Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs for 2024

According to the 2022 State of Mental Health in America report, well over half of people with mental health conditions do not receive treatment. That’s nearly 30 million adults. And on top of that, over 60% of youth with depression are navigating it alone.

Which is probably why you’re here — you want to help.

If you think an online master’s in psychology might be the best way to address widespread mental health conditions, check out the top-ranked online master’s in psychology programs and our sponsored programs.

Students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology know that more education equals more job opportunities within the field. If you want to make a bigger impact and earn more money, pursuing a master’s degree in psychology is a smart next move.

Even outside the mental health field, the extensive knowledge of human motivations and behaviors you develop during your master’s in psychology program can make you an attractive candidate for many jobs.

Many psychology master’s programs offer specializations, which can give you the skills to work in a particular field of psychology, including clinical psychology, forensic psychology, and educational psychology.

For example, if you want to provide direct mental health services, you might consider pursuing a clinical psychology specialization. If you’re interested in corporate or organizational behavior, you may consider enrolling in organizational psychology programs.

A full-time student can complete an online master’s degree in psychology in two years. Part-time students juggling jobs or families may take 3-4 years. Most master’s programs in psychology also require internships.

You can do a lot with a psychology master’s. You can work in clinical roles like school counselor, marriage and family therapist, and mental health counselor. You can also become an addiction counselor.

Depending on your interests, you can apply your psychology background to leadership roles like human resources manager, organizational psychologist, or social service manager. You can also contribute to scholarly research as a research assistant.

Many psychology careers require professionals to hold at least a master’s degree.

It’s safe to say that a master’s degree in psychology pays off for most grads. The APA has found that earning a graduate degree in psychology is likely to increase rates of job satisfaction and chances of finding employment in the field.

“Having a master’s degree opens up the number of positions you qualify for, especially positions involving more direct contact with clients,” said Tucci, who spent most of her career as a psychotherapist.

That’s not to say getting a master’s in psychology is worth it for everyone – it takes a special kind of person to thrive in this field.

“As a clinical supervisor, I have found people who have difficulty with boundaries and burnout struggle in this field, because of the emotional impact client work can have. Also, Individuals who prefer a more structured and predictable work [environment] may find this field challenging,” said Tucci.

A master’s in psychology qualifies you to work in many positions that offer above-average pay. The median salary for those with a master’s in psychology was approximately $60,000 in 2019, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

In 2023, marriage and family therapists earned a median annual salary of $58,510, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those employed by home healthcare service providers earned the most – $122,120 annually.

The same year, school counselors earned a median annual salary of $61,710. Those employed by elementary and secondary schools earned the most – $73,520 annually. Meanwhile, the median annual wage for industrial-organizational psychologists was $147,420.

Salary varies by industry, occupation, and location. Some of the top-paying states for psychologists include California, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, and Massachusetts.