The 5 Best Online Master’s in Psychology
Updated June 30, 2021 | BestCollegeReviews.org Staff
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Master's in Psychology Online
Most careers in psychology require a minimum of a masters degree, so it's no surprise that online masters psychology programs are increasing in popularity. These programs provide students with a convenient way to earn the credentials they need while still holding down a full-time job or fulfilling other obligations. This ranking focuses on general psychology degrees, but still, offer students ways to customize their education of both content and course completion.
For more general information regarding online learning, visit our ranking of the top online colleges.
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Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition Points:
- Under $20,000—1 point
- Under $17,500—2 points
- Under $15,000—3 points
- Under $12,500—4 points
- Under $10,000—5 points
- Under $7,500—6 points
- Under $5,000—7 points
Customization Options
- Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, Accelerated, Degree Completion, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option
- Content Customizations (e.g. Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option (5-point cap)
Wow Factor
- 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
Our editors began the search for the top 55 online masters psychology programs with an initial pool of 33 programs that focused on general psychology (as opposed to specializations such as organizational/industrial psychology, educational psychology, sport psychology, etc.). We then filtered this initial pool to the programs offering online master's in psychology degrees for less than $25,000 per year. After applying the rating and ranking methodology above, we were able to present the following ranking. In cases of a tie, the more affordable school appears higher in the ranking.
Online Master of Applied Psychology
Website | Points: 10
Angelo State’s online master’s in psychology degree offering is a nationally recognized program that is available in both a completely online and hybrid format. Required courses for the program include Health Psychology, Professional Ethics in Psychology, Core Concepts in Psychological Science, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Theories of Personality. This online master’s in psychology option also features a Teaching of Psychology certification for those interested in teaching at the college level.
In-State Tuition: $3,856
Online Master of Science in Experimental Psychology
Website | Points: 9
The University of West Alabama offers an online master’s in psychology program with optional concentrations in Clinical Psychology and Health & Sports Psychology. The core curriculum for the program features courses such as Advanced Social Psychology, Theories of Developmental Psychology, and Research Methods and Evaluation. Students following the Clinical Psychology track will take classes like Systems of Psychotherapy and The Therapeutic Relationship while those in the Health and Sports track will take course titles like Psychology and Sociology of Human Performance and Exercise Physiology. UWA students can earn their online master’s in psychology degree in 1-2 years depending on their pace.
In-State Tuition: $6,678
Online Master of Science in Psychology
Website | Points: 9
The online master’s in psychology offering from Capella University is made available through the Harold Abel School of Psychology. The program features eight different concentrations, including Applied Behavior Analysis, Sports Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Child & Adolescent Development, and Educational Psychology. The curriculum for the program is comprised of course titles like Cognitive/Affective Psychology, Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology, Lifespan Development, and Learning Theories in Psychology. Both a flexible path and a more structured format are available to online master’s in psychology degree students.
In-State Tuition: $14,365
Online MS in Positive Psychology
Website | Points: 8
The unique online master’s in psychology program from Life University is a MS in Positive Psychology offering featuring three tracks: Coaching Psychology, Secular Ethics and Contemplative Science, and General Psychology. Courses required for the program include Workplace Coaching, The Evolution of Coaching, and Applied Positive Psychology Coaching. Both a capstone course and a comprehensive exam are required. Graduates of this online master’s in psychology degree program go on to work as successful personal coaches, workplace coaches, and performance consultants. It is important to note that quarterly residencies are required for this program.
In-State Tuition: $9,720
Online Master of Arts in Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis
Website | Points: 7
The online master’s in psychology program from McNeese State is a MA in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis that is approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). Courses comprising the required curriculum for the program include Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis, Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis, Ethics for Behavior Analysts, and Social and Cultural Diversity. This curriculum follows a prescribed sequence, and an internship is also required. No thesis is required for this online master’s in psychology degree program, however.
In-State Tuition: $5,703
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