Master’s in Psychology Online Programs: Courses, Requirements, and Careers

A master’s in psychology covers human behavior and advanced psychological theories, along with research methods and practical counseling skills. Some programs offer specializations and clinical components that can lead to state licensure, while others prepare you for doctoral programs.

With a master’s degree in psychology, you can pursue forensic and industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologist roles, along with some therapist and counseling positions. Most programs take two years of full-time study, but part-time schedules, accelerated programs, or enrolling in an online master’s program may affect completion times.

A master’s degree in psychology has broad applications, spanning clinical and non-clinical psychologist roles, counseling and therapy positions, and leadership roles in business and social services. You can work with children, families, people in need, healthcare patients, communities, and organizations.

Depending on your career path, you may need certification and licensure, which could require postgraduate experience or even additional education based on your state’s regulations. With so many options available, it’s important to consider your career goals and the requirements for your desired role.

Continuing education is a valuable pathway for psychology master’s graduates. Depending on your location and career goals, it may be a requirement.

For example, many graduates pursue a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in psychology to qualify for clinical psychologist licensure and expand their career opportunities.

Additionally, continuing education plays a crucial role in the licensure renewal process in most psychology-related fields. To maintain your license, you’ll need to complete regular training each renewal period.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average graduate tuition price was $20,513 in 2021-22, with public schools averaging $12,596 and private schools at $28,017. For a master’s in psychology, the average annual tuition in 2020 was $13,264. A master’s in psychology online costs nearly $2,000 less than its on-campus counterpart.

Along with lower tuition prices, online students can save on travel, room and board, and sometimes even facilities fees and class materials. However, many online programs add technology and/or distance education fees to tuition, which may reduce some of the cost savings.

The admission process varies by school and program, but some of the typical requirements for a master’s in psychology include:

Psychology master’s programs typically take 1-3 years to complete, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. Other factors that can affect program length include your courseload, program structure, internships or practicums, and any transfer credits.

Some programs offer accelerated tracks or condensed courses, which can help you complete your degree faster. A master’s in psychology online offers flexible schedules that could allow you to fit in more courses and fast-track your program. Ultimately, the time it takes you to graduate will vary based on the program and pathway you choose.

At the institutional level, accreditation qualifies schools to provide federal financial aid and widely accepted credentials and credits. At the program level, accreditation can affect licensure and employment opportunities. At both levels, accreditation provides quality assurance and demonstrates that the school and program meet a high industry standard.

You should ensure your school holds institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). You can search for accredited institutions using CHEA’s directories.

The importance of programmatic accreditation depends on your program and state. For example, many states require or prefer programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) for counseling licensure. Accreditation from the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) or the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) can also be valuable.

Most psychology programs at the master’s level combine coursework, research, and practical training. While the curriculums differ between programs, many schools offer similar core courses that cover advanced concepts in psychology.

Five of the most common psychology courses include:

Many psychology master’s programs offer specializations that allow you to tailor your education toward a subdiscipline. Specializations can help you meet the educational requirements for licensure and stand out to employers in your target field.

Here are some common specializations that you may come across:

Most master’s degrees in psychology, especially clinical psychology programs, feature some form of clinical fieldwork or internships. A master’s in psychology online will also include an internship that requires in-person participation, but many schools allow you to choose a site near you to limit your travel.

These practical components provide hands-on experiences in psychology settings, such as hospitals, private practices, and research institutions. In addition to applying your learning to practical scenarios, clinical placements and internships also provide valuable networking and mentorship opportunities.

Internships may also be required for programmatic accreditation. For example, MPCAC accreditation requires that programs have a minimum 600-hour internship or practicum.

A master’s degree in psychology can provide a significant return on investment, but it depends on your career goals. While some psychology-related roles accept a bachelor’s degree, many require a graduate degree for licensure or advancement.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 49% of psychology-related professionals have a master’s degree. Professionals with a master’s also tend to earn more than those with a bachelor’s — approximately $10,000 more per year, according to a salary study from the American Psychological Association.

The BLS reports that the median annual salary for psychologists was $92,740 in 2023, nearly double the national median for all occupations. Given that the average cost of a two-year master’s degree in psychology is $26,528, graduates earning close to the median salary could see a strong return on investment.