If you are in Texas and fascinated by the esteemed field of psychology, there has never been a better time to earn your master’s degree. Thanks to a variety of flexible, affordable online master’s in psychology programs in Texas, it’s easier than you might think to balance your studies with work and other responsibilities.
A master’s degree could really pay off by opening the door to many exciting career possibilities. For example, you can use your degree to become a licensed psychological associate or licensed specialist in school psychology. Even without licensure, you can work in other rapidly growing fields, such as postsecondary teaching. According to Projections Central, employment opportunities for postsecondary psychology teachers in Texas are expected to grow 15.7% by 2030.
Wondering where to start? We’ve created this guide to answer your questions about online master’s in psychology in Texas, including which programs are the best, how much your degree could cost, and how to gain licensure. Keep reading to get in-depth, insider information that will help you confidently take the next step in your education.
Diving into Three Online Masters of Psychology Programs in Texas
When it comes to online master’s in psychology in Texas, the state boasts many impressive options. These programs offer an affordable, flexible, high-quality education and support students from enrollment to the job search. In the section below, we spotlight three top-notch programs available in Texas. Give them a look to get a better idea of what these institutions have to offer.
Angelo State University
Angelo State University’s Master of Science (MS) in applied psychology program teaches students how to use psychological science to solve real-world problems. Graduates are prepared to pursue career opportunities in areas including counseling, mental health, criminal justice, social work, and more. Among other entrance requirements, prospective students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and write a 500-word essay explaining why they selected ASU’s program.
The applied psychology program offers students maximum flexibility through its 100% online delivery format and a generous variety of course options that allow students to tailor their degrees toward specific career goals. In fact, students can earn a teaching of psychology certificate within the regular program simply by adjusting their particular course selection.
In addition to these great features, ASU enhances the affordability of its graduate programs by offering many financial assistance opportunities, including graduate scholarships, general scholarships, and a paid online graduate teaching assistantship opportunity each semester.
LeTourneau University
Located in Longview, LeTourneau University offers students a high-quality educational experience with its Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling program through the School of Psychology and Counseling. Through their studies, students learn how to improve the lives of others through holistic care while exploring different focuses within the field. The program is a total of 66 credits, and students graduate well-prepared by participating in clinical training and practicums on campus and through partnerships with local organizations. The instructional format is 100% online, which makes it easy for students to fit academic responsibilities into their lives.
Graduates of the program can take advantage of various services, such as job fairs and the Handshake virtual networking platform, where jobs are posted specifically for LeTourneau alums. These measures seem quite effective—as of 2024, the school boasted a 95% job placement rate for the School of Psychology and Counseling graduates.
Texas A&M Commerce
The online format of the Master of Science in psychology at Texas A&M Commerce is designed for working professionals who want to further their education or re-specialize. The basic MS in psychology is a great choice for those who want to do psychological research or pursue further graduate studies, but students can also choose a more specific niche through the licensed specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) track or the clinical psychology track. Each of these tracks features a thesis and non-thesis option for further customization.
Texas A&M Commerce also offers an impressive array of financial assistance for graduate students, including scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. And when it’s time to start looking for a job, students can look to the Office of Student Career Preparedness for help. Its services include resume preparation, interview skills, virtual internships, micro-internships, and career fairs. Graduates can also search for jobs on the HireaLion networking platform.
Types of Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs in Texas
Traditional Online Psych Master’s in Texas
The main feature of a traditional online master’s in psychology in Texas is its length. Depending on the specific focus, students can usually finish their studies in about two to three years, but this varies quite a bit depending on the total credits required. The range of credits in most programs is anywhere from 30 to just over 60. For this reason, traditional online programs are best suited for students who can fit full-time studies into their schedules.
Some Traditional Psych Master’s Programs in TX:
No-GRE Online Psych Master’s in Texas
The GRE is a test that assesses essential skills for students who intend to enter certain graduate programs. Although some master’s in psychology programs require students to submit GRE scores for consideration, it is not too difficult to find programs with no GRE requirement. Generally, these no-GRE programs are no less prestigious than ones that require the test. They simply rely on other measures to assess candidate quality. For example, some specify that they will waive the GRE requirement if specific other criteria are met, such as a minimum undergraduate GPA.
Some No-GRE Psych Master’s Programs in TX:
Accelerated Online Psych Master’s in Texas
As the name suggests, accelerated online master’s in psychology programs can be finished in less time than traditional programs. While a conventional, full-time program can take two to three years, an accelerated program with condensed, fast-paced courses can be much shorter—usually 16 to 18 months. Another form that accelerated programs take is a five-year combination degree plan. These programs allow students to receive both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree over five years. Both accelerated formats in Texas are exceedingly rare as online offerings.
An Accelerated Psych Master’s Programs in TX:
Part-Time Online Psych Master’s in Texas
A part-time master’s program allows students to take fewer classes at once and complete their studies over a more extended period. Compared to a full-time program, which may take around two years on average, a part-time program can take three years or longer.
Unfortunately, there are currently no online master’s in psychology in Texas that allow students to enroll part-time. This is possibly because certain prerequisite classes may only be offered at specific times, making it difficult for part-time students to follow a proper course progression. Some schools may allow you to move through the program at a slower pace, and you should check directly with the programs to see if that’s a possibility.
What You Can Do with a Psychology Master’s Degree in Texas
Although some specialized master’s in psychology degrees are targeted toward certain in-field jobs, career options for those who study psychology at the master’s level are impressively wide and varied. Aside from specialized roles such as clinical psychologists and school psychologists, degree holders can also find employment in business, law enforcement, education, and many others. Employers in these fields hire grads for roles including market researcher, career coach, parole officer, adjunct professor, and more. In general, graduates with a master’s earn more than those with only a bachelor’s. The American Psychological Association reported that in 2019, the median salary at the bachelor’s level was $50,000, while master’s-degree-holders earned $60,000.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts investigate target markets for companies’ products by studying consumer preferences, consumer buying behaviors, market trends, and other metrics. Essentially, their work helps companies determine which marketing strategies will entice consumers to buy their products. A background in psychology is instrumental in this role because grads can apply their knowledge of people’s thought processes and reactions to analyzing and understanding the data.
| Career | 10th Percentile Pay | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
Market Research Analyst | $35,810 | $64,690 | $131,500 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Human Resources Manager
One of the primary jobs of a human resources manager is finding and recruiting employees who are a good fit for the company. This task requires understanding temperament, personality, and other psychological factors. HR managers with a master’s in psychology will be well equipped to perform other required duties such as mediating disputes, improving employee satisfaction and retention, and promoting a harmonious and productive workplace.
| Career | 10th Percentile Pay | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
Human Resources Manager | $78,470 | $130,260 | $219,230 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
School Psychologist
According to the Texas Association of School Psychologists, school psychologists must complete a specialist-level degree program at least 60 hours in length. These professionals work with students, their families, teachers, and administrators to address students’ emotional and behavioral problems that interfere with their success in school.
| Career | 10th Percentile Pay | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
School Psychologist | $63,490 | $77,940 | $104,360 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Understanding Psychologist Licensing in Texas
According to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, two options exist for becoming a licensed psychologist at the master’s degree level: licensed psychological associate and licensed specialist in school psychology. There is also an option for PhD holders to become licensed psychologists in Texas.
To become a licensed psychological associate, candidates must complete a graduate degree in psychology consisting of at least 60 semester credit hours and six semester credit hours of practicum, internship, or other structured experience under a licensed psychologist. To practice independently, candidates must also complete 3,000 hours of post-grad supervised experience.
Those who wish to pursue careers as licensed specialists in school psychology must complete a graduate program accredited by either the APA or the NASP or a graduate degree in psychology with specified coursework. In addition, candidates must complete a formal internship of at least 1,200 hours, 600 of which must be in a public school.
Budgeting for Success: Costs for Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Texas
Although earning your master’s in psychology may be an excellent choice for your career, it is essential to consider how you will pay for it. Graduate school is a considerable financial commitment with many expenses involved. Fortunately, many types of financial assistance are available, and some do not require repayment.
For example, schools such as Angelo State University and Texas A&M Commerce offer graduate scholarships, paid assistantships, fellowships, and more. You can also explore opportunities such as the research grants and scholarships available through the Texas Psychological Association and the Texas Association of School Psychologists. Check out our financial aid page for even more information about funding your degree.
How Much Your Online Psychology Master’s Degree in Texas Might Cost
| School | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
36 | $379 | $13,644 | |
66 | $625 | $41,250 | |
36 – 66 | $408 | $14,688 – $26,928 |
Frequently Asked Questions: Psychology Master’s Programs in TX
How do online master’s in psychology programs in Texas assess applicants, and what factors are considered during the selection process?
Many online master’s psychology programs in Texas are competitive, so they use a variety of factors to assess the quality of applicants. Here are some of the most common admissions requirements for the state’s programs:
- Previous College Transcripts
Students must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and a minimum number of undergraduate psychology credit hours are typically required. - Minimum GPA
The actual number varies from school to school, but it is almost always included in admissions requirements. - Statement of Purpose
Angelo State, for example, requires a 500-word essay explaining why you chose the program and how it will help you meet your goals. - GRE Scores
Many schools do not require the GRE, but some use it as an additional qualification measure if the minimum GPA requirement is not satisfied.
What are somecommon specializations for online psychology master’s programs?
Although a master’s degree in general psychology is undoubtedly a great way to develop your research skills and learn the fundamentals of the field, many other specializations can help you zero in on the exact career you desire. Some of the most common ones offered through online programs in Texas are applied psychology, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology.
How long will finishing my master’s in psychology degree in Texas online take?
The average length of a typical online master’s in psychology in Texas is about 36 credits, which should take about two years to complete. However, some programs require considerably more credits and will take longer. For example, the total credits required for the various specialization tracks offered at Texas A&M Commerce range from 36-66, and the school specifies that completion may take up to three years. Part-time study can also significantly increase your time to complete your degree.
Are there fully online programs for psychology master’s degrees available in Texas, or is campus attendance required?
Although they are not terribly common, there are indeed a few 100% online master’s in psychology programs available in Texas, such as the ones offered at Angelo State University,Texas A&M Central Texas, and Houston Christian University. These programs do not require students to ever step foot on a physical campus. However, many other schools with online options use a hybrid format for instruction or offer only some classes online.
Are internships or practicums required in online psychology master’s programs in Texas?
Internships and practicums are central features of programs that lead to licensure. For example, the clinical psychology and school psychology tracks at Texas A&M Commerce require a practicum and internship in the final semester of study. Without this component, students would be unprepared to apply their learning to real-world situations with clients needing psychological or counseling services.
Furthermore, internship and experience hours are required when applying for licensure, so it makes sense for licensure-track programs to include them. On the other hand, if you are pursuing a program (like applied psychology or general psychology) that does not lead to licensure, you will not have to complete this requirement.
Key Psychology Resources for Texas Residents
- Texas Association of Psychological Associates
Membership-driven association supporting licensed psychological associates in Texas. Encourages communication among practitioners, provides information about the latest research and practices, advocates for practitioners’ rights, approves continuing education opportunities, promotes employment for licensed psychological associates, and more. - Texas Association of School Psychologists
State affiliate of the National Association of School Psychologists that advocates for the profession. Members can receive the newsletter and alerts, access the job board, and attend the fall convention and summer institute at a discounted rate. - Texas Psychological Association
Professional organization for psychologists in Texas. Its activities include lobbying for bills that positively impact the profession, connecting psychologists with resources, services, and networking, and offering professional development opportunities at workshops, online, and at its annual convention. - Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
Responsible for establishing qualifications for licensure and renewal and outlines ethical standards for psychology practitioners. The site contains links to register for the jurisprudence exam, apply for licensure, and download consolidated rulebooks for psychological and counseling professions. - Texas Student Psychological Association at UT Austin
Student-led organization for those interested in the field of psychology. Members can attend meetings where they hear from a variety of psychology professors and professional psychologists. Also provides volunteer opportunities and information on preparing for graduate school.