With society’s increasing need for skilled and accessible mental health providers, you may be wondering whether an online master’s degree in psychology is right for you. And if you’re specifically looking for your school to be based in North Carolina, you’re in luck: The state is home to the resource-rich “Research Triangle” — anchored by Duke University, North Carolina State University, and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, all of which are Tier 1 research universities. So earning an online master’s degree in psychology in North Carolina means you’ll likely be learning from some of the most impactful faculty in the country.
Demand for psychologists is projected to increase nationwide by 6% by 2032, with psychologists in North Carolina earning an average of $91,390 annually. By pursuing a master’s degree, you’ll be on your way toward becoming a psychologist, which can happen after you earn your doctoral degree and become licensed. Or you may choose to use your psychology master’s degree in a range of lucrative, meaningful fields.
Online master’s in psychology degree programs in North Carolina are helping more students like you take the next step toward career advancement. Flexible remote programs allow you to attend school, work, and balance your other life responsibilities. Still, you may have questions about taking the plunge, including the cost, which programs in the area offer high-quality and relevant content, and what comes next in terms of licensing. Read on to find all the information you’ll need to make an informed, confident decision about the best online psychology master’s programs in North Carolina for you.
College Spotlights: Best Online Psychology Master’s Degrees in NC
When considering your future school, you’re likely looking for programs offering flexibility, student support, affordability, and robust instruction. And if you’re considering a future as a licensed psychologist, some programs offer the option of linkage into their doctoral program following strong performance at the master’s level. Check out two top North Carolina online master’s in psychology programs below to see if one may be a good fit for you.
North Carolina State University
Designed as a part-time program, the MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at North Carolina State University combines the best of online and on-campus instruction: It offers the flexibility and affordability of part-time online education with a cohort-based program, so you’ll progress with colleagues through the program while you all tackle the same challenges together. Students take two courses per semester year-round, including summer sessions, for three years; you’ll also be required to complete two internships in North Carolina.
Understanding that scores do not necessarily reflect the best students, NC State does not require entrance exams for admission. Graduates often build meaningful careers as a general therapist, couples and family therapist, or substance abuse counselor. Learners can expect a strong focus on diversity, anti-racism, social justice, clinical counseling theory and practice, developmental theory, and understanding system-relation models.
The program is $546.50 per credit hour for in-state students ($1,700.56 for non-residents) and requires 60 credits for graduation.
Fayetteville State University
For students whose interest in psychology is broad — perhaps you’re considering a career in education, business, or research, for example — the MA in Psychology at Fayetteville State University offers a general curriculum that will not result in eligibility for clinical licensure as a counselor or psychologist. It will, however, provide a foundation for future doctoral-level coursework, if you’re interested in future clinical psychology licensure.
You’ll learn theories of individual and family development and behavior against a backdrop of social and cultural diversity, all with an ethical perspective in mind. The core program comprises 36 credits — 27 core, 6 psychology elective credits, and 3 credits in an elective of your choice — and students have the option to choose from two additional 12-credit graduate certificates in Professional Psychology or Behavioral Research.
At $256.25 per credit hour, NC resident students can advance their education at an affordable price point. Non-residents pay $717.33 per credit.
Types of Psychology Master’s Programs in North Carolina
Traditional Psychology Master’s Programs in NC
Traditional graduate psychology programs take two to three years to complete and are most often offered on campus in cohort-based models. While some programs utilize online platforms for selected coursework, lessons about the interpersonal nature of psychology are typically best acquired through in-person learning. Fortunately, there are many institutions across the state of NC that offer master’s degrees in psychology, so you’ll likely find an on-campus or hybrid model that works for you. One example of a hybrid program: the MS in Health PsychologyatNorth Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
No-GRE Psychology Master’s Programs in NC
Many psychology programs acknowledge that GRE scores do not provide a reliable metric for student success in a program, and entrance exams typically disadvantage marginalized groups in higher education. You can therefore find many top master’s programs that don’t require GRE scores, including many psychology programs that have no-GRE requirements; one example is the MA in Psychology at Fayetteville State University. However, keep in mind that some schools still require GRE scores, while others ask students to submit them if they had a lower undergraduate GPA to supplement their application.
Accelerated Psychology Master’s Programs in NC
A common thread through psychology master’s programs: They’re all completely different. While some are traditional, others are considered fast-track or accelerated — often resulting in a psych degree in as little as one year. While you won’t find many (if any) accelerated online psychology master’s programs in NC, you can find programs that serve students in North Carolina because they’re accessible remotely — like the MS in Psychology offered by Purdue Global, which can be completed anywhere in as little as 1.5 years.
Part-Time Psychology Master’s Programs in NC
Some programs offer part-time scheduling to accommodate students who want to mesh online learning with their already-demanding schedules. One standout part-time and online psychology program in NC is available through the MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at North Carolina State University, which is designed as a part-time program — but still keeps students together in a cohort.
What You Can Do with a Psychology Master’s Degree in North Carolina
As a North Carolina resident, you have access to private, community, and academic settings at which you can apply your psychology knowledge. While many who earn a master’s in psychology will go on to pursue a doctoral degree, others will elect to use their graduate-level psychology knowledge to work in non-clinical roles in their community.
You won’t be able to become a licensed psychologist with your master’s, but you can use this education in human resources, education, business, or public service settings — among many others. Below, you’ll find three common titles held by graduates with a master’s degree in psychology in North Carolina.
Substance Abuse or Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors see individuals, couples, and families for psychotherapy. They address relationships, mood, anxiety, stress, or other challenges to improve the coping skills and functioning of their clients. They may be employed in public, private, medical, virtual, or community settings; additional education/qualifications may be required, depending on the setting and role. The U.S. Department of Labor projects North Carolina will experience a 23.9% increase in demand for this role by 2030.
| Career | 10th Percentile Pay | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
Substance Abuse or Mental Health Counselor | $44,960 | $56,510 | $63,910 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor
Educational counselors commonly work with primary and secondary students, helping them navigate academic challenges, learning differences, and behavioral expression throughout their time in school. These positions require specific coursework and licensure. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, North Carolina will see a 9.8% increase in demand for this role by 2030.
| Career | 10th Percentile Pay | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor | $45,830 | $53,320 | $61,080 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Social Science Research Assistant
For those who are interested in extrapolating the nuances of human behavior to a population level, working at an academic institution as a research coordinator or assistant offers the opportunity to participate in study design, data collection, and even skills like grant writing. Working as a research assistant after completing a master’s degree is excellent experience to prepare you for a research-based psychology doctoral program. North Carolina will see an 8.1% increase in demand for this role by 2030, according to U.S. Department of Labor projections.
| Career | 10th Percentile Pay | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
Social Science Research Assistant | $48,820 | $56,960 | $62,810 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Understanding Psychologist Licensing in North Carolina
The steps needed to earn your psychology licensure in NC are outlined in the North Carolina Psychology Practice Act. If you’re not interested in becoming a licensed psychologist, earning a master’s degrees in psychology qualifies you for other forms of licensure that support clinical practice. The two most common credentials in North Carolina are the Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) or Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). Both licenses require a degree in psychology or a related discipline with a specified amount of relevant coursework and passing an exam.
An LPA will remain under supervision by a licensed psychologist for many of their clinical activities. An LCMHC has completed 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, including 100 hours of supervision from a qualified professional, resulting in an unrestricted license and independent practice. For those pursuing specialization in school psychology, their coursework prepares them for certification by the National Association of School Psychologists and to earn an Educator’s License, allowing them to work in public schools.
If you choose to continue your education to the doctoral level and have already earned an LCMHC, you may continue to practice under that license while you pursue your degree until you complete your coursework and requirements to be a licensed psychologist.
Budgeting for Success: Costs for Online Master’s in Psychology Programs in NC
As you complete the cost-benefit analysis of earning a master’s degree in psychology, you’ll want to consider how you’re going to pay for your degree as well as how it will increase your lifelong earning potential. The essentials of financial aid are a great starting point, and while North Carolina has a scholarship-finder for undergraduate students, most graduate tuition assistance is institution-specific. You may be eligible for an endowed scholarship, graduate student funding, private, military, or other school scholarships. You’ll also find a number of scholarships designed for psychology students. If you’ve been in the workforce, your employer may also be able to provide tuition assistance.
If you’re still looking for your best-fit program, use this guide to find affordable online psychology master’s degree options.
How Much Your Online Psychology Master’s Degree in North Carolina Might Cost
| School | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
36 | $256.25 | $9,225 | |
60 | $545 | $32,700 | |
60 | $546.50 | $32,790 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online North Carolina Psychology Master’s Programs
How do online graduate psychology programs in North Carolina assess applicants, and what factors are considered during the selection process?
Graduate psychology programs are looking to recruit bright, passionate students who will enter the field with the knowledge and compassion to support individuals in need. To that end, many programs endorse a holistic review process. For the most part, this does not include GRE testing, unless a student has a lower (under 3.0) GPA from their undergraduate study. Requirements typically include:
- Application and personal statement
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- Letters of recommendation (usually three)
- Prerequisite undergraduate psychology coursework: this requirement varies, but some programs require up to 20 undergraduate hours in psychology, while others are open to students beginning their study at the master’s level. Check with your prospective programs about their requirements.
- Coursework in statistics or research methods
- Minimum GPA (typically 3.0) in undergraduate study, including psychology courses
What are the common specializations for online psychology master’s programs in North Carolina?
North Carolina has an excellent cross section of program types — including on-campus, hybrid, and online options — and most also feature specializations or certificates specific to the psychology field. For example, you can earn a Behavioral Research Certificate at Fayetteville State University online, or you can specialize in School Psychology in the on-campus program at East Carolina State. Some schools prepare you to enter their doctoral programs, which will allow you to continue to advance your education while not repeating content.
To give you a sense of common psychology specializations and the top schools that offer them, check out these guides:
How long will finishing my master’s in psychology degree in North Carolina online take?
Most master’s degree programs in North Carolina take two or three years to complete. Those with a clinical focus typically take three years, which includes the internship or practicum component of study. For degrees with a more didactic focus, like industrial-organization psychology, you may be able to complete your degree in two years. For programs that include the additional licensing coursework in school psychology, there are typically more credits required, and you may have to take more courses per semester to account for the higher content load.
Is it possible to earn a psychology master’s degree through 100% online study in North Carolina, or do I need to visit the campus?
There are a small handful of accredited online master’s in psychology programs that are 100% online and will provide you the requisite curriculum for masters-level licensure. Many programs are grounded in on-campus learning, and some are slowly transitioning their didactic coursework to hybrid models.
Your best course of action may be to apply to the programs that are 100% online as well as programs of interest that are regionally proximate. That way, if you earn admission to a program that is hybrid or on-campus, it will be close enough for you to commute. With the number of programs available in North Carolina, it is very likely there is an excellent program that is accessible locally.
Are psychology internships or practicums required in online master’s programs in North Carolina?
Yes. For online master’s programs in clinical or counseling psychology, an internship or practicum is required. Some programs require these to take place in person; others are exclusively utilizing telehealth services, which means it may be feasible to complete your internship or practicum online (Methodist University offers this type of internship, for example). Based on the human connection aspect of psychology, you should plan on having some in-person component to your practicum or internship coursework.
Essential Psychology Resources for Students and Professionals in NC
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Carolina
NAMI North Carolina is a volunteer organization with local chapters by county that offer support groups, crisis resources, education, and advocacy efforts. Professionals, families, friends, and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness are welcome to join to engage in events and educational opportunities. - North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
Some programs prepare graduates to become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), which allows an individual to practice psychotherapy. - North Carolina Psychological Association
A professional organization designed to support psychologists and other practitioners in the state, the NCPA also acts as an advocacy organization where members can seek ethics consultations, ongoing training opportunities, and more. - North Carolina Psychology Board
The NCPB is the licensing board for psychologists in North Carolina. For masters-level providers, this board governs the process of becoming a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA). - North Carolina School Psychology Association
For graduates who embark on a career in school psychology, the NCSPA supports and advocates for field practitioners while providing comprehensive services that reflect best practices for this crucial work.