Most Affordable Online Master's In Counseling Psychology Degrees

A ranking of the most affordable online master's in behavioral psychology degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
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Updated February 3, 2023

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You can improve the growth, development, and quality of life of those with developmental disabilities by earning an online affordable Master’s in Behavioral Psychology degree.

Are you passionate about serving children and adults with special needs? Do you want to enhance your education background to include specialized training in Autism or other neurodevelopmental disabilities? Do you envision yourself in the classroom making a dramatic change in your students’ lives?

Then an online graduate degree in behavioral psychology may be the next best step for you!

What kind of online master’s in behavioral psychology degree should you get?

Though all 15 of these programs will provide a foundation in behavioral psychology, each program varies in its emphasis and focus.

For example, West Virginia University offers a general graduate degree in special education, wherein you can both specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis while experiencing a broad introduction to special education. Other programs, however, were specifically designed to focus solely on the fundamentals and implementations of ABA.

It’s important to find the program that reflects your values and career goals as well as one that offers the training you require. But know that all of these degrees can be earned online and at the fraction of the cost of on-campus education.

Distance education is a great way to flexibly and affordably advance your career. So be sure to check out College Choice’s Most Affordable Online Colleges and Universities for a Master's Degree.

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How much money do people make with an online master’s in behavioral psychology?

Education is often an underpaid sector of the workforce. While that probably comes as no surprise, take heart. An advanced degree proves to employers that you have tenacity and ambition as well as additional, direct experience in the classroom.

All this specialized experience means you will make a higher wage with greater stability. For example, while those with just an undergraduate degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis make around $47,000 a year, those with a graduate degree make upwards of $55,000 annually, according to PayScale.

What can you do with an online master’s in behavioral psychology?

With highly specialized training in behavioral assessment, psychology, and education you will be ready for careers in diverse settings. From the classroom to a government agency, from healthcare to non-profit, one of these degrees can help you get where you want to go.

Graduates from the 15 programs below have secured rewarding careers in:

What are the requirements for an online master’s in behavioral psychology degree?

These master’s degrees require between one and two years to complete, with most taking closer to two years. And while these programs range in emphasis and requirement, each will fully prepare you to become ABA Certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

While your first year will be filled with coursework in your core area of study, your second year allows you to dive further into the behavioral psychology and analysis specialization. You may also find in your second year that you have to fulfill a fieldwork, internship, or teaching requirement. We’ve been sure to note those.

Likewise, at the end of coursework you may be required to present a thesis or capstone project. Again, we’ve been sure to specify which programs require what.

What are the most affordable online master’s in behavioral psychology degrees?

To find the most affordable master’s in behavioral psychology programs we first looked at every school across the country offering the degree online. From there calculated tuition rates, financial resources, and scholarship opportunities.

After exhaustive research and number crunching we arrived at the 15 programs that will give you the most bang for your buck. And these 15 programs are not just the most affordable but are some of the best ranked too!

Our figures and information come from the university and colleges’ websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report, and The National Center for Education Statistics.

Most Affordable Online Master's in Behavioral Psychology Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Counseling Psychology Degrees

McNeese State University

  • Lake Charles, LA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Prospective graduate students should consider McNeese State University for flexible programs that allow them to earn an advanced degree while they work. A master's in applied behavior analysis is among the 10 online master's degrees delivered from the Lake Charles, Louisiana, campus. This adaptable program makes graduate education accessible to degree-seekers with busy lives.

Application requirements include a bachelor’s degree in the same field or other criteria as stipulated on the program website. Students in the program complete rigorous coursework they couldn’t access in a bachelor’s degree alone. Some degree recipients will continue on to a doctorate in this field.

The current tuition rate stands at $5,703 per year for residents of Louisiana, and $13,740 for out-of-state residents. Learners can use resources at the financial aid department to find out if they qualify for grants and scholarships. Loans are another way to help pay for part or all of the program's tuition.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,147
Out-of-state
$13,185
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,703
Out-of-state
$13,740
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
7,295
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
56% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Counseling Psychology Degrees

University of Washington

  • Seattle, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Washington’s online graduate programs emphasize quality and affordability. The master's in behavioral psychology is a very good option for people with a bachelor’s in psychology who want to earn an advanced degree online. Enrollees have more control over their schedules by completing the rigorous graduate curriculum remotely.

More individualized attention and opportunities to collaborate with peers are key benefits of the 20-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio that students enjoy. Learners receive strong preparation using a curriculum that emphasizes advanced theoretical concepts and practices in behavioral psychology. This academic preparation is a prerequisite for higher-level careers in business and industry or a doctoral program in some cases.

Washington students pay a yearly average of $18,198 while those living elsewhere pay $32,439. If they qualify, degree-seekers can use grants and scholarships to help fund their master’s. The comprehensive suite of financial aid options also include student loans, which about 24% of the school’s enrollees use to fund some or all of their education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,370
Out-of-state
$37,071
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,198
Out-of-state
$32,439
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
52%
Students Enrolled
47,576
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
8% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#3 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Counseling Psychology Degrees

University of South Florida

  • Tampa, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of South Florida enrolls students in one of the nation’s best master's in behavioral psychology programs for online degree-seekers. The program prepares learners for high-level career opportunities not always available to those who hold a bachelor’s alone. Students earn this master's degree so they can also pursue a doctorate later on if they choose.

Busy learners are drawn to the school because of the online format. Students can juggle their various responsibilities thanks to this program's flexibility. No matter if enrollees study remotely or on campus, they benefit from a supportive learning environment that includes faculty and community support.

The application requirements include a bachelor’s degree, unless the program states otherwise. Those who apply can expect an acceptance rate of about 48%. If accepted, students in Florida can expect to pay around $8,350 per year before applying grants, loans, and scholarships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,559
Out-of-state
$15,473
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,350
Out-of-state
$19,048
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
44,246
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Counseling Psychology Degrees

Southeast Missouri State University

  • Cape Girardeau, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Southeast Missouri State University attracts graduate students who want extra flexibility to pursue behavioral psychology degrees without significantly interrupting their lives. The master's in psychology is one of the top-ranked programs that attracts remote learners, who can choose from 13 online master's programs at the Cape Girardeau, Missouri, school. This degree’s flexibility is a draw for those who may have had challenges pursuing graduate education because of their busy schedules.

Applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in the same field or a related one. Students in the MS in psychology program complete rigorous coursework they couldn’t access in a bachelor’s degree alone. In addition to enhancing career prospects, this program prepares degree recipients for a doctoral degree.

The average tuition for students living in Missouri is $5,242 per year, and $9,796 if they live elsewhere. Learners can use resources at the financial aid department to determine if they qualify for financial aid like grants and scholarships. Many students use loans to help pay for the program's tuition.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,606
Out-of-state
$12,636
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,242
Out-of-state
$9,796
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
10,637
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Counseling Psychology Degrees

Arizona State University

  • Tempe, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Tempe, Arizona, Arizona State University is a public college. The institution offers a master's in applied behavior analysis for psychology degree-seekers.

The program can fit into busy schedules because of its adaptability and flexibility. Recorded video sessions may be available to allow anytime viewing, and faculty may let enrollees complete coursework at their own pace within a given timeframe. Deep experience providing rigorous degrees that emphasize both quality and flexible learning is a hallmark of this institution.

While you can expect some variations, the rate of acceptance is 86% of applicants on average per year. Interested learners will need a bachelor's degree in order to be considered for this program, but other requirements may apply. Contact the school to see how to apply to this program and submit the required documents.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,710
Out-of-state
$28,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,720
Out-of-state
$26,160
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
53,286
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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