Online Master’s Degree in Psychology

What Can I Expect in an Online Master's Degree in Psychology Program?

Master's degrees in psychology nearly always focus on a specialty – clinical psychology, organizational psychology, forensic psychology, and so on. However, several general psychology master's programs are available, as are several specialties with broader scopes of practice.

Each program is a mix of general and concentration-specific courses that apply to the program's specialization. A thesis/dissertation and internship are completed toward the end of the program.

What Are the Master's Degree in Psychology Admission Requirements?

Universities in the U.S. usually have a minimum set of entry requirements that applicants must fulfill before they can be considered for admission. These usually include:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject from an accredited college
• For clinical psychology programs, a minimum of one year of practice or other relevant experience is preferred
• A personal statement supporting your application
• Recommendation letters – usually two or three, and academic references are preferred. Employer references are acceptable if relevant to the program and intended career
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• GRE scores are expected in most cases, though students with higher GPAs may be granted a waiver
• International students must use an official service to translate their qualifications to the U.S.
• International applicants must also prove English communication through certifications such as TOEFL, IELTS, and, in some cases DuoLingo

What Is the Length of a Master's Degree in Psychology?

A master's degree in psychology can usually be completed in two years, give or take. A student cannot often finish a psychology master's degree in one year in light of the extensive dissertation, but it is possible in some cases. Online master’s degrees in psychology can sometimes be taken on a more part-time schedule to suit those employed full-time.

Adult learners with a graduate certificate in a relevant subject may apply their existing credits towards the master's degree, though usually only when studying at the same university.

How Much Does a Master's Degree in Psychology Cost?

Master's degrees in the U.S. are usually charged as a total cost rather than per credit hour. As with other programs, various factors influence how much you will pay. Public institutions cost an average of $8,950 per year. This is for in-state students; out-of-state and international students are higher. Private universities cost an average of $29,670 annually, though they usually don't charge additional tuition for out-of-state students.

Federal loans such as FAFSA are available to graduate students. Other options include the Federal Stafford Loan and the Federal Grad Plus Loan. Your school may also offer financial aid packages.

You may be eligible for scholarships. These are available to a range of people and are usually selected based on need or to underrepresented groups.

List of Psychology Master’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based master’s degree program in Psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.