Compare online master’s in psychology degree programs

What can you do with a master’s in psychology?

Earning your master’s in psychology or a related field is the first step toward being able to pursue your doctorate in psychology, a requirement for professionals looking to earn their license and become practicing psychologists, or to pursue licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). 

Psychologists are experts at observing and interpreting patients' emotional and social behaviors as well as how they react to a variety of environments. They work in a wide range of fields and settings such as healthcare, education, private practice, research, or consulting for organizations. Typical duties for psychologists include supporting patients during tough times, crafting strategies to repair relationships for couples, leading new initiatives designed to increase productivity in work environments, or helping patients deal with trauma or addiction.

Licensed professional counselors are mental health providers who work with individual clients or groups to treat behavioral or emotional problems and disorders. These professionals typically work in hospitals, community centers, schools, group homes, or private practices. And lastly, marriage and family therapists help families and couples to evaluate the relationships, interactions, and pain points they may have and work to improve them. They typically work in community centers, private practices, hospitals, or substance abuse treatment centers.

Admissions requirements for a psychology program

Online master’s in psychology programs typically require you to have earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from an accredited college or university as well as maintained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Keep in mind that full admissions requirements may vary by school, in addition to any prerequisite course credits that may be included. Standardized test scores such as the GRE may be waived depending on the institution. Typical application requirements for an online master of psychology program include:

• Official transcripts 

• Résumé

• Personal essay 

• Letters of recommendation 

• Prerequisites (if required)

• Prior work experience

• GPA

• Test scores (if required)

Learn about the specific requirements for any online master’s in psychology programs in which you are interested by requesting information from the universities, or visit their admissions pages to learn more.

Psychology curriculum

Master’s in psychology curricula can vary depending on the program, length of study, university, and available concentrations or focus areas that are offered. Generally speaking, master’s in psychology curricula equip you with the psychological tools and concepts you need to succeed in practical and clinical settings. Topics and points of emphasis can include community practice, research for psychology, mental health evaluation, occupational therapy, and substance abuse therapy.

While core course subjects, electives, and capstones will vary by program disciplines and theories, online master’s in psychology programs typically cover subjects that include:

What are the highest paying master’s in psychology jobs?

Earning your master’s in psychology is an important step toward pursuing your doctorate in psychology, a requirement for professionals looking to earn their license and become practicing psychologists, or to pursue licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). There are a variety of fields available for professionals to enter, from healthcare and education, to consulting and human resources. Here are some of the highest paying jobs in the field of psychology and their annual salaries as of 2021 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist: $105,310^{Footnote 1}

• Psychologists, all other: $102,900^{Footnote 1}

• Clinical and counseling psychologists: $82,510^{Footnote 1}

• School psychologists: $78,780^{Footnote 1}

• Marriage and family therapists: $49,880^{Footnote 2}

• Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors: $48,520^{Footnote 3}

Find the best master’s in psychology program for your psychology career

When choosing the program that’s right for your master's in psychology career, consider a number of factors. These could include the ranking or reputation of the school, the flexibility and length of study schedules, available clinical placements, graduation rates, job placement rates, location, or career outcomes and alumni resources.