Master’s in psychology programs

What can you learn in an online master's in psychology program?

An online master's degree in psychology program usually comprises 36-60 credits. Programs that prepare students for clinical psychology work typically require more credits than non-clinical programs. You can expect to finish the program in 1-2 years if you study full time.

Most master's in psychology programs cover:

• Mental health conditions
• How to develop treatment plans
• Individual and group counseling strategies
• Human development

Many online psychology master's degrees — particularly — require in-person internships and practicums. These allow you to work with patients in professional settings under the supervision of a licensed counselor or therapist. Requirements vary by program and state criteria, but you'll generally need at least 400-600 internship hours and 100 practicum hours.

While you can complete your coursework online in an accredited online psychology master's program, you'll likely need to complete practicum and internship hours in person. Many schools have a placement team to help you find an approved site and fulfill this requirement.

Common courses

You might need to take that cover:

• Counseling and psychotherapy theories
• Family therapy strategies
• Gender and sexuality
• Lifespan development
• Social psychology

Common specializations

Your master's in psychology program may allow you to choose a specialized track such as:

• Professional counseling: Prepare for a (LPC) career with a broad-scope curriculum covering mental health conditions that impact individuals, families, and organizations.
• Marriage and family therapy: Explore the dynamics of romantic and family relationships with a specialization that prepares you for (LMFT) licensure.
• : Focus on behavioral assessment guidelines, planning, data analysis, reporting, and provider-client relationships.
• Positive psychology: Learn the guiding principles and real-world clinical applications of .

Accreditation

Many psychology master's programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which endorses master's and doctoral counseling programs.

Twenty-seven states require counselors and therapists seeking licensure to graduate from a CACREP-approved program, while the other states do not. Some states may allow you to become a licensed counselor with a degree accredited by a different accreditation agency if your psychology program is not CACREP-accredited. Be sure to check your state licensure requirements before enrolling in a master's program.

Institutional accreditation, which covers an entire school, is necessary for federal financial aid eligibility and highlighting credibility to future employers and clients.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in psychology?

After graduating from an online master's in psychology program, you can pursue clinical or non-clinical jobs in psychology. , like mental health counselors and marriage therapists, help clients work through issues and address behaviors with one-on-one or group counseling. These roles require you to be licensed in the state where you practice.

While licensure criteria vary by state and credential, you'll generally need to:

• Earn a master's degree from an accredited institution
• Pass a criminal background check
• Pass a state-recognized exam
• Complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised experience

Non-clinical jobs for don't involve direct patient care. These include social science research assistants, industrial-organizational psychologists, or human resource specialists.

Salary expectations for psychology careers

The median salaries for top careers for online psychology master's graduates are outlined below using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Licensed professional counselors usually work in counseling clinics, inpatient or outpatient treatment centers, residential facilities, hospitals, or private practices.

Therapists and counselors who open a private practice can set their rates and, therefore, have the potential to earn more than they would at a counseling clinic or other healthcare setting.

Career outlook for psychology

The BLS projects employment for substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors to grow by 19% from 2023-33.

Marriage and family therapists, who usually work in mental health clinics or treatment centers, have a BLS-projected growth rate of 16% for the same period. This could lead to about 12,300 new jobs from 2023-33.

The demand for these professionals likely stems from an increased understanding of the need for mental health support and integrated healthcare.