Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs of 2025
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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.
Top 10 Online Master’s in Psychology Degrees
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers an MS in psychology with two concentration options. You can pursue a forensic concentration that is 100% online or graduate without a specific concentration. Alternatively, you can choose the hybrid psychometrics concentration, which requires one semester on campus.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 36
- Cost per Credit: $500
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
Program Highlights
- Gain foundational training in quantitative methods in the behavioral sciences, research methods, and neuropsychology.
- Choose the forensic concentration to take courses on psychopathology, advanced forensic psychology, advanced theories of crime and delinquency, counseling in criminal justice, sociology of law, and more.
Know Before You Apply
- You must have at least nine undergraduate hours of psychology, including at least three semester hours of statistics or the equivalent, to enter the master's program.
- For acceptance, you'll need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of attempted coursework.
- In-State$5,788
- Out-of-state$17,888
- In-State$6,490
- Out-of-state$18,590
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled8,398
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Lynn University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Lynn University's online MS in psychology program is designed for working professionals who want to pursue either general psychology or coaching and consulting psychology, an emerging field with diverse applications.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 36
- Cost per Credit: $650
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
Program Highlights
- Build a foundation for applying psychological research and human behavior at a graduate level or in your current career.
- Learn to perform research and evaluate programs while applying advanced social, industrial, and organizational psychology.
- Receive preparation for corporate coaching, working in the school systems, or becoming a private coach in the coaching and consulting specialization.
Know Before You Apply
- Lynn reports a $919,000 net economic gain for graduates over the course of their career.
- You must complete a scholarly research thesis to graduate.
- In-State$39,800
- Out-of-state$39,800
- In-State$13,500
- Out-of-state$13,500
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled3,520
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This Program
The MS in general psychology at Nova Southeastern University can strengthen your effectiveness as a working professional or catalyze your career in different industries or for advanced doctoral programs. The 100% online curriculum is ideal for full-time working adults, with no need to travel.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 30
- Cost per Credit: $925
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
Program Highlights
- Schedule classes whenever is convenient for you through NSU's asynchronous course format.
- Receive a comprehensive foundation of psychology theory and research in this nonclinical program.
- Apply the general psychology skills you learn in a career at a law firm, law enforcement agency, hospital or clinic, social services agency, or corporate human resources department.
Know Before You Apply
- NSU reports that 85% of students receive financial aid, with $220 million awarded annually.
- Choose from three start dates each year.
- In-State$34,500
- Out-of-state$34,500
- In-State$22,062
- Out-of-state$22,062
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled20,877
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Roosevelt University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
Roosevelt University's online MA in general psychology allows you to graduate within one year and doesn't require a research thesis. You'll have the opportunity to explore applied psychology, research, and intervention throughout the curriculum.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 30
- Cost per Credit: $1,265
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
Program Highlights
- Study 100% online in the evening, on weekends, or around your schedule.
- Complete coursework in a broad range of topics, including chemical dependence, psychopathology, human development, and multicultural counseling.
- Join a diverse group of alumni working in fields such as social work, nursing, law enforcement, and human resources.
Know Before You Apply
- This MA is not a clinical training program, and graduates are not eligible to apply for licensure as a professional counselor.
- You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA for acceptance, and it's recommended that you've taken basic psychology courses before you begin the program.
- There are two start dates each year and no state residency requirements.
- In-State$33,068
- Out-of-state$33,068
- In-State$22,764
- Out-of-state$22,764
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled3,725
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona Global Campus
- Chandler, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This Program
The University of Arizona Global Campus offers an MA in psychology that stands out for its course format. You'll take one accelerated, six-week course at a time, allowing you to focus on each subject individually. The curriculum integrates psychological research into real-world applications while emphasizing ethical principles.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 36
- Cost per Credit: $600
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
Program Highlights
- Evaluate the scientific merit of psychological research and literature.
- Explore various psychological domains, including developmental, social, and biological psychology.
- Apply for the program risk-free — no application fee or GMAT/GRE scores are required.
Know Before You Apply
- You must complete all coursework with a 3.0 minimum GPA for degree completion.
- You may transfer up to nine credits.
- The program does not meet any state's educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification.
- In-State$12,240
- Out-of-state$12,240
- In-State$12,645
- Out-of-state$12,645
- Retention Rate30%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled34,190
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Leo University
- Saint Leo, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
At Saint Leo University, you can pursue an online MS in psychology focused on general psychology and developing practical skills in data analysis, research, and teaching. The degree program offers four specializations: general psychology, industrial/organizational, health psychology, and teaching of psychology.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 36
- Cost per Credit: $760
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
Program Highlights
- Enjoy the flexibility of a fully online and asynchronous format, plus a cohort model that allows you to connect with other students throughout your degree program.
- Focus on only one eight-week course at a time, although you may be allowed to take two at once if you prefer.
- Choose between an empirical thesis research project or a capstone project before graduation.
Know Before You Apply
- Saint Leo has rolling admissions, so you can enroll at any time and choose from six annual start dates.
- For acceptance, you must have a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- In-State$24,990
- Out-of-state$24,990
- In-State$18,436
- Out-of-state$18,436
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled2,788
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
The online MS in psychology at Southern New Hampshire University prepares you for improving the mental health and wellness of diverse populations. The curriculum focuses on research methods, cognitive psychology, social psychology and personality, learning theory, and ethical practice.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 36
- Cost per Credit: $637
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
Program Highlights
- Choose from three degree concentrations: child and developmental psychology, forensic psychology, or industrial and organizational psychology.
- Complete online courses in 10-week terms, and set your own schedule.
- Access 24-7 online student support, including career and academic advising, tutoring, and a vast resource library.
Know Before You Apply
- The application is a simple online form with no application fee, test score, or minimum GPA requirements.
- The MS is not a clinical psychology program and will not qualify you for licensure.
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled164,091
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
National University's online MA in psychology program is 100% online, with no residency requirements or group assignments. You can choose from three unique master's specializations: general psychology, gender and sexual fluidity, or research and teaching.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 30
- Cost per Credit: $442
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
Program Highlights
- Advance from your master's to the doctoral degree program while saving time and reducing tuition costs by utilizing NU's FastForward option.
- Enroll at any time of year, with new courses starting every Monday.
- Complete the 10 required courses for any of the three psychology specializations in as little as 18 months.
Know Before You Apply
- NU has a simplified and streamlined application process, so you can enroll in the program in only a month.
- You don't need to take the GRE if you have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, but you could still be accepted with a lower GPA and a satisfactory GRE score.
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,912
- Out-of-state$15,912
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled18,631
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Pepperdine University
- Malibu, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
At Pepperdine University, you can pursue an online MA in psychology that prepares you with a broad understanding of human behavior and the fundamental principles of the psychology field. Structured by a clinical framework, the program will expose you to essential psychological theory and practice.
- Credits to Graduate: 36-48
- Cost per Credit: $1,945
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
Program Highlights
- Complete five foundation courses, nine core courses, and two electives for graduation.
- Learn alongside your cohort, and complete your degree program in as little as 18 months.
- Take courses in industrial organizational psychology, interpersonal skills and group therapy, trauma in diverse populations, multicultural counseling, and more.
Know Before You Apply
- There are no GRE requirements to apply.
- There are four start dates each year in the winter, spring, summer, and fall.
- Application fee waivers are available if you meet the priority deadline.
- In-State$62,390
- Out-of-state$62,390
- In-State$39,100
- Out-of-state$39,100
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled9,545
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
University of Oregon
- Eugene, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This Program
The University of Oregon offers an online master's in psychology (OMP) program for professionals working in social services, behavioral health, and related fields. The program aims to bridge the gap between practitioners and researchers while increasing the impact of psychological programs in organizations and communities.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 49
- Cost per Credit: $607
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
Program Highlights
- Explore a curriculum that covers cutting-edge research in child and adult stress neurobiology, trauma and resilience, and evidence-based interventions for a range of psychological disorders.
- Experience a blend of online coursework and individualized project-based curriculum.
- Build personalized research as you learn to select, develop, and evaluate effective, evidence-based programs.
Know Before You Apply
- This program is not designed for general master's-level training in psychology and does not provide clinical training or prepare you for licensure.
- You don't need to submit GRE scores with your application if you submit a writing sample and answers to supplemental psychology questions.
- In-State$12,726
- Out-of-state$39,922
- In-State$16,011
- Out-of-state$28,971
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled23,786
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Why Earn Your Master’s in Psychology Online?
- Balance school, work, and family commitments with the flexibility of online coursework.
- Gain specialized knowledge by completing a concentration such as child development or forensic psychology.
- Qualify for many in-demand psychology jobs.
- Pursue leadership roles in social and human services or human resources.
- Earn a higher salary on average than bachelor’s degree holders.
- Prepare for a doctoral program in psychology, which can lead to research, clinical, and lecturer positions.
Did You Know…
Psychotherapy benefits about 75% of patients, and some changes are even visible in the brain.
Who Accredits Master’s in Psychology Programs?
Before enrolling in an online master’s in psychology program, you should confirm that the institution offering the program is accredited. Institutional accreditation legitimizes your academic credits and is a requirement for federal financial aid eligibility.
At the programmatic level, the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) accredits master’s in psychology programs. Programs that emphasize counseling or marriage and family therapy could also hold accreditation with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Though programmatic accreditation isn’t typically required for master’s in psychology programs, it can signal to employers that your education met field-specific standards.
How Much Does a Master’s Degree in Psychology Cost?
For the 2019-2020 academic year, the average cost of an online master’s in psychology was $28,173, whereas a campus-based program had an average cost of $32,119, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
In addition to delivery format, other factors that can influence the annual cost of your degree include:
- Attending a private or public school
- Being an in-state or out-of-state student
- Having a full- or part-time credit load
- Buying or renting textbooks and other required materials
Your total program cost will vary depending on how long your program is. Most master’s in psychology programs take one to three years to complete. If you transfer in credits from a different program, then that can shorten your program and thus reduce overall costs.
Scholarships for psychology students can also help offset college expenses and don’t need to be repaid. Other forms of aid that can lower your out-of-pocket costs include grants, fellowships, and assistantships. You can learn about financial aid opportunities by visiting your school’s financial aid office.
Popular Concentrations for Psychology Grad Students
Depending on your chosen concentration, an online master’s in psychology could prepare you for applied psychology roles, counseling licensure, or doctoral studies in a subfield of psychology.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Industrial-organizational psychology studies the psychology of behavior within organizations. This concentration can prepare you to work as a consultant or in HR, training and development, 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 specialization in forensic psychology could prepare you to work in 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 a licensed professional counselor in most states with a master’s degree, supervised experience, and passing score on 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. An online master’s in psychology program can, however, prepare you for other in-demand careers in counseling, applied psychology, and human services. If you are interested in becoming a counselor or therapist, check your state’s licensing requirements to make sure your program aligns with them.
Explore the salary potential and demand of common roles for psychology graduates below.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Job Growth Rate (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Managers | $140,030 | +6% |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $94,310 | +6% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $78,240 | +8% |
| School and Career Counselors | $65,140 | +4% |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $63,780 | +16% |
| Mental Health Counselors | $59,190 | +19% |
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.
An online psychology master’s may be worth it if…
You need a flexible program that fits around your work or family life.- 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 have difficulty prioritizing work and meeting deadlines on your own.
- You can’t concentrate at home.
