[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master’s in psychology can open doors to a wide range of careers focused on helping others navigate life’s challenges. It can also serve as a pathway toward a doctorate, the minimum educational requirement for becoming a licensed clinical psychologist.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are juggling personal, family, or work responsibilities, an online master’s in psychology program offers the flexibility of graduate study without the need to attend classes on campus.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore our guide to the best online psychology master’s programs, discover what to expect in your online studies, and see where this degree can take you after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias while accounting for key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This ranking is from 2022. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Pursue a Master’s in Psychology Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s requires a major investment in time and money but can lead to significant professional and personal rewards. Choosing an online program may make it easier to achieve your goals. Before enrolling in a program, consider how you might benefit from a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/psychology-degree/”]psychology degree[/hen-ui-link] at the master’s level and the reasons for getting your degree online.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Psychology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]More career opportunities:[/hen-ui-heading] A master’s in psychology opens more doors for advanced careers than a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-psychology/”]bachelor’s degree in psychology[/hen-ui-link]. Advanced roles can be found in therapeutic or counseling settings and areas outside of psychology, including human resources and marketing[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Higher salaries:[/hen-ui-heading] Earning a master’s degree in general, including one in psychology, increases your earning potential. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2025/data-on-display/education-pays.htm” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link], the median pay for master’s degree-holder is nearly $1,200 more monthly than someone with only a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Foundation for doctoral studies:[/hen-ui-heading] A master’s degree increases your admission chances and preparation for doctoral studies. A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/doctorate/best-online-doctorate-psychology/”]doctorate in psychology[/hen-ui-link] helps you qualify to practice as a licensed psychologist, earning the top salaries in the field.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Personally rewarding work:[/hen-ui-heading] A psychology master’s degree qualifies you for an array of fulfilling careers. These careers can help you positively impact people’s lives and advocate for mental health awareness.[/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Reasons to Get Your Master’s Degree Online[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Flexibility and convenience:[/hen-ui-heading] An online master’s degree allows you to access course materials according to your schedule, helping you balance your educational goals with your personal and work commitments.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Wider access to degree programs:[/hen-ui-heading] The expansion of online degrees enables you to pursue your master’s at schools nationwide, including many top-tier private and public institutions. An online master’s may offer specializations that interest you but are unavailable at programs closer to your residence.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Cost savings:[/hen-ui-heading] Distance learning may help you reduce the overall cost of your education by saving housing and commuting expenses. Some online programs offer discounted tuition or virtual course materials, saving you the money spent on textbooks.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Time management skills:[/hen-ui-heading] Mastering time management skills, including discipline, self-motivation, and responsibility, is essential to successful online learning and will serve you well in the workplace.[/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect in an Online Master’s in Psychology Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s in psychology programs train you in research methods, ethics, behavioral assessment, and experimental design. You take a mix of core courses and specialized courses in their concentration areas.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most programs require clinical counseling or psychology work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or counselor. As a graduate student, you may also complete master’s thesis projects or exams.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master’s degree in psychology typically takes two years for full-time students. Some online programs offer part-time or [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/masters/best-online-dual-masters/”]accelerated options[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Concentrations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Psychological Association (APA) [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.apa.org/about/division/” target=”_blank”]recognizes 54 divisions[/hen-ui-link] of psychology. Many [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/psychology/graduate-programs//”]psychology master’s programs offer specializations[/hen-ui-link] in these divisions, such as those highlighted below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Behavioral Psychology: Graduates of these programs can pursue careers as marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, and applied behavioral analysts.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-forensic-psychology/”]Forensic Psychology[/hen-ui-link]: Graduates of a master’s in forensic psychology program can pursue careers such as victim advocate, court liaison, or counselor for people in the justice system.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Industrial and Organizational Psychology: With this concentration, graduates can pursue careers like training and development specialists, hiring managers, and human resources specialists.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-child-adolescent-psychology/”]Child and Adolescent Psychology[/hen-ui-link]: This concentration helps graduates enter careers as school counselors, family counselors, and postsecondary psychology teachers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Counseling Psychology: Graduates with this concentration can pursue careers as mental health counselors, bereavement counselors, crisis response counselors, and substance use counselors.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Courses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Counseling Theories and Therapy: This course covers psychoanalytic, cognitive, behaviorist, interpersonal, humanistic, existential, biological/genetic, and social psychological theories.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychopathology: This overview of psychopathology includes behavioral, developmental, biological/neurological, and social/cultural approaches and the theories of the etiologies of psychopathology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Developmental Psychology: This course explores the life span in human development from birth through death, examining physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Research Design and Analysis: This introduction teaches students basic research design and the conceptual basis for statistical applications.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychological Assessment: Students in this course learn to administer personality, intellectual, and industrial/organizational assessments and evaluate the use of assessment data.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accreditation for Online Master’s in Psychology Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]an accredited[/hen-ui-link] master’s in psychology program is essential to earning a valid degree that licensing boards, doctoral programs, and employers recognize. Failing to do so can create problems when you try to [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer credits[/hen-ui-link], qualify for licensure, and compete for jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cacrep.org/” target=”_blank”]Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs[/hen-ui-link] primarily accredits counseling degree programs. This organization accredits master’s and doctoral programs, while the APA only accredits doctoral psychology programs. You can use the [hen-ui-link href=”https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home” target=”_blank”]U.S. Department of Education’s[/hen-ui-link] Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to verify that a school or program holds proper accreditation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Master’s in Psychology?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree often serves as a stepping stone to a doctorate, preparing you to [hen-ui-link href=”/psychology/how-to-become-a-psychologist/”]become a licensed psychologist[/hen-ui-link]. However, you can enter the workforce directly after earning a master’s in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/psychology-degree-jobs/”]psychology to pursue careers[/hen-ui-link] in various areas, including counseling, social and community services, criminal justice and law, and industrial-organizational settings. A master’s also prepares you for careers outside psychology in human resources, marketing, and public relations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Common Career Paths[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s in psychology offers concentrations that prepare you for careers that match your interests. While not definitive, this list of potential careers highlights the variety of professional opportunities you can enter with a master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School Counselor: School counselors provide guidance and support to help K-12 students create academic plans, overcome academic and interpersonal challenges, and explore career choices. Many school districts require a master’s to practice as a licensed school counselor; some states may require a teaching certificate.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Behavioral Counselor: Behavioral counselors conduct assessments and develop treatment plans to help clients manage or change their behaviors, including conditions such as addictions, eating disorders, and phobias. This career requires a master’s in psychology and, depending on state regulations, a specific license to practice as a professional counselor or clinical professional counselor.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mental Health Counselor: Mental health counselors assess and treat clients with emotional and mental health disorders, using multiple techniques to address a wide range of issues such as anxiety, anger management, and depression. These positions usually require a master’s degree and the appropriate licensing examination to become a state-licensed mental health counselor or professional counselor.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Training and Development Specialist: Training and development specialists create, plan, and administer training programs for businesses and organizations to improve employee skills and organizational performance. While you may enter this field with a bachelor’s degree, many employers prefer to hire master’s degree holders with training management or talent development certifications.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Survivor Advocate: These advocates use their crisis intervention, advocacy, and case management skills to assist survivors of crime. They help clients find needed resources and accompany them through criminal justice proceedings. Earning a master’s degree and certification in survivor assistance or advocacy can qualify you for more advanced positions.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Salary and Job Outlook for Graduates of Master’s in Psychology Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The overall employment outlook for graduates of online master’s in psychology is promising, although earnings depend on several factors, including years of experience, type of employer, and location. Median salaries for the most common psychology careers employing master’s degree graduates range from $53,000-$68,000 annually.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Employment and Median Annual Salary for Psychology Careers[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career [/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Employment (2023) [/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2024) [/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]School and Career Counselors[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment (2023)”]360,800[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]$65,140[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Marriage and Family Therapists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment (2023)”]76,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]$63,780[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment (2023)”]449,800[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]$59,190[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Training and Development Specialists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment (2023)”]420,100[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]$65,850[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Human Resources Specialists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment (2023)”]933,700[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]$72,910[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Master’s Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What’s the difference between a master’s in counseling and a master’s in psychology?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate-level counseling and psychology programs both emphasize assessment and treatment plans. However, there are some key differences. A master’s in psychology degree focuses on behavioral research, psychopathology, and cognitive processes. Yet, a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-counseling/”]master’s in counseling degree[/hen-ui-link] might focus on community mental health, social justice, research, and the socio-emotional well-being of individuals, families, and groups.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What’s the difference between an MS and an MA in psychology?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master of arts in psychology rests on a strong liberal arts foundation, while a master of science focuses on the scientific method and empirical investigation. The MA emphasizes cultural and social approaches to clinical and counseling psychology, while the MS provides training in research methodology, statistics, and evidence-based inquiry.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a master’s degree enough to become a psychologist?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In most psychology fields, you need a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. degree to use the title of psychologist and practice as a licensed psychologist. However, you may qualify for a position as an industrial-organizational psychologist or a sports psychologist without earning a doctorate. Master’s degree-holders find employment in various settings, including counseling, social services, human resources, and criminal justice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years is a master’s degree in psychology?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both the MA and the MS in psychology require approximately 60 credits and take around two years of full-time study. The curriculum covers counseling applications, theory and methods, diagnosis, assessment and treatment, and ethics. Most programs require a fieldwork or internship component.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How hard is it to get into a master’s program in psychology?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gaining admission into a master’s in psychology has become increasingly competitive. At the best schools, the number of applications greatly exceeds the number of admitted students. A strong undergraduate record in science, math, and writing strengthens your chances for admission. A GPA above 3.5 and upper-tier GRE scores give you a competitive edge. Clinical, research, and volunteer experience can also distinguish you from other applicants.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]