Once you’ve decided you have a passion for psychology, behavioral health, or mental health care, advancing your education is the next step. After all, master’s-level mental health counselors are expected to have an 18% increase in job demand by 2032, adding another 71,500 professionals to the field nation-wide in the next 10 years. With the accessibility and affordability of online degrees, pursuing an online master’s in psychology in Ohio can help you reach your goals while maintaining your existing responsibilities.
Before enrolling in an online master’s in psychology in Ohio, you’ll want to do some research to find out how long your program will take, how much it will cost, and whether you’re choosing the best program for your unique area of interest. We’ve reviewed online degree options in the state to bring you the best choices and get you started on your path to an online master’s in psychology in Ohio.
College Spotlights: Ohio’s Top Online Psychology Master’s Programs
There are many schools that offer an online master’s in psychology in Ohio. Our sample features programs that stand out for flexibility, quality instruction, and affordability as you begin or advance your career in psychology. Take a look at the schools below as you begin your search to find the best program for you.
Walsh University
Some students have a clear focus when they begin an online psychology degree, while others want to keep their options open. Often, programs require you to choose a track or specialization, leaving a gap in knowledge if you choose to pivot to another area later. With Walsh University’s MA in Counseling program, you can pursue specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling, with 60 credits each in 3 years, or a dual specialization degree, with 78 credits in about 4 years.
The program incorporates Walsh’s Jesuit values, is 100% online, and does not require GRE scores. Five annual start times are available, and the school reports a 100% employment rate within six months of graduation.
Kent State University
Boasting a budget-friendly $571.90/credit hour for Ohio residents or $581.90 for out-of-state students, Kent State’s Master of Education in Educational Psychology provides advanced study for those who want to learn how psychology affects education. This 30-credit program can be completed in about two years and is 100% online. A gifted education concentration that focuses on the unique needs of gifted learners is also available.
This program does not have a clinical component and is suitable for classroom teachers and students who hope to continue their graduate-level training in educational psychology. Kent State’s program incorporates cognitive psychology, human development, and learning theory, as students explore current best practices to improve educational outcomes.
Tiffin University
Instructed entirely by faculty members with a PhD in the field, Tiffin University’s MS in Psychology is 100% online with six available start times during the year. The program’s 37 credits can be completed in 18 months, allowing you to advance your career or continue work toward a terminal degree.
As a scientific psychology degree, students gain knowledge and skills in developmental psychology, legal issues, neuropsychology, psychopathology, research design and analysis, social psychology, statistics, and personality theory. Tuition is $630/credit hour, or about $23,310. Tiffin welcomes transfer students who may be looking for a better fit or more robust curriculum.
Types of Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs Available in Ohio
Traditional Online Psychology Master’s Programs
For those interested in research or direct practice, traditional programs offer the requisite curricula for these jobs. Programs typically take 3 years to complete full-time, or just over 4 years part-time. Research-based programs offer statistical, analytical and assessment training, while clinical programs generally offer specializations in substance use disorders, clinical mental health counseling, or school counseling. Clinically oriented programs have an internship or practicum as a graduation requirement.
Noteworthy Traditional Psychology Master’s in Ohio :
No-GRE Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Ohio
Since GRE scores may not be the best predictor of student success, many programs are waiving test scores as a requirement for graduate admission. Using a holistic approach and finding alternate ways to evaluate applicants, schools are making it possible to enroll without taking the GRE, easing the burden to apply. Some programs, like those at Antioch University, rely on narrative assessment, not grades, for admission.
Noteworthy No-GRE Psychology Master’s in Ohio:
Accelerated Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Ohio
If you’re ready to advance your career, you may want to consider an accelerated psych degree program. You’ll want to ensure you are earning an accredited degree and the necessary educational content to become a skilled professional when considering a fast-track program. Some master’s degrees, especially those designed as a prelude to earning a doctoral degree or those without a clinical component, can be completed in as little as 18 months. These programs may require full-time study and practicum work, which may limit your time for other pursuits.
Noteworthy Accelerated Psychology Master’s in Ohio:
Part-Time Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Ohio
Many schools offer a part-time option for their online master’s degrees, which usually requires taking fewer courses per semester than your full-time peers. While this choice may extend your timeline, it can help you to balance your existing responsibilities as you study. This may be especially important when considering programs with a substantial practicum/internship component with on-site work required.
Noteworthy Part-Time Psychology Master’s in Ohio:
Pathways with an Ohio Master’s Degree in Psychology
While a bachelor’s degree in psychology provides a great background in the field, many jobs in psychology and mental health require advanced degrees. As the stigma surrounding receiving mental health care continues to dissolve, there will be a greater demand for providers and research-driven data.
Community agencies, private practices, schools, and universities recruit individuals with master’s-level education to advance mental health care and research. As a graduate with an online master’s in psychology in Ohio, you will have options to practice or continue your education and pursue a doctoral degree.
Mental Health Counselor
After earning your master’s degree, you can obtain licensure to practice as a mental health counselor in Ohio. This may be in a substance abuse, behavioral, or mental health setting. You may choose to practice at this level or advance your education to become a licensed psychologist after earning a doctoral degree.
| Career | 10th Percentile Pay | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
Mental Health Counselor | $37,060 | $50,580 | $81,500 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
While you must earn a doctoral degree to become a clinical or counseling psychologist, a master’s degree is a crucial first step. Understanding the salary differential between being a master’s level clinician (above) and a licensed psychologist may help you decide whether to pursue a doctoral degree.
| Career | 10th Percentile Pay | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist | $40,860 | $105,680 | $168,920 |
Source: BLS, May 2023
Social Science Research Assistant
For those who are passionate about being on the cutting edge of new interventions and practices, a career in research may be your calling. As a master’s graduate, you may start as an assistant and later move into a coordinator role. A research role can be a great way strengthen your candidacy for application to doctoral program.
| Career | 10th Percentile Pay | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
Social Science Research Assistant | $30,480 | $49,930 | $83,280 |
Source: BLS, May 2023
Becoming a Licensed Psychologist in Ohio
To become a licensed psychologist in Ohio, you must earn a doctoral degree and follow the Ohio Board of Psychology licensing requirements. “Psychologist” is a protected term by the American Psychological Association, meaning you cannot call yourself a psychologist until you have met the doctoral educational and licensing requirements, even if you earn a master’s degree in an area of psychology.
Upon completion of your accredited master’s degree in counseling or psychology, you are eligible to take the Licensed Professional Counselor exam and become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). While this license is limited in scope, it is an important step for further licensure.
Following LPC licensure, you can pursue clinical licensure to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). This requires 3,000 hours of post-LPC supervised work experience, including 150 hours of consultation supervision by an LPCC Supervisor (LPCC-S). This process typically takes two years, after which you can practice independently and bill commercial insurance for your services.
Costs and Financial Support for Online Psychology Master’s Students in Ohio
Earning a master’s degree typically increases your lifetime earning potential, particularly in specialized fields like psychology. Understanding the cost and the commitment required for a master’s degree is important, and having a plan for how you’ll pay for your degree is the next step.
Online degree programs are often budget-friendly, and financial aid plays a role in most students’ ability to advance their education. Financial aid may take the form of government loans, private and school scholarships, fellowships, work-study, or even employer tuition assistance. Additionally, members of some groups, like veterans or active military service personnel, are eligible for further institutional or federal aid. Some schools, like Ohio University, even offer scholarships to their alumni who choose to pursue an online degree there.
How Much Your Online Psychology Master’s Degree in Ohio Might Cost
| School | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
60 – 78 | $745 | $44,700 – $58,110 | |
50 – 60 | $616 | $30,800 – $36,960 | |
60 | $508 – $527 | $30,480 – $31,620 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ohio Psychology Master’s Programs
What are the typical admissions requirements for an online psychology master’s program in Ohio?
Many online master’s programs in psychology have similar requirements for admission, asking about your undergraduate education, what is motivating you to pursue a degree in psychology, and how your mentors, supervisors or former instructors characterize your academic performance. Requirements typically include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A GPA of 2.75 or 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (Some institutions offer probationary admission to students with lower GPAs. In this case, you must earn a 3.0 in your first 9 credits of your program or be academically dismissed)
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation, academic or professional (most programs prefer at least one academic)
- A statement of purpose or goals
- Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Institutional application
- English language proficiency scores, if applicable
What are the common specializations for online psychology master’s programs in Ohio?
The two most common specializations are counseling psychology and school psychology, both with robust job prospects after graduation. Organizational psychology has become more popular with employers focusing on workplace culture. Some master’s degree programs provide a true overview of psychology, leaving the next steps in your career up to you.
How much time does it usually take to earn an online graduate psychology degree in Ohio?
Many programs can be completed in 3 years of full-time study or about 4 years part-time, especially those that have a clinical/practicum component. Those without a clinical focus may be completed more quickly, in as little as two years. Online program pacing may differ from traditional on-campus programs. Some programs include two “terms” per semester, allowing you to condense coursework while still completing the same number of courses overall.
Can I complete my online master’s in psychology entirely online in Ohio, or are there on-campus components?
Yes, Ohio students can complete a master’s degree in psychology completely online. Many programs are moving to 100% online course delivery to make them accessible to the greatest number of students. Research-based or non-clinical programs are most likely to be 100% online, while clinical programs have a practicum requirement in addition to 100% online coursework. For programs with an on-campus component, attendance is often limited to intensive sessions or a set number of campus visits.
Are psychology internships or practicums required in online master’s programs in Ohio?
For programs that have a clinical focus where the intended outcome is licensure as an LPCC or advancing your study to become a clinical psychologist, there are practicum requirements. Research and non-clinical programs typically do not have those requirements, and for those that do, you can often complete your practicum at a local agency or organization while living at a distance from campus.
Resources for Psychology Students and Professionals in Ohio
- Ohio Board of Psychology
This is the definitive source of information, advisories, and resources about psychology in Ohio. Learn more about supervision regulations, licensure, filing a complaint, or statewide psychological initiatives against human trafficking. - Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board
After you complete your master’s in psychology, you can accrue supervision and practice as a licensed counselor in Ohio as you further your education to become a fully licensed psychologist. Find opportunities for continuing education credits as well as licensure requirements and public resources on this site. - Ohio Psychological Association
Named twice as the best state psychological association by the American Psychological Association, the OPA was a trailblazer in dedicating paid staff resources to furthering advocacy and education. Find resources for students, members, the public, and use their “find a psychologist” feature to identify a provider. - Mental Health America of Ohio
If you are interested in enriching your learning in your program with community-based skills designed for immediate implementation in a variety of settings, MHA of Ohio offers resources like Mental Health First Aid courses as well as resources for low-cost or free counseling, counseling for pregnant/postpartum individuals and tools to improve workplace culture. - Ohio School Psychologists Association
For those exploring school-based counseling or psychology, a strong understanding of the legal, ethical, and professional standards of this population is essential. The OSPA is the complete resource for licensure, continuing education opportunities, and learning more about building a career as a school-based mental health professional.