BestOnlineCollege.org is an advertising-supported website. Many of the school and program listings that appear on this site are from partners who compensate us, and this compensation may affect how, where, and in what order listings appear (such as featured placements). This compensation does not influence our editorial content, evaluations, or rankings, which are determined independently using publicly available data. We do not review or feature every school or program available in the marketplace. Our goal is to provide accurate, unbiased information so you can make informed decisions. Read our full Advertiser Disclosure.
Online Master's in Psychology
Online master’s programs in psychology are designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want advanced training. Programs may emphasize specialized practice areas, leadership, or advanced methods depending on the school.
This page explains how master’s programs are structured, what coursework typically includes, and what to compare across schools.
Figures shown are medians from the cited public data sources (such as the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) and reflect previously reported outcomes. They are estimates, not a guarantee of future earnings, debt, cost, or results. Individual outcomes vary by program, institution, location, enrollment status, and personal circumstances.
Quick answers
What is an online master’s in psychology?
It is a graduate-level program that builds advanced psychology knowledge through online coursework.
What degree titles are common?
Common options include MA or MS, depending on the institution and focus.
What types of master’s-level psychology programs are common?
Common options include general master’s programs, specialized tracks, and programs with elective concentrations.
What is typically included in the curriculum?
Most programs include a shared core before electives or concentrations, plus a capstone or thesis option.
What do admissions requirements usually include?
Most programs require a completed bachelor’s degree. Common elements include transcripts, a resume, and written statements.
What online formats and pacing options are common?
Programs may use standard term schedules, accelerated shorter terms, or part-time options with lighter course loads.
At a Glance
- Degree type: Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS)
- Typical duration: 2-3 years full-time
- Credits: 36-60 semester hours
- Online availability: 71.2% of programs offered online (College Scorecard)
- Accreditation: APA accredits doctoral programs; master’s programs focus on institutional accreditation
- Median debt: $45,846 (College Scorecard)
Schools to compare
No school data available.
Typical topics in a master’s program
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Advanced Research Methods | Complex study designs, statistical analysis, data interpretation |
| Psychopathology | Advanced classification and treatment of psychological disorders |
| Assessment & Testing | Psychological assessment tools, scoring, and interpretation |
| Counseling Theories | Major therapeutic approaches and evidence-based practices |
| Ethics & Professional Practice | APA ethical codes, legal issues, and professional standards |
| Capstone or Thesis | Applied research project or comprehensive examination |
Skills and outcomes to compare
Outcomes vary by program, but you can compare:
View the data behind this chart
| Degree level | Median earnings |
|---|---|
| Associate | $30,921 |
| Bachelor's | $42,340 |
| Master's | $55,093 |
| Doctoral | $87,214 |
- Depth of specialization or practice area coverage
- Applied project or practicum requirements
- Research expectations or thesis options
- Leadership, policy, or advanced method focus
For pacing and delivery comparisons, see: Online Course Formats
How to compare online master’s programs
- Identify the program type (general, specialized, or concentration-based).
- Review core curriculum and capstone requirements.
- Check concentrations and electives that fit your interests.
- Confirm admissions expectations and prerequisites.
- Compare online format and pacing options.
- Verify institutional accreditation before applying.
Admissions requirements
Requirements vary by school, but most programs require a completed bachelor’s degree. Common elements include transcripts, a resume, and written statements. Some programs may request prerequisites or professional experience.
Master’s vs other psychology degree levels
| Level | Typical Credits | 1yr Median Earnings | 5yr Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | 60 | $25,792 | $38,118 | $19,536 |
| Bachelor’s | 120 | $30,197 | $50,706 | $23,351 |
| Master’s | 36-60 | $52,225 | $63,350 | $45,846 |
| Doctoral | 60-120 | $72,533 | $97,361 | $100,774 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, latest academic year.
Compare degree options:
For a value and fit discussion, see: Is a Psychology Degree Worth It
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.