How do I get into a master's in psychology program?

To apply to a master's in psychology program, you'll need to submit your bachelor's degree transcripts. If you don't hold a bachelor's in psychology, you may also need to complete additional foundation courses. More selective schools may also require you to submit some combination of GRE scores, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and an academic writing sample.

How much does it cost to get a master's degree in psychology?

For the 2019-2020 academic year, the average cost of an online master's in psychology was $28,173, whereas a campus-based program had an average cost of $32,119, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Scholarships for psychology students can help offset college expenses and don't need to be repaid. Other forms of aid that can lower your out-of-pocket costs include grants, fellowships, and assistantships.

How long does it take to get a master's in psychology online?

Completion times vary by program, but you can usually complete a master's in psychology online in two years. Some accelerated programs let you graduate faster, while part-time programs take longer to complete. If you already hold a bachelor's in psychology, you may be able to earn your master's degree faster by skipping over some courses.

Can you become a psychologist with a master's degree?

You typically need a doctorate in psychology, supervised experience, and a state license to become a psychologist in the U.S. In some states, roles like industrial-organizational psychologist and school psychologist may be open to those with only a master's degree.

What can you do with a master's in psychology?

A master's in psychology can prepare you for jobs such as therapist, mental health counselor, or social case manager. Other popular career fields include school psychology, industrial organizational psychology, and behavioral analysis. In general, your career options depend on your area of graduate study.

Discover 2026's Best Online Master's In Psychology Degrees

If you're looking to build a career as a psychologist or counselor, an online master's in psychology could be your next step. Focusing on cognitive processes and human development, the degree can prepare you for private counseling practice or jobs in industries such as education and social services.

An online degree gives you the flexibility to keep working while you're in school. You can also specialize your skills through concentrations such as forensic psychology, child psychology, or industrial organizational psychology.

Explore our guide to the best online master's in psychology programs, including application info, career options, and our ranking of top schools.

Why Earn Your Master's in Psych Online

Balance school, work, and family commitments with the flexibility of online coursework.
Gain specialized knowledge by completing a concentration such as child development or forensic psychology.
Qualify for many in-demand psychology jobs.
Pursue leadership roles in social and human services or human resources.
Prepare for a doctoral program in psychology, which can lead to research, clinical, and lecturer positions.

Top 5 Online Master's in Psychology Degrees

Why Accreditation Matters for Psychology

Before enrolling in an online master's in psychology program, you should confirm that the institution offering the program is accredited. Institutional accreditation legitimizes your degree and is required if you want to qualify for federal financial aid.

Programmatic accreditation accredits the particular program rather than the whole school. This might be required by some employers. However, if you wish to earn a master's in general psychology, you usually do not need programmatic accreditation.

However, if your psychology program emphasizes counseling or therapy, it should ideally be accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), or Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

Likewise, if your program focuses on behavioral analysis, then you'll want to check for accreditation by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Types of Online Master's in Psychology Degrees

You have many options when it comes to choosing a psychology degree. Some programs focus on theoretical approaches, while others emphasize clinical practice. Explore the various types of online master's in psychology degrees below.

Master of Arts (MA): MA programs take a holistic approach to psychology, focusing on cultural and social perspectives. These programs may include courses centered more on theoretical approaches and less on research and statistics. MA programs commonly prepare you for counseling careers where you work face-to-face with clients.
Master of Science (MS): MS in psychology programs typically take a more scientific approach to the field, highlighting quantitative research and data. These programs may also include more courses in the hard sciences. An MS can prepare you for more academic and research-based positions, as well as doctoral study.
Master of Education (M.Ed.): M.Ed. in psychology programs focus mostly on educational psychology, preparing you for roles in school and college counseling. These programs typically operate under the education department, rather than the psychology department. However, this degree can also lead to careers in research related to educational psychology and counseling.

Explore Master's in Psychology Specializations

Is an Online Master's in Psychology Worth It?

Average Starting Salaries for Master's Graduates, Class of 2023

$52,273
General psychology

$61,594
Clinical, counseling, and applied psycholog

$79,325
Research and experimental psychology

Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers

As the figures above indicate, research and experimental psychology jobs offer the highest starting salary potential, followed by clinical and counseling positions. Higher-paying positions may require licensure, which can mean additional education.

As with most career fields, your starting salary also depends on factors such as industry of employment, level of professional experience, and location. Larger cities usually offer more job opportunities with higher salary potential. You may also be able to earn a higher starting salary if you have relevant professional experience.

Holding a master's degree typically allows you to earn a higher salary than a bachelor's degree alone. However, you may need a doctorate to pursue top positions in research or academia. These jobs may offer some of the highest salary levels in the psychology field.