Individuals across the country who would like to become successful psychologists must complete undergraduate and graduate programs. Thankfully, the field offers some flexibility, not only in terms of chosen specialty but also in the opportunity to receive extensive online training.
Pursuing an online master’s psychology program allows students to acquire more complex skills and advance their careers without sacrificing their current schedules. Furthermore, several reputable institutions across the country offer flexible, online master’s programs in psychology with the same level of quality as traditional options.
Through the list below, readers can discover some of the best places among these institutions. They will also learn important details about each school, including the specific programs offered, expected duration, and guidance on choosing the best programs, among other relevant information.
Top Online Master’s Psychology Programs
The following are some top online master’s psychology programs for candidates to consider:
Purdue University
Purdue University’s global arm offers several impressive online programs. One of them is an online master’s degree in psychology program that includes 15 total courses with an average completion time of one and a half years. Candidates will need to dedicate around 15 hours per week to complete the coursework successfully. Although there is an emphasis on covering general psychology, candidates will have the option to choose from one of four concentrations: addictions, general psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and forensic psychology.
They will also gain hands-on experience through practical applications, learning from seasoned practitioners with both academic and field experience.
Purdue University’s online master’s degree in psychology program costs $420 per credit.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is another reputable institution offering an online master’s degree in psychology. As one would expect, the program operates at very high-quality levels with an array of learning resources covering both consumer and organizational psychology. The degree itself is known as the online Master of Science in Applied Psychology degree and is suitable for professionals looking to advance or transition their careers.
To be admitted, candidates must have already completed a bachelor’s degree, accompanied by transcripts to verify their completion. They will also have to complete an online application attaching a professional resume and a personal statement of purpose.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University’s online division offers an online Master of Science in Psychology program comprising 36 credit hours. Students must complete 12 total classes, during which they will learn about the roles of psychologists across various industries.
The program encompasses a range of concentrations, including developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, and physiological psychology, among others. As stated on the program website, individuals across the country are welcome as long as they have a passion for non-clinical mental health.
Southern New Hampshire University
At Southern New Hampshire University, individuals seeking to earn their master’s degree in psychology can opt for the online program, which consists of 12 total courses. By the time they graduate, candidates will have become adept at applying psychology to real-world problems and identifying/addressing mental health issues.
The courses also cover how to utilize theories and research methods in actual practical environments and how to balance professional ethics and empathy. The instructors who oversee the program boast years of real-world experience and are willing to provide personal guidance.
Southern New Hampshire University’s online master’s degree in psychology program costs $659 per credit.
University of Oregon
The University of Oregon’s offering for prospective psychologists is an online master’s in psychology program that helps students conveniently gain a repertoire of skills and experience to advance their careers.
The program can be completed in six terms and includes 18 courses, totaling 49 credits, which candidates must complete online before they can successfully graduate.
Candidates also have a chance to choose their area of focus, including mental health, education, child welfare, and industrial-organizational psychology.
University of Louisiana Monroe
University of Louisiana Monroe is another amazing institution with a program that allows candidates to earn a master of Science in Psychology entirely online. Applicants must already have 9 semester hours of psychology at the undergraduate level before they can be admitted into this program.
Once they begin, they will learn key topics ranging from quantitative methods and behavioral sciences, neuropsychology, personality and social psychology, and research methods, among others. Students may also choose a forensic concentration, which covers individual testing, psychopathology, sociology of law, and advanced forensic psychology.
Florida State University
Florida State University is renowned for its exceptional online training programs, which enable students to learn without compromising their prior commitments. For individuals seeking to earn a Master of Psychology, the school offers an online educational psychology master’s program with competent instructors, robust learning materials, and extensive student support.
The program comprises 33 credit hours of instruction, covering topics such as learning and cognition, development, group processes, and more.
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto University offers a master of Science in Psychology program that can be completed online. One of the program’s objectives is to empower professionals to explore new careers or pursue more advanced roles within their fields.
To ensure that candidates can learn without sacrificing other commitments, the school offers both part-time and fully online options. Accepted applicants will be able to choose between four concentrations to specialize in their Master’s degree.
They will also be able to leverage the school’s reputation to secure leadership roles in forensic psychology and mental health.
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix offers a robust online master’s program in psychology. Accepted applicants develop the skills to evaluate human behavior while applying them in both individual and group settings.
Core courses include foundations of graduate study in psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, personality theories, psychometrics, psychopathology, and research methods.
Students also learn about specialty areas in psychology. To graduate, candidates will need 36 credits, of which 12 are core courses. Graduates can pursue careers as psychology instructors and compliance managers.
Texas A&M University
Lastly, Texas A&M University’s online master’s in educational psychology program is another amazing option to consider. Offered by the Graduate and Professional School, the program has been ranked among the top five in the country by U.S. News and World Report.
Students will be able to choose among four areas of specialization: creativity and cognition, school counseling, research, measurement, and statistics, and developmental sciences. Graduates can pursue careers as behavior coaches, counselors, therapists, special educators, general educators, and other related fields.
Choosing the Best Online Psychology Master’s Degree
Naturally, several factors go into choosing the best online psychology master’s degree. All of the programs mentioned above operate at high educational standards, so it all comes down to a few personal criteria to make the best decisions.
For instance, some programs have more stringent application requirements than others, meaning that candidates may need to choose one that aligns with their existing qualifications. Additionally, although educational quality is not directly related to tuition, it is generally effective to filter out possible options based on program costs.
Finally, some of the programs mentioned above allow candidates to choose specific concentrations, such as forensic psychology and school psychology, while others adopt a more general approach. Choosing the best online program involves selecting one that offers the right concentrations and specializations.
Online Psychology Master’s Degree FAQs
The following are some commonly asked questions about online psychology master’s degree programs.
Are Online Master’s in Psychology Degrees Respected?
Yes, online master’s degrees in psychology are respected across various domains. The reason for this is that several institutions offer both traditional, campus-based programs and online programs, and they all operate to the same standards.
In fact, it is uncommon for institutions to distinguish between online and campus-based programs. So to potential employers and peers, having an online degree is effectively the same as having a traditional degree.
Which is Better: an MA or an MS in Psychology?
There is no consensus as to which one is objectively better between a Master of Arts and a Master of Science in psychology. Usually, the distinction is more about career goals and interests.
For instance, individuals who wish to emphasize a more liberal arts approach while focusing on the clinical and counseling aspects of the profession will be well served with a Master of Arts degree. However, those who wish to focus more on research and statistics will be better served by pursuing a Master of Science degree.
How Hard is a Master’s in Psychology?
A master’s in psychology requires dedication and effort. This can be challenging for those who are unwilling to provide the necessary level of dedication to succeed in the field.
However, for those who are willing to dedicate the necessary efforts, it can be quite an enjoyable affair. Reading skills, research, time management, and support systems are all essential for completing these programs.
