In this article, we profile the top 40 most affordable online master’s in psychology programs of 2021.
Earning a master’s in psychology online degree provides potential for a versatile career. Psychology is the study of human behavior, mental health, and personality. It is a broad field that can be applied to many settings, including clinical, criminal justice, educational, and industrial organizations. For most psychology jobs, a master’s degree is the minimum degree level required by potential employers. Thankfully, online options are available from some of the nation’s top schools.
We reviewed approximately 155 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered online psychology master’s programs and related disciplines. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation (regional and/or national), institution rankings with U.S. News and World Report, and affordable graduate tuition and fees of $24,000 or less. We ranked our chosen schools according to raw affordability.
Featured Programs
Below are the resulting selections for the top 40 cheapest online master’s in psychology programs of 2021.
#40 – Palo Alto University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Palo Alto, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,646
At Palo Alto University, students may enroll in an online master’s in psychology degree program designed for working professionals. Flexible, online delivery allows students to earn their graduate degree from any geographic location. Courses are delivered synchronously online, requiring live meetings that take place in the evening. The format allows students to interact with instructors and peers. Courses cover advanced psychology topics like adult development and aging, child and adolescent development, and research methods and statistics. Palo Alto is fully accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school’s psychology programs have earned top rankings.
#39 – Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Online Master’s in Psychology of Leadership
University Park, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,186
One of the most affordable online master’s in psychology programs on our list is the master’s in psychology of leadership offered at Pennsylvania State University World Campus. The 33-credit hour program is ideal for working professionals seeking careers in leadership and psychology. Courses are delivered online and taught by Penn State’s esteemed faculty. Courses you will encounter cover topics like diversity leadership, global and cross-cultural leadership, and psychology of leading work groups and teams. In addition to offering accredited and affordable programs, Penn State World Campus ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Rankings include both institution and program recognition among the top 10, 25, and 50 in the country.
#38 – Medaille College
Online Master’s in Psychology
Buffalo, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,251
Medaille College offers an accredited online master’s in psychology degree that consists of 36 credits. Enrolled students take courses in development psychology, evolutionary psychology, psychopathology, and research methods. The program may be completed entirely online and with either a thesis or internship option. Classes move at a rigorous pace, generally running seven weeks in length. Students take one to four courses any given semester. Qualifying for admission requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, a personal and professional statement of goals, and two professional references. According to U.S. News and World Report, Medaille College ranks #136-#176 in best regional universities in the North.
#37 – Nova Southeastern University
Online Master’s in General Psychology
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,206
Nova Southeastern University’s online master’s in psychology is highly affordable and flexibly designed. The program consists of 30 credits and is delivered entirely online. Required courses lay the foundation for essential knowledge and skills needed in a psychology career. These courses cover topics like cognitive psychology, human growth and development, psychological quantitative methods, research design, and social psychology. To apply, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have maintained a 3.0 GPA. However, graduate exams, such as the GRE, are not required for admission. Nova Southeastern is fully accredited and ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 227th best national university.
#36 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University offers a top online psychology master’s degree for less than $20,000 per year. The online psychology program is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, SNHU ranks #75 in best regional universities in the North, #71 in best value schools, and #1 in most innovative schools. While enrolled in the online psychology program, students may choose from three specialized concentrations. These concentrations include child and adolescent development psychology, forensic psychology, and industrial organizational psychology. Admission does not require the GRE or GMAT, but applicants must have an earned bachelor’s in psychology or a closely related discipline.
#35 – LeTourneau University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Longview, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,618
LeTourneau University’s online master’s in psychology program provides flexible online classes and the opportunity to participate in a practicum experience. For less than $19,000 per year, students gain the skills needed to secure a career in psychology. If desired, students may pursue professional licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. LeTourneau is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the institution ranks 26th in best regional universities in the West and 15th in best value schools. LeTourneau’s programs are fully accredited and are among the most affordable on our list.
#34 – Northcentral University
Online Master’s in Psychology
La Jolla, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,095
Northcentral University offers an accredited and highly affordable online master’s in psychology program. The degree moves at a rigorous pace, ensuring that students complete program requirements in just 18 months. In addition to taking the required courses, students may choose from one of the four professionally relevant specializations. Available specializations allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest. These specializations include applied behavior analysis, gender and sexual fluidity, general psychology, and sport psychology. In addition to being fully accredited, Northcentral ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top institution. Also, several of the school’s online graduate programs have earned top rankings.
#33 – University of Oregon
Online Master’s in Psychology
Eugene, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,238
University of Oregon ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 103rd best national university and 165th best value school. In addition to school rankings, U of O offers an accredited and reputable online master’s in psychology degree. The program is offered fully online and consists of 18 courses. Courses cover advanced topics in psychology like evaluation, implementation, intervention science, rapid cycle program refinement, and translational neuroscience in childhood and adolescent. Several electives offered allow students to further explore interests in areas like child psychology and science communication. Admission to the program requires applicants provide official transcripts of all undergraduate work, along with two to three letters of recommendation.
#32 – Divine Mercy University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Sterling, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,153
Divine Mercy University’s affordable online master’s in psychology program consists of 36 credits, which can take just two and a half years to complete. The school’s uniquely designed model mixes courses and curricula with a Catholic foundation. Courses cover topics like common psychological problems and their treatment, evidence-based practice and program evaluation, leading people and programs, and relationship and intervention skills theory and application. Near the end of the program, students are required to complete a capstone project. Divine Mercy, a fully accredited institution, ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the school’s clinical psychology programs have earned top rankings.
#31 – Regent University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,952
Regent University’s fully accredited and affordable online master’s in psychology program is designed to prepare students for careers in psychology and other healthcare industries. By taking eight-week classes online, students complete the non-licensure degree at a rigorous and accelerated pace. Required courses cover topics like contemporary psychology, lifespan psychology, research methods in psychology, and statistics. There are also several concentrations offered that allow students to tailor their degree to align with career goals and interests. Concentrations include addictions, cyberpsychology, doctoral preparation, leadership coaching, and marriage and family, among others. Regent ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.
#30 – Franklin University
Online Master’s in Business Psychology
Columbus, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,080
Franklin University offers a unique psychology degree that is both affordable and accredited. The online master’s in business psychology program takes 14 months to complete and offers flexible online courses designed for working students and business professionals. The conveniently designed program requires no GMAT or GRE entrance exams for admission; however, students must have a 2.75 minimum GPA. Course requirements cover topics like managerial psychology, psychology of marketing, and psychology of organizational coaching. Franklin ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top business school. Also, several of the institution’s graduate programs have earned rankings with U.S. News.
#29 – California Baptist University
Online Master’s in Counseling Psychology
Riverside, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,560
While there are a number of online graduate-level psychology programs, few offer counseling as a specialization like California Baptist University. CBU’s master’s in counseling psychology program is ideally suited for students interested in working as marriage or family counselors. Classes are delivered online and taught by CBU’s faculty. These courses cover topics like advanced research methodology, human growth and development, and human sexuality. In addition to being fully accredited, CBU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 40th best regional university in the West and 25th best value school. Several online graduate programs at CBU also rank within the top 30 and top 50 programs.
#28 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Marion, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,440
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a flexible and affordable online master’s in psychology program for less than $14,000 per year. The program consists of 30 credit hours and offers two specialization options so students may tailor their degree. Specializations include industrial and organizational psychology, and life coaching and positive psychology. Courses are delivered entirely online and cover topics like lifespan development, psychopathology and emerging trends, research methods in psychology, and theories of personality development. IWU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 15th best regional university in the Midwest and 63rd best value school.
Featured Programs
#27 – Lynn University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Boca Raton, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,420
At Lynn University, students may earn an affordable online master’s in psychology degree with two tracks of study. The general psychology degree prepares students for different areas of work than the industrial and organizational psychology pathway. No matter the track of study you choose, you will gain a professional skillset that sets you apart from your competition and prepares you for a career in psychology. Courses cover topics like advanced social, industrial, and organizational psychology; leadership and management of organizations; and research and program evaluation. In addition to being accredited and offering affordable programs, Lynn University ranks with U.S. News and World Report. Lynn ranks #53 in best regional universities in the South.
#26 – Tiffin University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Tiffin, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,000
One of the most affordable online master’s in psychology programs on our list is offered by Tiffin University. The career-focused degree consists of online courses and part-time or full-time enrollment options. The average completion time for the program is between 1.5-2.5 years. Students may work at their own pace. Also, flexible start dates and transfer credit acceptance add to the degree’s convenient design and value. Tiffin ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent rankings include #119-#156 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #113 in top performers on social mobility.
#25 – University of Northern Colorado
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Greeley, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,894
University of Northern Colorado offers a uniquely designed psychology degree for individuals interested in educational psychology. Online courses are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. The 30-credit graduate-level psych program is completed in five consecutive academic terms so that students earn their degree in just 19 months. Courses cover topics like cultural issues in educational psychology, educational psychology for teachers, and life span developmental psychology. In addition to offering quality online programs, University of Northern Colorado ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #298-#389 in best national universities and #154-#209 in top public schools.
#24 – Colorado State University
Online Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Fort Collins, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,871
For less than $13,000 per year, Colorado State University offers an online master’s in psychology program that emphasizes the study of industrial and organizational psychology. The 38-credit program is delivered entirely online and takes between two and four years to complete, depending on enrollment status. Students enrolled full-time will earn their degree quicker than on a part-time basis. Since the program is considered a coursework-only degree, there is no thesis requirement. Courses cover topics like competency modeling and criterion development, succession planning and leadership development, and workforce training and development. In addition to offering affordable programs, CSU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top-ranked school.
#23 – Arizona State University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Tempe, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,608
Arizona State University offers an online master’s in psychology degree that consists of 36 credit hours and 12 courses. Classes run 7.5 weeks in length and cover a range of advanced psychology topics that serve as preparation for a successful career in the field. Required courses include professional issues in psychology, quantitative analysis, and research methods. In addition to classes, students complete a capstone in general psychology. The capstone adds value to the degree by providing research experience looked favorably upon by potential employers. ASU is a fully accredited and ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #103 in best national universities.
#22 – University of North Dakota
Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,058
One of the few forensic psychology programs available online is offered by the University of North Dakota. This specialized psychology degree is for those interested in criminal justice and the psychology field. The 30-credit program takes about two years to complete. Students take a number of online classes that cover topics like behavior pathology, cognitive psychology, readings in psychology, research methods in forensic psychology, and special topics in psychology. To be considered for admission, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree with a behavioral or social science major and minimum GPA of 3.0. UND is nationally ranked by major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #258 in best national universities.
#21 – Bellevue University
Online Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Bellevue, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,205
Bellevue University offers an online master’s in industrial and organizational psychology, also known as the I-O psychology degree. The program focuses on the scientific study of human behavior in the workplace. Students complete a total of 36 credits, taking classes that cover advanced psychology and industrial psychology topics. These courses include applied organizational psychology, applied research methods, job analysis and performance appraisal, organizational development, and statistical methods. Bellevue and its graduate programs are fully accredited. Also, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 119th-156th best regional university in the Midwest and 139th top performer on social mobility.
#20 – University of Georgia
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Athens, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,168
The University of Georgia offers an affordable online master’s in educational psychology that can be completed entirely online. The program designed for educators interested in the philosophy that giftedness and creativity are expressed in diverse ways. Courses cover topics like applied research methods in gifted education, creativity and cognition, human development for education, retention of ethnic minorities in gifted and advanced programs, and supporting the social and emotional development of the gifted. University of Georgia ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 47th best national university. Also, several online graduate education programs, including educational psychology, rank among the top 5 programs in the country.
#19 – Grand Canyon University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Phoenix, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,074
Grand Canyon University’s online master’s in psychology program is ranked among the most affordable on our list. For approximately $11,000 per year, students may earn a master’s in psychology with an emphasis in general psychology. The 36-credit online program consists of eight-week classes taught by university professors and industry experts. Courses cover topics like contemporary and ethical issues in psychology, health psychology, human development, research methods, and social and cultural psychology. Admission to the program is evaluated by undergraduate GPA and GRE scores, along with a completed application. Also, the school is fully accredited and offers a national ranking with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #298-#389 in best national universities.
#18 – The University of Alabama
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,780
The University of Alabama offers an online master’s in educational psychology degree that consists of 30 credits and is NCATE-accredited. The online degree covers courses in educational psychology and general psychology. These classes include advanced educational psychology, evaluation of classroom learning, introduction to education research, and social and cultural foundations of behavior. To qualify for admission, applicants must hold an accredited undergraduate degree with 3.00 minimum GPA. University of Alabama ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 143rd best national university. Other rankings include #100 in best colleges for veterans and #127 in best value schools.
#17 – University of Memphis
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Memphis, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,746
For those seeking an affordable educational psychology degree, The University of Memphis delivers. The graduate psychology degree can be completed entirely online by taking classes taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. While many admitted students are teachers or prospective teachers, school psychologists and other professionals also benefit from earning this degree. The University of Memphis ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Most recent rankings include #258 in best national universities, #98 in top performers on social mobility, and #126 in top public schools. Also, several online graduate programs have earned top rankings.
#16 – CUNY School of Professional Studies
Online Master’s in Psychology
New York, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,410
The CUNY School of Professional Studies offers an affordable online master’s in psychology program designed to prepare students for employment opportunities in the psychology field. Two areas of specialization are available and allow students to tailor their degree toward interests and career goals. These specializations include developmental psychology and industrial and organizational psychology. Courses are delivered online and taught by CUNY’s esteemed faculty. Core courses cover topics like biological foundations of behavior, cognitive psychology and learning, social behavior, and theories of personality. CUNY School of Professional Studies is fully accredited and ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#15 – University of Idaho
Online Master’s in Psychology
Moscow, Idaho
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,876
The University of Idaho offers an affordable online master’s in psychology degree for less than 10K per year. The master’s in psychology with human factors emphasis is a research-heavy program that can be completed entirely online. Classes cover topics like advanced human factors, cognitive psychology, human-computer interaction, human factors in engineering design, research methods, and sensation and perception. Through coursework and research, students learn how to apply concepts that improve the way people engage in the workplace. Admission to the online program requires an undergraduate degree in psychology or related discipline such as computer science or engineering, as well as a minimum GPA of 3.00. U of I ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 170th best national university.
#14 – Union College
Online Master’s in General Psychology
Barbourville, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,650
Union College offers a top-ranked and affordable online master’s in psychology degree program. The psychology degree is designed for students who wish to pursue doctoral studies in general psychology, or seek career advancement in the field. The program consists of rigorous online courses delivered by Union College professors. Students are required to complete 36 hours and take a capstone class aimed at research. Required courses cover topics like advanced developmental psychology, social and community psychology, statistics for mental health professionals, and theories of personality. In addition to offering quality programs, Union College ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 44th best national liberal arts college.
#13 – Purdue University Global
Online Master’s in Psychology
Indianapolis, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,603
Purdue University Global, an accredited online institution with a strong academic reputation, offers a master’s in psychology online degree program. The degree has five areas of concentration that allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest. These concentrations are addictions, applied behavioral analysis, forensic psychology, general psychology, and industrial and organizational psychology. All courses are delivered online and taught by Purdue’s experienced faculty. Foundational courses, no matter the specialization, include applied statistics for psychology, foundations of professional psychology, life span development, and testing and measurement. Purdue Global is NAADAC approved and NASAC accredited, and has received multiple rankings with U.S. News and World Report.
#12 – Saint Leo University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Saint Leo, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,586
At Saint Leo University, students may earn an affordable online master’s in psychology degree. The program consists of 36 credits with classes that taken entirely online. Typically, students take one course during an eight-week term and finish the program with a capstone experience. Online courses cover topics like advanced social psychology, history and systems of psychology, learning and cognition, lifespan development, physiological psychology, and research methods. Access to conferences and online clubs and associations also benefits the students. In addition to all that Saint Leo offers, the school is ranked with major publications. Recent rankings with U.S. News and World Report include #26 in best regional universities in the South and #4 in best value schools.
#11 – Ball State University
Online Master’s in Quantitative Psychology
Muncie, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,512
Ball State University offers an online master’s in psychology program that emphasizes quantitative psychology – a division of psychology made up of social sciences, statistics, and measurement and assessment. Online students receive the same curriculum as those earning a traditional, on-campus degree. Courses cover topics like advanced educational psychology, analysis of variance, applied regression analysis, human learning and achievement motivation, and theory of measurement. There are two concentrations also available that allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest. These concentrations include quantitative and mixed methods. Ball State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution and the 144th top public school.
#10 – University of Louisiana
Online Master’s in Psychology
Monroe, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,239
The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a 100% online graduate psychology program that requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. The program can be completed entirely online and offers classes taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. For those interested in forensic psychology, a track in this discipline is available. Courses cover advanced psych topics like advanced theories of crime and delinquency, intelligence testing, and psychological assessment. University of Louisiana is fully accredited and ranked with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, current rankings include #298-#389 in best national universities and #154-#209 in top public schools.
Featured Programs
#9 – Touro University Worldwide
Online Master’s in Psychology
Los Alamitos, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000
One of the most affordable master’s in psychology online degree programs on our list is found at Touro University. The program consists of 12 courses–nine required courses and three electives. The elective courses are chosen from one of the four concentrations available to students. Concentrations allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest, such as educational psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, and media psychology. Admission to the psychology program requires an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a 2.5 minimum overall GPA. Touro is accredited and ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#8 – California Coast University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Santa Ana, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,970
California Coast University offers an online master’s in psychology degree program that consists of 13 courses and 39 total semester units. Courses are delivered online and taught by experienced CCU faculty. These courses cover topics like assessment techniques, clinical psychology, group psychotherapy, psychopathology, and professional ethics and the law. The program is designed to provide professionals with the necessary skills and practices utilized in the field of psychology. California Coast is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and holds recognition by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
#7 – Liberty University
Online Master’s in Applied Psychology
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,400
For less than $8,500 per year, Liberty University offers an online master’s in applied psychology degree for busy and working students. The program consists of 36 credits and takes 1.5 years to complete. In addition to the flexible structure, there are two specializations designed for students to tailor their degree toward interest areas like clinical psychology and industrial and organizational psychology. Classes are delivered exclusively online and taught by Liberty’s experienced professors. To apply, potential students must have a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA at minimum. Liberty ranks with U.S. News and World Report among the top national universities in the country.
#6 – McNeese State University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,120
McNeese State University offers an affordable master’s in psychology degree designed to give students a deeper understanding of human behavior aspects and perspectives. The program also offers three concentrations that allow students to tailor their degree to better align with career goals. Concentrations include applied behavior analysis, counseling psychology, and general/experimental psychology. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same McNeese faculty who instruct on campus. In addition to being fully accredited, McNeese State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, McNeese ranks #94 in best regional universities in the South and #44 in top public schools.
#5 – American Public University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Charles Town, West Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,005
At American Public University, students enrolled in the online master’s in psychology program can take advantage of the no GRE or GMAT requirement and low tuition costs. The APU master’s in psychology online degree consists of 39 credits that take approximately two years to complete. While there is no GRE requirement, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors with experience in the field of psychology. These courses include introduction to scholarly and technical writing, lifespan development, learning and cognition, and physiological psychology. APU is fully accredited and ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#4 – University of West Alabama
Online Master’s in Experimental Psychology
Livingston, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,868
By offering an accredited online master’s in experimental psychology program, the University of West Alabama prepares students for careers and advancement in a this highly specialized field. Courses are delivered online and taught by doctoral faculty with extensive research and work experience in experimental psychology. Courses run eight weeks in length and the entire program takes one to two years to complete. The program also offers two specializations: clinical psychology, and health and sports psychology. While the general psychology option exists, students may elect to earn a specialization, tailoring their degree toward areas of interest. UWA is fully accredited and ranks with U.S. News and World Report among top institutions. In fact, these rankings include #103-#133 in best regional universities in the South and #50-#62 in top public schools.
#3 – Angelo State University
Online Master’s in Applied Psychology
San Angelo, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,859
Angelo State University’s affordable online master’s in psychology degree program is designed to teach students how psychology can be used to address serious issues facing us today. These issues include improving health, increasing safety, and promoting democratic principles. Applicants of the program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have earned a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Once admitted, students choose to follow a thesis or non-thesis pathway toward earning their degree. Classes cover topics like core concepts on psychological science, social psychology, and theories of personality. In addition to being fully accredited, Angelo State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 91st best regional university in the West.
#2 – University of Nevada
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Las Vegas, Nevada
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,158
University of Nevada offers one of the most affordable online psychology master’s degree programs on our list. The program is open to students seeking advanced education that can be applied to a school psychology or educational psychology career. Upon completing degree requirements, students earn a master’s degree in educational psychology. Online courses cover topics like descriptive and inferential statistics, foundations of learning and cognition, human growth and development, and research methods. UNLV is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. With both accreditation and affordability, UNLV ranks high on our list for top online master’s in psychology programs. U.S. News ranks the institution #258 in best national universities and #126 in top public schools.
#1 – Fayetteville State University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,730
The #1 most affordable master’s in psychology online degree program on our list is offered by Fayetteville State University. The program consists of 36 credits, which can be completed entirely online. The purpose of this program, according to the school’s website, is to provide diverse students with the opportunity to earn an advanced degree in psychology. Through online courses, students may earn their degree from any geographic location. To qualify for admission, applicants must hold an accredited undergraduate degree with an overall minimum GPA of 2.60 for all undergraduate work and a minimum 3.00 in the last 60 hours of study. Fayetteville State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 89th best regional university in the South and 42nd top public school.
Featured Programs
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for master’s in psychology online programs?
While admission requirements vary by program and institution, an accredited bachelor’s degree is generally required for most online master’s in psychology programs. In fact, all of the programs on our list ask for an accredited bachelor’s degree. However, there is some variation in accreditation requirements. Some schools ask for an earned bachelor’s degree that is regionally accredited, while others, such as Liberty University, require only a nationally accredited bachelor’s degree.
The bachelor’s degree that you earn as an undergraduate student does not necessarily need to be in psychology. In fact, many of the master’s in psychology online programs on our list ask only for a bachelor’s degree in a social science. This means you may hold a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, communications, economics, political science, or sociology.
In addition to an earned bachelor’s degree, admission requirements include standardized test scores for some programs. Top-ranked online master’s in psychology programs require GRE test scores for admission, while others do not require any test scores. In some cases, GRE or MAT test requirements may be waived if the applicant has an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above.
Other requirements may include letters of recommendation, work experience, and a statement of goals. While admission requirements do vary among programs, it is important to evaluate what’s required of you before starting on your application.
Are there degree specializations in master’s in psychology online programs?
A degree in psychology is versatile and can be used in various careers. However, many online master’s in psychology programs on our list offer degree specializations. These specializations or concentrations allow students to tailor their degree to align with specific career goals or interests. Below are some of the most popular degree specializations found in master’s in psychology online programs.
- Counseling psychology: A counseling psychology specialization focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to help patients navigate mental health disorders. There is also an emphasis placed on family issues and interpersonal problems. Courses that cover counseling psychology include topics like addiction and substance abuse counseling and mental health counseling.
- Educational psychology: The educational psychology specialization is ideally suited for individuals who wish to work in schools or other education settings. This area of psychology emphasizes coursework in communication and interaction, human brain processes, and information synthesis.
- Forensic psychology: A forensic psychology specialization combines brain science, criminal justice, and abnormal and behavioral psychology. This specialization is ideal for individuals who aspire to work in criminal justice or law enforcement. Coursework covers topics like courtroom psychology, social psychology, and theories of personality.
- Industrial or organizational psychology: One of the most popular specializations on our list is industrial and/or organizational psychology. The focus of this specialization is to look at psychological factors that influence employee productivity and performance.
What is the job outlook for individuals with a master’s in psychology online degree?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of psychologists is projected to grow 14 percent between 2018 and 2028. This is a much faster growth than the average of all other occupations. BLS also reports the growth should be the most favorable for individuals with advanced degrees.
BLS provided employment projections for specialized psychologists and all yielded a favorable job outlook. For example, clinical psychologists showed a 14 percent growth and industrial and organizational psychologists showed a 13 percent growth in employment from 2018 to 2028. All other psychologist occupations showed a 12 percent employment growth.
In addition to the above psychologist roles, school psychologists should also experience a favorable job outlook. Due to increased awareness of learning and mental health, there will be a need for mental health services.
Overall, competition for psychologist jobs will vary by specialty. However, BLS reports that individuals with advanced degrees, such as the online master’s in psychology, should have a competitive edge over individuals with less education.
BLS also reports that industrial and organizational psychologists will face the most competition for positions due to the large number of qualified applicants. As this specialization grows in popularity, individuals will need extensive training and/or research to set themselves apart from competitors.
What can I do with a master’s in psychology online degree?
By earning a master’s in psychology online degree, you qualify for a number of career paths. Since psychology is a versatile discipline, graduates of master’s degree programs often find themselves working in counseling, education, human resources, schools, or social services. We’ve outlined common career paths for those graduating with an online master’s in psychology.
- Family counselor or therapist: Family therapists are specialized counselors who work with individuals, families, and couples to help improve relationships at home. It is not uncommon for family counselors to also address addiction topics, mental health disorders, and other issues that impact the family.
- School psychologist: School psychologists work in educational settings, such as public and private schools or adult learning centers. This specialized psychologist provides counseling and mental health services for students, parents, and families. Additional roles include the treatment of learning disorders and behavioral problems. School psychologists work closely with teachers and administrators as needed.
- Substance abuse counselor: Addiction therapy or substance abuse counseling requires a special skillset. These highly specialized psychologists address a variety of disorders associated with addiction, such as depression and anxiety. Counseling sessions may be carried out as a group or family, or through one-on-one interactions.
What professional organizations am I eligible for while earning a master’s in psychology online degree?
While earning a master’s in psychology online, you are eligible to join professional organizations. These professional associations in psychology are open to students and recent graduates with a master’s in psychology. Membership perks vary by organization, but most include access to published journals, certification opportunities, networking events and job openings, and professional development.
Three of the top professional associations in psychology include:
- American Psychological Association: The American Psychological Association (APA) was founded in 1892 and is one of the oldest professional organizations in the field. APA has approximately 115,000 professionals and continues to accept incoming members to join 54 psychology subdivisions. APA also offers a number of benefits for graduate students and working psychologists, such as hundreds of for-credit continuing education programs.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a professional organization geared toward promoting mental health and awareness. NAMI focuses on providing education programs, advocating for policy changes and improvements, and promoting awareness of mental health.
- Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology: The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) is a division of the APA. SIOP’s primary role is to support research and improve policies within the industrial and organizational psychology field. While there are many benefits of joining SIOP, one of the biggest includes access to grants and scholarships.
BCO Staff
December 2020
This concludes our list of top 40 affordable online master’s in psychology programs of 2021.
Related:
- Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Behavioral Psychology Online Programs
- 25 Affordable Accelerated Masters in Psychology Online Programs
- Top 25 Most Affordable Master’s in Forensic Psychology Online Programs
Resources:
- How Can I Afford an Online Psychology Degree Program?
- What Levels of Psychology Degrees Can Be Earned Online?
- What Should I Expect From an Online Psychology Degree Program?
