Best Accredited Online Master's in Psychology Programs of 2024

Do you want to earn your master's in psychology online? Learn about the top programs and how to pick the right one for your background and goals.
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Updated January 9, 2024

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You don't need to quit your job to earn an online master's in psychology degree. Going to college while balancing family and work life is never easy. However, online learning makes it possible with flexible courses, asynchronous assignments, and internship options in your community.

With a master's in psychology, you can advance careers in clinical counseling or academia — and make more money. Learn about potential college costs and career options with an online master's in psychology degree in this guide.

Popular Online Psychology Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Accredited Online Master's in Psychology Programs Rankings Summary

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
$15,590 $15,590 41%
#2 National University
San Diego, CA
$15,480 $15,480 55%
#3 Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
$18,900 $18,900 92%
#4 Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
West Lafayette, IN
$8,730 $9,700 Not provided
#5 Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA
$37,300 $37,300 53%
#6 Los Angeles Pacific University
Los Angeles, CA
$10,800 $10,800 Not provided
#7 Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ
$9,774 $9,774 70%
#8 University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA
$6,490 $18,590 70%
#9 McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA
$5,703 $13,740 69%
#10 Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
$9,110 $24,790 76%

Best Accredited Online Master's in Psychology Programs

#1 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2024

Regent University

  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $695

Out-of-State | $695

Credits to Graduate: 39

In Regent University's online psychology master's degree program, students can pursue a concentration in addictions, cyberpsychology, industrial-organizational, leadership coaching, and marriage and family psychology. There is also an option for a doctoral preparation curriculum. Coursework, which is taught from a Christian perspective, includes four electives that help determine your concentration. 

Enrollees can attend full or part time.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,220
Out-of-state
$17,220
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,590
Out-of-state
$15,590
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
41%
Students Enrolled
10,330
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2024

National University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online

Programmatic Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

Cost per Quarter Unit:

In-State | $442

Out-of-State | $442

Credits to Graduate: 54

National University's master of arts in human behavior psychology was developed for students who would like to supervise a human services organization, though it is open to students pursuing other goals for an online psychology master's degree.

National University was founded by a U.S. veteran and designated a military-friendly school with special tuition for military members. 

Classes begin every month and last for four weeks. Students can enroll year round. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,480
Out-of-state
$15,480
Retention Rate
100%
Acceptance Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
17,135
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#3 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2024

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $637

Out-of-State | $637

Credits to Graduate: 36

The Southern New Hampshire University psychology master's program online offers three concentrations: child and developmental, forensic, or industrial organizational psychology. For electives, students can choose from within the psychology course offerings or approved courses from other disciplines. Learners can take coursework in an asynchronous format to fit their schedules. 

The program culminates in a capstone and seminar. Students who do not have a background in psychology may need to take up to three prerequisite courses in psychology, research, or statistics. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,000
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,900
Out-of-state
$18,900
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
145,533
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2024

Purdue University Global-Indianapolis

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $420

Out-of-State | $420

Credits to Graduate: 60-75, based on concentration

Purdue University Global-Indianapolis' psychology master's program online offers concentrations in addictions, forensic psychology, general psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology. The industrial/organizational psychology program has a non-practicum option. The addictions concentration is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). Online resources for students include clubs, interest groups, and no-cost individual tutoring. Students can choose either a thesis or a capstone project for program completion.

Military students, employees of organizations partnering with Purdue, and students living outside the U.S. may be eligible for reduced tuition.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$13,356
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,730
Out-of-state
$9,700
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
43,458
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2024

Pepperdine University

  • Malibu, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

Cost per Unit:

In-State | $1,875

Out-of-State | $1,875

Credits to Graduate: 48

Pepperdine University's online psychology master's degree can be completed in 18-24 months. Students must live in the U.S. at the time of application. Applicants need a bachelor's degree, but the school does not require GRE scores. Learners can request a waiver of the application fee to meet the application deadline if necessary. 

The catalog includes courses in industrial organizational psychology, trauma in diverse populations, positive psychology, psychopharmacology, and other potential special focuses. Applicants are encouraged to visit online classes, with the students furthest along in the application process receiving priority.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$59,450
Out-of-state
$59,450
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$37,300
Out-of-state
$37,300
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
10,446
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
36% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#6 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2024

Los Angeles Pacific University

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online

Programmatic Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

Cost per Unit:

In-State | $660

Out-of-State | $660

Credits to Graduate: 36

Los Angeles Pacific University's master of psychology online program is designed for graduate students who plan to work in industrial and organizational psychology, developmental, or general psychology, or those pursuing a doctorate. The school functions from a Christian perspective, and faculty and staff are expected to adhere to specific Christian principles of daily living. The school is entirely online, with no physical campus. 

Veterans receive dedicated support and special discounts on tuition. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, attend international partner schools, or have a Social Security number and be eligible for federal financial aid. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,800
Out-of-state
$10,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,800
Out-of-state
$10,800
Retention Rate
100%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,009
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#7 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2024

Arizona State University Digital Immersion

  • Scottsdale, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online

Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $618

Out-of-State | $618

Credits to Graduate: 36

Arizona State University Digital Immersion's master of science in psychology program can be completed in one year, making it one of the fastest of the psychology master's programs online. The degree is part of the school's New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. All classes are online, with no on-campus requirements. 

Applicants should have a bachelor's program, previous classes in psychology, and a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of their undergraduate degree. Although ASU is a public school, there is no out-of-state surcharge.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,710
Out-of-state
$12,984
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,774
Out-of-state
$9,774
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
57,848
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2024

University of Louisiana at Monroe

  • Monroe, LA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $500

Out-of-State | $500

Credits to Graduate: 36

The University of Louisiana at Monroe's online psychology master's degree is available as a general program or with a forensic psychology concentration. The psychometrics concentration requires one on-campus semester but is otherwise online.

Applicants must have at least nine credit hours of psychology, including at least three credits in statistics, or complete these prerequisites before taking 12 credits in the graduate program. The $500 tuition per credit includes fees. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,788
Out-of-state
$17,888
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,490
Out-of-state
$18,590
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
8,718
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2024

McNeese State University

  • Lake Charles, LA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $1,415

Out-of-State | $1,415

Credits to Graduate: 39-60 depending on concentration

McNeese State University's online psychology master's program includes three concentration options. Two of the concentrations result in a master of arts degree: applied behavior analysis and general/experimental psychology. The third option is the clinical mental health counseling concentration, which results in a master of science degree. Please note that only the on-campus applied behavior analysis program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The general/experimental program prepares students for doctoral study.

The non-resident tuition surcharge begins at four credits. For example, a resident pays $2,076 for four credits, a non-resident pays $2,300, and an international non-resident pays $2,520.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,147
Out-of-state
$13,185
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,703
Out-of-state
$13,740
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
6,454
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2024

Mississippi State University

  • Mississippi State, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $537

Out-of-State | $537

Credits to Graduate: 60

Mississippi State University's online master of science in counselor education with a concentration in rehabilitation counseling prepares graduates to earn certification as a rehabilitation counselor in any state and a licensed professional counselor in Mississippi. Students can enroll on a full- or part-time basis.

Students must pass certain gatekeeper courses with at least a B to continue to the next level of this psychology online master's degree. These include four classroom courses, the practicum, and the internship.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,110
Out-of-state
$24,790
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,110
Out-of-state
$24,790
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
23,086
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
43% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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Why Earn Your Master's in Psychology Online?

  • You can qualify for many in-demand psychology jobs in counseling, social work, and human services.
  • A master's degree in psychology can make you eligible for leadership roles in human resources and social and human services and higher pay.
  • Online master's in psychology programs are flexible, making it easier to balance school, work, and family commitments.
  • You can apply for a doctorate, which can lead to research, clinical, and lecturer positions.
  • Master's degree holders can generally make more money than bachelor's degree holders.
  • You can gain specialized knowledge in psychology by completing concentrations such as child and development psychology or forensic psychology.

Did You Know...

Psychotherapy benefits about 75% of patients, and some changes are even visible in the brain.

Does Accreditation Matter for Master's in Psychology Programs?

Accreditation matters for all degrees, including psychology degrees. It's important to ensure your college is accredited. Currently, the APA only accredits doctoral psychology programs.

If you want to go on to earn a doctorate and become a licensed psychologist, many states require you to graduate from an APA-accredited doctoral program. Similarly, accredited on-campus or online psychology master's degree programs will not accept transfer credits from unaccredited schools.

The accreditation process is also as close as you can get to a guarantee that your investment of time and money will give you results. Accreditation means that a school or program meets academic or industry standards.

Because accreditation is so vital, this guide only lists master's in psychology online degrees from accredited colleges and universities.

How Much Does a Master's Degree in Psychology Cost?

For the 2020-21 school year, graduate students paid a median of $9,950 per year to earn a master's of science in psychology and $11,070 per year to earn a master's of arts (MA) in psychology, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Tuition fluctuates depending on different variables, such as:

  • How long it takes to graduate (most master's in psychology programs take 1-3 years)
  • Whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
  • Whether you attend a private or public school
  • Your financial aid amount, such as loans and grants

Scholarships can help offset college expenses and don't need to be repaid. You can learn of scholarship opportunities by visiting your school's financial aid office.

Common Courses in Master's in Psychology Programs


  • Adult Psychopathology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Human Sexuality
  • Intervention Strategies
  • Social Psychology
  • Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
  • Trauma in Diverse Populations

Concentrations with an Online Master's in Psychology

These concentrations can prepare you for counseling licensure, or to prepare for a doctorate to become a psychologist. You can also work in applied psychology with an online master's in psychology, but cannot call yourself a licensed psychologist. Check your state licensing guidelines for counselors, therapists, or related careers to explore requirements in more detail./

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Industrial-organizational psychology studies the psychology of behavior within organizations. This concentration can prepare you to work in HR, as a consultant, in training design, labor relations, or other areas of applied psychology.

School Psychology

School psychology focuses on improving student mental health outcomes, at the personal level or by addressing the overall school climate. After you earn an online master's in psychology with a concentration in school psychology, you can become a school counselor or earn an Ed.S. to become a school psychologist.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology addresses the psychological aspects of the legal system and how psychology affects law and law practice. While only forensic psychologists are licensed to diagnose patients, an online psychology master's degree with a specialty in forensic psychology could also prepare you to work in a law firm or the justice or legal system.

Addictions Psychology

Addictions psychology studies the nature of addiction, how to prevent it, and how to help people recover. You can become a substance use disorder counselor with an on-campus or online master's in psychology, or earn a doctorate to become an addiction psychologist.

Clinical Mental Health Psychology

Clinical mental health psychology emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of mental health. Many graduates of master's in psychology online programs who focus on clinical mental health go on to earn a doctorate. However, you can also apply to become an LPC in most states with a master's, supervised experience, and passing the clinical licensing examination.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Psychology?

If you wish to become a licensed psychologist, you'll need a doctorate degree. An online master's in psychology program, however, can prepare you for many other in-demand careers in counseling, psychology, and human services.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mental health counselors rank as one of the fastest-growing psychology careers. The BLS projects 18% job growth for mental health counselors between 2022–2032, which is 9 percentage points higher than the projected job growth for all counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists.

Human resources managers and industrial-organizational psychologists earn the two highest median salaries. Human resources managers make a median of $130,000 per year and industrial-organizational psychologists earn a median of over $139,000 per year. Yet, mental health counselors earn the lowest median salary of less than $50,000 per year.

Explore the job growth and median salaries of some common roles for graduates of online master's in psychology programs.

Popular Jobs for Master's in Psychology Graduates
Job Median Annual Salary (May 2022) Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)
Human Resources Managers $130,000 +5%
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists $139,280 +6%
Social and Community Service Managers $74,240 +9%
School and Career Counselors $60,140 +5%
Marriage and Family Therapists $56,570 +15%
Mental Health Counselors $49,710 +18%
Source: BLS

Is an Online Master's in Psychology Worth It?

Will an online master's in psychology be a worthwhile pursuit? Only you can answer that question. What degree or program you choose depends on your learning style, work and life schedule, your timeline, your career goals, and your budget.

Learn what you should consider before choosing whether to earn your master's in psychology online or on campus.

An Online Psychology Master's May Be Worth It If…


  • You need a flexible program that fits around your work or family life.
  • You want a budget-friendly degree.
  • You work well independently in a deadline-driven environment.
  • You prefer studying from home.

An Online Psychology Master's May Not Be Worth It If…


  • You need one-on-one interaction to thrive in school.
  • You can't work independently.
  • You can't concentrate at home.
  • You have difficulty prioritizing work and meeting deadlines on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Psychology

Can you become a psychologist with a master's degree?

You typically need a doctorate in psychology, supervised experience, and licensure to become a psychologist in the U.S.

In some states, some psychologist roles, like industrial-organizational psychologists and school psychologists, may be open to those with only a master's degree.

Does a master's degree in psychology pay well?

A master's degree in psychology generally pays the same as the median salary for all occupations in the U.S. The median annual salary for counselors is $49,710 compared to $46,310 for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Your salary will depend on your career, location, experience, specialty, and other factors.

What's the highest-paying job in psychology?

The highest-paying job in psychology is a psychologist, with a median annual salary of $85,330, according to the BLS. Nationally, 80% of psychologists earn between $48,010 and $141,910. The highest-paid specialty is industrial-organizational psychology, with a median salary of $139,280.

Which is better: an MA or an MS in psychology?

Whether you choose a master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS) in psychology depends on your career goals and interests. Most MA degrees have an arts and humanities focus, while MS degrees emphasize scientific methods. Students looking to pursue a Ph.D. might prefer an MS degree, especially if they want a career focused on research or teaching.

Either an MA or MS degree would provide a good foundation for a Psy.D. degree, which focuses on the clinical application of scientific research.

Is a psychology master's degree difficult?

Yes, a psychology master's degree challenges students. Studying human behavior, contemporary theories in psychology, and group and individual counseling techniques is often challenging yet fascinating. At the same time, teaching practicums, directed research, and clinical rotations can be emotionally and physically strenuous but rewarding.

All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.

The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed December 4th, 2023.

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AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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