Edited by
Are you considering earning your master's in psychology online? This master's in psychology degree guide can help you learn the differences between online and campus-based learning, what to expect from an online program, and potential specialty areas and career paths. You can also find information about state licenses.
Is an Online Master's in Psychology Program for You?
While you can find employment with a bachelor's degree in psychology, you need a master's degree in psychology to apply to many Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs, the minimum degrees required for psychologist licensure in most states. Master's in psychology online programs offer flexibility and the same curriculum as on-campus programs. However, you should consider whether distance learning is right for you.
Questions to ask when choosing which psychology program is best for you include:
- Am I self-motivated?
- Do I prefer the structure of scheduled synchronous classes or the convenience of asynchronous pre-recorded lectures?
- Would a hybrid in-person and online program be a better fit?
Popular Online Master's in Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Should I Expect from an Online Master's in Psychology Program?
Completing a master's in psychology online takes time and effort, but it also gives you deeper knowledge and skill sets. While an online program does not require commuting to classes, you will listen to virtual lectures and build relationships with fellow students and faculty.
You also need to complete a practicum and an internship for most programs. Ensure you can complete this fieldwork requirement locally or that you can travel if needed.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Master's Degree in Psychology?
Depending on your schedule and other responsibilities, it can take 2-4 years to earn a master's in psychology online. Most programs require 36 credit hours, and full-time students typically finish in 24-30 months, depending on the program. Some schools, including online master's in psychology programs, offer accelerated programs you can finish in a year.
When planning your online psychology master's degree, be sure to consider practicum and internship requirements, especially if you plan to work while earning your degree.
What Classes Will I Take in an Online Master's Program?
Courses vary due to several factors, including whether you are in a master of arts vs. a master of science program, or if you are pursuing a specialization. Most of these differences stem from the school's elective requirements.
Core courses typically teach students theories and principles of human thought and behavior, how those change through different life phases, and how professionals use that information to assess mental competency.
Lifespan Development
Students explore human development through life stages, from conception to death. Content covers the normal developmental phases of the physical, mental, emotional, social, and cultural facets of humans, along with topics like personality development. Learners also assess factors that may impede normal development and their effects.
Skills Gained: Understanding and assessing developmental milestones from conception to death
Statistics and Research Methodology
Degree-seekers learn concepts of designing and conducting scientific research to test hypotheses. Learners focus on different designs for experimental and non-experimental research, methods for gathering quantitative and qualitative research, and how to interpret findings. Students practice theories and principles by collecting, analyzing, and imaging data to share their findings.
Skills Gained: Research design, information gathering, and analytical thinking
Ethics and Diversity
Students evaluate the evolution of ethics from early models to current ethical codes and how associated factors impact mental health intervention. Degree-seekers also learn how ethics connect to legal regulations that govern mental health and wellness. Students consider the use of ethics when working with diverse people and consider elements such as cultural sensitivity.
Skills Gained: Application of ethical codes and cultural sensitivity
Concentrations Available for an Online Master's Degree in Psychology
Pursuing a specialization allows learners to develop useful expertise. Learn about common concentrations in psychology master's programs online.
- Forensic Psychology: Forensic psychology exemplifies the overlap of the study of psychology and the criminal justice system. Forensic psychologists examine defendants and witnesses, provide their findings to attorneys and judges, and often testify as experts in courtroom trials.
- Educational Psychology: Degree-seekers who focus on educational psychology examine theories of learning, what motivates students to learn, and how to assist them in the learning process. Educational psychologists research and develop instructional curricula and educational technology for different types of student groups, including gifted learners and students with disabilities.
- Sports Psychology: Sports psychologists work with athletes and coaches to maintain mental health and ensure high-level performance. They explore factors that include injuries, self-perception, and motivation to assist athletes in pursuing peak mental, emotional, and physical performance.
- School Psychology: School psychologists work with parents, students, and teachers to promote an environment conducive to successful learning. Taking a holistic approach, they focus on factors of family relationships, social interactions, and personal perceptions that can directly impact a student's capacity, desire, and willingness to learn.
- Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat clients with mental and behavioral conditions, diseases, and addictions. They may specialize in treating children, teens, or adults in mental health facilities, schools, and private practice settings.
What's the Difference Between a Traditional and Online Psychology Degree?
Online and on-campus programs typically include the same curriculum and degree requirements, so online learners can pursue the same jobs as graduates of an in-person program.
These programs differ only in the delivery format, and some schools hire faculty specifically for their online programs. Degree-seekers should choose an online or traditional program based on their preferences and priorities.
-
Flexibility
Online: Learners who study online can choose the program and delivery format that suits their needs. Online schools offer more flexible program options, including asynchronous classes or virtual synchronous classes, which allow learners to attend classes while working full time and maintaining personal obligations.
Traditional: Campus programs are limited to local and commuter students. Schools establish schedules, though some institutions offer evening or weekend classes to accommodate working students. Degree-seekers who prefer face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers benefit from the traditional learning environment.
-
Access
Online: Online programs typically offer extensive virtual resources, including class materials, library access, IT help desks, and advising. Some hire instructors specifically trained or experienced in distance learning. Students can often complete their internships and practicums in their own communities. Online study does require reliable internet service and a home environment conducive to concentration and learning.
Traditional: On-campus programs provide in-person access to all the services and resources the school offers, face-to-face interactions with faculty and fellow students, and opportunities for networking and connecting with the broader campus community. The psychology department likely has relationships with local sites for internships and practicums. Traditional study also provides a built-in learning environment.
-
Motivation
Online: Online learning requires self-motivation and discipline. Students should take advantage of the many resources available while studying online. Degree-seekers working full time and balancing family life must make their own schedule and prioritize activities to meet personal and academic obligations.
Traditional: Completing coursework according to a set schedule makes it easier for some students to practice effective time management. Students lacking self-motivation may benefit from engaging with classmates and instructors in person. Face-to-face interaction may also help deepen some learners' understanding of the curriculum.
Are Online Psychology Master's Programs Cheaper than Traditional Programs?
Many factors affect the cost of an online graduate program, often discounted compared to a traditional program. Tuition and textbooks typically cost the same for on-campus and online students, though some schools offer reduced tuition for online learners. Others offer compound savings for in-state students completing their degrees online.
Auxiliary fees account for the biggest cost difference between online and traditional programs. On-campus learners sometimes incur room-and-board fees. They may also need to budget for transportation, fees for student activities or campus facilities, technology charges, liability insurance fees, and childcare, if applicable.
While online students qualify for exemption from fees for campus-based services, they may incur additional charges in technology fees, academic service fees, and exam-proctoring fees.
How Are Online Psychology Courses Different from Campus-Based Programs?
Online students learn the same course material and earn the same degree as on-campus students. Whether earning a master's in psychology online or on-campus is right for you depends on your specific situation and approach to learning.
Online programs offer flexibility and convenience, so you can work and it is easier to have other commitments while earning your degree. Students can accelerate their degrees and graduate faster in self-paced online courses than in on-campus programs.
However, online classes can be more difficult to get to know your classmates and faculty. If the online program has asynchronous classes with recorded lectures, some students may find it easier and others more difficult to ask questions and participate in online discussions.
It may be easier to arrange internships and practicums in an on-campus program where students have access to a local network that can make it easier to find placement. Online students may receive help and guidance arranging practicums, but it may take more research and diligence to find local opportunities if your school is not near you.
Do Online Psychology Master's Programs Require Students to be on Campus?
Online master's in psychology programs rarely require campus visits, if at all. Many programs meet exclusively online, while others require students to visit the campus for 1-2 weeks at a time.
In-person students may take course exams on campus, while online students take exams at approved proctoring locations. Some online programs offer on-campus courses optional for distance learners.
Research-based master's programs in psychology do not require clinical hours because the degree does not prepare graduates to pursue state licensure. Certain specialties require that students complete a practicum, internship, or 100-600 hours of fieldwork.
Students may complete fieldwork hours at professional mental health locations pre-approved by the supervising faculty member or program director. Some programs allow learners to substitute field experience for a capstone project, thesis, or comprehensive exam.
Do Online Students Still Qualify for Financial Aid?
Online and traditional students qualify for the same financial aid as their on-campus counterparts. Any student attending an accredited school can submit the FAFSA to receive federal student aid. Online and on-campus students also qualify for applicable state scholarships. Some programs offer tuition discounts to in-state students.
Many schools award graduate students additional financial aid through psychology scholarships or assistantships. Degree-seekers with qualifying undergraduate GPAs and GRE scores can apply for faculty-led research or teaching assistantship. Graduate assistants work roughly 20 hours per week and receive paid tuition and a small stipend.
What License Do I Need to Practice Psychology?
All U.S. states and Washington, D.C. require practicing psychologists to hold a license. However, some states may waive this requirement for professors or researchers working in government, research labs, or higher education.
To practice as a psychologist, the state process usually requires applicants to have a doctoral degree, complete 1-2 years of an internship, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
The EPPP measures a student's knowledge, understanding, and experience in the practice of psychology. Study guides and practice exams, widely available at varying prices, can help candidates prepare. Exam fees vary by state.
However, you can also practice psychology as a professional counselor with a master's-level degree and after completing the National Counselor Examination and applying for licensure in your state. In many states, there are two levels of licensure at the master's level.
At the first level of licensure, you will likely need to still practice under another professional's license. The second level of licensure is achieved after becoming licensed at the first level and after completing the required number of supervised hours. You must take another licensure exam (NCMHCE) and apply for licensure again through the state, but once licensed at this level, you can practice independently with a master's degree.
Each state determines its regulations and requirements for psychologist licenses. Some states limit licensure to programs accredited by the American Psychological Association. Licensing application fees range from $500 in some states to more than $1,000 in other states.
Students should contact their state boards for specific requirements. For detailed licensure requirements, visit the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.
Careers for Graduates of Online Psychology Programs
Earning a psychology master's degree online can prepare graduates for careers focusing on different populations. During their master's programs, many learners can choose a psychology specialization to prepare them for their desired career path in psychology.
Mental Health Counselors
Mental health counselors advise and treat individuals, families, and groups experiencing issues like depression, stress, anxiety, and grief. Some help clients of all ages, and others specialize with specific patient populations, including children, older adults, and veterans. Workplaces include hospitals, inpatient and outpatient centers, and correctional facilities.
School and Career Counselors
These counselors work with students, helping them develop the social and academic skills they need to succeed in school. Career counselors also focus on preparing students with the tools they need to pursue a particular career, helping them find the right pathway for their goals.
Marriage and Family Therapists
These professionals help clients manage issues within their marriage or other relationships in their family. They often focus on clients going through difficult life changes, including divorce and problems at work.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Clinical and counseling psychologists need a doctorate in psychology to practice. They work with clients in healthcare settings, higher education facilities, organizations, and private practice. They may specialize with families, students, or professionals. Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat specific psychological disorders, while counseling psychologists focus on clients' general emotional health.
Explore More Psychology Careers
Find an Online Master's Degree in Psychology
To learn more about online master's in psychology programs, along with those at the associate, bachelor's, and graduate certification levels, explore the links below. You can find information on what to expect and the differences between online and traditional learning.
Page last reviewed on November 20, 2023