Does a career that helps people improve their mental health and wellbeing sound interesting to you?Are you passionate about working with others to improve their quality of life? If you said yes, you may be an ideal candidate for an online master’s in psychology in Florida.
A master’s degree can be an important step in securing a license to practice psychology in the state of Florida, and studying online is a convenient way to earn your degree that can even save you money. Schools in Florida have built their online master’s programs for flexibility and affordability, with the knowledge that students are balancing professional or family responsibilities with their studies. But every program is different, so it’s important to choose the right one for you.
College Spotlights: Best Online Psychology Master’s Programs in FL
There are a variety of hybrid and fully online master’s in psychology in Florida, but a few stand out from the crowd. When you’re looking for your online master’s in psychology in Florida, you’ll need to consider course offerings, the school’s reputation, and practical considerations like full- or part-time study and tuition costs. To start your search, here are a few especially strong programs for you to consider.
Florida International University
Florida International University, a private university with its campus in Miami, offers a fully online Master of Science (MS) in Psychology with a major in Professional Counseling Psychology. The program is available fully online or hybrid format.
Once enrolled, you’ll need to complete 60 credits over two years and eight months, leading to an MS that, once you’ve gone through licensing, enables you to work as a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the State of Florida. In addition to your psychology classes, you’ll complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training on-campus, in the Miami community through a network of FIU-sponsored sites, or in a mental health facility near you.
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University, a private Florida-based university, offers four MS in Psychology programs, with specialization in General Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Counseling, or Experimental Psychology. Students can pursue a specific career path as soon as their graduate studies begin and be prepared to launch or advance their careers upon graduation.
Each program varies slightly depending on your area of focus, but you can expect a 30-credit program with small classes and a flexible schedule designed for working professionals. There are several start times throughout the year.
Florida State University
Florida State University offers a MS in Educational Psychology with a major in learning and cognition for teachers and others interested in group processes in a variety of contexts. This 33-credit degree is offered through FSU’s College of Education and can be completed fully online or on campus.
Once enrolled, you can choose the full thesis track, where students complete a thesis under the supervision of an advisor, or the accelerated, 30-credit coursework-only track. While FSU has historically required the GRE for admission to this program, the requirement has been waived through 2026. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited, US-based institution.
Master’s in Psychology Program Options in Florida
Florida’s Traditional Psychology Master’s Programs
A traditional online master’s in psychology in Florida is one of the most popular online degrees. Programs take about 1-2 years to complete with asynchronous or more commonly synchronous classes offered. If you’re ready to commit to full-time study, but like studying online and saving on relocation costs, this may be the program for you.
Traditional Psych Master’s Programs in FL:
Florida’s No-GRE Online Psychology Master’s Programs
Are you looking for a high-quality online master’s in psychology in Florida, but are concerned about your GRE scores? Good news — no-GRE online psychology programs are increasingly popular. These programs don’t require test scores, and base admissions decisions on your academic transcripts, professional experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. There is no loss in program quality or prestige when you enroll in a no-GRE program.
No-GRE Psych Master’s Programs in FL:
Florida’s Accelerated Online Psychology Master’s Programs
For those who want to earn their master’s as quickly as possible, consider an accelerated online master’s program in psychology in Florida. Though less common in Florida, these programs are designed for those who want to complete their degree in roughly a year and involve intense, high-commitment study for a shorter period. These are excellent options for those who can spend a large amount of time studying each week and want to begin their psychology career as soon as possible.
Accelerated Psych Master’s Programs in FL:
Florida’s Part-Time Online Psychology Master’s Programs
If you’re a working professional or have family commitments, you can still earn your master’sstudying part time. These programs require less time spent studying per week but will generally take about 2-3 years to graduate. Many part-time programs are variations of a school’s full-time degrees, and some part-time programs offer flexible asynchronous classes to fit with students’ busy schedules.
Part-Time Psych Master’s Programs in FL:
Fulfilling Roles for Psychology Graduates in Florida
Psychology is an in-demand field for a variety of different careers, from working in clinical settings with individuals to laboratory and research occupations to working in the public sector in education and law enforcement. Your career options may include your master’s program specializations, as well as the demand in your city or region. Here are a few potential careers to consider once you’ve earned your master’s in psychology.
Research Psychologist
A master’s degree in psychology will give you the scientific and research skills you’ll need to become a research psychologist. In this role, you’ll be conducting experiments on human behavior and thought processes, using your findings to advance knowledge in the field of psychology.
| Career | 10th Percentile Pay | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
Research Psychologist | $51,540 | $118,190 | $148,200 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
School Counselor
School counselors work with vulnerable young people and handle sensitive issues, and a master’s degree trains you to address issues appropriately and effectively. School counselors work in public and private schools at all levels of education from elementary through high school.
| Career | 10th Percentile Pay | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
School Counselor | $49,930 | $77,990 | $102,610 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Mental Health Counselor
While some states allow mental health counselors, if licensed, to practice with only a bachelor’s, your master’s will expand your opportunities for licensure in a variety of states, making it easier for career advancement. Mental health counselors work one-on-one with clients to help them deal with challenges and improve their mental wellbeing.
| Career | 10th Percentile Pay | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
Mental Health Counselor | $39,090 | $78,730 | $140,320 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Psychologist Licensing Requirements in Florida
Licensing for general practicing psychologists in Florida is handled by the Florida Board of Psychology. In Florida, there are four tiers of psychology license: Limited License Psychologist, Provisional Psychologist, Psychologist, and Psychology Continuing Education Provider. Most forms of licensure in psychology in Florida require a doctoral-level degree in psychology, so for those looking to become fully licensed, you may need to consider further education after your master’s program.
In addition to the educational requirements, those seeking licensure as a psychologist in the State of Florida will need to complete supervised clinical hours. For full psychologist licensure, this includes 4,000 supervised hours; 2,000 of these hours may be completed during your doctoral education. You will also need to take and pass an exam on the State of Florida’s psychology laws and rules and earn a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).
For those looking to work as school psychologists, you can become licensed through the Florida Department of Health once you’ve completed your master’s degree, by taking the relevant examination and supplying proof that you have completed an accredited graduate-level psychology program from a US educational institution.
Making Your Education Feasible in Florida: Financial Aid Options
Once you’ve determined where you’d like to apply for a Florida online master’s in psychology, it’s a good idea to figure out a plan to pay for your education. Different schools will not only have different tuition costs, including opportunities for in-state tuition or reduced tuition for military members and veterans, but may also offer school-supported financial aid programs.
Outside of your school, you may be eligible for government-supported loans and grants, as well as private scholarships from charitable and community organizations, so be sure to do your research on scholarship opportunities. The Florida Department of Education can be a good place to start.
Potential Costs of an Online Psychology Master’s in FL
| School | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
60 | $359.17 – $768.67 | $21,550 – $46,120 | |
30 | $537 | $16,110 | |
33 | $444.26 – $1,075.66 | $14,660.58 -$35,496.78 |
Common Questions About Online Psychology Master’s Programs in FL
What are the general admission prerequisites and guidelines for pursuing an online psychology master’s degree in Florida?
Applying for your online master’s in psychology in Florida is like applying to graduate programs in other fields. You’ll need to submit your education records, professional records if relevant, and sometimes test scores and other materials. While requirements vary from school to school, you will typically need:
- Official college transcripts (some schools have a GPA requirement, usually 3.0 or higher if applicable)
- Online application form
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3 from academic or professional sources)
- An essay or personal statement
- Official GRE scores (some schools may not require these)
- Records/statements of relevant work experience
What are the common specializations for online master’s in psychology programs in Florida?
There are a variety of different specializations you can look into when you’re starting your online master’s in psychology, depending on the type of career you want to pursue. For those who want to work in research, general and experimental psychology are good options, while counseling is an ideal specialization for those who want to work one-on-one with patients. Finally, educational psychology is a popular specialization that can lead to a career as a school psychologist.
Is there an average time it takes to finish an online psychology master’s in Florida?
Generally, your online master’s in psychology in Florida, such as the one offered by Florida International University, should take around two years to complete. With that in mind, remember that some programs, such as the accelerated program at Florida State University, or the part-time master’s at Lynn University, will take less time, possibly as little as a year or longer for part-time.
Can I earn my psychology master’s in Florida 100% online, or do I need to go to campus?
Many online psychology master’s programs in psychology in Florida can be completed 100% online, with no need to travel to campus. However, some programs have a lab or clinical requirement that will require you to attend on campus or find a partner site for practical experience, which will likely be located in the same city or general area as your institution’s campus.
Are psychology internships or practicums required in online master’s programs in Florida?
Some online master’s programs in psychology in Florida require clinical experience to earn your degree. These programs typically require students to complete a certain number of hours working under supervision in a clinical setting before they graduate. Depending on the school, if your program has a clinical requirement, you may need to come to campus or to a partner site to complete your clinical experience. You may be able to complete your practical experience at a clinical setting in your community, although sites must be approved by your institution before you start work.
Essential Psychology Resources for Students and Professionals in Florida
- Florida Psychological Association
The Florida Psychological Association (FPA) is a professional association for Florida-based psychologists. They are the state chapter of the national American Psychological Association (APA and offer membership and resources for graduate students. - Florida Board of Psychology
This is the official website for the Florida Board of Psychology, the state government body responsible for the licensure of professional psychologists and psychology education providers. This site has all the information you’ll need about licensure as a Florida psychologist. - Florida Department of Health
The Department of Health for the State of Florida oversees the licensing and licensure exams of school psychologists who have completed their graduate studies. - FPAGS Facebook Group
For graduate students in psychology in Florida, the Florida Psychological Association Graduate Students (FPAGS) Facebook page is a great way to find relevant events and professional resources and connect with fellow grad students. - Florida Association of School Psychologists
This professional organization not only supports school psychologists within Florida, but also advocates for expanded mental health services in Florida schools, particularly those currently underserved.