According to the American Psychological Association (APA), there are over 15 different subfields in psychology, with concentrations ranging from clinical psychology to sports psychologists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment opportunities in psychology will continue to grow over the next decade, for people with advanced degrees, in career areas such as schools, hospitals, social service agencies and consulting firms and private companies.
For example, many companies and industries utilize Industrial Organizational psychology specialists in helping employees to understand their company's organizational structure better, or, to assist them in coping with organizational restructuring. Graduates with a concentration in school counseling are increasingly in demand as educational systems deal with overcrowding, bullying and other concerns that affect learning.
Median salaries in the field vary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Graduates working as human resources managers can earn up to $100,000, while graduates working as counselors in schools, social work, non profits, etc., may see salary ranges from $39,000-$56,000.
Not all masters level graduate programs in psychology will prepare students for necessary state licensure, so it's important to understand your state's requirements before deciding on an appropriate online program.
APA policy and state licensing laws require a doctoral degree in order for a person to claim the title of "psychologist"; but, masters prepared students still have a diverse selection of employment opportunities in industry, government and counseling. Approximately 50% of psychology prepared graduates work in hospitals or other health services, 10% in private business or nonprofit, 16% in governmental agencies, with the remainder in schools and universities (American Psychological Association).
This list of online master's degrees in psychology is based on cost, accreditation and core curriculum.
#1. Texas A & M University
Through it's Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M offers an online Master of Science/Master of Education degree that concentrates on how creative and innovative thinking builds a competitive edge in learning. The program program offers practical application of creative and innovative thinking in K-12 classrooms.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $226 (In-State); $580 (Out-of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Educational Psychology, Measurement & Evaluation, Theories of Creativity, Creative Thinking, Techniques of Research, Theories of Learning, Special Topics in Creativity & Innovation, Personal Creativity & Giftedness, Creative Problem Solving, Lateral Thinking, Program Evaluation in School and Clinic. Research on Teacher Effectiveness, Strategies for Teaching in a Culturally Pluralistic Society, Educational Technology: Field Theory, Trends in Curriculum and Instruction, Multicultural Children's Literature & Literacy
#2. California Coast University
Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, CCU's MS in Psychology is designed to allow students to begin at any time during the year and work at their own pace and is geared toward the working professional. This university also offers a 10% tuition discount for military personnel.
Length of Program: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $230
Curriculum Snapshot: Developmental Psychology, Human Sexuality, Psychopathology, Theories of Marriage and Family, Professional Ethics and the Law, Alcohol and Chemical Substance Abuse, Counseling Systems and Techniques, Assessment Techniques, Psychology of Aging, Physiological Psychology, Group Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychology, The Research Process
#3. Fort Hays State University Virtual College
This is a Master of Science in School Psychology program which can be completed in four semesters online. The Fort Hays State University Virtual College is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The MS in School Psychology graduates are eligible for licensure as a school psychologist in Kansas as well as other states.


Length of Program: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $251
Curriculum Snapshot: Behavior Therapy, Development Psychology, Advanced Learning and Motivation, Professional Ethics in Psych, Appraisal of Children, Curriculum- Based Measurement, Experimental Methods, Inferential Statistics, Methods in School Psych, Observation in School Psychology
#4. American Public University
Founded in 1991 to specifically meet the educational needs of active military personnel, American Public University offers over 190 online academic programs and has been ranked as a top online university by U.S. News and World Report; and, most recently, was designated "Best for Vets" from the Military Times. This MA in Psychology is a generalist model and examines the foundational study of theories and research.
Length of Program: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $325
Curriculum Snapshot: Orientation to Graduate Learning in Psychology, Research and Statistical Methods, Tests and Measurements, Lifespan Development, Learning and Cognition, Social Psychology, Personality and Counseling Theories, Physiological Psychology, Psychopathology, Professional Ethics and Standards, Contemporary Issues in Psychology
#5. California Southern University
California Southern University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and offers a MA in Psychology for students wishing to become a marriage/family therapist or licensed clinical counselor. The program meets California requirements for licensure but non-California residents should verify the program will meet their specific state's licensure needs.
Length of Program: 62 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $350
Curriculum Snapshot: Counseling Theories and Strategies, Ethical Issues in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy, Theories of Human Development and Functioning, Psychopathology, Human Sexuality, Cross Cultural Mores and Values, Psychology of Marriage and Family Systems, Child & Adolescent Psychology, Family Systems Theory, Alcoholism/Chemical Dependency, Group Psychology
#6. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers an online MA in Forensic Psychology which concentrates on the application of psychology to issues faced in the civil and criminal justice system. Graduates will be able to work with attorneys in trial preparation and jury selection, work with courts and state agencies and testify as expert witnesses. The program requires a 2-week on-campus experience.
Length of Program: 34 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $443
Curriculum Snapshot: Diversity Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Advanced Social Psychology, Behavior Pathology, Supervised Field Work, Readings in Psychology
#7. Capella University
Capella University offers online undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This Master's in General Psychology online degree allows students to work in the fields of behavioral and mental health, social services, colleges or universities.
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $500
Curriculum Snapshot: Tests and Measurements, Research Methods, Lifespan Development, Learning Theories in Psychology, Cognitive/Affective Psychology, Social Psychology, Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology
#8. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University offers a non-thesis MS in Psychology degree with a focus on critical thinking, action research and contemporary and ethical issues in psychology. GCU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a tuition discount for active and reserve military. The program is estimated to take 20 months for completion.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $465
Curriculum Snapshot: Contemporary and Ethical Issues in Psychology, Learning, Cognition and Motivation, Social and Cultural Psychology, Human Development, Graduate Statistics, Health Psychology, Research Methods, Psychopathology, Capstone Course
#9. Walden University
Walden University offers an online MS in Forensic Psychology to prepare students to become familiar with mental health issues in criminal behavior and to work in the criminal justice system. There is also a MS in Clinical Psychology available that concentrates on current psychological theory and practices. EKU's program is 100% online program.
Length of Program: 47 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $535
Curriculum Snapshot: Foundations for Graduate Study, Criminal Behavior, Introduction to Forensic Psychology, Understanding Forensic Psychology Research, Abnormal Behavior, Assessment in Forensic Psychology Settings, Ethical Issues and Professional Responsibilities in Forensic Psychology, Treatment of Forensic Populations, Psychology in the Courts, Police Psychology
#10. Austin Peay State University
This university is a Tennessee's Board of Regents' school and offers an online Industrial/Organizational Psychology Master of Arts degree. The school offers an "eRate" for out of state students taking courses 100% online. Students should check with the school for this special rate.
Length of Program: 34 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $493 (In-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology, Foundations of Applied Psychology, Orientation to Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Applied Measurement in I-O Psychology, Performance Management, Personnel Assessment and Selection, Training and Development, Leadership and Organizational Change, Organizational Psychology, Personnel Psychology
#11. LeTourneau University
Originally founded in 1946 for GIs returning from World War II, LeTourneau University is located in Longview, Texas and maintains a Christian focus. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and masters degrees; and, offers a MA in Psychology through it's School of Education. This is a non licensure program intended for those students who wish to improve basic counseling skills.
Length of Program: 35 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $570
Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Counseling, Counseling Skills and Techniques, Ethical, Legal & Professional Standards in Counseling Practice, Lifespan Human Development, Family Assessment Group, Counseling Methods Counseling, Practicum for non-licensure track
#12. Edinboro University
This Pennsylvania school was founded in 1857 and provides a Master of Educational Psychology degree. Edinboro University has been recognized as a top-tier school by U.S. News and World Report and holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and National Association of School Psychologists. The program focuses on empirically supported approaches to assist children in achieving academic success, social competence and emotional and physical health.
Length of Program: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $601 (In-State); $702 (Out-of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Research in Education Collaborative, Consultation in Educational Settings, Learning Theories, Psychoeducational Counseling & Interviewing, Seminar in Exceptionalities Crisis Management and Violence Protection in Schools, Seminar in Educational and Psycho Educational Research,Biological, Social, and Cultural Bases of Personality, Statistical Methods in Education, Individual Development through Adolescence
#13. University of Georgia
Through the College of Education, The University of Georgia offers two Master of Education degrees with psychology concentrations. Students may receive a M.Ed in Educational Psychology, Applied Cognition and Development or a M.Ed in Educational Psychology, Gifted and Creative Education. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Georgia #52 in providing excellence in psychology education.
Length of Program: 34-37 Credit Hours (Dependent on Concentration)
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $612
Curriculum Snapshot:Dependent on Concentration
#14. Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU offers three MS programs in psychology: Child & Adolescent Development, Industrial-Organizational and Forensics. Fully accredited, SNHU does not require GMAT or GRE for admission and the degree can be completed in as few as 15 months.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $627
Curriculum Snapshot:Research Methods in Psychology I, Research Methods in Psychology II, Advanced Social Psychology, Cognitive Processes, Measurement and Assessment, Theories of Personality, Ethical Practice in Psychology
#15. Colorado State University
This is a Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MAIOP) program concentrating on individual behaviors in organizations and businesses. The MAIOP is considered a terminal degree and qualifies graduates to recruit and select employees, identify organizational training needs, design and analyze workplace training effectiveness.
Length of Program: 38 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $665
Curriculum Snapshot: Applied Measurement Theory, Applied Industrial Psychology, Applied Organizational Psychology, Applied Cross-Cultural Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Applied Organizational Development, Applied Psychological Research Methods
#16. University of the Rockies
The University of the Rockies is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has a MA in Psychology degree offered online. The MA offers several specialization areas, including: Business Psychology, Career Management and Counseling, Criminology and Justice Studies, General Psychology, Health and Wellness, Non-Profit Management, Organizational Leadership, Sport and Performance Psychology, Mediation and Conflict Resolution. This program is not a licensure program and students should check with their state's licensure board to verify if this program will meet state requirements.
Length of Program: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $672
Curriculum Snapshot: Dependent on concentration
#17. Penn State World Campus
This specialized Master of Professional Studies in Psychology Leadership at Work is based on psychological theory and research proven effective in developing leadership effectiveness in organizations. Penn State's online programs are ranked by U.S. News and World Report and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Length of Program: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $784
Curriculum Snapshot: Psychological Foundations of Leadership,Ethics and Leadership: Psychological and Social Processes, Foundations of Behavior, Motivation, and Attitudes at Work, Full Range Leadership Development, Global and Cross-Cultural Leadership, Group Leadership and Effective Decision Making, Leadership for Creativity and Innovation, Leadership for Creativity and Innovation
#18. Angelo State University
A part of the Texas Tech University system, Angelo State University offers a MS in Applied Psychology which concentrates on improving health, increasing safety, improving education, increasing prosperity, enhancing decision-making and promoting democratic principles. ASU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This MS program has both a thesis and a non-thesis option.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $688 (In-State); $909 (Out-of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Core Concepts on Psychological Science, Applied Research Methods, Social Psychology, Theories of Personality, Applied Economic Psychology, Social Perception, Environmental Psychology, Psychology of Chemical Dependency, Forensic Psychology, Educational Psychology, Advanced Learning, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology
#19. Kansas State University
The Kansas State University Global Campus, provides a MS in Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MIOP). This is a terminal degree that focuses on concepts and behavioral science methodologies and is ideal for the student working in human resources who wishes to advance their career options.
Length of Program: 38 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $720
Curriculum Snapshot: Introductory Seminar on Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Applied Research Methods I and II, Organizational Psychology, Professional Problems Seminar on Ethical and Legal Issues, Personnel Training, Performance Appraisal, Personnel Selection, Practicum Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Practicum Report in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Practium: Job Analysis, Practicum: Final Report in I/O Psychology
#20. Sacred Heart University
This Connecticut university provides a Master of Science in Applied Psychology degree which is research-based and covers fundamental psychological concepts. Students may choose from three concentrations in Community Psychology, General Applied Psychology or Industrial-Organizational Psychology. There is a thesis requirement for this program as well as 100 hours of supervised field and observation.
Length of Program: 38 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $785
Curriculum Snapshot: Foundations of Applied Psychology, Developmental Issues Across the Life Span, Identifying and Managing Psychopathology in Community Settings, Applied Research Methods and Statistics, Individual Psychological Assessment and Appraisal, Program Development and Evaluation
#21. Palo Alto University
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) has accredited all Palo Aalto University degrees, including the Distance Learning M.S. Psychology. The program is specifically designed to prepare students for admission into Palo Alto University's Ph.D. in Psychology program; but, awards a MS in Psychology degree for those students who do not choose to continue to the doctoral level.
Length of Program: 46 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $838
Curriculum Snapshot: History and Systems, Child and Adolescent Development, Adult Development and Aging, Cognitive Bases of Behavior, Affective Bases of Behavior, Psychopathology and Psychodiagnosis, Ethics in Clinical Psychology, Professional Standards
#22. Rutgers University
Rutgers University offers an online Ed.M. in Learning, Cognition and Development through it's Graduate School of Education that is designed for students interested in the psychology of human development in education. This program is 100% online and Rutgers University and the Graduate School of Education is in the top 16 percent of all graduate schools according to U.S. News and World Report.
Length of Program: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $900 (Additional $300 Online Fee Per Course)
Curriculum Snapshot: Not provided
#23. Adler University
This Chicago based school is named for psychology pioneer Alfred Adler and was founded in 1952. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association, Adler University offers a MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology that allows the student to work in a variety of areas ranging from healthcare to marketing, engineering and manufacturing.
Length of Program: 37 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $937
Curriculum Snapshot: Organizational Theory, Research Methods, Organizational Development and Change, Statistics, Consumer and Employee Attitudes, Group Dynamics, Executive Coaching, Training: Theory, Design and Evaluation, Talent Selection and Recruitment, Social Responsibility Action Plan, Talent Management, Consulting Skills, Performance Management
#24. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a 30 year old, nonprofit, fully accredited school with locations in Chicago, Southern California and Washington D.C. Utilizing what is known as The Engaged Professional Model, based on learning through community service, the school offers Masters programs in a variety of psychology concentrations from counseling, forensic psychology and industrial and organizational psychology.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hours: $1,011
Curriculum Snapshot: Dependent on Concentration