Top Online Master’s Degrees in Psychology of 2023

• A Master's in psychology can qualify you for clinical roles with better pay.
• The demand for mental health workers is high and climbing.
• A graduate degree in psychology can prepare you to work with the demographics you are most passionate about.
• An online master's in psychology can also equip you with widely marketable skills.

Today, demand for mental health practitioners far exceeds supply. According to the 2022 State of Mental Health in America report, well over half of people with mental health conditions do not receive treatment.

That's nearly 30 million adults. And on top of that, over 60% of kids with major depression are navigating it alone.

Which is probably why you're here — you want to help.

If you think an online master's in psychology might be the best way to address widespread mental health conditions, here's what to do next:

• Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
• Check out the top-ranked online master's in psychology programs and our sponsored programs.
• Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for your schedule, pocketbook, and career goals.

Why Should I Get a Master's in Psychology Degree?

Students with a bachelor's degree in psychology know that more education equals more job opportunities within the field. If you want to make a bigger impact and earn more money, pursuing a master's degree in psychology is a smart next move.

Even outside the mental health field, the extensive knowledge of human motivations and behaviors you develop during your master's in psychology program can make you an attractive candidate for many jobs.

What Are the Different Types of Psychology Concentrations?

Many master's programs in psychology offer niche specializations, which can give you the skills you need to work in a particular field of psychology, including clinical psychology, forensic psychology, and educational psychology.

For example, if you want to provide direct mental health services, you might consider pursuing a clinical psychology specialization. If you're interested in corporate or organizational behavior, you may consider enrolling in organizational psychology programs.

How Much Does a Master's in Psychology Degree Cost?

How Much Does Online College Cost?

What Are the Best Online Master's in Psychology Programs of 2023?

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master's Degree in Psychology?

A full-time student can complete an online master's degree in psychology in two years. Part-time students who are also juggling jobs or families may take 3-4 years. Most master's programs in psychology also require internships.

How Much Money Can I Make With a Master's in Psychology Degree?

A master's in psychology qualifies you to work in many positions that offer above-average pay. The median salary for those with a master's in psychology was approximately $60,000 in 2019, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

In 2021, marriage and family therapists earned a median annual salary of $49,880, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while those employed by state government organizations earned $77,960.

The same year, school counselors earned a median annual salary of $60,510, while those employed by elementary and secondary schools earned $63,460. Meanwhile, the median annual wage for industrial-organizational psychologists was $105,310.

Salary varies by industry, occupation, and location. Some of the top-paying states for psychologists include Oregon, California, Maryland, and New York.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Master's in Psychology Degree?

You can do a lot with a master's degree in psychology. You can work in clinical roles like school counselor, marriage and family therapist, and mental health counselor. You can also become an addiction counselor.

Depending on your interests, you can apply your psychology background to leadership roles like human resources manager, organizational psychologist, or social service manager. You can also contribute to scholarly research as a research assistant.

Many psychology careers require professionals to hold at least a master's degree. Some popular psychology career paths include:

Common Career Paths

Is a Master's in Psychology Degree Worth it?

It's safe to say that a master's degree in psychology pays off for most grads. The APA has found that earning a graduate degree in psychology is likely to increase rates of job satisfaction and chances of finding employment in the field.

That may be why, according to APA data, 73% of people with master's degrees go directly into a career without pursuing a doctorate.

"Having a master's degree opens up the number of positions you qualify for, especially positions involving more direct contact with clients," said Tucci, who spent most of her career as a psychotherapist.

That's not to say getting a master's in psychology is worth it for everyone – it takes a special kind of person to thrive in this field.

"As a clinical supervisor, I have found people who have difficulty with boundaries and burnout struggle in this field, because of the emotional impact client work can have. Also, Individuals who prefer a more structured and predictable work [environment] may find this field challenging," said Tucci.

Everything Else You Need to Know About Master's in Psychology Degrees

What's the difference between a master of arts (MA) and a master of science (MS) in psychology?

When looking at programs, you should take note of whether an MA or MS degree better suits your career goals.

An MA is a great fit if you're interested in providing direct services to clients such as counseling services. An MS, on the other hand, helps prepare you for a future in education and research.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in psychology?

Want to rake in the big bucks? Here are three high-paying careers you can pursue with your master's in psychology:

1. Industrial-organizational psychologists working for local governments earned an annual mean wage of $160,180 in 2021, according to the BLS.
2. Engineering psychologists in business settings earn over six figures a year, according to the APA.
3. Clinical Psychologists have a median annual base salary of $84,000 (not including bonuses or profit sharing), according to Payscale – with the top 10% of clinical psychologists earning base salaries of over $120k a year.

Can I be a licensed psychologist with a master's degree?

Typically, no: A master's degree does not qualify you for full licensure as a psychologist. In some states, a master's degree may be sufficient to work as an industrial or organizational psychologist, though many come to that position through their doctoral research.

To become a licensed psychologist, you almost always need:

• A doctoral degree from an accredited or regionally recognized institution
• Passing scores on state and national examinations
• A post-doctoral supervised practice requirement

But there are some exceptions in Kansas, Michigan, Vermont, and West Virginia. It's a good idea to check out the practice and licensure requirements in your state to find out what your options are wherever you hope to live and work.

Can I be a school psychologist with a master's degree?

Most states require school psychologists to hold a doctorate. However, there are some exceptions. In the following states, a master's degree is the minimum education required to work as a school psychologist:

• Ohio
• Texas
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Within the wider mental health field, you can also qualify to become a licensed counselor or social worker with a master's degree in psychology (though you may need additional supplemental education first).

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