Earning an online psychology master’s degree can unlock impactful careers in counseling, human services, and more. In Texas, many accredited universities offer online and hybrid programs designed for working adults. These flexible options let you pursue your goals without putting life on hold. This OMD guide highlights top Texas-based programs, available in full-time or part-time formats, and answers key questions to help you find the right path for your future in psychology.
- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields in Texas
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
Read more - Accreditation Details
What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state…
Read more - Program Types
The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Resources
More resources that dive deeper into specific degree programs, student success, and more…
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Reputable Programs For Psych Master’s Students
Angelo State University – M.S. in Organizational Psychology & Human Resources
Angelo State offers a 36-credit online Master of Science in Organizational Psychology and Human Resources that focuses on industrial-organizational psychology principles in the workplace. This program was originally known as ASU’s M.S. in Applied Psychology (nationally ranked for value). It emphasizes applying psychology to human resources, consulting, and organizational development settings. The curriculum is career-oriented, covering topics like personnel selection, training, leadership, and workplace motivation. You can complete it full-time in as fast as one year (an accelerated pace) or slower if needed. An undergraduate degree in psychology is not required for admission, making it accessible to students from various backgrounds.
Duration: 1–2 years (36 credits)
Mode: Online
Cost: Approximately $232 per credit for Texas residents
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (in any field)
- GPA of 3.0+ (overall or 3.25 in any psychology coursework)
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
LeTourneau University – M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
LeTourneau University in Longview, TX) is a private Christian university known for flexible online programs that offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program. It prepares students to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Texas, with a robust curriculum aligned to CACREP standards (and in fact, the program is CACREP-accredited. What’s great: LeTourneau’s online format is designed for working adults – courses are interactive and 7 weeks long, and the program reports a 94% pass rate on the national counselor licensure exam (NCE) and 93% job placement for graduates. The training integrates a holistic Christian perspective with rigorous counseling techniques, but remains comprehensive for all aspects of mental health practice.
Duration: ~2 years (66 credits)
Mode: Online (practicum and internships are in-person near the student’s local area)
Cost: $625 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA ~2.5 or higher preferred)
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- At least one recommendation
- A pastoral/character reference or statement of Christian faith as part of the application
University of Houston–Victoria – M.A. in Forensic Psychology
UHV offers a unique Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology. This 63-credit program features a curriculum that blends clinical psychology coursework with specialized forensic topics, preparing graduates to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) with additional requirements. Coursework is primarily face-to-face or real-time hybrid – practicums are in-person and crucial to the training. However, some classes may be offered in hybrid or online formats. This program is ideal if you want hands-on forensic experience: students complete three practicum placements in forensic settings, like courts, prisons, or clinics, as part of the training.
Duration: 2 years full-time (63 credits, including practicum)
Mode: Hybrid/In-Person
Cost: Approximately $390 per credit hour for Texas residents
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with coursework in psychology (typically requires intro psychology, statistics, research methods, and abnormal psychology as prerequisites)
- Minimum GPA around 3.0 (GRE scores may be required if your GPA is lower)
- Essay on your interest in forensics
- One recommendation letter
- Transcripts
Texas A&M University–Commerce (East Texas A&M) – M.S. in Clinical Psychology
Texas A&M Commerce (recently rebranded as East Texas A&M University) offers a hybrid M.S. in Psychology with multiple tracks. The standout option for practitioners is the Clinical Psychology track (63 credits), which prepares students to become Licensed Psychological Associates (LPA) in Texas. This program is known for its flexibility: it offers courses online and face-to-face at both the Commerce main campus and the Dallas-area Mesquite location. You can mix and match online vs. evening in-person classes to suit your schedule. The clinical track includes a community practicum at the on-campus Psychology Clinic for hands-on training. There’s also a 36-credit General Psychology track (fully coursework-based, no thesis) for those aiming to bolster research credentials or pursue doctoral study.
Duration: 2–3 years
Mode: Hybrid (Online + Evening Classes)
Cost: ~$3,669 per semester for a 9-credit load for Texas residents
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with some background in psychology
- GPA of 3.0+
- Transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- 2–3 recommendation letters
- GRE scores are optional/recommended
Tarleton State University – M.S. in Applied Psychology
Tarleton State (part of the Texas A&M system, located in Stephenville and Fort Worth) delivers one of the few applied pre-doctoral psychology master’s programs in Texas. The M.S. in Applied Psychology is a 36-credit program that gives a broad foundation in psychological theory and research, with three customizable tracks: a Thesis Track (for those aiming at a Ph.D.), an Applied (Non-Thesis) Track for entering the workforce, and a Teaching Track for those who want to teach psychology at the community college level. Courses cover diverse areas from cognitive and social psychology to statistics. There are no clinical/practicum requirements since the focus is on broad applied psychology and research.
Duration: 2 to 3 years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: ~4,680 per semester (in-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Recommended minimum GPA around 2.5–3.0
- Transcripts
- 2–3 letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose explaining your interest in psychology and which track (thesis vs. non-thesis) you plan to pursue
Top 5 Psychology-Related Career Fields in Texas
Texas’s booming economy and growing population mean high demand for mental health and human behavior experts. Here are five top psychology-related fields in Texas known for strong job growth, return on investment (ROI), degree demand, and economic viability:
Licensed Professional Counselor (Mental Health Counselor)
This is by far one of the fastest-growing fields for master’s graduates. Texas has over 25,500 Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), and that number jumped ~47% from 2015 to 2023. LPCs provide therapy for individuals and groups dealing with everything from anxiety to relationship issues.
With rising awareness of mental health, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor roles are projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow 19% in Texas by 2033 (much faster than average), with a median salary of around $59,000, with potential to earn more in private practice.
Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA)
Behavior analysts (often working with autism and developmental disorders) are in demand in Texas. ABAs use techniques of conditioning and behavior modification to help clients develop positive behaviors. Many ABAs have a psychology or education master’s with a specialization in ABA and hold the BCBA certification.
This field’s growth is driven by increased autism diagnoses and insurance coverage for ABA therapy. Behavior analysts in Texas can earn solid salaries, and the high demand means excellent job prospects, particularly in metropolitan areas and pediatric therapy clinics.
School Psychologist (Licensed Specialist in School Psychology – LSSP)
School psychologists (LSSPs in Texas) help K-12 students with learning, behavior, and mental health issues. LSSPs have an annual mean wage of $80,610 in Texas. Every school district is required to have psychological services, so there’s steady demand – especially as student populations grow.
This field offers great ROI if you enjoy working with children: entry requires a specialist-level master’s (~60+ credits) or doctorate, but job placement is strong (schools are facing shortages in this role). LSSPs in Texas work on a school calendar, and median salaries often range from $60,000 to $70,000, with excellent benefits.
Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychologist & HR Analyst
I/O psychology is all about applying psychology to workplace challenges – improving hiring practices, training, and employee well-being. In Texas’s booming corporate and tech sectors, I/O psychologists and organizational consultants are increasingly sought after.
ROI is high – I/O specialists (with a master’s) often secure roles in human resources, talent development, or as consultants with lucrative salaries. Texas’s major companies (from oil & gas to startups) value these skills for boosting productivity and culture. If you have a head for data and people, this field can be economically rewarding; many in HR management with psychology expertise advance to six-figure leadership roles.
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
MFTs are mental health professionals with a master’s who specialize in family dynamics, couples therapy, and relationship issues. In Texas, the number of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists is projected to grow by 15% from 2023 to 2033. With social stresses and high divorce rates, specialized family counselors are in steady demand.
MFTs often work in private practice, counseling centers, or social service agencies. ROI: Becoming an LMFT in Texas requires a master’s plus supervised experience, but offers the chance to operate a private practice or join group practices. The investment is similar to an LPC, and many clinicians actually dual-license as LPC and LMFT.
Accreditation for Psychology Master’s Programs
When choosing an online psychology master’s, proper accreditation means a program or school meets rigorous quality standards – and it impacts everything from credit transfer to licensure. In Texas, schools should be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), like the universities listed here have SACSCOC accreditation. Additionally, look for any programmatic accreditation relevant to your degree. For example, counseling programs may be accredited by CACREP (a mark of quality for counselor training), and school psychology programs might be approved by NASP.
In short, attending an accredited program (institutionally via SACSCOC, and program-wise if applicable) ensures you’re eligible for licensure, federal financial aid, and that you’re getting an education that meets high standards. Accreditation is your guarantee that the program “does what it says on the tin,” preparing you with the competencies you’ll need as a psychology professional in Texas.
Program Formats: Full-Time, Part-Time, and No-GRE Options
Every student’s situation is different, so Texas universities have designed online psychology master’s tracks to fit various needs. Here’s what to expect from full-time, part-time, and no GRE required program options (with Texas examples of each):
Full-Time Programs
A full-time online master’s in Texas typically means carrying a heavier course load each term to finish faster. Full-time students might take 3 courses (9 credits) per semester or enroll in back-to-back 8-week courses year-round. The benefit is speed – many full-time online learners in Texas finish in about 12 to 18 months. Full-time study requires ~30-40 hours/week for classes and study. Keep in mind licensure-track programs (like counseling) often have minimum duration due to practicum sequencing, but you can still be “full-time” in terms of course load.
Part-Time Programs
Part-time enrollment offers flexibility for working professionals. You might take just one or two courses at a time. Most Texas online programs allow part-time pacing – which can extend the program to 2.5–4 years, but makes balancing life easier. Many students choose this route to keep a full-time job while studying. Courses are often available in the evenings or asynchronously so you can do coursework after work hours. Expect part-time programs to be very understanding of busy adult learners, though part-time study in an online format still requires discipline.
No GRE Required
If the thought of taking the GRE exam stresses you out, you’re in luck–many online psychology master’s programs in Texas do not require the GRE for admission. Schools recognize that your academic history and professional background can speak louder than a test score. Similarly, some public universities waive the GRE for applicants with a certain GPA or those who already hold a graduate degree. No-GRE programs lower the barrier to entry, letting you focus on your application materials and experience. However, keep in mind a strong GRE score can sometimes help offset a lower GPA for programs that optionally accept it.
Cost Expectations: Online Psych Master’s Programs
How much your degree will cost will vary, but Texas programs tend to be affordable compared to out-of-state options. Public universities usually offer lower per-credit tuition for Texas residents, while private universities have flat rates but often provide scholarships.. On the low end, a 36-credit public program might cost under $10,000 in tuition total. On the high end, a 60+ credit private or specialized program could be $25,000–$40,000. Don’t forget to factor in fees: online students pay technology fees, and some schools have per-semester fees. The table below gives examples of three Texas schools:
| School | Credits | Cost per Credit | Est. Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angelo State University | 36 | $232 | $8,350 |
| LeTourneau University | 39 | $525 | $20,475 |
| UHV – U. of Houston–Victoria | 63 | $390 | $24,570 |
Note: Tuition can change yearly, so check the latest rates.
FAQs for Prospective Master’s Students
Q: What are the admissions requirements for psychology master’s programs in Texas?
A: Admissions requirements are similar across many Texas programs. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree (not always in psychology, though having some psychology coursework helps). A minimum GPA around 3.0 is commonly expected. Most programs require you to submit official transcripts, a personal statement or purpose essay, and letters of recommendation. The GRE exam is increasingly optional – many schools have dropped it or only use it if your GPA is below the cutoff.
Always check each program’s requirements: deadlines are important (aim to apply by the priority deadline), and ensure you allow time to gather recommendation letters and craft your statement.
Q: How long do psychology master’s programs in Texas take to finish?
A: The duration can range from one year to three years, depending on the program structure and whether you study full-time or part-time. Accelerated online programs (no thesis) can be completed in ~12-18 months if you take a heavy load or continuous year-round classes. Most traditional full-time programs are around 2 years (4-5 semesters). If you go part-time or the program has extensive clinical internships (like counseling psychology), it could take 2.5 to 3 years.
Q: Are there any fully online master’s in psychology in Texas?
A: Yes, several Texas programs are fully online; however, note that if a program leads to a license (like LPC or school psychology), you’ll still have to complete in-person practicums or internships in your local area. The “didactic” coursework can be 100% online in many cases. Some programs label themselves “hybrid” because they require occasional campus immersions or use live online class sessions. In your search for the right program, deciding on which mode of learning is best can be helpful in finding your match.
Q: Can I work while getting my psychology master’s in Texas?
A: In most cases, yes – many online/hybrid programs are designed for working professionals. Programs often offer part-time enrollment and flexible scheduling so you can keep your job. In fact, Texas universities commonly advertise that their master’s degrees cater to working adults, allowing self-paced or evening study. Talk to your employer – some offer tuition assistance or can adjust your schedule, especially if your degree will enhance your role. And when you hit internship/practicum semesters, you might need some daytime availability (for counseling practicums, etc.).
Q: What financial aid resources are available for psychology master’s students in Texas?
A: You have a variety of financial aid options, even as a grad student. First, complete the FAFSA – many schools have scholarships for psychology or counseling students. In Texas, you’ll find scholarships through professional organizations (like the Texas Association of School Psychologists) and through the university’s graduate studies office.
Check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, as several school districts help pay for teachers to get their degree. Additionally, Texas has the Hogg Foundation scholarships and stipend programs focused on mental health careers. Even online students can land remote graduate assistantship roles, so ask your department.
Helpful Resources for Online Psychology Master’s Students
Whether you’re researching programs or looking for support during your studies, these resources can be invaluable:
- SACSCOC – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: The regional accrediting body for Texas universities. Students can use this site to verify a school’s accreditation status and learn about accreditation standards (so you know your program is legit).
- American Psychological Association (APA): APA is the leading professional organization for psychology, and their grad student section (APAGS) offers articles, webinars, and resources on choosing programs, internships, and career planning. While APA doesn’t accredit master’s programs, it does provide ethical guidelines and student support.
- CACREP – Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Programs: This directory lets you search for CACREP-accredited master’s programs (e.g., Clinical Mental Health Counseling) in Texas. It’s a great way to ensure the program you pick meets licensure requirements for LPC.
- Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC): Texas BHEC oversees the licensing boards for LPCs, LPAs/psychologists, LMFTs, and social workers. Their site is crucial for understanding licensure requirements.
- Texas Psychological Association (TPA): TPA is the professional association for psychologists in Texas (including students). They offer networking, an annual convention, student membership discounts, and advocacy updates on laws affecting psychology practice.
- Texas Counseling Association (TCA): TCA is the leading organization for professional counselors in Texas, providing resources such as conferences, workshops, and job boards. As a student member, you could access training in areas like ethics or play therapy, often at a reduced cost.
- Texas Association of School Psychologists (TASP): If you’re aiming to become an LSSP (school psychologist), TASP is your go-to association. They offer study resources for the National School Psychology exam, mentorship programs, and an active community of practicing school psychs in Texas.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook (Psychology Careers): The BLS OOH provides reliable data on job outlook, growth rates, and salaries. This helps you gauge ROI and plan your career in Texas’s context (you can even find Texas-specific wage data via BLS).