Online Master’s Degree in Psychology: A Definitive Guide

Have your dreams of pursuing a career in psychology been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic? Not only has the onslaught of COVID-19 affected both employers and employees in several industries, but it’s also had a tremendous influence on education around the world. 

However, we here at CareerKarma are determined to assist you in your educational endeavours, no matter what! Regarding programs in psychology, below is a helpful guide which will definitely answer your questions regarding an online Master’s Degree in Psychology. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a Master’s Degree in Psychology, along with a license, is adequate in order to obtain most positions in this field. Furthermore, the job outlook is particularly promising when compared to other fields as the employment of psychologists is expected to grow 14 percent by 2028. The median annual wage for psychologists in May 2019 was $80,370, a relatively impressive number when compared to similar fields.

In this guide, we’ll answer your questions regarding psychology, master’s degrees and everything in between. 

Why Should I Earn a Master’s Degree in Psychology?

A Master’s Degree in Psychology is desirable because it offers a large variety of perks.

If you’re still unsure of what you want to do, but love reading and learning about the human brain and its workings, then a master’s in psychology may be for you.

Psychology primarily deals with the cognitive and emotional aspects of human behavior. Hence, it is a constantly growing field that yields a wealth of different opportunities from clinical psychology to educational psychology and various forms of applied psychology, such as sports psychology or forensic psychology. 

People in this field get to help others in their line of work, and also get to choose their own schedules and be their own bosses. Whether you’re a fan of solving complex problems and studying various psychology theories or helping create solutions for real-world issues, psychology can be a deeply rewarding field. 

A degree in psychology will allow you to learn more about yourself and the people around you. Moreover, learning to record, organize and analyze data is another important skill that can be utilized in a wide variety of careers. Such marketable skills are desired by employers in a wide array of job settings like advertising, social service and even politics. 

In fact, according to Graham Davey, only 15 to 20 percent of psychology majors go on to become professional psychologists or counselors. The rest choose to use their psychology skills in professions such as criminal justice, marketing, business, health services and several others.

Though pursuing a degree in psychology is indeed competitive, it is an enticing and lucrative field. Having the tools and knowledge required to obtain a Master’s Degree in Psychology is half the battle. Now, we’ll discuss why obtaining an online degree is so convenient when compared to the traditional college route.

Why Earn an Online Master’s Degree in Psychology?

Now that you’re tempted to embark on the path toward your psychology master’s, you may be wondering where to start. Today’s technology has permitted us to learn a wealth of knowledge with the touch of a few buttons. Earning an online degree has never been easier, and we’ll tell you below why earning your master’s degree through the online route is a much better option than the old-fashioned route. 

Flexibility

Perhaps the most popular feature of online classes is that they’re asynchronous. This means you can finish your courses as quickly or as slowly as you’d like. Whether you’re working a full-time job or taking care of your loved ones, the flexibility of online classes will surely make your learning more convenient.

Costs

A major issue regarding most college programs is how costly they are. If you partake in an online master’s program, then you’ll save a fortune; you won’t be paying pesky fees for boarding, meal plans or transportation.

Convenience

Not only will you be able to save money by earning your degree online, but you’ll also be able to do it from your home. Being able to choose your program based on its quality and affordability rather than its location is a big plus. This will allow you to continue your education whenever and wherever you’re comfortable, instead of sacrificing on your leisure or livelihood.

Best Online Schools for Master’s Degree in Psychology

Now that you’re ready to start your journey, you may be wondering which are the best schools for an online Master’s Degree in Psychology program. In order to help prepare prospective students in their search for the right program, we’ve compiled a list of the five best and most affordable online programs below.

Arizona State University

Tuition: $709/credit

Program Duration: 18 to 24 months

Credit Requirements: 36 credits

GPA: 3.0 minimum required

GRE: Recommended

Website: Master of Science in Psychology

Enrolling at Arizona State University enables graduate students to prepare for their careers in the comfort of their own homes. You can do so at an asynchronous pace (meaning you get to complete your learning on your own time). After completing its extensive core courses, students can further their learning via fun and informative electives related to affective science, behavior analysis and psychophysiology. Also, ASU generally recommends that its online applicants who wish to complete a capstone experience submit GRE scores.

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Tuition: $803/credit

Program Duration: 2 years

Credit Requirements: 36 credits

GPA: 2.75 minimum required

GRE: Required

Website: Master of Science in Psychology

Enrolling at ULM for a master’s in psychology is another good option. Not only can you receive a Master of Science in Psychology, you can also choose to enroll in the university’s forensic and psychometric concentrations. You can asynchronously complete your learning online if you choose to do the former, while psychometric coursework requires students to spend at least a year at the ULM campus. Furthermore, applicants must provide results from their GRE.

McNeese State University

Tuition: $1,398/credit

Program Duration: 2 years

Credit Requirements: 39 credits

GPA: 2.5 minimum required

GRE: 285 minimum score required

Website: Master of Arts in Psychology

The master’s program at McNeese is a popular option for many psychology students as it allows them to complete their coursework flexibly. The core courses of the 39-credit program can be completed by graduate students at their own pace. After this, you can choose to study applied behavior analysis, counseling psychology or experimental psychology. Applicants are required to take psychology and statistics courses during their undergraduate studies.

National Louis University

Tuition: $759/credit

Program Duration: 20-24 months

Credit Requirements: 36-42 months

GPA: 3.0 minimum required

GRE: not required

*Applicants are required to submit undergraduate transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a writing sample (or the Criterion Online Writing Assessment).

Website: Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

If you choose to pursue industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology, then the program at NLU may be for you. Online students can earn their degree in as little as 20 months since the master‘s program at NLU is both accelerated and asynchronous. Psychology courses here prepare students by honing various skills such as talent retention, organizational skills and work motivation. Students are also encouraged to partake in a capstone course that involves research and real-world business skills.

Harvard University

Tuition: $710/credit

Program Duration: 1-2 years

Credit Requirements: 48 credits

GPA: 3.0 minimum in the first three courses in order to continue studying

Website: Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies, Psychology

It’s no wonder that this prestigious university has made this list since Harvard University offers a hybrid master’s of liberal arts with a concentration in psychology. You can choose between a thesis and a capstone project in the program. Students must complete at least three of the 12 required courses at the university’s campus, though they can complete most of their coursework online at their own pace. 

What Career Paths Should I Consider After Earning My Degree?

As mentioned, a master’s in psychology will allow you to pursue a variety of careers. Psychology majors have strong career prospects since there is a high demand for people with a background in this discipline, meaning security and salaries associated with this field are often favorable. Below are just a few examples of certain careers that may interest you after you earn your Master’s Degree in Psychology.

• Clinical Psychologist

Salary Range: $50,000 to $85,000

Projected Job Growth: 15% (2018-2028)

*Doctorate degree and internship required in most states

• Psychiatrist

Salary Range: $153,000 to $228,000

Projected Job Growth: 16% (2018-2028)

*M.D. education required, along with 4 years of residency

• Psychometrician

Salary Range: $50,000 to $110,000

Projected Job Growth: 31% (2018-2028)

*Master’s degree

• Educational Psychologist

Salary Range: $66,000 to $108,000

Projected Job Growth: 15% (2018-2028)

*Doctoral degree and state licensure required

• I-O Psychologist

Salary Range: Up to $100,000

Projected Job Growth: 13% (2018-2028)

*State licensure required (doctoral degree required only for research and consultant positions)

• Marriage/Family Therapist

Salary Range: $40,000 to $100,000

Projected Job Growth: 23% (2016-2026)

*Master’s degree or higher required

• Forensic Psychologist

Salary Range: $45,000 to $75,000

Projected Job Growth: 14% (2016-2026)

*Master’s degree and licensure required (PhD recommended)

• School Counselor

Salary Range: $50,000 to $60,000

Projected Job Growth: 8% (2018-2028)

*Master’s degree and licensure required

• Substance Abuse Counselor

Salary Range: $25,000 to $40,000

Projected Job Growth: 22% (2018-2028)

*Master’s degree recommended, licensure required in some states

• Social Worker

Salary Range: $50,000 to $80,000

Projected Job Growth: 16% (2016-2026)

*Master’s degree 

As you can see, professionals in the field of psychology can expect above-average salaries and a positive job outlook. Even if you discontinue your studies after earning your master’s degree, you can still expect to earn a pretty penny in jobs such as social work or school counseling. However, choosing to continue your studies to earn a PhD will allow you to secure specialized and higher-paying jobs.

FAQ’s About Psychology Degrees

• Are there any professional psychological organizations I can visit?

1. Yes, there are! Organizations such as APA and Psi Chi can give you more information and support regarding academic, professional or even industry news.

• How can I choose a program that’s right for me?

1. If you’re still searching for the right program, then you should prioritize factors such as cost, transfer policies, accreditation, program length and requirements associated with your program. 

• How can I make sure a certain program is legitimately accredited?

1. You can use the US Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to verify that a school or program holds proper accreditation.

Conclusion

As you have read, a master’s in psychology can open a lot of doors for you. Though it doesn’t qualify you to work as a licensed psychologist, you can still pursue several professions with a master’s in psychology. Choosing to further your education means more opportunities will arise, and a master’s degree is only a few steps behind a doctorate or state license. 

Hopefully, this guide has proved helpful and effective in answering your questions and piquing your interest in psychology. All you need now is a laptop, a strong Wi-Fi connection and you’ll be on your way. Happy learning!