Best Online Master’s Degrees in Psychology for 2024

What do you learn in an online master’s program in psychology?

Because studies in psychology can be applied to a wide range of careers and advanced degrees and areas of study, there can be significant variety in online psychology master’s degree program content. However, many programs have core learning outcomes courses and areas of focus that students can generally expect to see or experience in their program, such as behavior analysis, practical application of theory and developing research plans.

Each program is different, but there’s a good chance that students will be exposed to these common learning outcomes in their psychology master’s degree programs:

What specializations are available for a psychology master’s?

Psychology master’s degree programs are excellent for delving deeper into psychology related topics that interest you. Master’s degrees are available for general psychology, but those looking to specialize their studies to pursue specific career paths can look for schools that offer specialized tracks and programs of study for psychology students.

How long it takes to earn your online master’s degree in psychology

Online master’s degrees in psychology can typically be completed in about two years, although some programs offer accelerated tracks, giving students the option to earn their degree in a little over a year. Students who want a lighter per-term course load can expect their degree to take longer. Certain specialties and tracks that prepare students for professional certifications can take longer to complete as well. Keep in mind that not all degree programs offer both full-time and part-time options.

Some schools require students to finish their psychology master’s within a certain period of time, like five years, so be sure to check with your program when determining the right course load for you. Also consider how long your capstone or any required internships and practica might take, as this can extend your degree’s completion time.

Can you get into an online psychology master’s program?

Admissions requirements for psychology master’s degree programs can vary by school, but there are typically some common requirements to look for:

A 3.0 is a common minimum GPA requirement for online psychology master’s programs, but this can vary, so be sure to check for school- and program-specific requirements. In addition, psychology programs may only allow you to apply after you’ve been accepted at the institutional level and have taken a specified number of courses. This means you would need to apply to the school and submit a separate application to your master’s program.

If you don’t have a background in psychology, you may be required to take foundational courses in areas like statistics, research methods and general psychology before being fully admitted into an online psychology master’s program. Some programs also require GRE scores and letters of recommendation, so be sure to check application requirements in advance so you have time to gather all of the necessary materials.

The cost of an online master’s in psychology

Multiple factors can affect the cost of an online master’s in psychology. The per-credit price tends to hover between $450 and $650, but financial aid, program location and your course load can all have an impact on the bottom-line cost of earning your degree.

Prospective students should be sure to check whether or not their online psychology program differentiates between in-state and out-of-state students. Some schools have separate price tiers, even for online programs.

Here’s a sample of online master’s in psychology program costs:

Walden
University

MS in Psychology (General)

Total Credits: 48

$535/credit

City College of
New York

Master of Arts in Psychology

Total Credits: 36

$470/credit

Harvard Extension
School

Master of Liberal Arts in Psychology

Total Credits: 48

$710/credit

Can you earn an online master’s degree completely online?

Most online master’s degree programs have required internship or practica components that give students hands-on experience in applied research or applied psychology. These typically must be completed in-person but do not necessarily require campus visits. However, some programs do require residencies, where students must complete some of their credit hours in person with other members of their cohort. Students may also need to present their culminating research or capstone projects in person at their school’s campus.

Does an online master’s in psychology prepare you for state licensure?

Some online psychology master’s programs prepare students to sit for state licensure exams, but not all of them. Because licensure requirements vary by state, it’s difficult for online programs to build their curricula around every state’s requirements. However, some indicate which licenses their programs focus on and which states accept their curricula. Students looking for licensure preparation should read program descriptions carefully, as they will indicate whether or not the program prepares for state licensure.

Continuing Education for Master’s Graduates

PhD in Psychology

Students and professionals looking to advance their education to pursue psychology research and education careers or further their expertise for clinical applications may consider enrolling in a psychology PhD program. This terminal, research-oriented degree lends opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge on specific topics in psychology, such as cognitive psychology or counseling psychology.

PsyD in Psychology

A PsyD can be an excellent option for psychology professionals who want to advance their knowledge and skills for professional practice. Like the PhD, the PsyD is a terminal doctoral degree, but rather than a strong focus on research and theory, the PsyD tends to take a hands-on approach and focuses on practical applications.

Related Degrees to Check Out

Master’s in Social Work

Students who are interested in working with communities and vulnerable populations may consider earning a master’s degree in social work. These programs tend to incorporate psychological theory and practice but may focus more heavily on advocacy, inciting systemic change, client management and connecting populations to community and government resources to make sure their needs are met and their issues are addressed.

Master’s in Counseling

A master’s in counseling can be a great degree for students who want to learn how to help clients work through their problems and make positive behavior changes. Counseling programs often contain elements of psychological study, but they may focus less on why a person feels or behaves in a certain way and more on the actionable solutions and improvements that can alleviate those feelings and behaviors.