Online Graduate Certificate in Psychology

What Can I Expect in an Online Graduate Certificate in Psychology Program?

Online psychology graduate programs are very similar to other online psychology programs with a few differences. Psychology graduate certificates nearly always focus on a specialist subject. These might be specific areas of counseling or mental health, in the psychology of marketing or public relations, or in an area such as criminal psychology.

Each program is comprised of coursework which will include general psychology courses and subject-area-specific courses.

What Are the Graduate Certificate in Psychology Admission Requirements?

Graduate certificates have minimum entry requirements for applicants that typically look like this:

• A bachelor’s or master's degree in psychology or related subjects (counseling for example)
• A minimum GPA – each school is different, varying from 2.5 to 3.5
• A short personal statement explaining why you wish to study for the grad certificate and how your career would benefit
• Two to four recommendation letters – academic references preferred; employer references are also acceptable on condition of relevance
• International students who do not speak English as a primary language will be asked to provide formal proof of English proficiency through any permissible study courses such as TOEFL or IELTS. Some may accept Duolingo

What Is the Length of a Graduate Certificate in Psychology?

Typically, a graduate certificate in psychology will take between 12 and 15 months to complete, making them much shorter than a full degree program. However, some offer a flexible study that you can complete over two years – splitting the semester and the 20-30 credits. This is ideal for parents and full-time employees.

The exact number of credits required for a psychology graduate certificate will depend on the specialty and whether it is taken at the post-baccalaureate or post-master level. Most colleges will permit the credits to be applied toward an advanced degree such as a master's or doctorate if the student eventually wishes to pursue a full degree. In most cases though, these are applicable only to the same college's programs.

How Much Does a Graduate Certificate in Psychology Cost?

The cost of a psychology graduate certificate is not standardized. While some are charged per credit much like full degree programs, others are charged as a total for the program.

As with lower-level degrees, how much you pay will depend on various factors including, but not limited to, the school's prestige, subject demand, which state you live in, and the cost of living there. 2022 figures show a typical graduate certificate will cost anywhere between $15,500 and $26,500 (for in-state residents). Costs will be higher for out-of-state residents and international applicants.

Costs are prohibitive for most students who cannot afford to pay from savings. That's why there is a range of loans from government and private sources. FAFSA is one such source and contrary to belief, they are not for undergraduate students only.

Students can also consider scholarship options – opportunities are often based on background, economic status, and more. They do not usually cover the total cost of the program but are designed to offset some of the cost.

List of Psychology Graduate Certificate Programs

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

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Joel Gill

Joel Gill is a writer with a background in psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a deep interest in the human mind and behavior. Joel's writing often explores themes related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys cycling, meditation, and spending time with his family.