The 25 Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs

As a member of the Touro College and University System, TUW is committed to the social justice, intellectual pursuits, and philanthropic duty of its Judaic foundations. TUW provides over 20 online undergraduate and graduate programs including a master of arts in psychology.

TUW's online master's in psychology emphasizes research methods, cognitive and social psychology, and learning theory and ethical practice. Students complete nine required courses and three classes in one of three concentration areas. The media psychology concentration focuses on 21st century psychological theories while the educational psychology specialization prepares learners to work in a variety of instructional settings. The health psychology concentration explores theories and practices of building healthy minds and bodies.

TUW's online master's in psychology does not lead to licensure but prepares learners to pursue continued study or a career in fields including criminal justice, communications, and business. The curriculum trains learners to understand, research, and assess consumer behaviors and motivations.

Founded in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to almost 26,000 learners. The school's main campus in west Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, hosts 16 academic schools and colleges alongside 165 research centers and institutes.

Penn offers a hybrid master of applied positive psychology that encourages human and organizational success. As the first degree of this kind in the world, the master's in positive psychology emphasizes the teachings of Dr. Martin Seligman, innovator in the field, and continued research, theories, and strategies of positive psychology.

Penn's master of positive psychology includes nine courses offered in a cohort model. Students learning about the science and theories of positive psychology, then apply their learning to professional settings and intervention scenarios. During a summer capstone project, learners integrate degree content into a professional or research activity that aligns with their interests and goals.

Throughout the program, students complete 10 on-site visits, including an immersion week at the beginning of the degree. All on-campus requirements take place during the fall and spring semesters.

Established in 1918 in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State provides academic programs to roughly 21,000 learners through seven academic colleges. Named for its benefactors, the Ball brothers, Ball State offers two online master's degrees in psychology.

The 30-credit online master of arts in educational psychology can be completed in as little as 18 months. The 18-credit core includes classes in human learning and achievement motivation, and the psychology of human development. Coursework prepares students to explore concentration and specialization areas; for example, the remaining 12 credits can be completed in subfields such as gifted and talented populations, human development, neuropsychology, and applied behavior analysis.

The online master of science in quantitative psychology features 21 credits of core coursework and six credits from one or two concentration areas, such as quantitative statistical analysis or mixed methods. Learners also complete a thesis.

Since opening its doors to 53 students in 1880, USC has grown to provide academic programs to more than 44,000 learners. Academic programs are offered through the university's more than 20 colleges, schools, and units, including an online master of science in applied psychology degree.

This 34-credit online master's in applied psychology can be completed in as little as 16 months, and features core coursework in human behavior, consumer psychology, organizational psychology, and research methods. The program also allows learners to pursue concentrations in consumer psychology or organizational psychology, with each culminating in a practicum. The consumer psychology specialization emphasizes marketing and the psychology of interactive media, while the organizational psychology concentration explores group dynamics and leadership, as well as strategic business relationships.

By blending business and psychology, USC's online master's in applied psychology prepares graduates for careers in employee relations, market research, career counseling, and social media communications. Practicing business and psychological professionals can also benefit from this program, which can lead to advancement within their current field.

Chartered in 1835, UWA underwent numerous changes before transitioning to an educational institution during the 1880s. UWA currently offers more than 50 online programs including a master of science in adult continuing education with an emphasis in counseling and psychology.

UWA's online master's in adult continuing education program requires 33 credits that students can complete in 12-24 months. The degree provides a broad understanding of the field and is ideal for students who do not seek professional licensure. UWA's program also provides a broader perspective on psychology to current counselors looking to enhance their own knowledge.

Students complete 12 credits of professional courses in techniques of counseling and educational research, educational statistics, and theories of personality. Basic concentration elective classes include courses in career development and counseling, social psychology, and systems theory. Applied concentration coursework explores topics such as the psychology of emotion, personality assessment, and psychopharmacology. Students can also complete an internship in counseling psychology.

Based in Buffalo, New York, Medaille also serves learners at locations in Rochester and online. Founded in 1875, Medaille received a charter from New York in 1937 and began offering online programs geared to working professionals in 2010.

Students can complete Medaille's 36-credit online master's in psychology in as few as 12 months. The curriculum grounds learners in psychological principles and practices that can directly apply to careers in business, education, health and recreation, and human services. Medaille also offers a specialization in sports psychology to build leadership skills for careers in sports management, sports psychology, and coaching. The sports psychology concentration emphasizes sports counseling and intervention, psychological factors in rehabilitation, and coaching and performance.

To apply to the online master's in psychology, learners submit a resume and an essay detailing personal and professional goals with a self-appraisal of qualifications for the profession. Applicants must also submit two professional references.

Founded in 1971, NU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs from its San Diego, California campus and online. NU serves as the flagship institution within the National University System.

NU's online master of arts in performance psychology explores theories, research, and techniques for enhancing human performance in sports, the fine arts, business, and education. Students learn to assess psychological factors that influence performance, to collect and analyze data related to performance, and to build counseling relationships with clients and athletes. The program prepares graduates to seek certification through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology.

The 68-credit online master's in performance psychology includes core coursework in sport performance psychology, organizational behavior, performance consulting skills, and motor behavior. Students also take classes in performance psychology in alternative populations, counseling in performance psychology, and performance consulting skills. The program culminates with participation in fieldwork alongside a psychology practitioner.

Established under the auspices of George Pepperdine in 1937, Pepperdine incorporates Christian values and academic excellence throughout its undergraduate and graduate programs. Pepperdine offers more than 70 educational programs across five schools, including an online master of arts in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy.

The 62- to 68-credit online master's in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy prepares graduates to work with individuals, couples, and families in a clinical setting. Core coursework builds interpersonal and analytical skills through classes such as multicultural counseling, sexuality and intimacy, and treatment of substance abuse.

The online master's in clinical psychology curriculum culminates with a 700-hour practicum. The experience requires learners to complete case notes, apply advocacy practices, and participate in intervention exercises. The clinical hours meet the national licensure requirements for licensed professional clinical counselors and marriage and family therapists, although individual state requirements may vary.

Based in Chicago, Illinois, NLU traces its roots to 1886. From seven locations in Illinois and Florida, NLU offers nearly 80 undergraduate and graduate programs, including 17 online degrees.

Students can complete NLU's 36-credit online master of arts in psychology in as few as 20 months. The curriculum blends required courses in social psychology and personality theory with core classes in abnormal psychology, research design, and psychological statistics and analysis. Students choose a concentration in general psychology, community psychology, and teaching of psychology — completing their degree with a comprehensive capstone course or thesis.

The general psychology specialization emphasizes career development in psychology, organizational leadership, and biological bases of behavior. The community psychology concentration focuses on community organizing, urban politics, and principles of community leadership while the teaching of psychology specialization includes classes in instructional design and teaching and learning with technology based practices.

UHV offers more 70 undergraduate and graduate programs from its main campus in Victoria, Texas, an extension center in Katy, and online. Founded in 1973, UHV boasts small class sizes and more than 4,000 learners.

UHV's online master of arts in counseling psychology prepares graduates to become licensed professional counselors in Texas. The 60 credit curriculum includes 21 credits of core courses in theories and issues of psychotherapy, advanced social psychology, and advanced research methods.

Specialization classes in topics including personality assessment, vocational psychology and career counseling, and crisis intervention allow students to explore topics that align with their interests and goals. The program also includes a counseling psychology practicum.

The 64-credit online master of arts in forensic psychology includes core, concentration, and practicum coursework. Learners can also take specialized classes in assessment for forensic psychology, addiction counseling, or ethics and practice of psychology. UHV offers an additional 63-credit online specialist in school psychology program for learners who seek licensure as a school psychology specialist.

Founded by the California Southern Baptist Convention in 1950, CBU offers more than 10,000 learners undergraduate and graduate programs with Christ-centered values. CBU, based in Riverside, California, provides over 30 master's degrees, including a master of science in counseling psychology.

Students can complete the 62-credit online master's degree in counseling psychology in as few as 24 months. Graduates prepare for careers as marriage and family therapists or as professional clinical counselors.

Coursework in marriage and family counseling theory, techniques, and practices accompany foundational classes in professional ethics, human growth and development, and diversity issues in counseling. Learners also complete classes in human sexuality, psychopathology, and research methods, exploring Christian perspectives on professional counseling.

CBU's online master's in counseling psychology also includes classes on addictions counseling, aging and mental health, domestic violence, and child abuse and neglect. The program offers a holistic curriculum on psychology across the lifespan in numerous clinical contexts.

Established almost three decades before Arizona achieved statehood, ASU opened its doors in 1886. ASU now offers undergraduate and graduate programs through more than 15 colleges and schools at campuses in Phoenix, Arizona, and locations in Scottsdale, Havasu, and online.

ASU's online master of science in psychology builds a working understanding of theory, research, and practice in the field. Students complete the 36 credit program in as few as 18 months. Required core classes in professional issues in psychology, quantitative analysis, and research methods accompany a culminating capstone course in general psychology. Learners can choose 24 credits of electives in areas such as legal psychology, health psychology, and behavior analysis to align with their personal and professional goals.

The online master's in psychology at ASU provides students with a foundation to pursue careers in education, social service, and management, or to continue to further graduate study. Applicants submit a statement of purpose, GRE scores, and two letters of recommendation for consideration.

Located in Tiffin, Ohio, TU offers more than 75 undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. Established in 1888, TU boasts an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and holds accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.

Students can complete the 37-credit online master of science in psychology in 18 months, while part-time learners can earn their master's in psychology online in 36 months. TU's curriculum emphasizes statistical procedures, research design and analysis, and professional issues in psychology. Students also explore the history and systems of psychology, theories of personality, and neuropsychology alongside subsets of the field such as social and cognitive psychology. The program concludes with a capstone research project.

TU's online master's in psychology focuses on scientific and experimental psychology rather than counseling and clinical aspects of the discipline. While it does not lead to licensure, the program prepares learners for continued graduate study and builds their understanding of the biological, social, and cognitive processes of human behavior applicable to business, education, and criminal justice careers.

As one of the oldest Catholic institution of higher learning in Florida, Saint Leo offers undergraduate and graduate programs from its main campus in Saint Leo, more than 35 regional centers, and online. Saint Leo incorporates the Benedictine tradition into its educational programs, emphasizing faith and spirituality alongside academic excellence.

The online master's in psychology at Saint Leo is offered as a cohort model. Students complete the 36-credit program with classes in the history and systems of psychology, diversity and ethics, and research methods while building advance knowledge of social psychology, learning and cognition, and lifespan development.

The program includes a capstone thesis during which learners apply degree content to a topic of interest. Learners demonstrate knowledge of psychology, research design and analysis, and ethical decision-making through an in-depth research project.

Saint Leo's online master's degree in psychology does not lead to licensure and contains no practicum, internship, or counseling experiences. The program prepares learners for careers as researchers; evaluators; and consultants in business, education, and related fields.

Founded by Carlos Albizu-Miranda, Albizu University sits on two campuses in San Juan Puerto Rico, and Miami, Florida. With undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology, education, criminal justice, language, and human services, the school provides programs that meet the needs of professionals serving multicultural individuals and communities.

The school's online master of science in industrial and organizational psychology requires 48 credits. Students complete 42 credit hours of coursework alongside six credit hours of applied research and capstone project requirements. The curriculum trains students in theories, research, and practices of cultural competence that can apply to public and private industry settings, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Foundational courses include small group theory and process, attitude theory, and research methods. Core classes in personnel psychology, organizational psychology, and work motivation accompany practicum requirements and elective coursework. Students also complete a comprehensive examination at the end of the program.