Master’s in psychology programs
Pursue a master's in psychology online and prepare for professional counseling licensure on your own schedule. Discover the potential benefits and outcomes of earning this degree.
Explore psychology master's programs
Key Takeaways
- Qualify for higher-paying, impactful roles in psychology and counseling with a master's in psychology.
- Gain specialized skills through various learning paths that complement your psychology career goals.
- Discover opportunities for hands-on learning through clinical hours and internships.
- Prepare for licensure, which is required for practice.
Why earn an online master's in psychology?
Learn on your own schedule
Take advantage of flexible coursework that fits into your busy schedule.
Qualify for mental health provider licensure
You'll need a license for many psychology careers, and a master's degree is a prerequisite for licensure.
Join a fast-growing field
Some of the most common careers for master's in psychology graduates are projected to grow much faster than average.
What can you learn in an online master's in psychology program?
An online master's degree in psychology program usually comprises 36-60 credits. Programs that prepare students for clinical psychology work typically require more credits than non-clinical programs. You can expect to finish the program in 1-2 years if you study full time.
Most master's in psychology programs cover:
- Mental health conditions
- How to develop treatment plans
- Individual and group counseling strategies
- Human development
Many online psychology master's degrees — particularly — require in-person internships and practicums. These allow you to work with patients in professional settings under the supervision of a licensed counselor or therapist. Requirements vary by program and state criteria, but you'll generally need at least 400-600 internship hours and 100 practicum hours.
While you can complete your coursework online in an accredited online psychology master's program, you'll likely need to complete practicum and internship hours in person. Many schools have a placement team to help you find an approved site and fulfill this requirement.
Common courses
You might need to take psychology courses that cover:
- Counseling and psychotherapy theories
- Family therapy strategies
- Gender and sexuality
- Lifespan development
- Social psychology
Common courses
You might need to take psychology courses that cover:
- Counseling and psychotherapy theories
- Family therapy strategies
- Gender and sexuality
- Lifespan development
- Social psychology
What jobs can you get with an online master's in psychology?
After graduating from an online master's in psychology program, you can pursue clinical or non-clinical jobs in psychology. , like mental health counselors and marriage therapists, help clients work through issues and address behaviors with one-on-one or group counseling.
These roles require you to be licensed in the state where you practice. While licensure criteria vary by state and credential, you'll generally need to:
- Earn a master's degree from an accredited institution.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Pass a state-recognized exam.
- Complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised experience.
Non-clinical jobs for don't involve direct patient care. These include social science research assistants, industrial-organizational psychologists, or human resource specialists.
Salary expectations for psychology careers
The median salaries for top careers for online psychology master's graduates are outlined below using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| Job title | Median annual salary (2024) |
|---|---|
| Psychologists | $94,310 |
| Substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors | $59,190 |
| Marriage and family therapists | $63,780 |
Licensed professional counselors usually work in counseling clinics, inpatient or outpatient treatment centers, residential facilities, hospitals, or private practices.
Therapists and counselors who open a private practice can set their rates and, therefore, have the potential to earn more than they would at a counseling clinic or other healthcare setting.
Career outlook for psychology
The BLS projects that job openings for psychologists will grow by 6% between 2024 and 2034. Substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor roles are projected to grow by 17% during the same period.
Marriage and family therapists, who usually work in mental health clinics or treatment centers, have a BLS-projected growth rate of 13%. This could lead to about 9,800 new jobs.
The demand for these professionals likely stems from an increased understanding of the need for mental health support and integrated healthcare.
Is a master's in psychology right for you?
Earning a master's in psychology can be an excellent way to advance your career and land highly impactful roles in mental health and social work. People who are interested in devoting their careers to helping people process traumatic experiences or manage their mental health may benefit from earning a master's in psychology.
For example, you may consider enrolling in a master's in psychology program if you want to:
- Guide people managing addiction through treatment.
- Help families through legal, custody, or adoption processes.
- Counsel people who are managing mental health conditions or trauma.
- Support students with behavioral or emotional conditions.
- Research treatment options for mental health conditions.
Not ready to start a full psychology master's program?
Earn a certificate instead! MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.
Last updated October 29, 2025