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The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Emily Kelley, MEd

Emily Kelley, M.Ed., is a writer and educator who specializes in helping both future and current graduate students succeed at the master's level. Her features for OMD include an in-depth guidebook on diversity in higher education, how to exercise mindfulness while earning a master's, and how (and where) to find resources as a master's student with a disability. Emily holds an M.Ed. and a BA in English.
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Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.

Reviewer: Rebecca Newman, MSW

Rebecca Newman, MSW, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in Philadelphia specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, infertility, substance abuse, grief and loss, gender and sexuality, trauma, and adjustment to life changes. She earned a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing from Oberlin College and an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, where she received the John Hope Franklin Award for Combating American Racism.
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Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs in Texas (TX)

Texas’s growing population and booming economy have created strong, sustained demand for psychology professionals across mental health, education, business, and criminal justice. Many accredited Texas universities offer online and hybrid psychology programs designed for working adults — letting you pursue your goals without putting life on hold. This guide covers top Texas programs, the most in-demand career paths for graduates, accreditation essentials, program formats, costs, and answers to the questions prospective students ask most.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Emily Kelley, MEd

Emily Kelley, M.Ed., is a writer and educator who specializes in helping both future and current graduate students succeed at the master's level. Her features for OMD include an in-depth guidebook on diversity in higher education, how to exercise mindfulness while earning a master's, and how (and where) to find resources as a master's student with a disability. Emily holds an M.Ed. and a BA in English.
Check Expertise: EducationTeachingOnline Learning
EducationTeachingOnline Learning

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.

Reviewer: Rebecca Newman, MSW

Rebecca Newman, MSW, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in Philadelphia specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, infertility, substance abuse, grief and loss, gender and sexuality, trauma, and adjustment to life changes. She earned a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing from Oberlin College and an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, where she received the John Hope Franklin Award for Combating American Racism.
Check Expertise: Social WorkPsychologyMental Health
Social WorkPsychologyMental Health
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    Top Online Master’s in Psychology Programs in Texas

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Angelo State University – M.S. in Organizational Psychology & Human Resources

Angelo State’s 36-credit MS applies industrial-organizational psychology principles to HR, consulting, and organizational development settings. The curriculum covers personnel selection, training, leadership, and workplace motivation. A psychology undergraduate background is not required — students from any field are welcome.

The program can be completed in as little as one year at an accelerated pace, or slower as needed. ASU’s public-university tuition makes this one of the most affordable I-O psychology options in Texas.

Duration: 1–2 years; 36 credits

Mode: Online 

Cost: $232/credit (Texas residents)

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree (any field)
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA. or 3.25 in any psychology coursework
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts

LeTourneau University – M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

LeTourneau’s CACREP-accredited MA prepares students to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Texas. The program is designed for working adults, with interactive 7-week online courses. LeTourneau reports a 94% pass rate on the national counselor licensure exam (NCE) and 93% job placement for graduates.

The curriculum integrates a holistic Christian perspective with rigorous counseling training. Practicums and internships are completed in-person near the student’s local area. LeTourneau is a private Christian university in Longview, TX.

Duration: 2 years; 66 credits

Mode: Online coursework; in-person practicum and internship locally

Cost: $625/credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree; minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • At least one letter of recommendation
  • Pastoral or character reference, or statement of Christian faith
Expert Insight
Boasting these statistics is a major green flag. To collect this data and for it to be so favorable reflect well on this program, both on its commitment to program evaluation and having a good handle on setting up their students for success.

University of Houston–Victoria – M.A. in Forensic Psychology

UHV’s 63-credit MA blends clinical psychology coursework with specialized forensic training. Students complete three practicum placements in forensic settings — courts, prisons, or clinics — as a core part of the curriculum. Graduates can pursue LPC or Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) licensure with additional requirements.

This is primarily a face-to-face or real-time hybrid program — practicums are in-person and integral to the training. Some lecture courses may be offered online or in hybrid format. It’s a strong fit for students who want hands-on forensic experience in a structured setting.

Duration: 2 years (full-time); 63 credits

Mode: Hybrid or in-person

Cost: $390/credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree with psychology prerequisites
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Essay on your interest in forensic psychology
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Official transcripts

Texas A&M University–Commerce (East Texas A&M) – M.S. in Clinical Psychology

East Texas A&M’s hybrid MS offers two distinct tracks. The Clinical Psychology track (63 credits) prepares students to become Licensed Psychological Associates (LPA) in Texas and includes a community practicum at the on-campus Psychology Clinic. The General Psychology track (36 credits) is coursework-based with no thesis, suited for those strengthening research credentials or preparing for doctoral study.

The program is highly flexible: courses are available online and as evening in-person classes at both the Commerce main campus and the Dallas-area Mesquite location. Students can mix online and in-person formats to suit their schedule.

Duration: 2–3 years

Mode: Hybrid (online + evening in-person classes)

Cost: $3,669 per semester for a 9-credit load

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree with some psychology background
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • 2–3 letters of recommendation
  • GRE scores optional/recommended

Tarleton State University – M.S. in Applied Psychology

Tarleton’s 36-credit MS offers 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 pursuing community college instruction. The program has no clinical or practicum requirements.

Tarleton is part of the Texas A&M system, with campuses in Stephenville and Fort Worth. The hybrid format combines online coursework with in-person elements.

Duration: 2-3 years; 36 credits

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: 4,680 per semester (in-state)

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Recommended minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0
  • Official transcripts
  • 2–3 letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose indicating your track of interest (thesis vs. non-thesis)

5 In-Demand Career Paths for Texas Psychology Graduates

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Texas has over 25,500 LPCs — a number that grew 47% from 2015 to 2023. The BLS projects 17% growth in substance abuse and mental health counselor roles in Texas by 2033, well above average.

LPCs provide therapy for individuals and groups dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and substance abuse. The median salary in Texas runs around $59,000, with higher earnings in private practice. Licensure requires a CACREP-accredited master’s plus supervised hours and a passing exam score.

Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA)

Demand for ABA professionals is driven by rising autism diagnoses and expanding insurance coverage for ABA therapy. Texas’s large metropolitan areas and pediatric therapy clinics are active hiring markets.

ABA specialists typically hold a psychology or education master’s with an ABA specialization and the BCBA certification. The role involves using behavior modification techniques to help clients — primarily children with developmental disorders — develop positive behaviors and greater independence.

School Psychologist

Every Texas school district is required to provide psychological services, and student populations are growing. LSSPs are in short supply statewide, with an annual mean wage of $80,610.

LSSPs help K–12 students with learning, behavioral, and mental health challenges. The credential requires a specialist-level master’s (~60+ credits) or doctorate, but job placement is strong given the statewide shortage. Most work on a school calendar with strong benefits.

Industrial/Organizational Psychologist and HR Analyst

Texas’s booming corporate and tech sectors — from oil and gas to startups — increasingly value specialists who can apply psychology to hiring, training, and employee well-being.

I-O psychology is one of the highest-paying fields for master’s graduates. No clinical licensure is required, allowing faster workforce entry. Many I-O professionals advance into six-figure HR management or consulting roles at major Texas employers.

Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist roles in Texas are projected to grow 13% from 2023 to 2033. Family-based therapy is in steady demand across counseling centers, private practices, and social service agencies.

Becoming an LMFT in Texas requires a qualifying master’s plus supervised post-degree experience. Many clinicians dual-license as both LPC and LMFT. Private practice offers earning potential well above the employee median.

Expert Insight
Even divorced and blended families need family therapy to figure out how to function as a new unit and navigating dynamics that emerge. As an MFT, you may be working towards family integration/cohesion or adaptive separation, both of which can be very rewarding.

Accreditation for Texas Psychology Programs

Texas universities are accredited by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges), the regional accreditor for the South. All five programs in this guide hold SACSCOC institutional accreditation, ensuring your degree is recognized by employers, licensing boards, and other universities.

For counseling programs, CACREP accreditation (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) is the key programmatic standard — and is required for LPC licensure in Texas. LeTourneau’s CMHC program is CACREP-accredited. For school psychology programs, look for NASP approval.

Always verify accreditation status on the university’s website or the U.S. Department of Education database before enrolling.


Program Formats for Online Psychology Master’s in Texas

Full-Time Programs

Full-time students typically carry 9 credits per semester or enroll in back-to-back 8-week courses year-round. Many full-time online learners in Texas finish in 12–18 months.

Licensure-track programs (like counseling) often have minimum durations due to practicum sequencing, but you can still take a full course load within those constraints.

Part-Time Programs

Part-time enrollment means taking one or two courses per term, extending the program to 2.5–4 years in exchange for a more manageable weekly commitment. Most Texas online programs support part-time pacing with asynchronous or evening courses.

This is the most common format for working professionals who need to keep earning income while they study.

No GRE Required

Many Texas programs have dropped the GRE or accept it only as an optional supplement. Schools like Angelo State and LeTourneau evaluate applicants primarily on GPA, transcripts, personal statement, and recommendations.

A strong GRE score can sometimes offset a lower GPA where the test is optionally accepted, but it’s no longer a barrier at most programs.


Costs and Financial Aid of Texas Online Master’s in Psychology Degrees

Texas public universities offer some of the most affordable per-credit rates in the country for in-state students. A 36-credit public program can cost under $10,000 total. Longer clinical programs at private universities run $25,000–$45,000.

SchoolCreditsCost per CreditEst. Total Tuition
Angelo State University36$232$8,350
LeTourneau University39$525 $20,475
UHV – U. of Houston–Victoria63$390$24,570

Additional Costs

  • Technology and online course fees — typically charged per semester on top of tuition
  • Books and materials — budget a few hundred dollars per term; many programs use e-texts
  • Practicum and supervision fees — some clinical programs charge separately for supervised placement credits
  • Licensure exam fees — budget for post-graduation costs for the NCE, EPPP, or other required exams

Financial aid options include federal loans (file the FAFSA), university scholarships, Texas Hogg Foundation awards for mental health careers, employer tuition reimbursement (especially relevant for school district employees), and remote graduate assistantships. Ask your department about assistantship availability, even as an online student.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the admissions requirements for psychology master’s programs in Texas?


A: Most programs require a bachelor’s degree, a ~3.0 GPA, official transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. A psychology undergraduate background is not always required — Angelo State, for example, accepts students from any field.

The GRE is increasingly optional. Apply by the program’s priority deadline and allow enough lead time to gather recommendation letters and write your statement.

Q: How long do psychology master’s programs in Texas take to finish?


A: One to three years, depending on the program and your pace. Accelerated no-thesis programs can be finished in 12–18 months full-time. Standard full-time programs run about 2 years.

Programs with extensive clinical internships — like LeTourneau’s CMHC (66 credits) or UHV’s forensic program (63 credits) — typically take 2–3 years.

Q: Are there any fully online master’s in psychology in Texas?


A: Yes, several programs are fully online for didactic coursework. However, any program leading to clinical licensure (LPC, LPA, LSSP) will still require in-person practicums and internships completed in your local area.

Some programs are labeled “hybrid” because they include live online sessions or occasional in-person elements. Review the format details carefully for any program you’re considering.

Q: Can I work while getting my psychology master’s in Texas?


A: In most cases, yes. Texas programs commonly advertise their master’s as designed for working adults, with part-time pacing, asynchronous coursework, and evening class options.

One exception: during practicum and internship semesters, clinical programs may require some daytime availability. Check the scheduling requirements for any clinical placement component before enrolling.

Q: What financial aid resources are available for psychology master’s students in Texas?


A: Start with the FAFSA to access federal loans. Additional options include:

  • Graduate assistantships — remote assistantship roles are sometimes available for online students; ask your department directly
  • University scholarships — many psychology and counseling departments offer their own awards; ask each program’s graduate office
  • Texas Hogg Foundation — scholarships and stipend programs focused on mental health careers in Texas
  • TASP scholarships — the Texas Association of School Psychologists offers awards for students pursuing the LSSP credential
  • Employer tuition reimbursement — school districts in Texas commonly help employees pay for graduate degrees; check with your HR department

Resources for Texas Psychology Master’s Students

Whether you’re researching programs or looking for support during your studies, these resources can be invaluable:


Top Online Master’s in Psychology Programs in Texas

Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
4

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
12
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Private · SACSCOC
15
Public · SACSCOC
16
Private · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
18
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Private · SACSCOC
Private · SACSCOC
25

Nelson University

Waxahachie, TX
Private · SACSCOC