The need for professionally educated psychologists is higher than ever, with 47% of US citizens living in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals. With a projected growth rate of 6% through 2032 and a median pay of $92,740, the career outlook for psychologists is bright, as well.
If you’re considering entering this promising field or looking to propel your current psychology career, graduating from a soon-to-be APA-accredited online master’s in psychology is the perfect place to start. Recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the American Psychological Association (APA) has traditionally only accredited doctoral programs. However, the APA is expanding its accreditation program to begin offering accredited online master’s degrees in psychology.
Common Questions About APA-Accredited Online Psychology Programs
It’s natural to have questions when you’re considering a graduate program and figuring out which accredited online master’s degree in psychology to choose. We’ve gathered the most common questions about APA-accredited psychology master’s programs to help you get the answers you need.
What is APA accreditation?
APA accreditation of psychology master’s degree programs will involve a rigorous evaluation process where programs must meet high educational standards set by the APA Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA). Schools will undergo thorough reviews to ensure their curriculum, faculty, and training opportunities prepare students for successful careers in psychology. Accreditation typically lasts for several years, with periodic re-evaluation required to maintain standards. The APA is the only psychology accreditor recognized by both USDE and CHEA.
Why is attending an accredited psychology program important?
Attending an APA-accredited online master’s psychology program ensures you receive a quality education that meets professional standards. Accredited programs enhance your credibility and employability, offering a competitive edge in the job market. Accreditation is often required for licensure, and licensure is a required step to become a practicing psychologist in all states. Students who are looking to continue their education in a doctoral program — and therefore hoping to transfer credits — will also want to ensure their schools meet accreditation standards. Graduate degrees from a recognized accrediting body are more likely to be accepted by other university programs.
How long will it take to earn my psychology master’s online?
The duration of a master’s in psychology from an online APA-accredited program varies based on the program’s structure and your own study pace. Full-time programs typically take about two years, while part-time study can increase the time to completion to three or four years. For students looking to advance their career options and complete their graduate degree faster, accelerated programs are available that can be completed in as little as one year.
Do I need to pass the GRE to apply to an accredited psychology program?
While most graduate programs used to require a GRE score for admissions, there are many reputable psychology programs that have dropped that requirement. If you’ve already taken the GRE, a high score may help you in being admitted to a program (even one that does not require it); however, if you have not and don’t intend to, or would like to avoid it, you have plenty of graduate psychology programs with no GRE requirement to choose from.
How do I become licensed once I earn my accredited psychology degree?
Generally, after earning your master’s in psychology online from an APA-accredited graduate program, you’ll need to complete a substantial number of supervised practice hours — usually in person — in the field of your specialty. You will also need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Licensure requirements vary depending on your field of specialization and the state you plan to practice in, so it’s best to verify your chosen state’s specific licensure requirements.
Spotlight: Online, APA-Accredited Psych Master’s Programs
While the APA accreditation process for psychology master’s programs is in its final phases of implementation, a number of programs are currently under review for full accreditation. We’ve taken a deeper look into some of the most promising accredited online master’s degrees in psychology, which are expected to receive their formal accreditation from the APA very soon.
Capella University
Capella University offers an online MS in Psychology with multiple specializations, including General Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, Educational Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Sport Psychology. The program is designed for maximum flexibility with two online learning formats: GuidedPath and FlexPath. This allows students to choose between a structured schedule or a self-paced approach.
Capella’s curriculum emphasizes theoretical foundations and real-world application, preparing students for various professional roles. The program is ideal for those seeking to enhance their psychological expertise and apply it in diverse settings such as business, education, and mental health services. Admissions requirements vary depending on your chosen specialization.
- Credits: 36 – 48
- Length: 15 – 24 months
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), APA (Pending)
University of Jamestown
Currently, the University of Jamestown has applied for APA accreditation for a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Psychology program. The closest degree the school currently offers is its MS in Clinical Counseling, which is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to become effective, resilient counselors.
The program’s online delivery is tailored for working professionals, requiring only a one-week, in-person residency on the Jamestown campus during the first summer. Students will learn from experienced educators and practitioners, focusing on diagnosis, treatment, referral, and prevention. The program includes 24/7 access to online classrooms and offers individualized attention and advising.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, this program prefers you to have completed 18 psychology credits, though it is not required, and will ask you to complete an admissions interview.
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid (mostly online, with a 1-week residency)
- Current Program Accreditation: HLC
- Pending APA Accreditation: MS in Clinical Psychology
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota also has a new program pending APA accreditation — a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology. To help you understand how that program may be formatted, we’re highlighting the school’s closest offering: its online MA in Forensic Psychology program, which is designed to prepare students for psychology-related careers in the criminal justice and legal systems. The program is offered on a part-time schedule and is therefore ideal for working professionals.
UND’s forensic psychology graduate program does not have a GRE requirement, but you will be required to hold a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral or social science field. Additionally, you must have a cumulative a 3.5 GPA to qualify for the graduate program.
One unique feature: The school offers 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies focused on applicable topics like workforce skills and job search strategies.
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: 100% online
- Current Program Accreditation: HLC
- Pending APA Accreditation: MA in Counseling Psychology
Costs and Financial Aid for APA-Accredited Online Psychology Programs
Understanding the financial commitments of earning an APA-accredited psychology degree is crucial. Before enrolling, it’s important to have a clear plan for funding your education. Financial aid options include scholarships, fellowships, work-study programs, and employer tuition assistance. Psychology graduate students will find a number of psychology-specific scholarships and resources available. Exploring these opportunities can significantly reduce the burden of tuition costs.
How Much Your Accredited Psychology Degree Might Cost
| School | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | $450 – $830 | $21,600 – $39,840 | |
| 60 | $680 | $40,800 | |
| 30 | $588.65 | $17,659.50 |
Common Fields of Study in Accredited Psych Programs
Clinical Psychology
Students looking to tailor their graduate program toward a specialization in clinical psychology will learn about diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. This is a patient-focused field that requires a lot of empathy, with career outcomes that include licensed positions like mental health counselor or clinical psychologist.
Counseling Psychology
Like clinical psychology, counseling psychology is a high-empathy, patient-focused field. But where clinical focuses on diagnostics, counseling psychology incorporates social and community factors and focuses more on patient outcomes. Specialists in counseling psychology often become marriage and family therapists or school counselors.
Educational Psychology
Educational psychology studies how people learn and retain information. This specialization shines a spotlight on the social, emotional, and cognitive aspects of learning and teaching — offering ideas and resources for students, teachers, employees, and employers. Educational psychologists might go into educational administration or become an industrial-organizational psychologist in a corporate environment.
Forensic Psychology
One of the better known specializations due to its popularity on television, forensic psychology applies psychological principles to investigations, research, and assessments in the legal system. There are opportunities in this field to work with victims of crime as a victimologist, assist law enforcement in apprehending criminals as a criminal profiler or cybercrime specialist, or rehabilitate the incarcerated as a prison psychologist.
Health Psychology
Health psychology explores the intersection of mental/behavioral and physical health, identifying psychological motivations and methods to help people overcome addiction, embrace healthier habits, and prevent illness through ongoing lifestyle adjustments. Graduate students who enroll in a health psychology program are positioned to explore careers as a wellness coach, pain management specialist, or weight management counselor.
Neuropsychology
In a neuropsychology graduate specialty, master’s students will explore the relationship between brain function and behavior. Neuropsychologists assess nervous system function by observing behavior and cognition, identifying abnormal behaviors. The clinical side of this field is heavily involved with treating and helping patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), while the more research-oriented side evaluates the short- and long-term effects of brain injuries.
School Psychology
A specialization in school psychology prepares future practitioners to work in various roles in school counseling. This discipline focuses on supporting student learning and mental health in educational settings. Different social, cultural, developmental, and behavioral factors come into play when creating healthy environments and programs for students, giving this specialization a broad range of study. Once graduated, you’re well-prepared to pursue career outcomes as a developmental psychologist, a school counselor, or a school social worker.
Social Psychology
Social psychology is a wide-ranging specialization exploring how relationships and social stimuli affect our thoughts and feelings. You’ll explore human behavior as it relates to daily interactions. Social psychologists may find employment as political strategists, marketing directors, or as a conflict resolution specialist.
Lucrative Careers for Psychology Graduates
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health disorders through therapy and interventions as a hospital psychologist, through private practice, or at a mental health clinic. This field has an extremely optimistic outlook, with an over 9% projected growth rate and demand throughout the country. It is a predominantly patient-focused field requiring high empathy and regular social contact, and it can be both emotionally taxing and rewarding depending on patient outcomes. Job openings are prevalent, so you should be able to work in this field in most locations around the country.
| Career | Median Salary (2023) | Projected Growth (2022-32) | Projected Job Openings (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical/Counseling Psychologist | $96,100 | 9%+ | +4,100 |
Source: O*NET OnLine, 2023
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists deal predominantly with TBIs, working closely with medical doctors and neuropsychiatrists to diagnose and treat patients. Whether creating models for normal and abnormal brain function in a research setting or working directly with victims of TBI — this career path is well paid and well respected. While growth is slightly lower than the career options for some of the other psychology specialties, it is still faster than average. You will most likely find job openings for this field in major metropolitan areas, in hospitals, clinics, or practices specializing in neurological treatment.
| Career | Median Salary (2023) | Projected Growth (2022-32) | Projected Job Openings (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuropsychologist | $117,750 | 5-8% | +3,900 |
Source: O*NET OnLine, 2023
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapy is one of the fastest-growing psychological specialties, with demand projected to increase over 9 percent in the next year or two. These practices focus on behaviors in family or couple relationships and can be found in the private practice space, in health clinics, or as a part of family services. While the median salary isn’t as high as some other psychology specialties, it has the highest projected job openings, making the likelihood that you will need to relocate to find an open position much lower.
| Career | Median Salary (2023) | Projected Growth (2022-32) | Projected Job Openings (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $58,510 | 9%+ | +5,900 |
Source: O*NET OnLine, 2023