Key Takeaways:
- The #1 school on our list of the top affordable online master’s in psychology is Idaho State University, followed by Angelo State University.
- Specializations in psychology include clinical, counseling, industrial-organizational, forensic, health, and educational psychology.
- Admissions requirements can include a bachelor’s degree, minimum GPA, GRE scores, prerequisite courses, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- A master’s in psychology program generally takes 2-3 years to complete. Most programs require hands-on experience through internships or practicums.
Those considering working towards an online master’s in psychology already know that pursuing a graduate degree in this captivating field can open up doors for new career opportunities and pave the way to a bigger paycheck in the future.
What they may not realize, however, is that not all online psychology master’s degrees are exactly comparable. To ensure that the program they enroll in is worth the cost of tuition (not to mention the time and energy devoted to coursework), it’s important that prospective students do their due diligence.
Featured Programs
To help in this quest, we’ve conducted extensive research into the master’s in psychology online programs available and identified the top 20 value schools.
Related article:
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Accreditation
• National Accreditation—2 points
• Regional Accreditation—1 point
Awards and Recognition (Related to Psychology)
• National Level – 2 points
• Regional Level – 1 point
Customization Options
• Content Customizations (e.g. Concentrations and Specializations)—1 Point
• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid, Synchronous, etc.)—1 Point
Innovative Programs and/or Teaching Methods in Psychology – 1 point
Psychology Research Opportunities –1 point
Psychology Scholarship Opportunities – 1 point
Related Student Organizations and Societies – 1 point
Wow Factor: awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us – 1 point
Best Value Colleges for an Online Master’s in Psychology
Beginning with a pool of 50 accredited online master’s in psychology programs, our editors evaluated program features such as content and format customization options, scholarship opportunities, and related student organizations.
Having narrowed the list to 20 of the best online master’s psychology programs available, we then used the rating and ranking methodology above to assign points to each school. You’ll notice, however, that several schools on the list received the same number of points.
In these cases, we considered the school’s graduate tuition report from College Navigator and awarded the more affordable school the higher ranking.
What follows are the 20 top-value master’s psychology online programs for 2016-2017.
#20 – Walden University
Online MS in Clinical Psychology
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Website
Points: 4
Walden University offers an online master’s in psychology with the option to specialize in Counseling. The school’s MobileLearn technology allows students the additional flexibility of listening to lectures on MP3 players and accessing course material via their iPhones.
Some specialty topics for this program include Psychopathology from a Clinical Perspective, Psychological Assessment, and Culture and Psychology. Master’s in psychology online students will also complete a practicum in psychology, giving them real-world experience and meaningful lessons that can be applied to their future practice in a clinical setting.
Graduate Tuition: $12,609
#19 – Baker College
Online Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Flint, Michigan
Website
Points: 4
Baker College offers a comprehensive online master’s in psychology that leads to a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. This 57-credit hour program includes specialty course topics such as Consultation Psychology, Psychology of Leadership, and Psychology of Personnel Management and Human Resources.
Online master’s psychology students at Baker end their coursework with a capstone project and have the opportunity to complete a residency. All Baker graduates benefit from the school’s Lifetime Employment Services, which include interview preparation, resume assistance, and job search techniques.
Graduate Tuition: $11,745
#18 – Ashford University (Now the University of Arizona Global Campus)
Online Master of Arts in Psychology
Chandler, AZ
Website
Points: 4
Ashford University’s online master’s in psychology requires that students complete 36 credit hours of study while maintaining at least a 3.0 grade point average. Students complete one six-week course at a time and can progress through the asynchronous program at their own pace.
Course topics encompass developmental, social, and counseling psychology and include specialty topics such as Personality Theories, Biological Bases of Behavior, Psychological Testing & Assessment, and Psychopathology.
Before receiving their master’s in psychology online, students must complete a Master of Arts in Psychology capstone project.
Graduate Tuition: $11,032
#17 – North Central University
Online Master of Arts in Psychology
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Website
Points: 4
North Central University offers an online master’s in psychology with four available specialization options: Gender Diversity, General Psychology, Health Psychology, and Industrial Organizational Psychology.
Depending on which specialty they choose, online master’s psychology students will complete 30-36 credit hours in courses such as LGBTQ Affirmative Psychology, Multicultural Psychology, Behavioral Nutrition, and History and Systems of Psychology.
Each program is taught by experienced faculty members, all of whom have doctoral degrees in psychology, and students benefit from the university’s one-to-one learning model.
Graduate Tuition: $8,220
#16 – Sacred Heart University
Online Master’s in Applied Psychology
Fairfield, Connecticut
Points: 5
The online master’s in psychology degree program offered through Sacred Heart University can be customized through three available concentrations: Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Community Psychology, and General Applied Psychology.
In addition to completing six foundational courses and four concentration courses, students must complete a capstone project which may take the form of an essay, an exam, or an immersion project.
No psychology bachelor’s degree is required, and the master’s in psychology online from Sacred Heart can be completed in as little as two years.
Graduate Tuition: $23,125
#15 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online MS in Psychology
Manchester, New Hampshire
Website
Points: 5
The online master’s in psychology degree program from Southern New Hampshire University features three concentrations: Child & Adolescent Development Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Industrial Organizational Psychology.
In addition to completing an eight-course core, students may choose from specialty elective courses, including Contemporary Issues in Homeland Security, Introduction to Organizational Conflict Management, and Women in Leadership. All online psychology master’s students will complete a psychology capstone project prior to graduation.
Graduate Tuition: $18,810
#14 – Capella University
Online Master’s in Psychology
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Website
Points: 5
As one of the most customizable options on our list, the online master’s in psychology from Capella University’s Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Science features a dozen specializations, including degree paths in Sport Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and even Sex Therapy.
In addition, the school’s FlexPath program allows students to complete coursework at their own pace with no pre-set due dates. Students enrolled in this innovative online master’s psychology program receive student-centered instruction and complete assignments with real-world applications.
Graduate Tuition: $14,175
#13 – Tiffin University
Online Master of Science in Psychology
Tiffin, Ohio
Website
Points: 5
Tiffin University offers an online master’s in psychology from its School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences. This 37-credit hour degree program covers all of the major areas of psychology including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and neuropsychology.
Enrolled online master’s psychology students will study specialty course topics such as Legal and Ethical Issues, Cross Cultural Issues in Psychology, and Advanced Theories of Personality. Graduates are well-prepared to teach community college courses in psychology or go on to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology.
Graduate Tuition: $12,600
#12 – Bellevue University
Online Master of Science in Strategic Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Bellevue, Nebraska
Website
Points: 5
Bellevue University’s online master’s in psychology program prepares students to apply knowledge of psychology in a business environment. The 36-credit hour program includes specialty course topics such as Structure of Human Performance, Data Analysis and Reporting, Organizational Design, and Insight Development.
Students can choose from four different concentrations in order to customize this master’s psychology online to their career goals: Practice of Strategic Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Data Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Human Resources, and Thesis Applied Study and Practice.
Graduate Tuition: $9,900
#11 – Liberty University
Online Master of Science in Developmental Psychology
Lynchburg, Virginia
Website
Points: 5
The online master’s in psychology at Liberty University approaches the field of psychology from a Christian perspective and includes a concentration in Developmental Psychology.
Among more general core courses such as Cognitive Psychology and Advanced Social Psychology, Liberty online psychology master’s students are required to take a course in Psychology & the Bible, making this particular program ideal for those who wish to work in a religious setting.
Although most of the 36 required credits for completion of the program can be completed online, Liberty does require four on-campus intensives during which students reside at the Lynchburg campus.
Graduate Tuition: $8,000
#10 – Nova Southeastern University
Online MS in General Psychology
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Website
Points: 6
Nova Southeastern University offers a 30-credit hour online master’s in psychology degree program through its College of Psychology. In addition to 21-credit hours of required foundational coursework, students can customize their degree by taking courses in one of three available specialty tracks: the general psychology track, the applied health science track, and the diversity studies track.
Online master’s psychology students will have the opportunity to study captivating topics such as History and Systems of Psychology, Psychological Aspects of Treating Disease, and Social and Cultural Foundations of Diversity.
Graduate Tuition: $17,454
#9 – Removed by editor.
#8 – CUNY School of Professional Studies
Online Master of Arts in Psychology
New York, New York
Website
Points: 6
The CUNY School of Professional Studies offers an online master’s in psychology degree program with concentrations in Developmental Psychology and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The program is the first of its kind offered by the City University of New York and requires that students have an undergraduate degree in psychology or a closely related field.
The 36-credit hour program requires that students take core courses such as Biological Foundations of Behavior and Theories of Personality, as well as courses in research methods such as Advanced Statistics. Online psychology master’s students are also required to complete a rigorous psychology capstone course prior to graduation.
Graduate Tuition: $15,300 (information provided by CUNY)
#7 – Le Tourneau University
Online Master of Arts in Psychology
Longview, Texas
Website
Points: 7
The online master’s in psychology from Le Tourneau University takes a Christian approach to this fast-growing field of study. This accelerated 36-credit hour program includes specialty course topics such as Integrative Theology for Counselors, Healthy Family Functioning, and Addictions Counseling.
Students may also customize their online master’s degree in psychology by choosing 14 credit hours of electives from other disciplines such as education, religion, or business.
Le Tourneau’s practicum experience provides students with opportunities to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.
Graduate Tuition: $19,575
#6 – University of Hartford
Online Master of Science in Organizational Psychology
West Hartford, Connecticut
Points: 7
The University of Hartford offers a 36-credit hour online master’s in psychology that leads to a Master of Science in Organizational Psychology. Although an undergraduate background in psychology is preferred, students with at least a bachelor’s degree in any field are eligible for admission.
To earn this master’s psychology course online, students must complete 15 credit hours of required courses, including Personnel Psychology, Experimental Design, and Advanced Research Methods, as well as 21 elective credit hours. In addition, a capstone project or internship in organizational psychology is required for graduation.
Graduate Tuition: $12,198
#5 – Kansas State University
Online Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Manhattan, Kansas
Website
Points: 7
Kansas State University offers an online master’s in psychology from its global campus that leads to a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology (MIOP).
Unlike many of the other programs on this list, KSU’s online psychology master’s is not fully online. Some on-campus visits are required during the summer to give students the opportunity to interact with professors and classmates.
Master’s psychology online students take specialty courses such as Personnel Selection, Performance Appraisal, and Organizational Psychology. They are also required to complete a guided practicum prior to graduation.
Graduate Tuition: $9,972
#4 – Colorado State University
Online Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Website
Points: 7
Colorado State University offers an online master’s in psychology from its global campus. The program allows students to apply psychological principles to the workplace and leads to a Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Online master’s psychology students at CSU study specialty course topics such as applied organizational development, applied cross-cultural industrial/organizational psychology, and succession planning and leadership development. A culminating capstone project is also required for graduation eligibility.
Despite its virtual format, the program is delivered via an active learning model, and students work in teams as they complete meaningful projects and activities.
Graduate Tuition: $9,000
#3 – University of North Dakota
Online Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Website
Points: 7
The online master’s in psychology offered by the University of Dakota is a two-year, 35-credit hour degree program in forensic psychology. Through recorded classroom lectures, UND students learn how to apply psychological principles and concepts to the legal system.
At the culmination of the program, students are required to complete a two-week capstone experience at the Grand Forks campus, where they will meet professors, work with classmates, and network with local forensic psychologists.
Master’s in psychology online students enjoy a robust student support system including online tutoring, online library services, and career services.
Graduate Tuition: $8,461
#2 – Angelo State University
Online Master’s in Applied Psychology
San Angelo, Texas
Website
Points: 7
Angelo State University offers an online master’s in psychology with both a thesis and non-thesis option. The 30-credit hour program includes course titles such as Applied Economic Psychology, Psychology of Chemical Dependency, Environmental Psychology, and Social Perception.
Although no campus visits are required, online psychology master’s students have the option to take elective psychology courses on campus in cases where they are not available online. They are also encouraged to join student organizations such as the Graduate Student Psychological Association and Psi Chi.
Graduate Tuition: $6,264
#1 – Idaho State University
Online Master of Science in Human Factors
Pocatello, Idaho
Website
Points: 8
The University of Idaho offers a 30-credit hour online master’s in psychology that leads to a Master of Science in Human Factors. As one of the more competitive schools on our list, ISU requires that applicants possess an undergraduate degree in psychology or related field and score a minimum of 300 on the GRE.
Once accepted, online master’s psychology students will study specialty course topics such as Human Factors in Engineering Design, Ergonomics and Biomechanics, and Human-Computer Interaction. The school also offers a Ph.D. in human factors for students who want to continue their study of this field.
Graduate Tuition: $8,030
Related:
- Best Accredited Online Colleges
- Master’s Counseling Online
- Highest Paying Psychology Jobs
- Master’s in Statistics Jobs
- Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology
This concludes our ranking of the 20 top value online master’s in psychology programs.
By CVO Staff