Key Takeaways
- A master’s degree can take 2-3 years, while a doctorate can take 4-7 years.
- Average salaries differ, with master's grads earning $64,000 and doctorate holders earning $92,000.
Are you passionate about helping others improve their quality of life? If so, the field of psychology offers exciting opportunities to begin or advance your professional journey. Pursuing an online master's degree in psychology could be the first step toward a rewarding career in mental health.
Navigating through the many program choices can feel overwhelming. To streamline your search, our guide highlights the top-ranked online master's programs and other important factors to consider.
Featured Online Master's Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master's and Doctoral Programs in Psychology
Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Psychology for 2025
Lynn University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
Lynn University's MS in psychology emphasizes psychological research and human behavior. We like that the MS is offered exclusively online and has general and industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology tracks.
You'll complete 37 credits that include foundational coursework like personality psychology and advanced research in psychology. All students learn how to write scientific literature reviews and do statistical reporting using APA standards. In addition to teaching consulting theories and practice, the I-O track requires that you develop a professional consulting portfolio.
Highlights:
- Generous electives depending on track
- Fully online
- Affordable tuition ($625 per credit)
Considerations:
- Does not lead to licensure
- Limited on-campus access to professors
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Psychology for 2025
Northern Illinois University
- Dekalb, IL
- 4 years
- Online
Why We Chose This School:
Northern Illinois University’s Ph.D. in educational psychology focuses on the learning process from the perspectives of the student and the instructor and how to enhance it. We like that this Ph.D. program prepares graduates for a wide scope of careers, including school leadership, curriculum development, and research positions.
You'll complete 63 credits beyond a master's degree. Topics include professional practices in educational psychology and education and human cognitive processing. Participants complete a research internship and dissertation.
Highlights:
- Varied electives for cognate areas
- Assistantships available for online learners
- No higher tuition for out-of-state students
Considerations:
- Significant research for the dissertation
- Master's, prerequisite coursework, and GRE/MAT required for admission
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Psychology for 2025
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 years
- Online
Why We Chose This School:
Nova Southeastern University offers a fully online MS in psychology. Students complete 30 credits, exploring several branches of psychology and research methodologies.
We like the flexibility of this program, which offers tracks in general psychology and applied health science. You can supplement two courses in the general track for a master's thesis. The applied health science concentration helps you gain interviewing skills and understand the psychological aspects of treating disease.
Highlights:
- Extensive research opportunities
- Customizable curriculum
- Fully online
Considerations:
- Does not lead to licensure
- More expensive than others on this list ($925 per credit)
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Psychology for 2025
Roosevelt University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
Roosevelt University's MA in general psychology teaches applied psychology and interventions for psychological disorders. We like that this MA is designed with flexibility in mind. You'll take afternoon or evening classes delivered in an eight or 16-week online format. Participants can complete the degree in one year with a summer semester.
The 30-credit curriculum covers topics such as psychopathology, chemical dependence, and counseling and psychotherapy theories. An advanced research methods course teaches you how to design your own research studies.
Highlights:
- No research thesis required
- Accelerated online program
Considerations:
- Does not lead to licensure
- Expensive tuition relative to other schools on this list ($1,265 per credit)
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Psychology for 2025
University of Louisiana-System Administration
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 years
- Campus
Why We Chose This School:
The University of Louisiana’s MS in psychology program requires 36 credits and offers a general, forensic, or psychometric track. The fully online forensic concentration teaches concepts such as psychopathology diagnosis and the use and implications of psychological tests.
The psychometric concentration includes coursework on intelligence testing and behavior modification practices. You can complete this concentration online except for one required semester on campus. We like that you can pursue hands-on experience through a practicum or independent research for either concentration.
Highlights:
- Varied elective options
- Flexible online options
- Lowest tuition of all schools on this list ($500 per credit)
Considerations:
- Does not lead to licensure
- Limited on-campus access to professors
Out-of-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Our Ranking Methodology
Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This list is for 2025. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, visit our full ranking methodology.
What to Look For in an Online Master's or Doctoral Program in Psychology
Finding the best online master's or doctoral program involves many factors and research. Some considerations when choosing an online master's in psychology or doctorate in psychology include completion time, specializations, flexibility, and the curriculum.
Accreditation
Accreditation is important when selecting a master's or doctoral program, as it verifies the school's quality and standards and allows you to pursue state licensure. You can find accreditation information for a particular school on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.
At the doctoral level, accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) is important if you plan to seek licensure in most states. The APA does not currently accredit fully online programs.
Cost and Financial Aid
Cost and financial aid are vital factors in choosing an online master's or doctoral program. Tuition rates can vary from $20,000-$75,000 total for online programs. In-state tuition at public universities typically offer lower tuition than private schools. Textbooks and other required materials and technology also increase costs.
Financial aid resources may be available to offset these expenses. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a popular way of determining eligibility for loans and grants.
Retention and Job Placement
Retention and job placement can also be crucial when selecting an online master's or doctoral program. These figures convey how many students complete the program within a specific timeframe and how many graduates secure a job in a field. Many universities offer this data online, including internship placement rates.
Featured Online Doctoral Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Careers and Salaries With a Graduate Degree in Psychology
Many careers in psychology require at least a master’s degree, and you must have a doctorate to become a licensed psychologist. According to Payscale, graduates with a master’s in psychology earn an average of $64,000, and graduates with a doctorate earn an average of $92,000. Your specific degree, job, location, experience, and other factors can affect your earnings.
Careers With a Master's in Psychology
A master's degree in psychology opens the door to various careers. Some master's-level careers include:
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Average Annual Salary: $147,420
Source: BLS, 2023
Guidance/Career Counselor
Average Annual Salary: $61,710
Source: BLS, 2023
Mental Health Counselor
Average Annual Salary: $53,710
Source: BLS, 2023
Careers With a Doctorate in Psychology
A doctorate in psychology provides the opportunity for independent practice after obtaining licensure and roles in academia and research. Some doctorate-level career options include:
Clinical Psychologist
Average Annual Salary: $96,100
Source: BLS, 2023
College Professor
Average Annual Salary: $82,140
Source: BLS, 2023
Medical/Health Service Manager
Average Annual Salary: $110,680
Source: BLS, 2023
How Much Does an Online Graduate Degree in Psychology Cost?
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), an online master’s in psychology program costs an average of $13,100 annually for tuition and fees, while a traditional program costs an average of $14,350.
A master’s degree can take 2-3 years, while a doctorate can take 4-7 years. In addition, you need to budget for books, technology, and travel to clinical sites.
However, there are options to reduce the cost of attending an on-campus or online master’s in psychology program. You may be eligible for scholarships or grants. Once you graduate, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness programs, especially if you work in an underserved area.
How to Apply to an Online Master's or Doctoral Program in Psychology
Applying to either a master's or doctoral program takes a handful of steps. Both programs often require specific application materials, including an educational history, exam scores, curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.
First, applicants must earn an undergraduate degree before applying to a master's or doctoral program. Next, many students take the GRE, as this exam is a customary requirement across graduate admissions.
Undergraduate transcripts are standard in the graduate school application process. Institutions review this document to determine academic performance history and patterns and the completion of required prerequisites.
A graduate application may also include a personal essay and resume. These materials can set candidates apart by showcasing their aptitudes, research history and interests, and academic and professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's & Doctoral Programs in Psychology
To become a psychologist, you must complete a doctorate in psychology from an accredited program. Additionally, to practice as a licensed psychologist, you must obtain a license in the state where you intend to practice.
Accreditation indicates that the school or program meets educational and industry standards. You must graduate from an accredited school to be eligible for licensure. For example, attending an APA-accredited doctoral program is important for licensure in most states. The CHEA's website is a helpful tool in verifying accreditation.
A master's degree typically requires 2-3 years of study after completing an undergraduate program, while a doctorate generally takes an average of five additional years. The duration of a master's or doctoral program in psychology can vary depending on the program's specific requirements, your chosen track, and the number of credit hours you take per semester.
You can earn a graduate degree in psychology online. However, prospective online students must consider that most master's and doctoral programs will require in-person supervised practicum or internship hours.
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