Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Psychology for 2025
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- Masters and Doctoral Programs
- What to Look For
- Career Opportunities
- Program Costs
- Applying to a Graduate Program
Key Takeaways
- A master’s degree can take 2-3 years, while a doctorate can take 4-7 years.
- Average salaries differ, with master’s grads earning $65,000 and doctorate holders earning $92,000.
Are you passionate about helping others improve their quality of life? If so, the field of psychology offers exciting opportunities to begin or advance your professional journey. Pursuing an online master’s degree in psychology could be the first step toward a rewarding career in mental health.
Navigating through the many program choices can feel overwhelming. To streamline your search, our guide highlights the top-ranked online master’s programs and other important factors to consider.
Explore Online Psychology Programs
Connect with a school advisor to learn about scholarships, licensures, specializations, and more.
Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Psychology
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$39,800
- Out-of-state$39,800
- In-State$13,500
- Out-of-state$13,500
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled3,520
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Illinois University
- Dekalb, IL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$9,790
- Out-of-state$9,790
- In-State$9,066
- Out-of-state$9,066
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled15,649
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$34,500
- Out-of-state$34,500
- In-State$22,062
- Out-of-state$22,062
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled20,877
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Roosevelt University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$33,068
- Out-of-state$33,068
- In-State$22,764
- Out-of-state$22,764
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled3,725
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana-System Administration
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students EnrolledN/A
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationNo
Our Ranking Methodology
Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This list is for 2025. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, visit our full ranking methodology.
What to Look For in an Online Master’s or Doctoral Program in Psychology
Finding the best online master’s or doctoral program involves many factors and research. Some considerations when choosing an online master’s in psychology or doctorate in psychology include completion time, specializations, flexibility, and the curriculum.
Accreditation
Accreditation is important when selecting a master’s or doctoral program, as it verifies the school’s quality and standards and allows you to pursue state licensure. You can find accreditation information for a particular school on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.
At the doctoral level, accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) is important if you plan to seek licensure in most states. The APA does not currently accredit fully online programs.
Cost and Financial Aid
Cost and financial aid are vital factors in choosing an online master’s or doctoral program. Tuition rates can vary from $20,000-$75,000 total for online programs. In-state tuition at public universities typically offer lower tuition than private schools. Textbooks and other required materials and technology also increase costs.
Financial aid resources may be available to offset these expenses. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a popular way of determining eligibility for loans and grants.
Retention and Job Placement
Retention and job placement can also be crucial when selecting an online master’s or doctoral program. These figures convey how many students complete the program within a specific timeframe and how many graduates secure a job in a field. Many universities offer this data online, including internship placement rates.
Featured Online Doctoral Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Careers and Salaries With a Graduate Degree in Psychology
Many careers in psychology require at least a master’s degree, and you must have a doctorate to become a licensed psychologist. According to Payscale, graduates with a master’s in psychology earn an average of $65,000, and graduates with a doctorate earn an average of $92,000. Your specific degree, job, location, experience, and other factors can affect your earnings.
Careers With a Master’s in Psychology
A master’s degree in psychology opens the door to various careers. Some master’s-level careers include:
Careers With a Doctorate in Psychology
A doctorate in psychology provides the opportunity for independent practice after obtaining licensure and roles in academia and research. Some doctorate-level career options include:
How Much Does an Online Graduate Degree in Psychology Cost?
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), an online master’s in psychology program costs an average of $13,100 annually for tuition and fees, while a traditional program costs an average of $14,350.
A master’s degree can take 2-3 years, while a doctorate can take 4-7 years. In addition, you need to budget for books, technology, and travel to clinical sites.
However, there are options to reduce the cost of attending an on-campus or online master’s in psychology program. You may be eligible for scholarships or grants. Once you graduate, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness programs, especially if you work in an underserved area.
How to Apply to an Online Master’s or Doctoral Program in Psychology
Applying to either a master’s or doctoral program takes a handful of steps. Both programs often require specific application materials, including an educational history, exam scores, curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.
First, applicants must earn an undergraduate degree before applying to a master’s or doctoral program. Next, many students take the GRE, as this exam is a customary requirement across graduate admissions.
Undergraduate transcripts are standard in the graduate school application process. Institutions review this document to determine academic performance history and patterns and the completion of required prerequisites.
A graduate application may also include a personal essay and resume. These materials can set candidates apart by showcasing their aptitudes, research history and interests, and academic and professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s & Doctoral Programs in Psychology
To become a psychologist, you must complete a doctorate in psychology from an accredited program. Additionally, to practice as a licensed psychologist, you must obtain a license in the state where you intend to practice.
