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Master's in psychology programs

Pursue a master's in psychology online to access flexible coursework that prepares you for licensure in the field. Discover the potential benefits and outcomes of earning this degree.

Explore psychology master’s programs

Why earn an online master's in psychology?

Learn on your own schedule

Take advantage of flexible coursework that fits around your job and personal responsibilities.

Qualify for mental health provider licensure

You'll need a license for many mental health provider careers, and each state requires a master's degree to become licensed.

Join a fast-growing field

Some careers for master's in psychology graduates are projected to grow much faster than the average job growth rate.

An online master's in psychology can lead to a rewarding career as a mental health provider. Below, explore the degree's accreditation requirements, courses, and career and salary outlook.

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

After graduating from a online master's in psychology program you can pursue clinical or non-clinical jobs in psychology. Clinical psychology careers, 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 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 psychology master's degree graduates don't involve direct patient care. These include social science research assistants, industrial-organizational psychologists, or school counselors. Some of these careers may also require licensure. For example, school counselors need a state license or endorsement to work in public schools.

Salary expectations for psychology

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

Salary expectations for psychology
JobMedian annual salary (2023)
Social science research assistants$56,400
Substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors$53,710
Marriage and family therapists$58,510

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 abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors to grow by 19% from 2023-33, adding approximately 84,500 jobs across the decade.

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 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.

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

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

Throughout the program, you'll learn about mental health conditions, how to develop treatment plans, individual and group counseling strategies, and human development. You might encounter the following psychology courses:

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

Many online psychology master's degrees — particularly clinical psychology programs — 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 to 600 internship hours and 100 practicum hours.

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs Accreditation

Although not required for an online master's in psychology in all states, many of these programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP endorses master's and doctoral counseling programs.

Twenty-seven states require counselors and therapists seeking licensure to graduate from a CACREP-approved program. Institutional accreditation, which endorses entire schools, is necessary for federal financial aid eligibility and highlighting credibility to future employers and clients.

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 to determine the best master's program for you.

Online format

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

Explore psychology master’s programs

Frequently asked questions