Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

Meg Embry
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Updated on September 9, 2024
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A master’s degree in psychology can prepare you for fascinating careers or an advanced degree and clinical licensure. Here’s how to pick the best school.
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Best Online Masters Degree Programs in Psychology

According to the 2022 State of Mental Health in America report, well over half of people with mental health conditions do not receive treatment. That’s nearly 30 million adults. And on top of that, over 60% of youth with depression are navigating it alone.

Which is probably why you’re here — you want to help.

If you think an online master’s in psychology might be the best way to address widespread mental health conditions, check out the top-ranked online master’s in psychology programs and our sponsored programs.

Featured Master’s in Psychology Programs

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The Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs

#1 Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

Nova Southeastern University

  • Location-markerFort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$33,510
  • Out-of-state$33,510
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$21,153
  • Out-of-state$21,153
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate93%
  • Students Enrolled20,898
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment52%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

University of South Dakota

  • Location-markerVermillion, SD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,773
  • Out-of-state$11,283
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,123
  • Out-of-state$11,773
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled9,464
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment56%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

Divine Mercy University

  • Location-markerSterling, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$20,828
  • Out-of-state$20,828
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled397
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment84%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

University of Idaho

  • Location-markerMoscow, ID
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,182
  • Out-of-state$25,418
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,754
  • Out-of-state$26,990
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled11,303
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

Azusa Pacific University

  • Location-markerAzusa, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$40,830
  • Out-of-state$40,830
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$16,571
  • Out-of-state$16,571
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled8,126
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment34%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

University of Oregon

  • Location-markerEugene, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,458
  • Out-of-state$36,910
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$15,714
  • Out-of-state$28,161
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate93%
  • Students Enrolled22,257
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment42%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

Mississippi State University

  • Location-markerMississippi State, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,110
  • Out-of-state$24,790
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,110
  • Out-of-state$24,790
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled23,086
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment43%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

Regent University

  • Location-markerVirginia Beach, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$17,220
  • Out-of-state$17,220
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$15,590
  • Out-of-state$15,590
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate41%
  • Students Enrolled10,330
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment93%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

Pepperdine University

  • Location-markerMalibu, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$59,450
  • Out-of-state$59,450
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$37,300
  • Out-of-state$37,300
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate53%
  • Students Enrolled10,446
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment36%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

Palo Alto University

  • Location-markerPalo Alto, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$17,627
  • Out-of-state$17,627
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$30,476
  • Out-of-state$30,476
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,149
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-check How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Why Should I Get a Master’s in Psychology Degree?

Students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology know that more education equals more job opportunities within the field. If you want to make a bigger impact and earn more money, pursuing a master’s degree in psychology is a smart next move.

Even outside the mental health field, the extensive knowledge of human motivations and behaviors you develop during your master’s in psychology program can make you an attractive candidate for many jobs.

Benefits of a Master’s in Psychology

  • Specialize in your field of interest
  • Experience greater job satisfaction
  • Open the door to counseling careers
  • Access better employment opportunities
  • Earn a higher salary
  • Qualify for a doctorate

Reasons to Get Your Psychology Degree Online

  • More flexibility
  • Complete your coursework remotely
  • Ability to learn from anywhere
  • Great for career-changers
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What Are the Different Types of Psychology Concentrations?

Many psychology master’s programs offer specializations, which can give you the skills to work in a particular field of psychology, including clinical psychology, forensic psychology, and educational psychology.

For example, if you want to provide direct mental health services, you might consider pursuing a clinical psychology specialization. If you’re interested in corporate or organizational behavior, you may consider enrolling in organizational psychology programs.

How Much Does a Master’s in Psychology Degree Cost?

Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Master’s Degree

Public Institution

$12,596

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$29,931

Source: NCES, 2022


Total Average Cost of a Master’s Degree (Two Years)

Public Institution

$59,440

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$85,400

Source: NCES

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Psychology?

A full-time student can complete an online master’s degree in psychology in two years. Part-time students juggling jobs or families may take 3-4 years. Most master’s programs in psychology also require internships.

Required Course Credits

30-60*

*Depending on your program and specialization

Field Study Requirements*

Yes

*Depending on your program and specialization

What Jobs Can I Get With a Master’s in Psychology Degree?

You can do a lot with a psychology master’s. You can work in clinical roles like school counselor, marriage and family therapist, and mental health counselor. You can also become an addiction counselor.

Depending on your interests, you can apply your psychology background to leadership roles like human resources manager, organizational psychologist, or social service manager. You can also contribute to scholarly research as a research assistant.

Many psychology careers require professionals to hold at least a master’s degree.

“You can pursue work in hospital systems, drug and alcohol settings (rehabs, detox, group work), mental health clinics, university counseling centers, physician offices that offer integrative care services, private practice, research, or even at insurance companies.”

Danielle Tucci, B.S. in Psychology, M.S. in Counseling, CAADC, LPC

Is a Master’s in Psychology Degree Worth it?

It’s safe to say that a master’s degree in psychology pays off for most grads. The APA has found that earning a graduate degree in psychology is likely to increase rates of job satisfaction and chances of finding employment in the field.

“Having a master’s degree opens up the number of positions you qualify for, especially positions involving more direct contact with clients,” said Tucci, who spent most of her career as a psychotherapist.

That’s not to say getting a master’s in psychology is worth it for everyone – it takes a special kind of person to thrive in this field.

“As a clinical supervisor, I have found people who have difficulty with boundaries and burnout struggle in this field, because of the emotional impact client work can have. Also, Individuals who prefer a more structured and predictable work [environment] may find this field challenging,” said Tucci.

How Much Money Can I Make With a Master’s in Psychology Degree?

A master’s in psychology qualifies you to work in many positions that offer above-average pay. The median salary for those with a master’s in psychology was approximately $60,000 in 2019, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

In 2023, marriage and family therapists earned a median annual salary of $58,510, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those employed by home healthcare service providers earned the most – $122,120 annually.

The same year, school counselors earned a median annual salary of $61,710. Those employed by elementary and secondary schools earned the most – $73,520 annually. Meanwhile, the median annual wage for industrial-organizational psychologists was $147,420.

“With clinical work, the salary will vary based on the setting. Community agencies typically pay the least, as these tend to be nonprofit. Larger practices or hospital settings will typically have more attractive compensation packages.”

Danielle Tucci, B.S. in Psychology, M.S. in Counseling, CAADC, LPC

Median salary for degree-holders with a master’s in psychology

$60,000

Source: APA

Median salary for the top 25% of earners with a master’s in psychology

$81,000

Source: APA

Salary varies by industry, occupation, and location. Some of the top-paying states for psychologists include California, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, and Massachusetts.

Everything Else You Need to Know About Master’s in Psychology Degrees

Many psychology master’s programs allow you to complete all your coursework online. However, you may have to fulfill in-person requirements for clinical rotations and internships, especially if you intend to apply for state licensure.

Still looking for the right fit? You might also like:

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