Pursuing a career in psychology can be an extremely fulfilling life path given the opportunity it provides to help other people and better understand human behavior. Another huge benefit, although probably a side effect, is an increased ability to relate with others, especially in a family setting. Although the prospect of a career in psychology is exciting, such a career typically requires at least Master’s degree. Luckily for psychology graduates, there are also a lot of excellent colleges that offer online Master’s in Psychology programs.
In 2012-2013, psychology was the fourth most popular major in the USA after business, health professions and related programs, and social science and history. As the opportunity to complete a degree online continues to grow, the number of students studying psychology will only continue to grow. Considering good demand in the professional field for psychology professionals, this is great news! The return on educational investment in psychology is excellent with very sound job prospects and impressive salary potential, not to mention the common opportunity to establish your own hours.
Despite the many upsides of obtaining a master’s in psychology, we realize how difficult and time consuming the venture can be for many individuals. You are likely already working full time or may be limited by financial situation or geographic location. Attending a college on campus may be out of the question. In that context, online schooling may be the perfect option for you! You can complete your online master’s in psychology at your own pace on your own time, often for a reduced cost. Take a look at the following list if you’re considering pursuing a master’s in psychology. We’ve compiled the top online colleges in the country!
Here are the 26 Best Online Masters in Psychology Programs.
1. Palo Alto University
Psychology is one of the many online programs that Palo Alto offers. The psychology Master’s program is a two-year degree that can help students get into a Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology. This is a part-time program that allows students to work while they are completing their degree, so they don’t break the bank.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$42,112.00
- Accreditation: Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Psychology – Ph.D. Prep
- Format: Fully online
2. Colorado State University
Colorado State University has an online Masters in psychology program that draws students who are also interested in business. Student study the way employees behave in businesses and organizations. This helps them learn how to improve the productivity and performance for businesses and organizations. The program is practitioner-oriented and offers practical skills that focus on research and consultation.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$27,194
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Applied Industrial / Organizational Psychology
- Format: Fully online
3. Walden University
Students at Walden University have the opportunity to work with people in need of counseling. This gives them a more open path to career advancement and toward a Ph.D. (credits from this Master’s program can roll over to a Ph.D. program). Students can complete this program within 15 months thanks to newly enriched content and streamlined coursework.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$25,875
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degree(s) Offered: Masters of Science in Psychology
- Format: Fully online
4. Capella University
Capella University’s FlexPath system allows students to take courses at their own pace. They can choose to spend more time on more challenging subjects and less time on subjects they are more comfortable with. There is a flat tuition rate every 12 weeks. The program has a critical focus on general psychology philosophies, theories, and research methodologies.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$25,250
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Psychology
- Format: Fully online
5. LeTourneau University
Classes at LeTourneau University are taught from a Christian worldview. There are several specialized areas in the psychology degree, which enhance students’ knowledge of psychology from their undergraduate studies. Students can take 14 credit hours of electives such as business, leadership, education, religion, or additional hours our psychology.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$22,290
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts in Psychology
- Format: Fully online
6. Austin Peay State University
This program at Austin Peay State University follows Guidelines for Master’s Level Training provided by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Students can stay close to their professors and classmates by phone, email, or updated distance learning technology. There are opportunities to grow in personnel selection, training and development, performance appraisal, motivation, team performance, and leadership.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: In-State-$17,838.10 – Out-of-State-$24,706.10
- Accreditation: Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Format: Fully online
7. Argosy University
This program at Argosy University teaches students how to use skills in clinical psychology, counseling, school psychology, and neuropsychology in the criminal justice and civil legal systems. The concentrations and tracks in this program include Assessment and Treatment, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Forensic Psychophysiology. Students focus on consultation, assessment, and intervention skills in these concentrations.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$17,760
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
- Format: Fully online
8. Indiana Institute of Technology
This online psychology program at the Indiana Institute of Technology benefits students who are trying to advance in their current job or who are seeking a better job. It also is a great fit for students who want to move on to get their Ph.D. In fact, students can transfer credits to doctoral education thanks to a curriculum that aligns with the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation Educational Guidelines.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$16,385
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and
- Schools Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Psychology
- Format: Fully online
9. American Public University System-American Military University
At APUS-American Military University students can interact with instructors and peers who share a deep interest in learning about psychology and helping human mental health. They can do so by enrolling in a program that focuses on lifespan development, social and cultural diversity, assessment, personality, and psychopathology. The program also focuses on training graduates for doctoral and other graduate studies.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All Students-$6,600
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts in Psychology
- Format: Fully online
10. Naropa University
This is a 38-credit, two-year, low-residency program at Naropa University. The program starts in the summer and requires students to complete two courses on campus during the summer semester and two courses in the fall and spring semesters. The first year, students learn about ecopsychology, which covers the study of the human-nature relationship. The second year, students will participate in intellectual and service-learning projects.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$38,810.00
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts in Transpersonal Psychology / Ecopsychology
- Format: Hybrid online and on-campus
11. Sacred Heart University
Students can complete this program as quickly as one-year. Sacred Heart University has a unique academic calendar that is organized into eight-week courses. The program helps students think of real-world problems, teaching them to apply the science of human behavior.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$32,920
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Applied Psychology / General
- Format: Hybrid online and on-campus
12. Kansas State University
This program at KSU is for students who are interested in a future in human resources. It is a 38 credit hour program that takes approximately two and a half years to complete. There are eight courses in performance appraisal and compensation, training and program evaluation, job analysis and selection, organizational topics, ethical and legal issues, and applied research methods.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$28,500
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Psychology / Industrial & Organizational Psychology
- Format: Hybrid online and on-campus
13. University of Georgia
Besides being in the top 25 public universities in the USA, and the top 100 international universities, the University of Georgia also boasts one of the best online Masters in psychology programs. It has a 90 percent acceptance rate.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: In State-$11,818 – Out of State-$30,392
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Education in Educational Psychology
- Format: Online and on-campus
14. University of North Dakota
Students can complete this 35 credit hour program at UND in a little over two years. The curriculum interests students who are at the intersection of psychology and the legal systems. Students who complete this program will go on to prepare psychological evaluations for the criminal justice and social service systems.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$16,104
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
- Format: Hybrid online with an on-campus capstone in Grand Forks
15. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama offers many undergraduate and graduate degrees, including one of the best online Masters in psychology programs. It has an 82 percent acceptance rate.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: In-state-$10,470 – Out-of-state-$26,950
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts in Educational Psychology Learning and Assessment
- Format: Online, hybrid online, and on-campus
16. John F. Kennedy University
Students enter into this program at JFK University to learn performance enhancement, counseling skills, and sports science. Instructors have a close relationship with students through an excellent mentoring program and provide academic support that students need. The faculty has also worked with Olympians, professional or college teams and athletes, and local athletes.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$51,965.00
- Accreditation: Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts in Sports Psychology
- Format: Online, hybrid online, and on-campus
17. Northeastern University
Northeastern University is recognized as an institution that engages in the highest level of research activity. This university has one of the best online Master’s in psychology because it supports its students very well and accepts international students into its programs. 42 percent of graduates get into Northeastern.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$45,530
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Educational Leadership and Counseling – Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Format: Online and on-campus
18. Arizona State University
Both professors and students participate in a high level of research at Arizona State University. Professors at Arizona State University are some of the best people working in the field of psychology. 80 percent of graduates are accepted into this program.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: In-State-$31,585 – Out-of-State-$41,953
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Schools and Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Education in Curriculum And Instruction—Applied Behavior Analysis – Master of Social Work
- Format: Online and on-campus
19. Adler University
This program at Adler University is unique because it gives students the opportunity to specialize in military psychology. Almost all of the faculty are veterans, which gives them a personal background in this specialization. The demographic of this program is made up of active-duty military personnel, veterans, retired service members, and military spouses.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$31,635
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts in Industrial & Organizational Psychology – Master of Arts in Psychology / Military Psychology
- Format: Fully online
20. University of Washington
The University of Washington may be known for its medical school, but it also has a growing reputation as one of the best online schools in the USA. Students can take online courses here or participate in summer school to complete their degree. 55 percent of graduates are accepted into this program.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: In-State-$16,266 – Out-of-State-$28,314
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Social Work – Master of Education in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Format: Online or on-campus
21. Ball State University
The program in educational psychology at Ball State University includes students who are education professionals and working in a field that focuses on learning and human development. Students can complete the program in 18 months. The program in quantitative psychology uses methods that are the root of almost all aspects of psychology. Students learn measurement of human attributes, the statistical and mathematical modeling of psychological processes, and the design of research studies and the analysis of psychological data.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: In-State-$13,674 – Out-of-State-$20,142
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Quantitative Psychology – Master of Arts in Educational Psychology
- Format: Fully online, hybrid online, and on-campus
22. California State University-Northridge
CSUN offers over 100 degrees in 70 fields, and they have expanded these opportunities online. Those interested in pursuing a Master’s in Social work should enroll in this program. CSUN accepts 42 percent of its applicants.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$7,853
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Behavioral Clinical Psychology – Master in Social Work
- Format: Hybrid online or on-campus
23. Southern New Hampshire University
This program helps students master diagnosis, treatment and maximizing business performance. Southern New Hampshire University’s courses teach cognitive psychology, social psychology, personality, learning theory, and ethical practice.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: In-State/Out-of-State-$22,722 – Military-$17,070
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Psychology
- Format: Fully online
24. Northcentral University
Courses at Northcentral University are taught by professors who all hold doctoral degrees. Students learn how to apply their education in their careers. While the psychology program is amazing at this university, there are also several elective courses available so that students can learn more about other personal interests.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$27,522
- Accreditations: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts in Psychology
- Format: Fully online
25. Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Chicago School of Professional Psychology has one of the best online Master’s in psychology programs in the USA, because of the number of degrees it offers. Each degree is different and can be completed in a different amount of time.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: All students-$39,275
- Accreditation: Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Arts in Psychology
- Format: Fully online
26. Grand Canyon University
At Grand Canyon University all of the emphasis areas are 36 credit hours. Students are exposed to many topics within the field of psychology. This program is great who for students who are seeking to advance in their career or for students who want to deepen their understanding of psychology.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: In-State/Out-of-State-$19,290 – Military-$15,690
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degree(s) Offered: Master of Science in Psychology
- Format: Fully online
The Ranking Process
The order of these programs is dependent upon the number of degrees the program offers, the number of accreditations the program has, the formats available, and the tuition and fees of the program.
We know that finding the best school for your unique situation and interests can be a difficult task. That’s why we’ve evaluated thousands of school based on the factors most important to you. For more information about our evaluation and ranking system, as well as other lists that were ranked by the factors most important to you, see our methodology page.
If you are an associated online psychology Master’s program is the USA, but are not included on this list, please contact us with the information about your program. If your program is on this list, and you would like to update the information, you may also feel free to contact us.