Online Masters in Psychology Degrees

View more featured 100% online psychology programs accepting applications for 2024.

Finding Online Master of Psychology Programs

An online Master's of Psychology program can be a great option if you plan on pursuing a career in Psychology. Obtaining a Psychology Masters degree online can often be more flexible than in-person options. This flexibility can help if you plan on continuing your current career while in school.

Some Master of Psychology programs offer specialization tracks. These specializations can be helpful for gaining knowledge about a specific area of interest. Some of the top specializations in Master's programs are clinical psychology, forensic psychology, and addiction psychology.

Psychology is a diverse and large field. Different online Master's programs can help prepare you for your specific career goals. Master's programs in Psychology range from general to specialized programs.

Example Online Master's Programs

Many universities also offer programs for general psychology. These general degree programs may be a great option for students who plan on pursuing a doctorate degree.

Arizona State University

Online Master of Science in Psychology

Arizona State University offers an online Master of Science in Psychology. This online program focuses on teaching human behavior through research and coursework. With this degree, you can seek employment in the non-profit, private, and public sectors or pursue a doctorate in Psychology.

Purdue University

Online Master of Science degree in Psychology

Purdue University offers an Online Master of Science degree in Psychology. This online program allows you to specialize in one of five concentrations:

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Addictions
• Forensic Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• General Psychology

Purdue offers students flexible course schedules and allows you to take up to 4 classes at a time. Classes typically last ten weeks and the program itself takes 2-3 years to complete. This flexibility means you can continue your career while pursuing a Master's degree.

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University offers three accredited online Masters of Psychology degrees. The three degree options can help you find a degree that fits your future career goals. All three degree programs offer four cohort start dates per year to choose from.

Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis

This program is for individuals looking to work as behavioral analysts. This degree focuses on teaching students how to help clients with Autism and other developmental disorders. Graduates from this program can pursue certification as a board-certified behavior analyst.

Master of Arts in Psychology

This Master of Arts program can be a great option for individuals who want to gain understanding of human behavior through studying psychological theory. This program allows you to further your career in human services, mental health, or pursue a doctoral study in Psychology.

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

This program prepares students to become a licensed professional counselors (LPC). Unlike other programs, this degree option combines online coursework and local in-person clinical experience. This unique combination helps prepare you for clinical psychology work and future licensure.

What to Expect from an Online Master's of Psychology

Most Master's programs in psychology require specific coursework.Master's programs encourage students to critical thinking and problem solving through rigorous courses. Here are some typical courses within Master's programs.

Quantitative Analysis

Quantitative Analysis is another common course within online Master's in Psychology programs. This involves collecting and understanding non-numerical data. This is type of research is often used in Psychology to understand and study human behavior.

Research Methodology in Psychology

This common course helps to teach students hot to design, conduct, and learn from research. Knowing how to conduct research is key for a successful career in psychology.

Statistics

Programs may also require psychological statistics courses. Psychological statistics include both inferential and descriptive statistics. These skills can help students become stronger researchers in Psychology.

Differences Between MS in Psychology and MA in Psychology

MS and MA programs offer similar curriculum but have small differences between each. Knowing these differences can allow you to know what program is right for you.

Concentration Areas

MAs in Psychology typically focus on general psychology. Because MA programs focus on general psychology, very few offer specializations. If specialization in a specific area interests you, an MS may be a better fit.

Sample Online Courses for the Masters

As you move into Master's in Psychology programs in the online environment, your abilities to problem solve and engage in self-discipline may begin to increase through regular practice. Master's programs typically encourage students to be more independent in their thinking and engage in self-determination throughout the process.

Research Methodology in Psychology

The courses included within your master's program can help you learn more about each specific concept of Psychology and its contribution to the field as a whole. Courses like Research Methods in Psychology can be excellent for teaching you how to design, conduct, and learn from research - which is a guiding factor in this field's development.

Quantitative Analysis

Quantitative Analysis is another common course found within the online Master's in Psychology program. In this class, students can learn to utilize basic statistical methods for research and methodology in Psychology.

Statistics

Students may participate in practices with inferential and descriptive statistics, as well as learn to differentiate between using different types during their research and data collection. This course may be offered as part of the generalized Psychology program.

Path To Working In Pyschology

Becoming a professional in the field of Psychology can involve moving through a variety of educational and practical steps. What you want to do within your career can help determine which path would be the most beneficial for you to take.

The Bachelor's in Psychology can be a great first step towards entry-level positions in human services, social work, and with counseling organizations. This can also be a great first degree option for learners moving forward into master's and doctoral programs.

Once you have completed an undergraduate degree program in this field, you can apply for and begin online Master's in Psychology programs at your institution of choice. Master's programs can provide you with generalist expertise in Psychology or provide you with experience in certain specializations within your field.

Master’s in Psychology

While the master’s may be the most popular degree option for upcoming professionals, those interested in pursuing licensure as Psychologists may choose to enroll in Ph.D. or Doctoral programs in Psychology after the master’s.

In addition to clinical research, participants in doctoral-level programs may also have to participate in on-campus experience requirements and clinicals as part of their graduation requirements. These requirements vary by school and should be researched prior to application and enrollment.

Licensing at the doctoral level is initiated through board certification and application through your state’s board of examiners in this field. Each state has a unique process that involves testing, application, letters of recommendation, and ethical compliance.

Important Psychology Organizations To Know

Transitioning into the field of Psychology can involve constant learning and exploration of research. If you want to enter into the field with support behind you and ample resources to explore, our team recommends that you consider joining professional organizations within your field.

American Psychological Association (APA)

The most popular professional organization for upcoming Psychology professionals is the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA is a leader in Psychological innovation, research, professionalism, and networking in its field.

Members of the APA can have access to resources concerning new findings within the field, as well as information on new treatments becoming available within the field. The APA also helps set the standard for research publication in the field of Psychology.

Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB)

Specialized Psychological organizations can also be helpful for students within specialized degree areas. The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) is the leading organization for Psychology graduates in Behavior Analysis and the American Academy of Clinical Psychology is the central agency for clinical Psychology professionals.

Psychology Career Options

Psychology is a diverse and fulfilling field that can lead to many different careers. With the countless careers available, obtaining employment is possible at any degree level.

A Bachelor’s in Psychology can open you up to entry-level careers in social services, mental health, and human services. While having a bachelor’s in psychology can be helpful in obtaining a Master’s, it is not required.
Having a master’s degree can open more doors than a Bachelor’s degree does. With a master’s degree, you can become certified and licensed to provide more services to clients.

A PhD in Psychology is the highest degree awarded in psychology. A PhD allows you to provide care to clients, teach at universities, and conduct psychological research and testing.

Because psychology offers jobs at every degree level, it is important to understand what your career goals are before entering into a degree program.

Psychologist Licensure

While becoming a licensed clinical psychologist requires a doctorate, there are many certifications and licensures available to Master’s level graduates.

Depending on the online program you complete, you may have the option to gain certifications and licensure. Some possibilities include becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA).

Because every program is different, it is important to understand the university’s accreditation. These accreditations will dictate what careers you can enter into and future licensing.

Differences in Online and In-person Master’s Programs

Every online Master’s program is different so it is important to research the degree that interests you before applying.

A major benefit to online programs is the flexibility they offer. With school being online, it is easier to create a healthy balance between school and the rest of your life.

Online programs also tend to focus more on coursework while in-person programs have a combination of research, hands-on experiences, and coursework.

While there are small differences between the two programs,your degree typically does not show that you went to an online program. In fact, you usually get the exact degree that a person that pursued their degree in-person gets. This means that employers only see the school and the degree obtained, reducing potential biases over online programs.

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