Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs

Overview

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles is a not-for-profit institution with just over 4200 students. In addition to the Los Angeles campus, this school also has campuses in Chicago, Washington D.C., and more. The school offers more than 20 psychology degree programs for students to choose from. The online Master of Arts in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis concentration at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an advanced program that offers a unique approach to behavior analytics procedures.

Program Features

This degree is ideal for people who wish to focus specifically on applied behavior analysis, as well as those want to pursue advanced study or even certification in this area. It requires 21 credit hours of foundational psychology, nine hours within the concentration, and six in an applied research project in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students are guided by expert practitioner faculty as they learn more about ABA interventions and approaches. Students will take core classes such as:

• Concepts and Principles in Behavior Analysis
• Observation and Measurement
• Professional Ethics and Issues

Notables

Interestingly, this degree can be pursued with the Master of Arts or as a separate Graduate Certificate program. This certificate allows students to sit for the examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Although this degree does not include any internships or traditional thesis options, students are required to complete an Applied Research Project over the entire duration of their studies. This project reflects how well each student has grasped the learning outcomes of the program and allows it to apply the learning to a workplace situation. Students who apply to and enroll in this program may be eligible for financial aid, with each student granted an individual financial aid advisor to help make the transition clearer and less stressful.

Overview

Touro University Worldwide offers a variety of accredited online associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. This school is a system of Jewish-sponsored, non-profit institutions where students are offered a unique network of online courses and learning experiences. The online Master of Arts in Psychology at Touro is designed to prepare students for careers in a variety of contexts and careers. This program includes a variety of core topics, such as learning theory and personality as well as ethical practice in psychology. 

Program Features

A great deal of emphasis is placed on applying psychological research to the real world, helping students make vital connections as they prepare to enter the workforce. Students will encounter challenging case studies that prepare them for doctoral-level coursework, too. Although this program does not lead to any kind of licensure, it enables students to understand key business and marketing concepts that are underpinned by psychologically-grounded market research. Core classes include: 

• Foundation of Applied Psychology
• Developmental Issues Across the Life Span
• The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology 
• Professional Ethics

Notables

This flexible program requires students to complete 12 courses – nine are required and three are elective. These electives may be selected from one of three different concentrations: Media Psychology, Educational Psychology, or Health Psychology. Tuition starts at just $500 per semester credit and there are a variety of tuition assistance programs to help prospective students foot the bill of attendance. Scholarships, loan programs, and employer tuition assistance partnerships are all available to qualifying students.

Overview

The University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles. This private university was founded in 1880 and has an undergraduate enrollment of just under 20,000 students. This school has a variety of community-focused graduate programs, many of which understand and acknowledge that human behavior is important. The Master of Science in Applied Psychology at the University of Southern California seeks to understand how psychology influences industries like talent management, marketing, research, social media, and more. 

Program Features

The University of Southern California is ranked as a top college in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and the Master of Science In Applied Psychology is no exception. It is uniquely designed to allow learners to explore human behavior in the context of real-world business functioning and decision-making. Offered at one of the world’s leading private research universities, this cross-disciplinary program is project-based and focused on real-world scenarios. 20 units of foundational coursework are required, including core classes in topics such as:

• Consumer Psychology
• Organizational Psychology
• Research Methods in Applied Psychology
• Proseminar in Human Behavior: Foundations

Notables

This program is flexible and relevant. All classes are offered entirely online to help students make the most of their valuable time. Students build professional skills in areas like data collection and synthesis, strategic communication, problem-solving, and more. The degree has both a local and global focus, with all learners granted the opportunity of working abroad over one summer semester in Dublin. Each student is given access to dedicated support staff such as enrollment advisors, tutors, and more.

Overview

Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA. Founded in 1937, this school is a private university with a Christian worldview. With over 7,500 students, the school offers a close-knit learning environment with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. The online Master of Arts in Psychology at Pepperdine provides learners with a broad theoretical and hands-on education regarding human behavior and the principles of psychology. The degree is housed within a clinical framework and exposes students to essential psychological practices through online classes.

Program Features

This flexible degree takes most students about two years to complete. Perfect for candidates who wish to enter into human services or to pursue doctoral study, the degree is broken down into 36 to 48 units of study. Faculty members have extensive clinical experience and are specifically trained to work with online learners. Students will be able to explore the many emotional and mental disorders that affect society as they conduct research and develop methods to apply core psychological principles. Students will take a variety of functional and elective courses such as: 

• Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders
• Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
• Advanced Research and Scholarly Writing
• Career Development Theory Techniques

Notables

Admitted students are given ample opportunities to interact with the rest of the Pepperdine community – despite the fact that they never visit campus. Learners will encounter encouraging communities of fellow scholars and educators who share their passion for helping others. Graduates go onto careers such as research assistants, grant writers, care coordinators, and more, but many pursue doctoral study as well. Class sizes are small, with virtual classrooms typically containing only twelve students. All self-paced video lectures are available 24/7, allowing students to interact and work from any location and at any time.

Overview

Union College, located in Barbourville, KY, was founded in 1879. This school was developed with the goal of creating career opportunities for the citizens of Barbourville as well as the surrounding community. Today, Union provides high-quality educational opportunities to students from all over the world on its independent, liberal arts college campus. The school is associated with the United Methodist Church and, despite being small, offers a wide variety of advanced degrees and certificate programs in education and psychology. These programs, including the Master of Arts in Psychology, help to prepare students with the skills they need to compete in an ever-changing job market. 

Program Features

The Master of Arts in Psychology at Union College is designed for students who are seeking career advancement or wish to pursue doctoral study. It is a well-rounded degree, involving significant advanced coursework in psychology as well as a research-based thesis and a capstone project. The curriculum is challenging and professionally oriented, allowing students the flexibility they need to complete their degrees without ever leaving home. Technical support is offered around the clock, and while students are welcome to visit campus to meet their professors, no on-campus residency is required. Sample classes include the following core topics:

• Advanced Developmental Psychology
• Statistics for Mental Health Professionals
• Advanced Psychopathology
• Theories of Personality
• Social and Community Psychology 

Notables

This program is not only flexible, but it’s also affordable. Tuition starts at just $400 per credit hour, and while there are other additional fees that may apply, financial aid is also available. Ranked a top Regional University in the South by U.S. News & World Report, this school has an idyllic location in the Appalachian Mountains. The university offers a variety of other pre-professional programs as well as those that are rooted strongly in the traditions of the liberal arts. Tuition is affordable, and nearly 96% of all students receive some form of financial aid.

Overview

Saint Leo University is located in Saint Leo, FL and is a private university that was founded in 1889. This school has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,129 students and is a Catholic university. Courses are taught by capable faculty, many of whom teach within the cutting-edge online classroom. The online Master’s in Psychology at Saint Leo University is a broadly focused, generalized degree that helps students who wish to obtain advanced skills in psychological science.

Program Features

This program exposes students to all aspects of general psychology, allowing them to take core courses in social, physiological, and developmental psychology. Students will take classes that focus on practical skills, too, including those related to research, teaching, and data analysis. An asynchronous 36-credit-hour program, this degree places students in cohorts of no more than 15 students, allowing for a truly personalized, student-centered learning experience. Only one course must be taken per eight-week term, with course requirements including:

• History and Systems of Psychology
• Diversity and Ethics
• Research Methods
• Advanced Social Psychology
• Learning and Cognition

Notables

This degree includes a unique final capstone project in which all students must choose an area of interest in psychology and develop a research design and analysis plan. To do this, they must demonstrate exceptional decision making and writing skills. The capstone project serves as an excellent resume builder for students when they are seeking employment. Although this degree is not a clinical or counseling program, nor will it prepare students for licensure, it is nonetheless an excellent master’s degree for students seeking a broad-based foundational knowledge in psychology.

Overview

A public university that was founded in 1885, Arizona State University-Tempe has a large undergraduate enrollment of over 42,000 students. The school has one of the largest populations of undergraduate students in the country, yet still manages to offer a personalized learning experience to all. Housed within the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, the Master of Science in Psychology is taught by researchers who are some of the most respected professionals in the country, having been published in top-tier journals and receiving numerous sources of funding.

Program Features

The online Master of Science In Psychology at Arizona State University-Tempe is designed to provide students and other working professionals with an understanding of the core psychological theories and research findings related to human behavior, emotion, cognition, and attitudes. The coursework helps prepare learners for work in for-profit and non-profit organizations and management. It can be completed by both full-time and part-time learners, but most students can complete this degree in just 18 months. Required classes include:

• Professional Issues in Psychology
• Quantitative Analysis
• Research Methods
• Capstone in General Psychology 

Notables

Arizona State University is known as a top-tier research university that is ranked as the best in the nation for innovation and one of the best producing highly-qualified graduates according to U.S. News & World Report. This degree requires 12 total classes with each class only lasting seven and a half weeks. The faculty at Arizona State are some of the brightest and most innovative academics in the country. This comprehensive public research university has a small student-to-faculty ratio of just 21:1.

Overview

Located in Tiffin, Ohio, Tiffin University was founded in 1888 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,243 students. The Master of Science in Psychology at Tiffin University offers students a fascinating exploration into the human mental processes and behaviors that shape our society. An interdisciplinary degree, this program is developed and taught by faculty members who have extensive field experience in the many components of the mental health and criminal justice systems.

Program Features

The psychology curriculum at Tiffin prepares students with instruction and hands-on experience in a variety of issues and concepts related to the scientific study of psychology. It hones students’ research and analytical skills, which they can then apply to a range of professional settings or to teaching careers. Although it does not lead to licensure, it is a broad-based program that provides learners with significant professional preparation. Requiring 37 credit hours of study, this degree can be completed in just one and a half years by most students. Required classes include:

• Social Psychology
• Research Design and Analysis
• History and Systems of Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Professional Issues I: Law and Ethics

Notables

This entirely-online degree program has multiple regional accreditations and zero application fees. Start dates are flexible, with multiple available each year. To make things even sweeter, Tiffin accepts transfer credits in most cases, making it easier for students to continue their studies after a brief period at another institution. This degree is broken down into two separate seven-week terms each semester, with six start terms each year. Tiffin is ranked a top Regional University in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.

Overview

LeTourneau University is located in Longview, Texas, and was founded in 1946. A private institution, this school is often regarded as the premier polytechnic university in the country. Over 140 undergraduate and graduate programs are available, with students hailing from all 50 states and more than 30 different countries. Class sizes are small, with faculty who are dedicated to providing personalized attention and hands-on learning experiences. The non-licensure Master of Arts in Psychology at LeTourneau University is best for students who wish to obtain a basic counseling skill set. 

Program Features

This degree recognizes the global and community-focused reach that clinical and research psychologists have. It prepares students to have an extended impact on their environments, offering a holistic program with a Christian worldview. It allows students to hone their research skills as they explore specialized areas in the field of psychology. This degree prepares students to pursue professional licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors and includes core classes such as:

• Integrative Theory for Counselors
• Counseling Skills and Techniques
• Lifespan Human Development
• Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards in Counseling
• Family Assessment

Notables

This degree is unique in that it allows students to gain a hands-on understanding of psychology that has a Christian professional perspective. Students can choose from 14 credit hours of graduate-level electives in areas like education, business, leadership, religion, or additional psychology courses to help them meet their career goals. Each student is also required to participate in a practicum experience in which they gain valuable hands-on experience in counseling. This degree is flexible and interactive, allowing students to pursue advanced education from wherever they may be located.

Overview

Located in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University was founded in 1932. This school is a private institution that has a small undergraduate enrollment of just 3,033 students. The school offers over 100 different degree programs to choose from, many of which are offered entirely online. Southern New Hampshire University is a premier provider of high-quality online programs, and the online Master’s in Psychology is no exception. This program recognizes the importance of behavior in how it impacts various social issues and is perfect for the busy adult learner.

Program Features

This online program prepares students to become integral participants in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological issues as they relate to an organization’s performance. Students will gain a key understanding of common research methods, social psychology, and cognitive psychology in a real-world setting. Three concentrations are available in Child and Adolescent Development Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. This affordable program has some of the lowest tuition rates in the nation and culminates in a hands-on capstone and seminar. Core classes include:

• Social Psychology
• Cognitive Processes
• Theories of Personality
• Ethical Practice in Psychology
• Measurement and Assessment

Notables

This psychology degree is one of the few in the country to allow students the flexibility to pair their psychology studies with work in complementary disciplines. Eight courses are required, with the final capstone project allowing students to conduct a faculty- and peer-reviewed project. Students are privy to expert instruction for faculty with relevant practical experience and can complete their degrees in as little as 15 months by taking just two courses each ten-week term. No GRE or GMAT is required for admission into this program, which allows learners to access a nationwide network of alumni.

Overview

Medaille College, located in Buffalo, NY, was founded in 1937 and is considered one of the Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report. A private institution of the liberal arts, the school emphasizes interdisciplinary coursework at private university standards. Faculty members have been awarded numerous research grants by leading organizations like the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, making this university an ideal location for studying psychology. At Medaille College, the Master of Arts in Psychology can be completed in just 36 credit hours of study. 

Program Features

This program allows students to choose how they would like to complete their courses. Learners can take anywhere between one and four classes each semester, with each class lasting about seven weeks. Most learners graduate in just one year. The degree can be started in either the fall or spring, and there is an additional optional concentration in Sports Psychology for motivated learners. Other required courses include:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Biological Basis of Behavior
• Special Topics in Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Research Methods

Notables

Medaille offers some of the best resources for aspiring online learners. Home to the Medaille Family Counseling Center, the program offers a superior state-of-the-art training experience that is a potential internship site for students enrolled in this degree. Students are given personalized support and guaranteed classes as they work toward their degrees in this collaborative learning environment. Significant financial aid and scholarship opportunities are also available. Although many students at Medaille hail from the surrounding Buffalo and western New York area, the university has a growing population of online learners from all around the country.

Overview

Divine Mercy University is a private Catholic graduate school in Arlington, VA. This school was established only in 2015 and is home to just 160 students guided by 17 talented and highly qualified academic faculty. The mission of the university is to strengthen the science and professional practice of counseling and psychology through integrating Catholic-Christian philosophy, anthropology, and technology. The Master of Science in Psychology at Divine Mercy University is offered entirely online. 

Program Features

This 36-credit hour program is designed to be completed in just two years of enrolled study, with all classes available fully online. It prepares students with the professional competence they need in psychology, while also helping them to develop a clear understanding of the human psyche and the best methods of treatment. In addition, it provides the learner with holistic professional skills in areas such as communication, leadership, program evaluation, and even cultural awareness. Required classes include:

• Helping People Flourish: A Catholic-Christian Approach to Psychology
• Relationship and Intervention Skills Theory and Application
• The Catholic-Christian Vision of the Person
• Human Growth & Development Across the Lifespan
• Common Psychological Problems and Their Treatment

Notables

This program is unique in that it prepares students not just for work in the field of psychology but also to become well-rounded and transformational leaders. The curriculum is strengthened by Catholic teachings on human dignity yet is still guided by modern traditions in psychological foundations. The degree is broken down into five terms per year, with most students taking roughly two years to complete. There are three convenient start dates each year, with both full- and part-time study available. This degree does not lead to licensure yet is still a phenomenal option for students seeking further doctoral study at some point.

Overview

Angelo State University, located in San Angelo, Texas, is a public university that was founded in 1928. This school is relatively large, with an undergraduate enrollment close to 9,000 students. Despite its size, the entire educational approach at Angelo is student-centered. All learners engage in faculty-mentored projects and research experiences along with educational activities outside of the classroom. The school even has an honors program and over 100 different student organizations. Of course, Angelo State University also offers an exceptional master’s degree in Psychology. 

Program Features

The master’s degree in psychology at Angelo State comes with four potential degree tracks: Counseling Psychology; Applied Psychology; Industrial-Organizational Psychology; and Experimental Psychology: Behavioral Neuroscience. These concentrations require anywhere between 36 and 60 credit hours of study. Many include practicum experiences to allow students to practice their counseling skills, while others emphasize research and consulting skills. Regardless of the concentration chosen, all students will take a variety of core courses such as: 

• Professional Ethics
• Psychology of Aging
• Health Psychology
• Core Concepts in Psychological Science
• Social Psychology 

Notables

This program is unique in that it is formulated and delivered to help students meet their personal career goals. Students have access to all on-campus resources, including a writing lab, tutors, and financial aid assistance to help make the transition to college education even easier. What’s even more important is that all faculty members partner closely with their students. The teaching environment at Angelo State ensures that the faculty hold degrees from top schools and have significant real-world experiences. There are even four research laboratories on campus as well as online simulation experiences.

Overview

Just one school within the massive state university system of Louisiana, the University of Louisiana at Monroe is a public school that was founded in 1931. The school has a total undergraduate enrollment of nearly 8,000 students. Recognized as one of the top universities in the south, this university prepares students to succeed in a continually changing global environment. The Master of Science in Psychology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe includes a track in forensics for students wishing to specialize in this unique area. 

Program Features

Available entirely online, this degree requires a minimum grade-point average of 2.75 for admission. This degree does not require a thesis but does include the option for candidates who wish to pursue further doctoral study after completing the master’s degree. It focuses on the lifelong sequence of developmental stages, enabling students to take a range of psychology electives as well as specialized courses in forensic psychology such as:

• Intelligence Testing
• Psychological Assessment
• Proseminar in Criminal Justice
• Counseling in Criminal Justice
• Sociology of Law

Notables

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is ranked as a top National University by U.S. News & World Report, just one of its many attributes. Class sizes are small, despite the large university size – the average student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. Tuition is affordable, with most students awarded some kind of need-based or merit-based financial aid. In addition, all students, including those studying online, are granted access to nonremedial tutoring, health insurance, and technical support for online classes.

Overview

Indiana Institute of Technology is located in Fort Wayne, IN. Founded in 1930, this private comprehensive not-for-profit university has a total enrollment of 1,704 students and is a primary destination for learners seeking professional education. The Master of Science in Psychology at Indiana Institute of Technology is a great choice for candidates who are seeking advanced employment opportunities or potential doctoral study.

Program Features

This program provides students with the training they need to succeed in more advanced positions. It gives learners a solid foundation in advanced psychological principles, practices, research, and theory, as well as exposure to diverse topics. The curriculum aligns with the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation Educational Guidelines for doctoral education. It includes 33 credit hours of study with core classes such as: 

• Writing in Psychology
• Lifespan Development
• Multicultural Psychology
• Advanced Counseling Theory
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Psychology

Notables

This program is ideal for aspiring psychology students who wish to be employed in fields such as criminal justice, college teaching, mental health agencies, hospitals, and even businesses. The degree includes five-week classes entirely online. Because Indiana Tech specializes in career-oriented degree programs, students graduate with a leg up on the competition. Degrees can be completed in a traditional or an accelerated format, with a variety of extracurricular organizations for learners to choose from. Online programs can be completed in an entirely remote fashion.

Overview

National Louis University is a private institution located in Chicago. An urban school with a small undergraduate enrollment of fewer than 2,000 students, this school is known for its exceptionally hands-on online programs. Ranked a top “value-added” university by Brookings Institution, this school offers a variety of hands-on degree programs. The versatile Master of Arts in Psychology at National Louis University is offered online or through a blend of on-campus and online courses. 

Program Features

This unique program allows learners to customize their degrees with potential concentrations in Community Psychology, General Psychology, and Teaching of Psychology. Students can finish in as few as 19.5 months after developing their understanding of core human behavior and development. Students can enhance their degrees with one of five separate graduate certificates in Psychology, too. Required courses for the stand-alone major include:

• Advanced Social Psychology
• Biological Bases of Behavior
• Principles of Community Psychology
• Community Organizing
• Assessment of Organizations

Notables

Online learners at National Louis are granted access to a variety of student-centered resources. Learners interact in an engaging, centralized location where they can interact with professors and peers to complete quizzes, discussions, and other assignments. This program can be completed solely online, or local students can take courses at one of five Chicago-area capsules, too. Upon graduation, students become part of a wide and far-reaching alumni network – there are over 65,000 living alumni around the world who use their education to help serve others.

Overview

McNeese State University is located in Lake Charles, LA. A public university founded in 1939, this school has an undergraduate enrollment of roughly 7,000 students. Known for its friendly campus environment and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, this school is also renowned for its accessible online programs. These degrees are taught by innovative instructors who incorporate the latest teaching methodologies. The Master of Arts in Psychology at McNeese State University comes with a built-in concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. This degree is available either on-campus or online. 

Program Features

The curriculum of the Master of Arts in Psychology at McNeese prepares learners to practice in educational or community settings as applied behavior analysts. Students develop skills in both intervention and assessment as they learn from qualified, doctoral-level faculty. Learners can choose to take classes either fully online, fully on-campus, or as a combination of the two. 31 credit hours of ABA concentration courses, as well as 24 credit hours of core psychology classes, are required, culminating in a total of 55 credit hours. An additional Graduate Certificate in applied behavior analysis is also available. Otherwise, classes include:

• Behavioral Assessment
• Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis
• Ethics for Behavior Analysts
• Principles of Learning and Behavior
• Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis

Notables

In addition to the core coursework required by this program, students will also complete core internships to help them gain experience in the discipline. The program is one of the few that is nationally accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International and that has been approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. In addition to this degree, the department offers related degrees in topics such as General/Experimental Psychology and Counseling Psychology.

Overview

Mercy College is located in Dobbs Ferry, NY, and was founded in 1950. Located in the bustling New York City metropolitan area, this school is designed for learners who want to get the most out of life by furthering their education. Over 90 different graduate and undergraduate degree and certificate programs are available, all broken up within five schools and many available entirely online. Mercy College offers a superb Master of Science in Psychology that enables learners to become qualified members of one of the world’s most rewarding disciplines. 

Program Features

Housed within the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, this program is offered in Bronx, Dobbs Ferry, and online. It culminates in 36 credit hours of total study and is designed to expand each student’s knowledge of the general discipline of psychology. Students can also engage in psychology experiences that fit their individual interests, pursuing both research and clinical opportunities. This degree is a great choice for students seeking advanced psychological study in the form of doctoral work. Required classes include:

• Contemporary Theories in Psychology
• Physiological Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Professional Issues and Ethics

Notables

This degree is one of the few that includes not just one, but multiple, supervised internships in a field related to psychology. It also has professional affiliations with various American Psychological Association agencies. Learners receive access to career opportunities such as casework managers, industrial-organizational consultants, mental health workers, and more. In addition, this degree is offered as part of a unique four-plus-one option in which qualified undergraduates can pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree at an accelerated pace, graduating in just five years.

Overview

A private graduate university located in Pasadena, CA, this school was founded in 1971. The school is dedicated to postgraduate education, but all programs have a unique focus on humanistic psychology. The university focuses on low-residency doctoral and master’s degrees as well as professional certification programs. A small school, the university is home to just 622 students. Saybrook University’s Master’s in Psychology is one of many programs at Saybrook that recognizes the growing demand for diverse professionals. 

Program Features

The Master of Arts in Psychology at Saybrook helps students achieve the professional skills they need to succeed in a real-world setting. The curriculum is experiential and empowers students to initiate transformative change in community development programs as well as in individuals. It can serve as a terminal degree or as an excellent pathway to Ph.D. education. Graduates work as researchers, consultants, teachers, mediators, and more. Sample classes include:

• Ethics, Spirit, and Health Care
• Foundations and Critique of Contemporary Psychology
• Understanding Research
• Information Competency and Library Use
• Healthy Psychology: The Application of Psychological Concepts and Tools to Health

Notables

Although it is not required by the curriculum requirements, this program allows students to choose from one of three different professional specializations: Creativity Studies; Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health; and Existential, Humanistic, and Transpersonal Psychology. This school is top-ranked, having received nods for its psychology program from the United States National Research Council. With plenty of specialized degrees in psychology to choose from, this school is an obvious choice for people seeking a close-knit online education in the discipline.

Overview

Palo Alto University is a private university located in Palo Alto, CA. This school was founded in 1975 and offers only programs that focus on degrees in psychology. In fact, the school was originally known as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology at its inception. There are two undergraduate degree programs in psychology as well as four graduate programs. The Master of Science in Psychology at Palo Alto University is a part-time online program that prepares learners for Ph.D. studies in clinical psychology. It can also serve as a terminal degree for learners who wish to teach or engage in professional research. 

Program Features

This program is one-of-a-kind in that it offers three potential completion options. Learners can complete a Ph.D. Prep track, which allows students to transition easily into the Palo Alto University residential Ph.D. program or to apply for admission elsewhere. There is also a Master of Science In Psychology track that is geared toward students who will not enter the Ph.D. program. Finally, the MA in Counseling track is designed for students who decide their interests are better suited to counseling than to psychology. Most students will take core classes like:

• Research Methods and Statistics
• Child and Adolescent Development
• Adult Development and Aging
• Psychopathology and Psychodiagnosis
• Ethics in Clinical Psychology

Notables

This degree can serve as a terminal Master of Science degree in psychology for careers in human services and similar non-profit causes. It is not clinical, producing no licensure requirements, but it can be completed part-time and fully-online. It allows students to begin to pursue doctoral study without having to relocate and also helps students who are interested in doctoral study to receive cost savings as they will have lower tuition toward the first year of a Ph.D. program. In addition, all students will benefit from learning from faculty members who have years of academic and real-world experience in psychology.