Earning your master’s degree in psychology can open doors to a variety of careers in the behavioral sciences field, such as non-licensed counselor, licensed psychologist, or clinical psychologist. With an accelerated online master’s degree, you could begin earning an average salary of $92,740 in less time than you might think.
At the same time, a one-year online psychology master’s program could help prepare you for the next step: a doctoral program. While accelerated master’s programs in psychology require rigorous and focused study, you’ll still find some flexibility in one of these programs compared to what you might find in an in-person program.
This guide can help answer your questions about the quality of an online master’s in psychology degree program, tuition costs, and the structure of online classes. We’ve also compiled a list of the top schools that offer an accelerated master’s in psychology online based on affordability, quality, and student opportunities it provides.
Top 1-year Master’s in Psychology Online Programs for 2024
Pursuing a master’s degree is a monumental decision that requires commitment and monetary resources. That’s why researching is crucial to finding the right school and program for your needs.
Explore our list of five accredited schools from across the country that offer quality online one-year psychology master’s programs. These schools offer flexible and affordable programs to help you advance your career.
Ball State University
At Ball State University, you can earn a master’s degree in educational psychology entirely online within 18 months. The Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Psychology is meant for those who already work in a learning and human development field. No GRE is required, and the program offers four specializations:
- Gifted and Talented
- Human Development
- Institutional Research
- Applied Behavior Analysis
You can also choose 12 elective credits based on your interests. According to the school’s website, Ball State University offers “more customization than most other … programs.” All coursework is taught asynchronously, allowing you to complete lessons after work or on the weekends. Additionally, you can meet with faculty members online via Zoom, WebEx, Microsoft Teams, and over the phone. Ball State University charges $451 per credit and offers a reduced tuition rate for federal government employees.
Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University’s online MA in Psychology program can help you gain a broader understanding of human behavior and prepare for the fundamental principles you’ll need to work in the psychology field. You’ll learn to explore mental and emotional disorders, conduct research, and evaluate methods. You’ll also have the chance to customize your study plan to fit your interests. The curriculum includes five foundation courses, nine core courses, and two electives. That includes courses such as:
- Industrial Organizational Psychology
- Interpersonal Skills and Group Therapy
- Trauma In Diverse Populations
- Theories Of Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Research And Evaluation Methods for Mental Health Professionals
The program can take 36 to 48 credits or 18 to 24 months to complete, depending on the number of courses you take and the number of transfer credits you receive. It doesn’t take much to apply. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree but won’t need to submit GRE scores. Application fee waivers are available for those who meet the priority deadline.
Liberty University Online
Liberty University offers an online master’s degree in applied psychology that requires 36 credit hours to complete, which is about a year and a half of full-time study. The program is designed for students interested in applying psychological theories to practice in specific settings, such as schools, corporations, and clinical environments. It helps students learn to incorporate these theories.
You can also specialize in five areas: general psychology, developmental psychology, industrial or organizational psychology, and public mental health. The school offers students a faith-based education that combines psychological understanding with a biblical worldview and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). According to the school’s website, Liberty University’s tuition costs have remained unchanged for eight years, making it one of the lowest-priced online universities. Tuition is $390 for full-time undergraduates, and $565 per credit hour is charged for full-time graduate students.
Arizona State University
The online Master of Science (MS) in Psychology program at Arizona State University can help you gain knowledge in basic research methodology and statistics, problem-solving, psychological theory, and written communication — all of which you’ll need in a psychology profession.
This 36-credit-hour program is geared toward individuals who already work or want to work in mental health, nonprofit, marketing, or research. Keep in mind that this program does not train students for careers as counselors or clinical psychologists. Applicants to the psychology program must fulfill certain requirements before applying, including:
- Holding a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited school.
- Showing you majored or minored in a relevant subject such as anthropology, psychology, political science, or sociology.
- Completing one prerequisite course related to statistics or research methods.
- And completing lower or upper-division psychology coursework.
Although GRE scores are not required, it’s recommended that you submit them along with your application.
Mercy University
The MS in Psychology program at Mercy University focuses on theory, research, and field experiences. The 36-credit-hour program can be completed in two years. Courses are offered in various formats, such as in-person, synchronous, asynchronous, and blended. The program offers an opportunity to participate in a year-long research program, which involves designing a research study, recruiting others to collect and analyze data, and writing a final report. Students are also required to complete a practicum at the end of the program.
Mercy University also offers the Four-Plus-One Program, which allows undergraduate students to take up to 12 graduate credits during their senior year. Students can then earn their master’s degree in a single year of full-time enrollment. The university touts having one of the lowest private tuition rates in New York, with annual tuition costs of $22,106 for a full-time education. However, that doesn’t include additional fees or room and board.
How Fast Can I Get a Master’s in Psychology in an Accelerated Program?
The time it takes to complete a master’s in psychology program depends on the type of degree you’re pursuing. Programs that prepare you for licensure as a mental health counselor may take more than a year to complete. Other programs that focus on research may take as few as 12 months.
Many schools offer accelerated programs, allowing undergraduate students to complete graduate-level courses in their senior year. Once enrolled in a graduate program, students could earn their master’s degree within a year of full-time study.
For example, the University of Vermont offers an accelerated master’s program in psychology that only takes an additional year after graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Students apply to the accelerated program in their junior year and are accepted before their senior year.
Positives and Negative Aspects of One-year Psychology Master’s Online Programs
As with most things in life, there are pros and cons to enrolling in a 1-year master’s in psychology degree program online. An online degree program, particularly if it’s an accelerated program, is rigorous and time-consuming. Most require students to enroll full time, leaving you less time for other things.
However, it also means earning your degree sooner. Here’s a closer look at the significant advantages of earning your master’s degree in psychology online.
Financial Costs of Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs
Before applying to an accelerated master’s in psychology online program, you’ll want to have a solid plan to pay for tuition. Although most accelerated programs take about a year to complete, you may need additional courses if you don’t already hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. That includes completing prerequisite courses or taking additional classes after you’ve been admitted to a program.
The first step to creating a solid financial aid plan is filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which could open doors to federal grants and student loans. You should also consider applying to private scholarships and those offered by your school.
If you’re already working in the field, consider looking into whether your employer offers tuition assistance. Fellowships and work-study programs could also offer some financial relief while providing some work experience. You can start by searching your school’s website and contacting a financial advisor. Local organizations may also offer scholarship opportunities to students within your community.
| School | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | $637 | $22,932 | |
| 30 | $856 | $25,680 | |
| 30 | $612 | $18,360 |
Frequently Asked Questions About One-Year Master’s in Psychology
How Do 1-year Master’s Psychology Classes Differ from Traditional Programs?
One-year psychology master’s programs online are designed for full-time students who have already completed certain prerequisite classes related to psychology. Students won’t need to enroll in additional courses. These programs are generally more strenuous and packed with courses that must be completed within a shorter timeframe.
For example, Boston University offers a rigorous eight-course master’s degree program that can be completed in one year. Students specialize in clinical psychology, developmental psychology, and brain behavior and cognition.
Traditional programs can take longer to complete, usually within a minimum of two years. Students enrolled in traditional master’s in psychology programs can enroll full or part time. Additionally, classes are more spread out throughout each semester.
What Are the Admissions Requirements for an Accelerated Online Psychology Master’s Degree?
Generally, most master’s degree programs will require you to hold a bachelor’s degree and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Some programs may even require a criminal background check before you start your classes. Here’s a look at a few other standard requirements:
- Transcript
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores (although some programs don’t require it).
Before you apply to an online accelerated master’s in psychology program, be sure you have everything you need already in hand. Submitting an incomplete application could be detrimental and ruin your chances for acceptance. You can check our comprehensive list of top-rated online master’s degree programs in psychology for more information.
Can I Earn a 1-year Psychology Master’s 100% Online, or Do On-Campus Requirements Needed?
Many schools offer 1-year master’s in psychology degree programs that can be completed entirely online. Some programs may require you to complete an internship, but none of the classwork requires in-person campus visits.
Some synchronous courses may require you to log in remotely at certain times, but not all courses are like that. Generally, you can listen to lectures through video recordings and read assigned texts online.
However, if you want that traditional on-campus experience, then you may want to consider applying to a hybrid program. These types of master’s in psychology programs combine online classes with in-person lectures. Based in New Jersey, it offers a hybrid program requiring students to attend in-person classes once a week.
Do Online Accelerated Psychology Programs Offer the Same Specializations as Traditional Programs?
Online accelerated psychology programs offer the same specializations as traditional programs. Online degree programs mimic the same curriculum and degree requirements as on-campus programs. The only difference is how the courses are delivered.
Additionally, most online classes are taught by the same faculty who teach courses on campus. Online programs are designed to provide students with the same quality of education and training as traditional programs but in a shorter time frame.
Each master’s in psychology program is different, and they all offer various specializations. Some of those specializations may include clinical psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, addiction psychology, industrial or organizational psychology, and biopsychology, among many others.
Are Online Psychology Master’s Programs Accredited?
Generally, accreditation ensures you receive a quality education from a credible school or program. There are two types of accreditations: regional and programmatic accreditation.
Regional accreditation means the school has met specific standards set by an accrediting body. Programmatic accreditation provides extra assurance that you receive a high-quality education in that field. Before you apply to a university or college, make sure it’s accredited by one of these organizations:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
You can also check if the school’s psychology programs are certified by one of these accrediting bodies:
- American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)
The American Psychological Association (APA) is another accrediting body. It currently only accredits doctoral-level programs; however, it is working toward accrediting master’s level programs sometime in 2024.
Most employers look for candidates who’ve earned a degree from an accredited school or program and often list it as a requirement. Additionally, earning a degree from an accredited program facilitates licensure eligibility in certain states.
If you’re not looking to earn a clinical psychology license, consider finding programs accredited schools offer. This will ensure you’re still receiving a quality education.