Top Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Psychology for 2025
Check out our rankings of online accredited psychology master’s and doctoral programs to learn what to look for when choosing a graduate program.
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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
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
48%
Yes
74%
80%
$13,500
$13,500
80%
3,520
Private
Northern Illinois University
- Dekalb, IL
- 4 year
- 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
67%
Yes
65%
71%
$9,066
$9,066
71%
15,649
Public
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- 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)
52%
Yes
76%
73%
$22,062
$22,062
73%
20,877
Private
Roosevelt University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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)
56%
Yes
60%
88%
$22,764
$22,764
88%
3,725
Private
University of Louisiana-System Administration
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
N/A
No
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0
Public
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.
