Best Online Master's in Psychology Programs
We ranked the top online psychology masters programs for 2026 by academic rigor, accreditation, career outcomes, affordability, and flexibility — so you can find the best online masters in psychology for your goals, your budget, and your schedule.
Taylor Rupe
B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle
Key Takeaways
- The best online masters in psychology programs take 1.5 to 3 years and range from roughly $15,000 to $65,000 in total tuition — making affordability a realistic possibility if you choose wisely.
- Regional accreditation is non-negotiable. Beyond that, MPCAC accreditation serves as a gold-standard quality marker specifically for master's-level psychology programs.
- An online masters degree in psychology qualifies you for school psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and certain counseling positions — but independent clinical practice still requires a doctorate in most states.
- The BLS projects 6% job growth for psychologists through 2034, with especially strong demand in healthcare, K-12 schools, and corporate settings.
- Several top online psychology masters programs now waive the GRE requirement — good news if you're looking for the best online masters in psychology no GRE.
If you're searching for the best online masters in psychology, you already know the appeal: a graduate credential that opens doors to careers in mental health, research, education, and organizational consulting — earned on your schedule, from wherever you live. The best online psychology graduate programs deliver the same rigorous training you'd get on campus, minus the commute and relocation. Whether you're aiming for licensure as a clinical psychologist (which ultimately requires a doctorate) or pursuing a terminal master's degree for roles in counseling, school psychology, or I-O psychology, the right program can change your career trajectory without putting the rest of your life on hold.
We reviewed dozens of top online psychology masters programs using publicly available data from the NCES College Navigator, institutional outcome reports, and accreditation records from MPCAC and regional accrediting bodies. The six programs below represent the best online masters in psychology for 2026, each earning high composite scores for academic quality, faculty credentials, student outcomes, affordability, and flexibility. Several also stand out as the most affordable online psychology masters options or as the best online psychology masters for working adults who need asynchronous scheduling.
Our Ranking Methodology
Finding the best online masters in psychology means looking beyond marketing brochures. Our methodology scores every program using five weighted factors drawn from publicly available data at NCES, institutional outcome reports, and accreditation records. To qualify, a program must hold regional accreditation and deliver a fully online (or primarily online) master's degree in psychology or a closely related specialization. We also give extra weight to programs that serve working adults well — because the best online psychology masters for working adults should actually be designed around their lives.
- Academic quality and accreditation (30%) — MPCAC-accredited or NASP-approved programs score highest; regional accreditation is the minimum bar for inclusion in our best online psychology graduate programs list.
- Faculty credentials and student support (25%) — We evaluate faculty-to-student ratios, percentage of faculty holding terminal degrees, and how accessible advising and mentorship actually are for online learners.
- Student outcomes (20%) — Graduation rates, post-graduation employment rates, and licensure/certification pass rates where reported. Strong outcomes separate the best online masters in psychology from the rest.
- Affordability and financial aid (15%) — Total program cost, per-credit rates, scholarship availability, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement partnerships. This is where we identify the most affordable online psychology masters options.
- Flexibility and accessibility (10%) — Asynchronous course availability, part-time enrollment, number of start dates per year, and transfer credit policies. The cheapest online masters in psychology means nothing if the schedule doesn't work for your life.
Quick Comparison
| # | School | Tuition | Length | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California (USC) | $1,800–$2,100/credit | 1.5–2 years | 100% asynchronous online — optional on-campus immersions in Los Angeles |
| 2 | Pepperdine University | $1,600–$1,850/credit | 18–24 months | Primarily online with optional in-person weekend intensives in West LA |
| 3 | Arizona State University | $575–$700/credit | 2 years | Fully asynchronous online with six annual start dates |
| 4 | University of North Dakota | $460–$575/credit | 2–3 years | Online coursework with supervised field-based practicum in your community |
| 5 | Touro University Worldwide | $500–$650/credit | 1.5–2 years | Fully online with rolling monthly enrollment — no campus visits ever |
| 6 | Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) | $627/credit | 15 months–2 years | Fully online and asynchronous — new terms begin every 8 weeks |
Ranked Programs
University of Southern California (USC)
Los Angeles, CA
Tuition
$1,800–$2,100/credit
Length
1.5–2 years
Format
100% asynchronous online — optional on-campus immersions in Los Angeles
Acceptance
16%
Accreditation
WSCUC Regionally Accredited
Retention
96%
Why We Chose This
- Applied psychology curriculum covering consumer, organizational, and behavioral science — a standout among top online psychology masters programs
- Fully asynchronous coursework so working professionals never miss a deadline because of a meeting
- Access to USC's alumni network of 400,000+ graduates, which consistently opens doors in competitive industries
- Optional immersions in Los Angeles let you build face-to-face relationships with faculty and peers without requiring campus attendance
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA
Tuition
$1,600–$1,850/credit
Length
18–24 months
Format
Primarily online with optional in-person weekend intensives in West LA
Acceptance
42%
Accreditation
WSCUC Regionally Accredited
Retention
91%
Why We Chose This
- Clinical psychology foundation that's ideal as a stepping stone to PhD or PsyD programs
- Faculty from Pepperdine's nationally recognized counseling and clinical training programs teach the online courses
- Weekend intensives offer experiential learning for students who want some in-person connection
- 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio — smaller than many on-campus programs
- Dedicated doctoral advising services help graduates navigate the next stage of their academic careers
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Tuition
$575–$700/credit
Length
2 years
Format
Fully asynchronous online with six annual start dates
Acceptance
88%
Accreditation
HLC Regionally Accredited
Retention
87%
Why We Chose This
- One of the cheapest online masters in psychology from a top-100 research university — total cost often under $25,000
- Six start dates per year let you begin when you're ready, not when the calendar says so
- Heavy emphasis on research methods and statistics — strong preparation for doctoral admissions
- No GRE requirement, making this a top pick for the best online masters in psychology no GRE
- Faculty mentorship and access to ASU's extensive research infrastructure, even for online students
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND
Tuition
$460–$575/credit
Length
2–3 years
Format
Online coursework with supervised field-based practicum in your community
Acceptance
82%
Accreditation
HLC Regionally Accredited
Retention
83%
Why We Chose This
- Forensic psychology specialization — one of the few accredited online programs focused specifically on psychology within the legal and criminal justice system
- Among the lowest per-credit tuition rates on our list, making it one of the cheapest online masters in psychology at a public university
- Field-based practicum placements arranged locally so you can gain hands-on experience without relocating
- Coursework covers criminal behavior analysis, psychological assessment for legal proceedings, and victim advocacy
- Over two decades of distance education experience means the online infrastructure is mature and reliable
Touro University Worldwide
Los Alamitos, CA (Online)
Tuition
$500–$650/credit
Length
1.5–2 years
Format
Fully online with rolling monthly enrollment — no campus visits ever
Acceptance
74%
Accreditation
WSCUC Regionally Accredited
Retention
78%
Why We Chose This
- Monthly start dates and eight-week terms — begin your online masters degree in psychology whenever your schedule allows
- Concentrations in forensic, media, and health psychology let you tailor the degree to your career goals
- Zero on-campus requirements — entirely remote from application to graduation
- Flat-rate tuition regardless of where you live eliminates out-of-state cost surprises
- Capstone project option available instead of a traditional thesis, ideal for practice-oriented students
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Manchester, NH (Online)
Tuition
$627/credit
Length
15 months–2 years
Format
Fully online and asynchronous — new terms begin every 8 weeks
Acceptance
93%
Accreditation
NECHE Regionally Accredited
Retention
72%
Why We Chose This
- One of the most affordable online psychology masters programs in the country — predictable flat-rate tuition with no hidden fees
- No GRE and no application fee — just submit transcripts and a personal statement to get started
- Rolling admissions with new eight-week terms launching regularly, so you never wait long to begin
- 24/7 online tutoring and a dedicated academic advisor assigned to every student
- APA-aligned curriculum provides a solid foundation whether you enter the workforce or continue to doctoral study
How to Choose the Right Program
Picking the right program from a list of the best online masters in psychology is less about prestige and more about fit. What matters is whether the program aligns with where you want to end up professionally — and whether it works with the life you're living right now. Start by asking yourself a few honest questions: Do you need this degree to launch a new career, or to advance in your current one? Are you planning to stop at the master's level, or is a doctoral program next? The Council of Applied Master's Programs in Psychology (CAMPP) recommends evaluating programs based on faculty expertise, practicum opportunities, and alignment with your intended career path — and we agree completely.
- Verify regional accreditation first — every program in our ranking holds it, but if you're considering others, this is the baseline for financial aid, credit transfer, and employer recognition.
- Match the specialization to your career goal — NASP-approved programs for school psychology, I-O tracks for corporate roles, forensic concentrations for criminal justice settings, and clinically oriented curricula if you plan to continue to a doctorate.
- Calculate total cost, not just per-credit tuition — factor in technology fees, practicum expenses, and textbooks. Then check for scholarships and employer tuition reimbursement. The most affordable online psychology masters isn't always the one with the lowest sticker price.
- Assess real flexibility — "online" can mean synchronous video lectures at set times or fully asynchronous modules you complete at 2 a.m. Know which one the program offers, how many start dates exist per year, and whether part-time enrollment is genuinely supported.
- Investigate career placement support — the best online psychology graduate programs provide alumni networks, practicum coordination, and career services that connect graduates to actual employers, not just a job board link.
Application Guide
Applying to an online masters degree in psychology is generally simpler than doctoral admissions, but thoughtful preparation still makes a difference — especially at more selective schools. Many of the best online masters in psychology programs have streamlined their processes to attract working adults: no GRE, rolling deadlines, and quick turnaround on admissions decisions. The APA's guide to graduate study is a useful resource for understanding what programs expect.
- 1 Shortlist 3 to 5 programs based on specialization, total cost, format, and career outcomes — use our ranking of top online psychology masters programs alongside the NCES College Navigator for side-by-side comparison.
- 2 Check prerequisite requirements early — most programs expect undergraduate coursework in introductory psychology, statistics, and research methods. Some accept non-psych majors with bridge courses, which can add a semester to your timeline.
- 3 Write a personal statement that goes beyond "I've always been interested in psychology." Explain specific career goals, relevant work or volunteer experience, and why that particular program — not just any program — fits your plan.
- 4 Line up two to three recommendation letters from professors, supervisors, or mentors who can speak concretely to your readiness for graduate-level work. Generic letters hurt more than they help.
- 5 Submit everything before the deadline — transcripts, resume, statement, and any supplemental materials. For programs with rolling admissions, earlier applications often get faster financial aid decisions.
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Sources
- American Psychological Association — Graduate Study in Psychology
- NCES College Navigator — U.S. Department of Education
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook for Psychologists
- National Association of School Psychologists — Graduate Preparation
- Council of Applied Master's Programs in Psychology (CAMPP)
- Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)
Frequently Asked Questions
For most people, yes — an online masters in psychology is worth it if you choose an accredited program aligned with your career goals. According to the BLS, psychologists earn a median salary of $94,310 per year, and a master's degree is the minimum credential for many applied positions in school psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, human services, and behavioral health. The best online masters in psychology programs deliver the same curriculum as on-campus options but with far more flexibility for working adults. The key is choosing a regionally accredited program (ideally with MPCAC accreditation) and picking a specialization that leads directly to the roles you want.
An online masters degree in psychology opens the door to careers in school psychology, industrial-organizational consulting, behavioral health coordination, forensic psychology, research management, human resources, and academic advising. Some graduates use the degree as preparation for doctoral programs in clinical or counseling psychology. The specific roles available to you depend heavily on your specialization and whether your program includes supervised practicum experience. I-O psychology master's holders, for example, often move into corporate consulting and talent management, while forensic psychology graduates may work in corrections, victim advocacy, or legal consultation.
Total tuition for an online masters degree in psychology typically ranges from about $15,000 to $65,000, depending on the school. Public universities like Arizona State University and the University of North Dakota offer the most affordable per-credit rates — often under $700 per credit — while private institutions like USC and Pepperdine charge more but may provide more specialized programming and smaller cohorts. If you're looking for the most affordable online psychology masters, focus on public universities with flat-rate or in-state tuition for all online learners. Don't forget to factor in fees, textbooks, and any practicum-related travel costs.
In most states, independent licensure as a psychologist requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD). However, a master's in psychology can qualify you for other credentials: licensed school psychologist, licensed psychological associate, or licensed master's-level practitioner, depending on the state. The rules vary significantly — some states allow master's-level clinicians to practice under supervision, while others restrict the "psychologist" title entirely to doctoral graduates. Always check your state licensing board's specific requirements before enrolling in any of the top online psychology masters programs.
Several of the best online masters in psychology no GRE options appear right on our list. Arizona State University and Southern New Hampshire University both waive the GRE entirely, and Touro University Worldwide does not require standardized test scores either. The trend toward GRE-optional admissions has accelerated in recent years, with many programs finding that undergraduate GPA, work experience, and personal statements are better predictors of graduate success. If you're looking for an accessible entry point into a top online psychology masters program, these no-GRE options remove a significant barrier without sacrificing quality.
Most top online psychology masters programs take between 1.5 and 3 years to complete. Accelerated full-time tracks (like SNHU's) can be finished in as little as 15 months, while part-time students balancing work and family typically finish in 2.5 to 3 years. Programs that include practicum or field experience requirements — common in school psychology and forensic psychology tracks — may take longer because placement hours run on their own timeline. The best online psychology masters for working adults usually offer flexible pacing so you can speed up or slow down as your life demands.
Yes — as long as the program holds regional accreditation, employers generally treat online and on-campus master's degrees the same way. Most diplomas from accredited universities do not specify the delivery format, and hiring managers in psychology-related fields care far more about accreditation status, practicum experience, and relevant skills than whether you attended lectures in person or online. The best online psychology graduate programs on our list all hold regional accreditation from recognized bodies, and several carry additional MPCAC or NASP approval. What matters most is choosing a regionally accredited program from a reputable institution — not whether the classroom had walls.