An online Master of Psychology provides a foundation in basic scientific methods and psychological principles. Graduates gain the knowledge, skills and disposition to effect change in people and organizations. The curriculum covers a variety of topics including lifespan development, behavior management, research and analysis, counseling, intervention and psychopathology, preparing students to make a difference in the world—just how big of an impact depends on one’s reason for pursuing a master’s degree and plans after graduation.

The program cards and tables featured on this page were last updated in March 2021. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school. 

Start Your Career in Psychology with Our Sponsored Online Master’s Program:

Earn an MA in Psychology Online from Pepperdine

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Psychology program prepares students to pursue doctoral study or a career in human services.

• Open to all undergrad majors
• No GRE required 
• Can be completed in about 18 months

Request more info from Pepperdine University.

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Graduate-level psychology programs offer two, different degree tracks: the Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology and the Master of Science (MS) in Psychology. While there is some overlap in coursework, there are key differences between the two degrees. Prospective students will need to consider their academic interests and desired career paths to choose the appropriate program.

The MA degree tends to emphasize liberal arts, humanitarian studies and counseling. This degree benefits students who wish to work in client care, as it focuses on more direct psychological theory, assessment and intervention.

The MS degree often indicates a stronger focus on behavioral, research and statistical science. Students pursuing careers in research or academic writing may benefit from this degree. Coursework may focus on advanced statistics and research methodology.

Since the academic requirements for MS and MA degrees are often very similar, we may instead distinguish between terminal standalone and doctoral-preparatory Master of Psychology degrees.

The American Psychological Association (APA) indicates that a master’s degree in psychology may open the door to numerous opportunities for students entering the workforce, some of which we outlined in our guide: What Can You Do with a Master’s in Psychology?

Many states permit professionals with master’s-level degrees to work in clinical, counseling and school psychology as therapists, counselors and other mental health clinicians. However, many people choose to use their psychology degrees in other contexts, working as human resource managers, advertising agents or market researchers for businesses. Furthermore, some professionals work in local, state or federal government positions as parole officers, social services managers and employment counselors. Explore our guide to see if a master’s in psychology is right for you.

A master’s degree in psychology provides foundational knowledge for a number of careers in the public and private sectors. Although licensed independent practice as a “psychologist” typically requires a doctoral degree and postdoctoral training, there are also opportunities for individuals with master’s-level training in psychology.

Of the states that grant licenses to individuals with a master’s degree, some allow for autonomous practice while others require supervision by a doctoral level licensed psychologist. In either case, a master’s-level license in psychology can be helpful in pursuing opportunities in the field. Some of the licenses that are available with a master’s of psychology include:

There are also jobs in the public and private sectors that fall under the umbrella of psychology or involve some of the principles of psychology but don’t require licensure. For example, you may be able to work as a survey researcher, market research analyst, human resources manager, behavioral consultant or researcher. For more information, see our guide on how to become a psychologist.

You don’t always need a master’s degree to be admitted into a doctoral psychology program, but depending on the point you’re at in your career, you may consider it.

The APA and many state licensing boards state that doctoral education and training is necessary to practice as a psychologist. In other words, a doctorate in psychology is the minimum educational requirement for anyone looking to conduct independent research or practice as a licensed psychologist.

If you’re thinking about this path but aren’t ready to commit to a doctoral program, an online Master of Psychology program allows you to delve into graduate-level studies, allowing you to make a decision regarding a postgraduate degree at a later time.

When you enroll in an online Master of Psychology degree program, you may be able to choose a specialization. The APA recognizes 17 specialties of professional psychology. Popular master’s-level psychology concentrations include:

Interested in a career in psychology? Check out our guide to online master’s degrees in clinical psychology for more information.

Learn more about a career as a behavior analyst and check out our guides to online master’s degrees in behavioral psychology and online master’s in applied behavior analysis.

Several universities offer master’s in psychology degree programs. Applicants should conduct thorough research to find the program that best suits their needs. 

The flexibility and convenience of online learning allows individuals to pursue a degree while working or caring for their families.

Online program admission requirements vary depending on the institution. Typically, more competitive schools require a minimum grade point average and the submission of GRE scores.

Start Your Career in Psychology with Our Sponsored Online Master’s Program:

Earn an MA in Psychology Online from Pepperdine

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Psychology program prepares students to pursue doctoral study or a career in human services.

• Open to all undergrad majors
• No GRE required 
• Can be completed in about 18 months

Request more info from Pepperdine University.

info SPONSORED

The length of an online program depends on the school and its credit requirements. For a clinical psychology master’s degree, students can expect to complete the program within one to three years, while a master’s degree in behavioral psychology may take two to three years.

The master’s in psychology online curriculum typically includes coursework in relevant topics and principles such as social psychology, lifespan development, research theory and methods, personality and cognitive psychology. Students may also be required to complete some elective courses.

Each institution has unique application requirements for enrollment. However, prospective students should expect to provide the following:

Résumé: This résumé should highlight paid employment, internships, or volunteering positions in psychology or psychology-related fields.

Personal essay or statement: Many schools want to assess a potential candidate’s critical thinking and writing skills. This part of the application allows you to showcase your passion for and dedication to psychology.

Letters of recommendation: Schools may request two to three letters of recommendation from past or current employers or professors who can vouch for your work ethic and character.

The learning objectives of graduate programs differ depending on the type of degree and the institution that offers it. Certain degree programs prepare graduates for licensure and specialized roles. In general, psychology coursework equips students with foundational knowledge relevant to various careers in the field.

As part of their program, students may learn:

Most programs require the completion of a thesis or equivalent project (such as a comprehensive exam or writing assignment) to demonstrate the successful integration of such learning outcomes.

Online students may require unique accommodations to feel supported and succeed in their programs. In traditional programs, students typically receive services on campus. However, student support for online students may entail a hybrid of electronic communication that includes phone calls, email, video conferencing, text messaging and live chats.

Online support varies depending on the institution, but the options may include:

Many programs require that students attend synchronous or live class discussions. During synchronous classes, students meet in a virtual classroom and speak with their professors. If a student cannot make the scheduled time, they may need to notify the professor in advance. These sessions incorporate video or audio chat features.

Asynchronous coursework, on the other hand, is without time restraints. It usually involves uploading homework onto a learning management system, responding to message boards and reviewing course readings. While there are deadlines for certain assignments, students can work at their own pace.

Small class sizes offer a number of benefits including heightened individual attention, improved participation and enhanced communication between the instructor and students.

The doctorate in psychology is the highest, academic degree psychology students can earn. In addition to clinical expertise, the doctorate program primarily focuses on preparing students to teach in higher education, conduct psychological research and publish academic writing.

For specific careers, such as licensed psychologists, the doctorate is a requirement. Other jobs in psychology, however, require ‘terminal degrees,’ which can be obtained through a master’s program.

Prospective doctoral students must assess both their long-term career goals and financial status when considering their academic plans. These programs require time, dedication and financial commitment.

The PhD and PsyD are both doctorate-level degrees. Both degree programs provide an advanced psychology curriculum and prepare students to become licensed psychologists.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) has an intensive focus on statistical analysis and research methods. Students who wish to interpret or conduct their own research or pursue a teaching career in higher education often pursue this track. According to a 2015 APA publication (PDF, 780 KB), PhD programs tend to take five to seven years to complete, with students devoting the latter portion of this time to completing their dissertations. 

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) also provides an advanced concentration on clinical knowledge and practical application. However, instead of placing an emphasis on research or statistics, the program prepares students to work with patients or clients directly. The PsyD program typically takes four to six years to complete. Students often have the option to complete a dissertation or an equivalent clinical project.

Dual degree programs allow students to receive both a doctorate and a master’s degree within the same program. To achieve this, the institution applies some course credits toward the fulfillment of both degrees, essentially “double-counting” them.

As a result, coursework may be intensive but the overall process takes less time than if the student were to complete each degree separately. However, before applying, it is essential for applicants to understand the commitment of enrolling in such a program.

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Last updated September 2023.