Online Graduate Certificates in Psychology

An online graduate psychology certificate expands your knowledge in a psychology subfield and prepares you for doctoral study. During your certificate, you’ll take graduate-level courses that can apply toward a graduate degree in psychology. Your certificate can also train you for specific career paths.

Graduate psychology certificates require fewer classes than master’s degrees, and many programs do not require a thesis or internship. That means you can earn a certificate in less time than it takes to complete a master’s degree – typically one year or less.

The right psychology graduate certificate depends on your prior education and professional goals. Post-bachelor’s certificates can fill gaps for non-psychology undergraduate majors interested in earning a psychology doctorate or specializing in their education. Post-master’s certificates train students for career or specialization changes.

You can earn a psychology graduate certificate online. A distance learning format appeals to working students and can help you save money. If you’re interested in a particular field of psychology, enrolling online can also broaden your program options.

An online graduate certificate in psychology can be a valuable tool as you prepare for your career. However, graduate certificates do not authorize you to work in independent practice and should not be viewed as a replacement for any degree. (Keep in mind, for example, that a psychology graduate degree takes at least two years to attain, at least twice as long as the time it takes to earn a graduate certificate.)

But that’s not to say graduate certificates are not valuable. They’re designed more as a supplement or enhancement to your education and existing skill set. Certificates also can help you pursue non-licensed positions in counseling or psychology, or prepare for further study in the field.

Looking for an edge in a competitive program or field? A certificate can help, as they impart plenty of educational as you move through your educational journey. Having the right certificate on your resume can give you a leg up in higher-paying careers in professions like sports or industrial-organizational settings.

After completing an online graduate certificate, you can continue your graduate education by applying to Psy.D. or Ph.D. programs. A doctorate in psychology can lead to clinical, research, or academic careers. For example, with a Psy.D. you can earn your license and treat clients as a psychologist. Earning a doctorate can also prepare you for a career as a psychology professor.

Earning your graduate certificate in psychology online is an investment. So how much will a graduate certificate cost? Graduate tuition costs $20,500 per year on average during the 2021-22 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Public schools charge lower rates for in-state tuition, while private universities charge above-average rates. Many graduate programs are two years in length.

An online format can influence price. You can compare costs to find the most affordable option, and distance learners often save on living expenses and commuting costs. By choosing an accredited university, you’ll also qualify for several forms of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and federal student loans.

Most psychology graduate certificates require a bachelor’s degree for admission. Some design the certificate for non-psychology majors who plan to continue their graduate education in psychology. Post-master’s certificate programs require a master’s degree.

Other common admission requirements include:

When researching programs, review the admission requirements carefully. In addition to finding a program that matches your professional goals, you’ll want a program that fits your prior experience. For example, a psychology major would benefit less from a certificate designed to prepare non-majors for a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology programs.

Full-time students typically complete an online graduate certificate in psychology in one year or less. Part-time students may need two years to complete their coursework. Transfer credits can also speed up the timeline for both full- and part-time options.

Online psychology certificate programs generally require 18-28 credits or 6-8 courses. However, the exact credit requirements and course load vary by program. Check with programs for more information on the timeline for completing a psychology graduate certificate.

Accredited universities meet the highest standards for academic quality. When comparing online graduate certificate programs, you’ll want to check the institution’s accreditation status.

Choosing an accredited institution will shape your education and career options. You’ll qualify for more job opportunities, professional licenses, and graduate programs with an accredited degree. Graduate students at accredited universities can also use federal student aid programs to cover costs.

Psychology programs may also hold programmatic accreditation. However, the American Psychological Association does not accredit graduate certificate programs. As a result, you should prioritize institutional accreditation.

The psychology courses in your graduate certificate depend on the program’s focus. Here are some common classes you might take.

Many students choose an online graduate certificate in psychology to specialize in a particular area. Discover some popular concentrations and what you may learn below.

Graduate certificates may incorporate experiential requirements, depending on the program. This can include clinical placements to apply psychotherapy methods or field placements to gain practical experience. Students work with their programs to design internships or practicums that align with their interests and career goals.

An online graduate certificate can be a good investment in your psychology education. But it’s not the right option for everyone. How can you decide if a graduate certificate is worth it for you?

First, consider your career goals. If you want to move into specializations like industrial-organizational psychology or sports psychology, a graduate certificate provides focused preparation on a faster timeline than a master’s degree. Similarly, if you plan to apply to doctoral programs but want to strengthen your psychology knowledge or boost your GPA, a graduate certificate could be a good fit.

Next, calculate the cost of a graduate certificate compared with your earning potential with the credential. Your investment should pay off, whether by opening new career doors or enriching your skills. Choosing an online certificate can help you lower the total cost of your program, which can boost your return on investment.

Finally, weigh alternative paths, such as whether a master’s degree in psychology may better fit your career goals.