transformative Social Change. This MAP is a 32- to 35-credit, non-licensure program that prepares graduates who are “planning or engaged in research, teaching, community development, consultation, conflict resolution and mediation, counseling.” Aside from the general program, students can choose one of five areas of interest to further focus their studies, each of which leads to different psychology-related career opportunities. Note: SU offers multiple graduate psychology degrees on-campus. For students seeking licensure, one of these traditional programs may be more suitable, including the MA Clinical Psychology.

Sample courses: C. G. Jung: His Life, Work, and Contemporary Perspectives in Analytical Psychology; Dimensions of Creativity; Ecological Psychology; Ethics; Existential Psychotherapies; Foundations and Critique of Contemporary Psychology — Part I; Foundations of Existential, Humanistic, and Transpersonal Psychology; Healthy Communities; History and Systems of Psychology; Organizational Creativity; Seminar in Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health; The Psychology of Consciousness

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 86%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 4%.
  • In-state tuition: $23,589.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $23,589.
  • Student population: 567.
  • # undergrads: 0.
  • # grads: 567.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

 

 

24: Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University (source)

Sacred Heart University is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1963 and located in Fairfield, Connecticut, about 57 miles roughly northeast of New York City, NY. Affiliation: Catholic Church.

SHU offers three online master’s degrees. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MS Applied Psychology (MSAP) with three Concentrations: (1) General Applied Psychology (GAP), (2) Community Psychology (CP), (3) Industrial-Organizational Psychology (IOP); Grad certificate in AP with three concentrations. This MSAP is a 38-credit program that prepares graduates for careers as applied psychology professionals, including for the corporate and public sectors. Students can customize their degree by choosing one of the three options, each of which leads to different applied psychology careers. As the program does not lead to licensure, there are no clinal hours required for the program. There are, however, three Capstone completion courses that include field work, an exam/essay or a thesis. Alternately, SHU offers grad certificates in these same concentrations

Sample courses: Applied Research Methods and Statistics; Community Health Psychology; Counseling Methods and Techniques; Developmental Issues Across the Life Span; Employee Training and Development; Foundations of Applied Psychology; Foundations of Community Psychology; Identifying and Managing Psychopathology in Community Settings; Individual Psychological Assessment and Appraisal; Job Analysis, Competency Modeling and Criterion Development; Organizational Behavior; Personnel Psychology; Program Development and Evaluation; Theories of Counseling and Personality

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 27%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 7%.
  • In-state tuition: $23,125.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $23,125.
  • Student population: 7781.
  • # undergrads: 4997.
  • # grads: 2784.
  • Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: F (Southport).

 

 

23: University of Missouri-Columbia

Ellis Library, University of Missouri Columbia (source)

University of Missouri-Columbia is a public institution established in 1839 and located in Columbia, Missouri, about 125 miles roughly east of Kansas City, MO, and 125 miles west of St. Louis, MO.

UMC offers 27 fully online master’s degrees and 14 more with some on-campus attendance required, as well as nearly two dozen fully online graduate certificates. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: Master’s of Education Positive Coaching (MEd-PC); graduate certificate in Positive Psychology. The MEd-PC is a 30-credit program that focuses on coaching, and sport and positive psychology particularly for athletic coaches at many levels — from K-12 to college, professional, little league and intramural levels. UMC also offers a 15-credit grad certificate (one Core, four Elective courses) in Positive Psychology, which can be applied to roles such as life coaching, managing, teaching, etc.

Sample courses: Administration of Athletics Programs; Applied Positive Coaching; Applied Positive Psychology; Community and Stewardship; Foundations of Sport Performance ; Gender Issues in Sport; Legal Aspects of Sport and Coaching; Life/Career Coaching and Development; Meaning in Work; Multicultural Issues in Sport; Positive Leadership in Sport; Positive Organizational Psychology; Positive Psychology; Seminar: Character and Ethics in Sport; Seminar: Youth Development Academy; Sport and Applied Coaching Psychology ; Student-Athlete Well-being

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 23%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 5%.
  • In-state tuition: $8,402.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $22,498.
  • Student population: 35425.
  • # undergrads: 27642.
  • # grads: 7783.
  • Campus setting: City: Midsize.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

 

 

22: Sofia University

Sofia University (source)

Sofia University is a private, for-profit institution established in 1975 and located in Palo Alto, California, about 18 miles roughly northwest of San Jose, CA, and 33 miles roughly southeast of San Francisco, CA. Original name: Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.

SU offers five hybrid-online master’s degrees. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MA Counseling Psychology (MACP) (hybrid); Global MA Transpersonal Psychology (GMATP, hybrid) . The MACP is a 2-4 year, 90-credit program that prepares graduates for but does not include licensure as a clinician. The GMATP is a 2-3 year, 45-credit program that prepares graduates for careers leaning towards personal development, including a coach, educator or consultant, as well as an unlicensed mental health professional. Courses are primarily available online. Contact SU regarding in-person presence requirements for these programs

Sample courses: Addiction: Social Implications and Recovery; Advanced Career Counseling; Advanced Couples Counseling; Advanced Theory and Skills; Aikido; Assessment, Diagnosis and Testing; Career Counseling; Child and Adolescent-Focused Therapy and Intervention; Counseling Principles and Practices; Creative Expression; Embodied Spiritual; Group Dynamics; Human Development and Personality Theories; Human Sexuality, Gender Identity and Treatment of Psychosexual Dysfunction; Introduction to Transpersonal Studies; Meditation and Mindfulness; Multi-Cultural Competence and Counseling; Psychopharmacology, Brain Structure and Development and Severe Mental Illness ; Spiritual Development Across the Lifespan; Systems Theory and Application; Theories of Personality; Transpersonal Approaches to Creative Expression; Transpersonal Theory and Literature

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 63%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 0%.
  • In-state tuition: $21,750.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $21,750.
  • Student population: 314.
  • # undergrads: 16.
  • # grads: 298.
  • Campus setting: City: Small.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

 

 

21: Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale (source)

Keiser University is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1977 and located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, about 20 miles, roughly south of Boca Raton, FL. Original name: The Keiser School. Affiliation: Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida.

KU offers six online master’s degrees through the Fort Lauderdale Online division. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MS Psychology (MSP); MS Organizational Psychology (MSOP). The MSP and MSOP are both 36-credit programs. The MSP covers more general principles of psychology, including “evolutionary psychology, psychopathology, human development, health psychology, and tests and measures.” The MSOP covers similar topics from an organizational behavior point of view, including human resources, leadership development, etc. A thesis is required in each degree, although credits assigned differ.

Sample courses: Evolutionary Psychology; Health Psychology; History and Systems of Psychology; Human Resource Psychology; Human Resources Management; Human Resources Psychology; Leadership Development; Master’s Thesis, Part I, II; Organization Psychology; Organizational Change; Organizational Psychology; Psychology of Decision Making; Psychopathology; Quantitative Research; Research Design/Thesis Proposal Part I, II; Tests and Measurements

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 90%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 1%.
  • In-state tuition: $21,620.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $21,620.
  • Student population: 19110.
  • # undergrads: 18101.
  • # grads: 1009.
  • Campus setting: City: Midsize.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.

 

 

20: University of Idaho

East entrance, University of Idaho (source)

University of Idaho (UI) is a public university established in 1889 and located in Moscow, Idaho, about south-southeast of Spokane, WA. For a period of 70+ years (until 1963), it was the only university in the state of Idaho.

UI offers 18 online master’s degrees. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MS Psychology: Human Factors (MSPHF). This MSPHF is a 30-credit program consisting of nine courses plus either a Thesis or a Comprehensive exam option. The program requires a bachelor’s degree in either psychology or a topic related to “human factors” (e.g., computer science, design, engineering). Undergrads not having suitable coursework in intro statistics, psychology and sensation/ perception will be required to take some prerequisite courses. Applications for the online program can be made at any time, but program start dates are in Fall or Spring semesters only.

Sample courses: Advanced Human Factors; Advanced Research Methods; Cognitive Psychology; Engineering Psychology; Ergonomics and Biomechanics; Human Factors in Engineering Design; Human-Computer Interaction; Research Methods; Sensation and Perception

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 24%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 13%.
  • In-state tuition: $6,205.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $20,209.
  • Student population: 11702.
  • # undergrads: 9283.
  • # grads: 2419.
  • Campus setting: Rural: Fringe.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

 

 

19: Southern New Hampshire University

Robert Frost Hall, Southern New Hampshire University (source)

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1932 and located in Manchester, New Hampshire, about 53 miles roughly north-northwest of Boston, MA. Original name: New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science.

SNHU offers 36 online master’s degrees plus over 90 concentrations/ specializations. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MS Psychology (MSP) with three Concentrations: (1) Childhood and Adolescent Development Psychology, (2) Forensic Psychology, (3) Industrial Organizational Psychology. This MSP is a 36-credit program whose curriculum prepares graduates for both a doctoral program or for psychology-related careers in a number of fields/ roles, including criminal justice, human resources, education, health services, etc. No GRE/ GMAT is required and the timeline is 15 months for two courses taken per 10-week term.

Sample courses: Capstone in Psychology; Cognitive Processes; Contemporary Issues in Homeland Security; Ethical Practice in Psychology; Foundations in Research Methods; Foundations in Statistics; Foundations of Psychology; Introduction to Organizational Conflict Management; Law, Ethics, and Justice System; Leadership and Ethics; Learning Theories and Instruction; Managing Difficult Conversations at Work; Measurement and Assessment; Negotiation/Advocacy in the Workplace; Research Methods in Psychology; Social Psychology; Sport and Society; Theories of Personality; Women in Leadership

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 85%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 11%.
  • In-state tuition: $18,810.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $18,810.
  • Student population: 43274.
  • # undergrads: 29353.
  • # grads: 13921.
  • Campus setting: City: Midsize.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.

 

 

18: University of Louisiana at Monroe

University of Louisiana at Monroe Library and Conference Center (source)

University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) is a public university established in 1931 and located in Monroe, Louisiana, about 100 miles roughly east of Shreveport, LA. It was originally founded as Ouachita Parish Junior College and is part of the University of Louisiana System.

ULM offers 18 online master’s degrees, including concentrations/ specializations. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MS Psychology (MSP) with three Concentrations: (1) General (partly online), (2) Forensic Psychology (fully online), (3) Psychometric (partly online). This MSP is a 36-credit program with one fully online track and two more with a “majority of required courses” offered online. While a Thesis is not a requirement, it is recommended for students planning to later enter a doctoral program. Students seeking licensure should consider the master’s degree in Counseling. ULM also offers an on-campus-only MA Psychology program.

Sample courses: Advanced Theories of Crime and Delinquency; Counseling in Criminal Justice; Intelligence Testing; Minorities, Crime, and Criminal Justice; Proseminar in Criminal Justice; Psychological Assessment; Sociology of Law

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 27%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 17%.
  • In-state tuition: $6,106.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $18,206.
  • Student population: 8517.
  • # undergrads: 7215.
  • # grads: 1302.
  • Campus setting: City: Small.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

 

 

17: Golden Gate University-San Francisco

Golden Gate University (source)

Golden Gate University is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1901 and located in San Francisco, California. Original name: YMCA Evening College.

GGU offers nearly 20 online master’s degrees and nearly a dozen post-master’s graduate certificates. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MA Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MAIOP); Post-master’s Certificate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (PMC-IOP). The MAIOP is a 42-credit program consisting of 12 required (36cr) and two elective (6cr) courses. The curriculum prepares graduates for “leadership roles in industrial-organizational psychology” in a variety of fields [including] technology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, entertainment.” Alternately, there is the 15-credit grad certificate consisting of two core (psych) and three elective (psych, mgmt) courses. GGU also offers an on-campus-only MA Counseling Psychology (MACP) degree.

Sample courses: Applied Psychological Research; Conflict Resolution Skills and Techniques; Consulting Skills in Industrial-Organizational Psychology; Diversity in Organizations; Executive Coaching Theory and Practice; Group Dynamics in Organizations; Human Resources Management; Internship Applied Psychology; Leadership and the Development of Managerial Excellence; Managing People in International Settings; Organizational Behavior and Process; Organizational Change; Organizational Development, Assessment and Intervention; Structure, Theory and Ethics of Conflict Resolution; Technology Applications in Human Resource Management; Tests and Measurements; Training and Development

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 29%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 11%.
  • In-state tuition: $16,830.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $16,830.
  • Student population: 2909.
  • # undergrads: 489.
  • # grads: 2420.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

 

 

16: Northcentral University

Northcentral University (source)

Northcentral University is a private, for-profit institution established in 1996, with headquarters in San Diego, CA and Prescott Valley, Arizona.

NCU offers five online master’s degrees and four post-master’s certificates. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MA Psychology (MAP) with four Specializations: (1) General Psychology, (2) Gender Diversity, (3) Health Psychology, (4) Industrial Organizational Psychology; Post-master’s certificate in Psychology (PMC-P) with seven Specializations: (1) General Psychology, (2) Addictions, (3) Gender Diversity Studies, (4) Health Psychology, (5) Industrial/ Organizational Psychology, (6) Mental Health Policy Practice, (7) Trauma and Disaster Relief. The MAP is a 30- to 36-credit program (depending on selected specialization) that requires no GMAT or GRE exam score and has weekly start dates. The curriculum prepares graduates for psychology-related careers in industry, government or non-profits, or builds the foundation for a doctoral program. The PMC-P is an 18-credit certificate program requiring candidates to hold a master’s degree and which allows them to expand their psychology knowledge. Course start dates are weekly. (Additional specializations are available on-campus only.) NU also offers online MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as an online post-master’s certificate in the same.

Sample courses: Capstone Course: Psychology; Cognitive and Affective Basis of Behavior; Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology; Human Communication: Interviewing Skills; Multicultural Psychology; Positive Psychology; Professional Ethics, Law, and Psychology; Research Design; Theories of Human Development and Functioning; Theories of Personality

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 100%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 0%.
  • In-state tuition: $16,821.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $16,821.
  • Student population: 11160.
  • # undergrads: 208.
  • # grads: 10952.
  • Campus setting: Rural: Fringe.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

 

 

15: Nova Southeastern University

Sherman Library, Nova Southeastern University (source)

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private, nonprofit institution based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The university was established in 1964 as a small, graduate institution in the physical and social sciences. In 1994, Nova University merged with Southeastern University of Health Sciences.

NSU offers nearly 60 online master’s programs. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MS General Psychology (MSGP) with three Track options: (1) General (requires Thesis of 6cr), (2) Applied Health Science, (3) Diversity Studies; MS Forensic Psychology (MSFP). The MSGP is a 30-credit program (21cr Foundational, 9cr Speciality Track courses) that prepares graduates for a doctoral degree, although available specializations are suited to students seeking psychology-related career opportunities after obtaining the MSGP. The MSFP is a 36-credit program suited for students seeking a role as a forensic psychologist or similar, working in court cases, law enforcement, criminal justice, etc. Neither program leads to licensure in Florida and possibly other states. NSU also offers an on-campus-only MS Experimental Psychology and PsyS School Psychology.

Sample courses: Adult Psychopathology; Behavioral Neuroscience; Cognitive Psychology; Gay and Lesbian Studies; History and Systems of Psychology; Human Growth and Development; Human Sexuality; Individual Evaluation and Assessment; Interviewing Techniques; Masters Thesis; Psychological Aspects of Treating Disease; Psychological Quantitative Methods; Research Design; Research Topics in Cross-Cultural Psychology; Social and Cultural Foundations of Diversity; Social Psychology; The Business of Psychology

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 48%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 7%.
  • In-state tuition: $16,760.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $16,760.
  • Student population: 24148.
  • # undergrads: 4699.
  • # grads: 19449.
  • Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.

 

 

14: University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies (source)

University of the Rockies is a private, for-profit institution established in 1998 and located in Denver, Colorado, about 29 miles roughly southeast of Boulder, CO. Original name: Colorado School of Professional Psychology

UR offers 11 online master’s degrees. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MA Psychology (MAP) with 11 Specializations: (1) General Psychology, (2) Business Psychology, (3) Career Management and Counseling, (4) Criminology and Justice Studies, (5) Educational Leadership, (6) Health and Wellness Psychology, (7) Mediation and Conflict Resolution, (8) Mental Health Administration, (9) Non-Profit Management, (10) Organizational Leadership, (11) Sport and Performance Psychology. This MAP is a 39-credit program consisting of 13 courses. It covers multidisciplinary topics, including “psychometric theory, statistics, and research methodology, human development, learning theory, and behavior.” Students have a wide range of specialization options to choose from, including the General Psychology option, which is suitable for those planning to teach the subject at a community college level. Note: specializations do not necessarily lead to licensure. See site or contact UR for details.

Sample courses: Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior; Ethics, Laws and Standards of Professional Practice; History of Psychology; Introduction to Applied and Professional Psychology; Learning Theory and Behavioral Applications; Life Span Development; Cultural Diversity and Individual Differences; Physiological Bases of Behavior; Principles of Social Psychology; Psychology of Personality; Psychometrics: Tests and Measurements; Understanding, Interpreting, and Applying Statistical Concepts

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 92%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 0%.
  • In-state tuition: $16,665.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $16,665.
  • Student population: 1639.
  • # undergrads: 0.
  • # grads: 1639.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: D+.

 

 

13: University of the Incarnate Word

University of the Incarnate Word (source)

University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a San Antonio, Texas university established in 1881 and located in San Antonio, Texas, about 197 miles roughly west of Houston, TX. It was founded as Incarnate Word School, a women’s college, by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word — with whom the college is affiliated (Roman Catholic Church). A number of elementary and secondary schools are run by the university as well.

UIW offers four online master’s degrees (plus concentrations). For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MA Administration with Concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. This MAA-IOP is a 36-credit, interdisciplinary program consisting of 18cr Core, 15cr Concentration, and 3cr Capstone courses. The curriculum combines topics from psychology, administration, and organizational development, which is applicable in several careers including human resources and employee development, and management and analyst roles. Students may also be interested in an 18-credit graduate certificate in Organizational Development, which mostly supplements the ORGD courses in the MAA program.

Sample courses: Accounting Concepts and Issues; Assessment and Testing in the Workplace; Diversity in Organizations; Foundations of Organizational Research and Assessment; Human Resources Management; Industrial and Organizational Psychology; Management Concepts and Issues; Organizational Behavior and Learning; Personnel Psychology; Strategic Planning and Policy; Workplace Motivation

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 21%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 3%.
  • In-state tuition: $15,300.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $15,300.
  • Student population: 8745.
  • # undergrads: 6496.
  • # grads: 2249.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

 

 

12: Medaille College

Medaille College (source)

Medaille is a private, not-for-profit, non-sectarian college originally established as Mount Saint Joseph Teachers College in 1937 (although its roots go back to 1875). Its main campus is in Buffalo, New York, some 20 miles southeast of Niagara Falls, NY, and about 200 miles northeast of Cleveland, Ohio.

MC offers four online master’s degrees. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MA Psychology (MAP). This MAP is a 36-credit program consisting of 12 courses, including a Line Prep course (0 credits) and either a Thesis or an Internship (each 6cr). Typical timeline is two years based on the requirement of taking at least one course every two months. (Accelerated option possible.) The curriculum prepares graduates for “careers in business, education, research, and government.” MC also offers online master’s in Organizational Leadership and in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, as well as an Advanced Certificate in the latter topic.

Sample courses: Biological Basis of Behavior; Cognitive Psychology; Counseling; Developmental Psychology; Evolutionary Psychology; Psychopathologies; Research Methods; Social Psychology; Special Topics in Psychology; Statistics

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 21%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 13%.
  • In-state tuition: $15,282.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $15,282.
  • Student population: 2479.
  • # undergrads: 1914.
  • # grads: 565.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

 

 

11: Mercy College

Main hall, Mercy College (source)

Mercy College is a private, nonprofit college established in 1950 and located in Dobbs Ferry, New York, about 27 miles roughly north-northeast of New York City. It was founded by the Sisters of Mercy.

MC offers 17 online master’s degrees (plus concentrations/ specializations) and one mixed master’s. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MS Psychology (mixed, MSP). This MSP is a 36-credit program that prepares graduates for either psychology-related careers or for doctoral studies. (Note: 50% or more of the courses in the curriculum are online, with the rest on-campus.) Topic areas include psychology theory, ethics, methodology, clinical practice, brain/behavior relationships, psychological profiles, group therapy, etc. Undergrad students can take advantage of the Four-Plus-One program that accelerates the timeline for earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Psychology.

Sample courses: Contemp Theories in Psychology; Fieldwork in Psychology; Group Experience; Group Processes and Techniques; Physiological Psychology; Professional Issues and Ethics; Psychopathology; Statistics and Research Methodology I, II

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 19%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 14%.
  • In-state tuition: $14,904.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $14,904.
  • Student population: 11272.
  • # undergrads: 7939.
  • # grads: 3333.
  • Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

 

 

10: University of Phoenix-Florida

Aerial view of downtown Orlando, Florida (source)

University of Phoenix (UOPX) is a private, for-profit university system established in 1976 and based in Phoenix. It has over 100 campuses, including the Orlando, campus, which is covered in this college rankings article. Other campuses were in the original college candidates list. Please contact the campus nearest you for availability of online degree programs.

For online master’s level programs in Psychology, UOPX offers: MS Psychology (MSP) with optional Concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology (IOP). This MSP is a 39-credit program, with the optional IOP concentration requiring an additional 12 credits (total 51cr). The main program focuses on general psychology concepts, including human behavior. The concentration also emphasizes clinical topics including individual and group counseling, assessment and treatment, research, addiction, etc. UOPX also offers a 63-credit master’s in Counseling/ Clinical Mental Health.

Sample courses: Cognitive Psychology; Communication Skills For Graduate Study; Developmental Psychology; Ethics And Professional Issues; Integrative Capstone: Psychology Past And Present; Multicultural And Social Issues In Psychology; Personality Theories; Physiological Psychology; Psychology Of Learning; Psychometrics; Psychopathology; Research Methods In Psychology; Statistics For The Behavior Sciences

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 16%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 6%.
  • In-state tuition: $14,192.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $14,192.
  • Student population: 3707.
  • # undergrads: 3059.
  • # grads: 648.
  • Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

 

 

9: Capella University

Capella University and parent company headquarters (source)

Capella University is a for-profit institution established in 1993 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Original name: The Graduate School of America.

CU offers over 80 online master’s degrees, including concentrations/ specializations. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MS Psychology with eight Specializations: (1) General Psychology, (2) Applied Behavior Analysis, (3) Child and Adolescent Development, (4) Educational Psychology, (5) Evaluation, Research, and Measurement, (6) Industrial/Organizational Psychology, (7) Leadership Coaching Psychology, (8) Sport Psychology; MS Clinical Psychology with four Specializations: (1) Applied Research, (2) Clinical Counseling, (3) Forensic Psychology, (4) Sex Therapy. CU grad students have 12 specializations across two master’s of psychology degree programs to choose from. Programs require between 50 and 75 quarter credits, with 15-20 qc maximum transfer credits. All courses are 10 weeks in length, and FlexPath options are available. Each Specialization dictates the types of applied and clinical psychology professional career roles that can follow graduation. See site or contact CU for program / specialization details.

Sample courses: Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis; Cognitive/Affective Psychology; Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology; Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master’s Psychology Learners; Inferential Statistics; Introduction of Psychopathology; Learning Theories in Psychology; Lifespan Development; Research Methods; Social Psychology; Tests and Measurements; Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 100%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 0%.
  • In-state tuition: $14,175.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $14,175.
  • Student population: 35061.
  • # undergrads: 8750.
  • # grads: 26311.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.

 

 

8: Tiffin University

Tiffin University (source)

Tiffin University is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1888 and located in Tiffin, Ohio, about 90 miles roughly north of Columbus, OH.

TU offers nearly 20 online master’s degrees. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MS Psychology (MSP). This MSP is a 37-credit program consisting of 15 courses (each either 2 or 3 credits), including two Capstone Research courses. The curriculum prepares graduates for a wide range of careers that require psychology skills. Courses run in 7-week terms and there are six start dates per year, with a timeline of 1.5 years for full-time, 2.5 years for part-time. Check the site for availability of this online program in your state. TU also offers an on-campus-only MS in Forensic Psychology.

Sample courses: Statistical Procedures I, II; Research Design and Analysis I, II; Professional Issues I: Law and Ethics; Professional Issues II: Cross Cultural Issues; History and Systems of Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Advanced Theories of Personality; Psychopathology; Social Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Neuropsychology

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 85%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 0%.
  • In-state tuition: $12,600.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $12,600.
  • Student population: 4100.
  • # undergrads: 3016.
  • # grads: 1084.
  • Campus setting: Town: Distant.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

 

 

7: Walden University

Walden University (source)

Walden University is a private, for-profit/ PBC (Public Benefit Corporation) established in 1970 and located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was founded by two teachers from New York, Bernie and Rita Turner.

WU offers over 30 online master’s degrees and nearly 40 graduate certificates. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MS Psychology (MSP) with 12 Specializations: (1) General Psychology, (2) Applied Psychology, (3) Child and Adolescent Development, (4) Crisis Management and Response , (5) Educational Psychology, (6) Health Psychology , (7) Leadership Development and Coaching , (8) Organizational Development, (9) Psychology of Culture, (10) Psychology, Public Administration, and Social Change, (11) Social Psychology, (12) Terrorism and Security; MS Clinical Psychology (non-licensure, MSCP); MS Forensic Psychology (non-licensure, MSFP) with 10 Specializations: (1) Criminal Justice (Self-Designed), (2) Cybercrimes, (3) Family Violence, (4) Legal Issues in Forensic Psychology, (5) Military, (6) Police Psychology, (7) Self-Designed, (8) Sex Offender Behavior, (9) Terrorism, (10) Victimology. WU students have multiple degree options for psychology at the master’s level, including three distinct degrees, two of which have a total of 22 specializations. Programs are between 48-60 quarter credits, depending on degree and/or specialization. Note: some of the MSP specializations allow for the accelerated completion of a PhD. See site or contact WU for details. WU also offers other on-campus-only master’s level programs in psychology. Courses are 1, 3 or 5 quarter credits each, and the curriculum for each degree includes any or all of a Capstone, Field Experience or Practicum.

Sample courses: Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior; Culture and Psychology; Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology; Lifespan Development; M.S. in Psychology Capstone; Psychology of Personality; Psychopathology from a Clinical Perspective; Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis; Research Theory, Design, and Methods; Social Psychology

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 100%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 0%.
  • In-state tuition: $11,895.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $11,895.
  • Student population: 52188.
  • # undergrads: 8960.
  • # grads: 43228.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.

 

 

6: National University

National University (source)

National University (NU) is a 4-year, private, non-profit university that is based in La Jolla, California, about 13 miles roughly northwest of San Diego, CA, with dozens of campuses and learning centers in other parts of CA, as well as four other states (Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, Virginia), plus an online division. It was founded in 1971 as Pikeville Collegiate Institute and is a member of the National University System.

NU offers around 40 online master’s degrees. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MA Performance Psychology (MAPP); . The MAPP is a 63-quarter-unit (qu) program consisting of 14 courses, including Fieldwork. (Maximum 13.5 qu transfer credits.) The curriculum includes topics on human and organizational behavior, performance, ethics, motor behavior, etc., and collectively prepares graduates for career roles in sports psychology.

Sample courses: Behavioral Research; Consulting Practice Dev.; Counseling in Performance Psy; Ethics in Performance Psy; Motor Behavior; Organizational Behavior; Performance Consulting Skills; Performance Psychology Alt Population; Performance Psychology Corporate Pops; Psychopathology; Sport/Performance Psychology; Stages of Adult Development; Theories of Behavior Change

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 69%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 10%.
  • In-state tuition: $10,962.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $10,962.
  • Student population: 17608.
  • # undergrads: 9721.
  • # grads: 7887.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

 

 

5: Life University

Life University (source)

Life University is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1974 and located in Marietta, Georgia, about 20 miles roughly north-northwest of Atlanta, GA. Original name: Life Chiropractic College.

For online master’s level programs in Psychology, LU offers: MS Positive Psychology (MSPP) with two Tracks: (1) General, (2) Coaching Psychology. This MSPP is a 39- to 42-credit program that is reputedly one of three such “positive psychology” in the United States (with the other two being in Pennsylvania and California) that explore topics such as “happiness, life satisfaction, meaning in life, gratitude, compassion and forgiveness.” There are two online tracks, with one being coaching-specific. A Capstone and a Comprehensive Exam are required for both tracks but are assigned no credits. Note: There is one residential (weekend) retreat per quarter for the Coaching concentration. LU also offers an on-campus-only track in Secular Ethics and Contemplative Science

Sample courses: Introduction to Positive Psychology; Mindfulness Based Cognitive-Behavioral Coaching; Positive Leadership: Empowerment and Self Management; Positive Organizational Scholarship and Human Flourishing; Positive Psychology Capstone; Program Evaluation; Research Methods and Statistics; The Art of Self-Care: Mindfulness, Meditation, and the Mind/Body Connection; The Psychology of Forgiveness; The Psychology of Group Coaching; The Science of Happiness: Approaches to the Good Life; Theories and Techniques of Coaching Psychology; Workplace Coaching

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 0%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 3%.
  • In-state tuition: $9,672.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,672.
  • Student population: 2754.
  • # undergrads: 774.
  • # grads: 1980.
  • Campus setting: City: Small.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.

 

 

4: Union College

Union College, Kentucky (source)

Union College is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1879 and located in Barbourville, Kentucky, about 95 miles roughly north of Knoxville, TN. Affiliation: United Methodist Church.

UC offers two online master’s degrees, excluding concentrations/ specializations. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MA Psychology (MAP); Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC) Certification program. This MAP is a 37-credit program (21cr Foundation plus 1cr grad orientation, 9cr Psych Electives, 6cr Thesis) designed for either students wanting to pursue a doctoral degree, or those seeking advancement in psychology career opportunities. The credentials can also be used to teach psychology at the undergrad college level. The program includes advanced coursework in research, critical thinking, etc,. and a Capstone. Alternately, there is the 21-credit CDC Certification program. Undergrad students can apply for a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in Psychology (BA/MA). UC also offers an on-campus Master’s in Clinical Psychology.

Sample courses: Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience; Advanced Developmental Psychology; Advanced Psychopathology; Emotion, Motivation and Cognition; Ethics and Professional Practice; Family Systems Theory; Group Dynamics; Health Psychology; Introduction to Psychology Graduate Studies; Multicultural and Diversity Issues; Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods; Social and Community Psychology; Statistics for Mental Health Professionals; Theories of Career Counseling and Development; Theories of Personality

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 47%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 40%.
  • In-state tuition: $9,480.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,480.
  • Student population: 1139.
  • # undergrads: 869.
  • # grads: 270.
  • Campus setting: Town: Remote.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

 

 

3: Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (source)

Grand Canyon University is a for-profit university established in 1949 and located in Phoenix, Arizona, the capital of the state and part of the metropolitan area nicknamed the Valley of the Sun. It was originally founded by Arizona Southern Baptists as Grand Canyon College, a non-profit institution, but has been for-profit since Feb 2004.

CGU offers multiple online master’s degrees in each of 10 topic areas, as well as graduate certificates. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MS Psychology (MSP) with seven Emphasis options: (1) General Psychology, (2) Forensic Psychology, (3) GeroPsychology, (4) Health Psychology, (5) Human Factors Psychology, (6) Industrial and Organizational Psychology, (7) Life Coaching; graduate certificates of completion (GCC) in six topics. The MSP is a 36-credit program with multiple focus options, each leading to different types of psychology careers. Up to 12 eligible credits can be transferred in. Students can also opt for a 16- to 18-credit grad certificate instead of a degree, with six topic options to choose from. (Same as for the MS program, with the exception of General Psychology.) Courses run about eight weeks each, and a Capstone is part of the curriculum.

Sample courses: Contemporary and Ethical Issues in Psychology; Graduate Statistics; Health Psychology; Human Development; Learning, Cognition and Motivation; Psychopathology; Research Methods; Social and Cultural Psychology

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 93%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 1%.
  • In-state tuition: $9,284.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,284.
  • Student population: 62304.
  • # undergrads: 39400.
  • # grads: 22904.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

 

 

2: Fort Hays State University

Sheridan Hall, Fort Hays State University (source)

Fort Hays State University is a public university established in 1902 and based in Hays, Kansas, about 200 miles roughly west of Topeka, KS. It was originally founded as Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School.

FHSU offers 13 online master’s degrees. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MS General Psychology (MSGP) with Emphasis in Teaching Community College; MS School Psychology (MSSP); EdS School Psychology (EdS-SP); dual degree option. Students have multiple degree options, including one that leads to the teaching of psychology and one for school psychology (MSSP). The latter can be combined with the EdS-SP as part of a dual degree option. (Licensure is for Kansas and select other states.) The programs range from 30 to 36 credits, and some require five days of on-campus workshops. Practicums are part of the curriculum for some programs and may require in-person presence. FHSU also offers two MS programs in psychology that are on-campus only

Sample courses: Advanced Abnormal Psychology; Advanced Learning and Motivation; Appraisal of Children; Behavior Therapy ; Development Psychology; Developmental; Experimental Methods; Inferential Statistics; Methods in School Psychology; Neuropsychology; Observation in School Psychology; Professional Ethics in Psychology; Professional Seminar in Psychology; Psychological Consultation in Schools; Seminar in Psychology: Counseling for SEB Outcomes; Seminar in Psychology: Legal Issues in Schools

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 81%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 7%.
  • In-state tuition: $3,205.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,129.
  • Student population: 13825.
  • # undergrads: 11643.
  • # grads: 2182.
  • Campus setting: Town: Remote.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

 

 

1: American Public University System

American Public University System (source)

American Public University System (APUS), which includes APU (American Public University) and AMU (American Military University), is a private, for-profit system of universities founded in 1991 and based in Charles Town, West Virginia, about 63 miles roughly northwest of Washington, DC. APUS is organized as an entirely online learning institution and has no campus.

APUS offers nearly 40 online master’s degrees collectively through both APU and AMU institutions. For online master’s level programs in Psychology they offer: MA Psychology. This MA is a 39-credit program (33cr Core, 3cr Major, 3cr Capstone) allowing up to 15 transfer credits. The full-time timeline is two years, and courses start monthly. Curriculum topics include research and statistical methods of psychology, human and personality development, learning, cultural and multicultural issues, social influences, physiological processes, etc. The program follows the standards and Ethical Principles of the APA. Possibly of alternate interest: the 39-credit MS Sports and Health Sciences (which includes sports psychology topics) or the 36-credit MA Intelligence Studies.

Sample courses: Contemporary Issues in Psychology; Crisis and Emergency Intervention; Learning and Cognition; Lifespan Development; Master’s Capstone with Integrative Project in Psychology; Multicultural Issues in Human Behavior; Orientation to Graduate Learning in Psychology; Personality and Counseling Theories; Physiological Psychology; Professional Ethics and Standards; Psychopathology; Research and Statistical Methods; Social Psychology; Substance Abuse and Addiction; Tests and Measurements

  • %grads taking only distance edu: 100%.
  • %grads taking some distance edu: 0%.
  • In-state tuition: $6,300.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $6,300.
  • Student population: 57539.
  • # undergrads: 46997.
  • # grads: 10542.
  • Campus setting: Town: Fringe.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: n/a.

 

 

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