Online master's in psychology programs prepare degree-seekers for doctoral studies. Graduates can also work in business, law, or public policy. Learners can choose a concentration such as sports or veteran psychology. Core classes typically explore advanced psychopathology, lifespan development, and research methods. Students earning a master's in psychology online also complete a practicum.
Applicants generally submit undergraduate transcripts, recommendation letters, and a resume. Some programs also require standardized test scores and an interview. This guide covers typical classes, concentrations, tuition costs, and salary potential. The final section details how graduates of online master's in psychology programs can become licensed psychologists.
Questions About a Master's in Psychology
How many years does it take to get a master's in psychology?
Full-time students usually graduate in 18-24 months. Part-time learners may need up to three years to complete an online master's in psychology program.
Can I be a therapist with a master's in psychology?
After earning an affordable master's in psychology, many graduates work as licensed therapists. However, licensed psychologists need a doctorate.
What is a psychologist's salary?
Psychologists earn a median salary well above the median for all occupations. Factors including education, employer, and location impact earning potential.
Why Get a Master's in Psychology?
After earning a master's in psychology online, graduates can become marriage and family therapists and substance abuse counselors. Many positions in the field pay high median salaries and feature strong job growth. Graduates can also pursue a Ph.D. in psychology. This terminal degree and experience qualifies holders for a psychologist license.
Working professionals and recent college graduates can benefit from online master's in psychology programs. Typically, the same professors teach online and on-campus classes. Online learners can access student services, and many programs feature asynchronous curricula.
How Much Does a Master's in Psychology Cost?
The cost of online master's in psychology programs varies by school. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a master's degree was $66,340 in 2021. Learners may also need to pay for a criminal background check prior to beginning a practicum or internship. In-state public schools typically offer the lowest tuition rates. Some public schools charge all online learners in-state tuition rates.
Learners can reduce out-of-pocket expenses by applying to schools offering institutional aid. Some schools award merit-based scholarships to students with excellent undergraduate grades. Schools may also offer grants to learners with financial need. Additionally, learners can apply for need-based funding from the federal government.
Additional Online Student Fees
Like on-campus students, online degree-seekers pay for textbooks and graduation fees. Online learners may also pay a per-credit or per-semester technology fee. Students may need to upgrade their laptop or internet service to meet their program's technology requirements. Many computer companies offer student discounts.
Graduates who pursue licensure pay additional fees. Aspiring therapists and licensed psychologists should budget for licensure fees. Other costs may include professional certifications. Graduates can join professional organizations to receive discounts on certification fees.
How Much Do Psychologists Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychologists earn a median annual salary of $82,180. Specialization impacts a psychologist's earning potential. Industrial-organizational psychologists earn a median of $96,270 per year, while clinical and school psychologists earn a median of $79,820 annually. Psychologists in California, Alaska, and Illinois earn the highest average salaries, ranging from $115,340-$124,910.
Licensed psychologists need a terminal degree. Psychologists with licensure and experience often pursue tenure-track teaching positions. The BLS reports that postsecondary teachers earn a median salary of $80,560 per year. Psychology professors in California, New York, and the District of Columbia earn the highest average salaries.
Courses in Psychology
Affordable master's in psychology programs feature core classes on topics such as industrial-organizational psychology, research and evaluation methods, and trauma in diverse populations. Learners typically complete in-person practicums or internships. Many programs require a thesis or capstone project.
The following core classes help students build a foundation for doctoral studies and careers in the field. Class names and academic requirements vary by program and can impact graduates' opportunities. Learners should compare prospective schools' course catalogs before applying.
Industrial Organizational Psychology
This class introduces industrial-organizational psychology fundamentals, such as how work setting affects employees. Degree-seekers analyze team dynamics, organizational leadership best practices, and multiculturalism's benefits and challenges. Learners develop emotional intelligence and assessment skills. Graduates can use knowledge from this class to become licensed industrial-organizational psychologists.Research and Evaluation Methods for Mental Health Professionals
Therapists and psychologists must know how to conduct and interpret psychology research. This class trains students in design methods, measurement, and correlation. Degree-seekers explore statistics and program evaluation. Students learn to analyze research publications and contribute to scholarship.Trauma and Diverse Populations
Many therapists and psychologists help patients recover from trauma. Students in this class analyze traumatic events' effects on people of different ages. Coursework emphasizes risk and protective factors, recovery best practices, and cultural contexts. This class prepares learners to become licensed marriage and family therapists and clinical counselors.
Specializations for Psychology
The top online master's in psychology programs feature specializations, also known as concentrations or tracks. A specialization prepares learners to work in a specific area, such as child and adolescent development, forensic psychology, or industrial-organizational psychology. Degree-seekers specialization coursework after completing core classes.
When researching affordable master's in psychology programs, learners should consider each school's specialization options and curriculum requirements. Students should look for specialization options that align with their career goals. Many online master's in psychology programs feature the following concentrations.
Child and Adolescent Development Psychology
This specialization explores the unique psychological needs of children and adolescents. Learners develop strategies to help improve the lives of children and young adults. Typical classes include developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and intervention strategies. Many learners specializing in this area pursue a Ph.D.Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists work in law enforcement. These professionals interview victims, suspected criminals, and potential jury members. Students prepare for this role through coursework in assessment for forensic psychology, the intersection of law and psychology, and psychology in the courtroom. Many forensic psychology jobs require a doctorate.Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Industrial-organizational psychologists study how individuals and groups perform in various workplaces. These professionals must understand human motivation and interactions. This specialization typically requires classes covering motivation in the workplace, the psychology of leadership, and organizational consulting. Graduates help their employers increase productivity.
How to Become a Psychologist
Most psychologists need a doctorate and a license. Aspiring postsecondary teachers typically earn a Ph.D. Psychology students who plan to treat patients enroll in Psy.D. programs. Most Psy.D. programs feature a one-year internship in clinical settings. Both doctoral degrees feature experimental procedures and statistics classes.
Clinical psychologists treat patients directly. They use interviews and tests to diagnose patients and recommend solutions. Rehabilitation psychologists help people with disabilities live independently. School psychologists assist children and adolescents with behavioral or social problems.
Licensure for Psychologists
After earning a psychology doctorate, most graduates pursue licensure. Licensure requirements vary by state. In New York, candidates need a doctorate, passing exam scores, and two years of supervised clinical experience.
New York licensure candidates must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, which costs $688 as of February 2022. Candidates must also submit a $294 licensing fee with their application. Application processing takes up to six weeks.
New York psychologists maintain their license by earning 36 continuing education credits every three years. Renewal costs $229, as of February 2022.
