Best Online Master’s in Psychology of 2025

An online psychology master’s degree can boost your career, even if you have a busy schedule. Discover our top picks for master’s in psychology programs.
Bennett Leckrone
By
Edited by
Reviewed by
Our Integrity Network

At Bestcolleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, "What information is vital to students right now?" Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.


The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.


If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.


Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Updated April 18, 2025
chevron-up
Why Trust BestColleges
  • graphs

    3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed

  • Phone

    6,000+ Users connected with programs every month

  • 300+ College and university partners

  • 40+ Expert reviewers

BestColleges Top-Ranked-2024 Badge2025

At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online Master’s in Psychology Programs

  • #1: Pepperdine University — Focuses on multicultural and social psychology and shows you how to bring clients’ identities and social environments into your therapy sessions.
  • #2: University of Oregon — A solid option for aspiring psychology researchers, letting you study stress, trauma, and resilience to support communities through social service programs.
  • #3: Nova Southeastern University — Offers an applied health psychology track, perfect for those planning to pursue doctoral studies or healthcare-related work.

Demand for psychologists is on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a faster-than-average rise in psychologist jobs over the next decade.

A master’s in psychology can help you advance in this fast-growing field or even break into an adjacent one like social services.

What’s more, getting your psychology master’s degree online gives you the flexibility needed to advance your education without giving up your career. Out of over 100 online psychology, education, and social sciences program students and graduates we surveyed in the BestColleges 2025 Online Education Trends Report, 98% say they would recommend online education to others.

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Add up to three schools to compare

Best Online Psychology Master’s Degree Programs 2025

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
chevron-down

How We Rank Schools

#1

Pepperdine University — Best Socially Conscious Degree

  • Malibu, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why Pepperdine Made Our List: Best Online Program for Studying Multicultural and Social Psychology

Pepperdine's online master of arts (MA) in psychology program focuses on therapy and counseling practices. This includes multicultural counseling and research and evaluation methods for mental health professionals. Learn how to include a client's identity into their treatment and how social environments impact development and personality.

Why Attend Pepperdine Online

  • Gain the Skillset for Treating Diverse Clients: Learn how to take a client's race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, spirituality, sexual orientation, gender, and ableness into account during counseling and treatment.
  • You Don't Need to Take the GRE: GRE scores aren't required for this program.
  • Graduate Fast: Complete just 36-48 units to graduate in about 18-24 months.

Know Before You Go

  • The degree is a master of arts, not a master of science (MS).
  • You can bring in more transfer credits to graduate faster.

39%

Online Enrollment

$41,400

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$41,400

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
9,545
Institution Type
Private
#2

University of Oregon — Best Research-Focused Degree

  • Eugene, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why UO Made Our List: Best Online Degree for Psychology Researchers and Academics

UO's online MS in psychology program is looking for students interested in research or career advancement within the mental health field, the child welfare sector, education, or the justice system. Students will research child and adult stress neurobiology, interventions for psychological disorders across someone's lifespan, and trauma and resilience. Instead of clinical training and licensure, students will research how to support their communities through social service, community programs, and public agencies.

Why Attend UO Online

  • No Need to Take the GRE: This program doesn't require the GRE for admission.
  • Learn How to Care for Your Community or Head Into Research: UO's program is best for students going into community service or academia.
  • Designed for Working Professionals: The program is designed to enhance field professionals' skills for new employment and advancement opportunities.

Know Before You Go

  • This program does not provide clinical training.
  • You must have a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field.

33%

Online Enrollment

$16,659

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

85%

Retention Rate

$30,132

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
23,786
Institution Type
Public
#3

Why NSU Made Our List: Best for Students Seeking a Career in Healthcare

NSU features two concentrations for the online psychology MS degree — a general psychology track and an applied health science track. The applied health science track is designed for those interested in the psychological aspects of treating disease, the business of psychology, and clinical assessment interview techniques. NSU recommends this nonclinical program for students looking to pursue a doctoral degree. It's also a good fit for many job areas, including hospitals and clinics, law firms, and social services. Students interested in mental health counseling should pursue an MS in counseling instead.

Why Attend NSU Online

  • Start With Any Bachelor's Degree: Students don't need a bachelor's in psychology to apply.
  • Go Right Into Your Doctorate: The program covers prerequisite courses for a doctoral degree in psychology.
  • You Don't Have to Take the GRE: NSU doesn't require the GRE for admission to this program.

Know Before You Go

  • NSU doesn't recommend this program for students pursuing mental health counseling.
  • This psychology MS program does not lead to Florida certification or licensure on its own.

56%

Online Enrollment

$22,890

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

76%

Retention Rate

$22,890

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
20,877
Institution Type
Private
#4

University of Idaho — Most Technology-Focused

  • Moscow, ID
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Why U of I Made Our List: Best Online Degree Blending Psychology With Engineering

U of I's online master’s in psychology teaches students how to analyze people's relationships with technology by exploring mental health, human interactions and development, addiction, and workplace and consumer behavior. Students will research human-computer interaction, human performance and error, biomechanics, and traditional psychology disciplines.

Why Attend U of I Online

  • Explore the Niche of Technology and Humanity: Learn about the psychology of how humans engage with technology.
  • Save Money Wherever You Are: U of I offers in-state tuition no matter where you live.
  • Get Real-World Experience in College: Students in U of I's program have a track record of securing desirable internship opportunities with technology companies.

Know Before You Go

  • GRE scores are not required for admission.
  • This program can prepare students looking to pursue tech and product design roles.

45%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,272

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

75%

Retention Rate

$27,508

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
11,849
Institution Type
Public

How We Highlight What Schools Do Best

We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart, prioritizing factors like socially conscious learning, research opportunities, and the relevance of the curriculum to healthcare and other careers. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.

Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.

We verified these schools’ facts in August 2025.

Why You Should Get a Psychology Master’s Degree

  • minusCan Help You Advance: A master’s degree can help you advance in your field — and even earn more money. According to the BLS, master’s degree-holders earn, on average, around $15,500 more per year than bachelor’s degree-holders.
  • minusLots of Concentrations: You can choose a concentration to break into niche, well-paying specializations, like forensic psychology, behavioral psychology, and clinical psychology.
  • minusNetworking Opportunities: A master’s in psychology typically offers many networking opportunities with peers and practicing psychologists.
  • minusRelevant Professional Experience: You’ll get in-person work experience through practicums, which can also fulfill state licensure requirements.
  • minusIn-Demand Field: The BLS projects that psychologist jobs will grow 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than average.

Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Psychology Online

  • minusMany online programs are built around flexibility for working adults, allowing you to take classes online while still meeting in-person practicum requirements.
  • minusIn our 2025 Online Education Trends Report, 95% of online psychology students and graduates say they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
  • minusAdditionally, more than half of students said their classes included assignments they could relate to their current jobs.

How to Choose the Best Online Psychology Master’s Degree Program for You

Online master’s in psychology degrees come in all shapes and sizes. Before you apply, be sure to consider factors such as application requirements, program costs, and concentrations.

How Much Does an Online Psychology Master’s Degree Cost?

Online Psychology Master’s Degrees, 2019-2020

Avg. Tuition & Fees

$12,048

Avg. Net Price

$11,0135

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students enrolled in online master’s in psychology programs paid an average of just over $12,000 in tuition and fees in 2019-2020.

Online master’s degrees generally cost less than their in-person counterparts. Most two-year master’s programs cost more than $57,000, but online master of science degrees — which can include many psychology programs — generally cost less than $31,000.

The good news: Students generally think online degrees are worth it. In our survey, 97% of online master’s students and program graduates think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Psychology Master’s Degree?

Typical # of Credits

30-36 Credits

Typical Program Length

2-3 Years

How long an online master’s in psychology takes you will depend on both your schedule and how the program is structured.

Some programs offer accelerated online formats, which generally involve more intensive classes but can take as little as one year to complete.

A typical full-time master’s in psychology program takes around two years. That said, an asynchronous program built around your schedule could take longer.

Some programs accept transfer credits or offer credit for work experience. Depending on your school, you might be able to complete your master’s in psychology faster — and typically at a lower cost if you transfer a lot of credits or get credit for experience.

Master’s in Psychology Application Requirements

Master’s in Psychology Concentrations

If you want to break into a niche psychology field or hone your skills in a specific area, you might pursue a psychology concentration in your online master’s program.

Different schools offer different specializations, so be sure schools offer the specialization you’re interested in before you apply.

But how do you decide on a concentration?

“Start with basic research into how to leverage your interests in the field,” recommends Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D., a licensed clinical and sport psychologist. “Attending professional conferences and exploring coursework offered in your program can also help narrow options for choosing a concentration.”

You don’t necessarily need to pick a concentration for your psychology master’s degree — you can also choose to study general psychology, which includes instruction in a number of areas to give you a broad overview of the field.

Here are some popular concentrations for online master’s in psychology programs:

  • Behavioral Psychology: Focuses on helping people manage their mental health and assisting with behavioral problems in settings such as schools.
  • Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychologists work in clinical settings and counsel patients in areas like addiction, anxiety, and depression.
  • Educational Psychology: Educational psychologists work in educational settings, study teaching methods, and help improve best educational practices.
  • Forensic Psychology: Forensic psychologists work with law enforcement and in the criminal justice system.
  • Organizational Psychology: Organizational psychologists work with businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations to help improve workspaces.

Accreditation for a Master’s in Psychology

Attending an accredited psychology master’s program ensures you learn relevant work-ready skills.

While programmatic accreditation isn’t always necessary for master’s in psychology students, it’s best to prioritize programs that are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

A CACREP-accredited program may include an in-person internship or practicum requirement, so keep this in mind when you apply for programs. This may mean you will have to travel to campus to complete clinical requirements or find a program that accepts placements in your area.

Alternatively, you could look for programs accredited by:

Note that the American Psychological Association (APA) only accredits doctoral programs, so you won’t find any APA-accredited master’s in psychology programs.

Finally, the university itself should be institutionally accredited, ideally by a regional accrediting agency.

Image of Megan Pietrucha

Ask an Expert: How Important Is Accreditation for a Master’s in Psychology?

“Accreditation for any graduate program is very important, both for quality and regulation of the program, as well as for licensure requirements. [Master’s in psychology] programs should be … accredited by an organization such as CACREP.”

Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D.

What Can You Do With an Online Psychology Master’s Degree?

Psychology is a broad field, and psychologists work across industries to help both individuals and organizations.

Keep in mind that to call yourself a psychologist, you typically need a doctorate in psychology. Still, a master’s degree can set you on the path to earning this terminal degree.

With a master’s in psychology, you can seek out roles like therapist and counselor.

“If you want to provide direct clinical or counseling services, a master’s degree will allow you to become licensed to provide such services,” says Pietrucha.

Alternatively, you can work in psychology-related fields like management, community service, research, and social work. If you’re already working in psychology, a master’s degree can help you advance into a more specialized position or leadership role.

Popular Psychology Master’s Degree Jobs
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2024)Description
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists$109,840Address and improve human resources, administration, management, sales, and other business and organizational challenges
Marriage and Family Therapists$63,780Help couples and families resolve issues and improve communication
School Psychologists$86,930Work with students and teachers to address educational challenges
Social and Community Service Managers$78,240Lead organizations that offer community services and assistance
Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$59,190Guide and support people with substance use and mental health conditions

Source: BLS

Is an Online Master’s in Psychology Worth It?

An online master’s in psychology can lead to career advancement, specialized roles, and higher-paying jobs — but it also comes at a cost.

Depending on the program, earning your master’s in psychology online might mean going into debt.

This degree can also take time out of your schedule. If you’re an adult learner with a career and family, you might find it challenging to balance work and family with your program.

Fortunately, many online psychology master’s programs offer asynchronous classes to help you earn your degree on your own schedule. Online part-time degrees also tend to be less costly than full-time in-person options.

Master’s degrees can also lead to higher earnings. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor’s in psychology grads in the class of 2023 had an average starting salary of just over $44,000 — but master’s grads earned more than $60,000. These earnings also increase over time.

Finally, an online psychology master’s can mean more than just a chance at better pay: 52% of online master’s students and program graduates told us their online classes included opportunities to build their professional networks.

Online programs also incorporate networking opportunities into their curricula, helping you meet peers in your field.

Education Beyond a Master’s in Psychology

A master’s degree in psychology doesn’t have to be the final step in your education journey. You can go on to earn a Ph.D. in psychology or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.).

These doctoral degrees can lead to high-level research jobs. What’s more, combined with work experience, they can even help you start your own clinical practice.

Some schools offer dual-degree programs that let you earn a master’s along with a Psy.D. Your master’s could be in psychology or in an entirely separate field, such as business administration, public health, or criminal justice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Master’s Degrees

Online master’s degrees, whether in psychology or another field, are generally respected by employers, as long as they’re earned from accredited schools.

It’s also usually better to attend a nonprofit school instead of a for-profit institution.

Students report seeing value in their online degrees: 73% of online program graduates we surveyed say their education prepared or will prepare them for their first job after graduation well, very well, or extremely well.

Explore More College Resources

Child and Adolescent Psychology Careers

Child and Adolescent Psychology Careers

Interested in a child and adolescent psychology career? Check out our guide to find out what jobs are available for all degree levels.

Bernard Grant, Ph.D.

by Bernard Grant, Ph.D.

Updated June 9, 2025

Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference?

Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference?

Psychology and psychiatry both study the human mind, but have different treatment therapies. Discover the differences between these professions.

Blake Weil

by Blake Weil

Updated March 29, 2023

10 Best HBCUs for Psychology Master’s Programs

10 Best HBCUs for Psychology Master’s Programs

The best HBCUs for psychology offer high-quality education to students from all backgrounds. Learn more about these top schools.

Thomas Broderick

by Thomas Broderick

Updated January 3, 2024