Best Online Psychology Graduate Programs for 2026
Check out our rankings of online accredited psychology master’s and doctoral programs to learn what to look for when choosing a graduate program.
Online graduate programs in psychology offer the flexibility to manage your work and personal commitments while earning an advanced degree. Although fully online programs rarely lead to clinical psychologist licensure, graduates can pursue other rewarding career paths in academia, research, and industry.
Explore the merits of five online accredited psychology master’s programs, then review our tips for selecting a program and submitting a successful application.
Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Psychology
Lynn University – Best for Studying Coaching and Consulting
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Lynn: Preparation for Doctoral Study or Consulting Careers
The online MS in psychology from Lynn lets you select between a general track or specialize in coaching and consulting psychology. Specialization course topics include organizational psychology, testing and assessment, professional consulting theories and practice, and psychological interventions for organizational change.
Graduates are prepared to pursue doctoral studies or non-licensure careers in fields such as corporate consulting, program evaluation, and market research analysis. Lynn has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its innovation and excellence since 2014. This 37-credit program is offered exclusively online, ensuring you receive remote-focused support throughout your studies.
Other Highlights
- Mobile-friendly online coursework
- No tuition differential for out-of-state students
- No GRE scores required for admission
Considerations
- Successful completion of a master's thesis required to graduate
- No internship or practicum course available
- Most expensive program on this list ($1,400/credit tuition and fees)
51%
$13,500
77%
$13,500
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,514
- Institution Type
- Private
Nova Southeastern University – Best for Studying Applied Health Science
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Nova: Preparation for Doctoral Study or Health Science Careers
Nova's online MS in psychology offers an innovative concentration in applied health science aimed at current health science professionals. The concentration's three required courses help you enhance clinical assessment interview skills, understand psychological aspects of treating disease, and explore psychology from a business perspective.
The 30-credit, non-clinical program also offers a general track for students interested in exploring broader aspects of psychology. This track meets the prerequisites for doctoral study and includes a thesis requirement. You can complete the program 100% online and visit campus to meet with your faculty advisor, if desired.
Other Highlights
- Among the lowest credit requirements in this list
- No tuition differential for out-of-state students ($955/credit)
- Florida's largest private Carnegie classification R1 university
Considerations
- Thesis course limited to general track students
- Undergraduate major in psychology, education, behavioral science, social work, or a related field preferred but not required
- GRE scores required for applicants with GPA below 3.0
56%
$22,890
76%
$22,890
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 20,850
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Idaho – Best for Integrated Study of Psychology and Technology
- Moscow, ID
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose U of I: Preparation for Careers in Human Factors Engineering
U of I's online MS in psychology offers a unique pathway to prepare you for a career in technology or product design. The curriculum combines psychology, engineering, and user experience. Available graduate-level courses include human-computer interaction, human factors in engineering design, and advanced research methods.
At Idaho's first and only Carnegie R1 classification institution, expert faculty with experience in applied research will support your journey to a user-centered design career. The 30-credit program is completed in two years and offers 100% online coursework, with no on-campus visits required.
Other Highlights
- Among the lowest credit requirements on this list
- Among the most affordable programs on this list for in-state learners ($11,132 estimated annual fees and tuition)
- No GRE scores required for admission
Considerations
- No clear list of course requirements available on website
- No mention of internship or practicum course availability
45%
$ 8,272
76%
$27,508
- Acceptance Rate
- 76%
- Students Enrolled
- 12,286
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Louisiana at Monroe – Best for Studying Forensic Psychology
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose ULM: Preparation for Doctoral Study or Criminal Justice Work
ULM's online MS in psychology offers an optional forensic psychology concentration, which covers topics including the sociology of law, counseling in criminal justice, and minorities, crime, and criminal justice. This 36-credit program prepares graduates for doctoral studies or entry into non-licensure careers in legal and criminal justice fields.
Beyond forensic psychology, you can also pursue a general track to customize your degree path with 24 elective credits. All master's students must complete core coursework in quantitative methods, research methods, and neuropsychology. If you wish to gain applied experience, an optional practicum course is available, subject to department head approval.
Other Highlights
- Among the most affordable programs on this list ($500/credit)
- No tuition differential for out-of-state learners
- Accelerated 8-week courses available
Considerations
- Thesis optional, encouraged for students interested in doctoral study
- GRE scores required for graduate school admission
- Requires undergraduate prerequisites in psychology and statistics
45%
$ 6,490
72%
$18,590
- Acceptance Rate
- 75%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,272
- Institution Type
- Public
University of South Dakota – Best for Studying Education Psychology
- Vermillion, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose USD: Preparation for Applied, Educational, and Research Careers
USD's MA in human development and education psychology features a cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural study of children, adolescents, and young adults. The 33-credit online program integrates research-based theory and applied education to prepare graduates for nonlicensure careers in human development or educational psychology.
Housed in the USD School of Education, the MA program covers core topics in learning, development, research design, and statistics, while allowing for degree customization through six open electives. Access to supervised field study, including optional internships or practicums, may be limited if you reside outside of South Dakota.
Other Highlights
- Asynchronous course delivery
- Among the most affordable programs on this list ($484/credit), with no tuition differential for out-of-state students
- Reduced tuition for online graduate assistants
Considerations
- Must maintain 3.0 GPA throughout program
- Thesis track and Ph.D. pathway limited to on-campus learners
- Non-thesis track requires written comprehensive exam
62%
$ 6,123
79%
$11,773
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 10,619
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Identified Top Schools and Programs
Our editorial team reviewed each school and program to identify standout characteristics, prioritizing factors like flexibility, affordability, hands-on experience, and relevance of the curriculum to a career in psychology. We assigned each school a superlative category based on its strengths.
Since many psychology programs share similar course offerings and outcomes, our goal is to support your program selection process by highlighting features that matter to you most.
We verified these school and program facts in November 2025.
How To Choose an Online Psychology Graduate Program
When selecting a master’s or doctorate in psychology, research program quality, admission and degree requirements, and costs. Consider how well the curriculum meets your career goals and whether the online format offers enough flexibility to accommodate your learning style and schedule.
Accreditation
Choosing a graduate psychology degree from an accredited college or university ensures that your school meets academic standards and helps you qualify for financial aid, licensure, and employment opportunities.
In most states, licensure as a clinical psychologist requires a doctoral degree accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA) or equivalent. APA-CoA currently does not accredit master’s programs or fully online doctoral programs.
Admission Requirements
Before applying to specific programs, make sure you meet the requirements. Do you need a bachelor’s in psychology, or does the admissions department accept majors in another field? Do you have the required GPA and prerequisites?
Additionally, consider your own preferences. If you would prefer not to take the GRE, for example, prioritize programs where standardized test scores are optional.
Career Relevance
Make sure you select a degree that aligns with your career goals. Your access to clinical psychologist licensure may be limited by a fully online master’s or doctoral program since clinical programs require in-person supervised experiences. Instead, an online accredited psychology master’s or doctorate can help launch your career in fields like research, consulting, or academia.
Depending on your state’s requirements for counseling licensure, you may also be able to pursue opportunities in substance use, school, and mental health counseling.
Flexibility
Flexible online programs are especially appealing to working students and those with family obligations. Fully online programs allow you to access course materials anywhere with an internet connection. When researching online degrees, pay attention to any on-campus requirements, practicums, or internship components that require in-person participation.
Cost and Financial Aid
According to 2023-24 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, average annual graduate tuition and fees at public institutions totalled $11,827, compared to $20,515 at private institutions.
However, the cost of an online program also varies by your residency status, degree type, and specific fees for technology support and other online services. Prospective students should always complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for loans, scholarships, and grants.
How To Apply to an Online Psychology Graduate Program
The application process for master’s programs differs from doctorate programs, although both require a minimum GPA, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
Doctoral program applications are typically more detailed. Admission may require GRE scores, research experience, and a detailed statement that describes the applicant’s interest in the program’s focus or working with a specific faculty member.
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for admission to graduate school. Many programs prefer a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. However, some schools admit students with non-psychology undergraduate majors, who have completed relevant coursework in psychology.
Some doctoral programs, particularly Ph.D. programs, may only consider applicants with a master’s in psychology or related fields.
- Step 2: Meet GPA and GRE Requirements
A GPA of at least 3.0 is the baseline for admission to most programs, although some of the more competitive programs set the minimum at 3.5. Some schools have shifted away from reliance on GRE scores. However, many graduate programs still require or strongly recommend them. The more competitive doctoral programs may also require the GRE Subject Test in Psychology.
Programs that waive or make GRE scores optional typically place greater emphasis on GPA, recommendations, and personal statements.
- Step 3: Personal Statement
Consider your personal statement an opportunity to showcase your talents and distinguish yourself from other applicants. Admission committees look for personal statements that describe your academic strengths, your long-term professional goals, and how you fit into the department. Doctoral applicants also need to address how their interests match the program’s focus and faculty research.
- Step 4: Letters of Recommendation
Many graduate programs require at least two letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or supervisors who can speak directly to your strengths and ability, providing examples drawn from coursework and research or work experience.
Choose recommenders who are inclined to submit positive and detailed references. Be sure to request letters well in advance of the due date to accommodate your letter writers’ schedules.
- Step 5: Submit Completed Application
Completed applications are typically submitted online along with an application fee. You will be asked to have official transcripts forwarded from previously attended schools and recommendations sent in separately from your application. You may need to submit a resume in addition to a personal statement. Some schools also require a virtual or in-person interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Online psychology master’s programs are available from accredited institutions. However, fully online graduate programs do not qualify for programmatic accreditation by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation.
