20 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Psychology 2022

Most Affordable Online Master's in Psychology

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Cheapest Online Masters PsychologyIf you wonder how people’s minds work, a master’s degree in psychology can answer those questions and advance your career.

With a master’s degree in psychology, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the human brain. The classes will teach you about human behavior from a range of perspectives. This degree can open doors in many fields and you don’t even need a psychology background to get started.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What Is a Master’s Degree in Psychology?

A master’s degree in psychology is a graduate-level degree that teaches you all about how the human mind works. Typically, these degrees take about two or three years to finish. Master’s degrees in psychology prepare you for one of two different paths. Some programs prepare students to get their doctorate. These programs are good for people who want to work in a clinical setting. Other programs prepare students to enter the workforce. These are ideal for people who want to work in a school or business setting. Both programs often combine online classrooms and hands-on learning. 

How Much Can You Earn with a Master’s Degree in Psychology?

Since you can get a number of jobs with a master’s degree in psychology, the salary range is wide. How much you make will really depend on what job you choose. If you want to work as a psychologist, the average income is over $82,000 a year. If you’re interested in becoming a school counselor, they make an average of $58,120 each year. Family therapists have average salaries of around $51,000. However, some jobs in psychology can pay well into the $100,000 range with time. Since a master’s in psychology prepares you for a doctorate degree, you have the potential to earn even more.

What Is Required For a Master’s Degree in Psychology?

The requirements for a master’s degree in psychology are a little different at every school. At most schools, you’ll pick a concentration pretty early on. You can choose from options like research, school psychology, and so many more. Once you choose an area of interest, your classes will focus on that subject. However, there are some general classes you’ll likely take too. Your school might have you start with a general psychology class or a class that teaches you about types of research. Schools also have different tracks for people who want to go right to work and people who want to get their PhD. If you want to get a PhD, you can expect to do a lot more research than if you wanted to go straight to work. 

What Are the Best Master’s Degrees in Psychology?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page

Best Online Master’s in Psychology Degrees FAQs

What is required before I get my master’s degree? 

Almost every psychology master’s degree program has a set list of requirements for all students to meet. Before starting any master’s degree, you first need to earn your bachelor’s degree. You can get a bachelor’s degree at any four-year college or by splitting it up. You can earn your associate’s degree first and then move on to a bachelor’s program after. No matter how you get your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to do well in school. Most programs look for students that have a good GPA. Masters programs want students who will be successful and they use GPA as a good estimate. Some degree programs will also require a test called the Graduate Record Exam, or the GRE. This test is another way programs can tell if you’re likely to do well in graduate school. 

To show your experience outside of the classroom, some schools may have you send in a resume. It will need to be formatted in a professional way and should not have any typos. Your resume should highlight the things you have done that make you unique. Schools might also ask you to write an essay or answer prompts. This is another place where you can show off your individual personality.

Where can you work with a master’s in psychology? 

You might be surprised to learn about all that you can do with a master’s degree in psychology. Not everyone with this degree is a psychologist. People who have these degrees actually work in a lot of different places. They can work in both the public and private sectors. This means that you can either work for the government or for a private company. 

If you’re interested in a government job, there are options at local, state, and federal levels. You could work as a school psychologist or for the family services department. You could also work in forensics and help solve crimes. 

If a private job is your goal, you can either work for a big company or a small office. Big companies often hire people with psychology degrees in departments like human relations. You could help recruit new employees or train existing ones. In a small office, you could work as a therapist or counselor. 

There’s also a range of other options. People with master’s degrees in psychology can work in labs or be professors, too. They can even open their own business. With these options and more, what you do with your degree is truly up to you. 

If you want to take the next step in your career, an online master’s degree in psychology could be a great place to start. By studying psychology, you’ll get to learn all about the ways people behave. You’ll even get to pick the track you want to study. After you graduate, you can work in a wide range of fields. You can even decide to go back to school later to get your doctorate.  With an online master’s degree in psychology, there’s definitely an option out there for everyone.

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University

Quick Facts

  • Total of 66 credit hours for completion
  • Available for students living anywhere in the United States
  • Requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology or education
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

71%

Acceptance Rate

89%

Programs Offered Online

22

Programs in Department

1

100%OSR Score

At Fort Hays State University, you can enroll in their online school psychology program. This program allows you to get a master’s degree with a focus on school psychology. It has the same design as their in-person program, so you know you’re getting a quality education. While in school, you’ll take classes on a range of topics. You’ll learn about things like types of experiments and the basics of therapy. Since it’s online, you can take anywhere from one to three classes at a time. This makes it a great choice for people who want to take classes while they are working. After you graduate, you’ll be ready for a job working with students, parents, and teachers. The application opens each fall and classes start in the spring.

American Public University System

American Public University System

Quick Facts

  • Total of 39 credit hours for completion
  • No application fee
  • Entrance exams not required
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Programs Offered Online

45

Median Debt

$38,411

Programs in Department

1

93%OSR Score

The online master of arts in psychology at American Public University makes application easy. You don’t need to take the GRE and you don’t even need to pay an application fee. With a tuition waiver, this program is also extra affordable for members of the military.  This low-cost online master’s degree has five tracks to pick from. You can focus on general psychology or a specialized area. The options include:

  • developmental
  • organizational
  • military and trauma
  • child life

You’ll also take classes on topics like writing and research. If there’s something else you’re wanting to learn about, you can even take electives. The classes start each month, so you can start any time you’re ready. Each class takes between eight and 16 weeks to finish.

University of Central Missouri

University of Central Missouri

Quick Facts

  • Total of 36 credit hours for completion
  • Can be completed in two years
  • Three letters of recommendation required
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

84%

Programs Offered Online

6

Programs in Department

3

91%OSR Score

At the University of Central Missouri, you can get your master’s in psychology. While they don’t have a concentration, you’ll learn all about the core areas of psychology. This affordable online psychology master’s degree also has a focus on research. It gives students the chance to dive deep into the areas that interest them most. You can work with faculty members and even present at conferences.

At the end of the program, all students will write a thesis. This is another thing that sets this program apart. To make this program even cheaper, they have scholarships and financial aid available. To apply, you don’t even need a bachelor’s in psychology. They just require students to have at least 12 credits of psychology classes. They do require applicants to take the GRE and submit recommendations, as well.

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University

Quick Facts

  • Total of 36 credit hours for completion
  • Small cohort sizes
  • Fully asynchronous
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Programs Offered Online

22

Programs in Department

2

90%OSR Score

Saint Leo University offers an online master of science in psychology that teaches students all about both psychological theory and practice. The classes for this affordable online master’s in psychology each last eight weeks. They include topics like diversity and the history of psychology. You’ll be in class with only 14 other students. This makes the online classroom feel a lot more personal. You’ll quickly get to know your professors and the other students in the program.

Saint Leo has a ton of opportunities for professional development, too. You can join different clubs or go to conferences. At the end of the program, you’ll work on a capstone project. You’ll be able to pick your own topic and even show your project to future employers. This online program doesn’t have an internship and isn’t for people who want to do counseling.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global

Quick Facts

  • Total of 38 credit hours for completion
  • Experienced faculty members
  • Two completion timelines
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

65%

Programs Offered Online

15

Programs in Department

3

90%OSR Score

Colorado State University gives students the opportunity to earn an online master’s in industrial/organizational psychology. You can choose to finish this degree in either two or four years. With these options, you can match your school schedule to your other commitments. However, you will need to take some classes over summer. This low-cost online master’s in psychology teaches you how to solve different problems in the office.

You’ll learn all about how to tackle leadership challenges. Classes include subjects like training and leadership development. You’ll get to apply all that you’ve learned through different projects each semester. With this degree, you’ll be ready for a job in just about any industry. 

University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Quick Facts

  • Total of 30 credit hours for completion
  • Work anywhere in the world
  • Only requires one or two classes at a time
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Programs Offered Online

1

Programs in Department

3

89%OSR Score

If you’re a teacher and want to get your master’s, the University of Wisconsin – Madison might be your perfect fit. They designed their M.S. Educational Psychology: Professional Educators program with teachers in mind. It builds on what you know and expands your knowledge in the field. From start to finish, the whole program is online. You’ll never have to worry about going to a class in person.

You can be confident in the quality of classes you’re taking here. The same professors teach both online and in-person classes. You’ll even be able to meet your professors with video conferences. At the end of this program, you’ll have more than just your master’s. Students also graduate with an instructional coaching certificate, too.

University of Louisiana at Monroe

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Quick Facts

  • Total of 36 credit hours for completion
  • Two concentration options
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 required for admission
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

75%

Programs Offered Online

14

Median Debt

$29,080

Programs in Department

1

88%OSR Score

The psychology master’s program at University of Louisiana – Monroe has two different track options. You can either focus on general psychology or forensic psychology. They offer both tracks fully online without any need to go on campus. They also have a psychometrics track that only requires you to be on campus for one semester. You’ll get to take classes for your track and even a few extra electives.

This affordable psychology master’s will teach you about a ton of different topics. You’ll take classes on things like personality and intelligence tests. If you pick the forensic track, you’ll get to learn about crime and law. No matter which track you go for, you’ll be able to finish this online degree on your time. This program admits cohorts to start in every semester of the school year. 

University of Nevada-Reno

University of Nevada-Reno

Quick Facts

  • Total of 36 credit hours for completion
  • GRE score required with application
  • Psychology background expected
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

88%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Programs in Department

2

88%OSR Score

At the University of Nevada- Reno, they have had satellite programs for over 10 years. This means that they have lots of experience in offering online education. Their affordable online master’s in psychology focuses on behavior analysis. You’ll learn about how to assess behavior and about the different behavior interventions. This program also has training options to give you hands-on skills.

These trainings are tailored to your needs, location, and schedule. You can also expect to write a thesis before graduating. You’ll get to pick your own topic and learn more about something you’re interested in. Right when you start, you’ll be paired with an academic advisor. This person is there to help you throughout the program and to make sure you meet all of the requirements. It typically takes students about three years to finish this degree.

University of North Dakota

UND

Quick Facts

  • Total of 60 credit hours for completion
  • Two concentrations offered
  • Requires two week-long sessions on campus
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Programs Offered Online

13

Programs in Department

2

85%OSR Score

The online master’s degree at the University of North Dakota has two tracks you can pick from. You can either study school counseling or clinical mental health. The school counseling track is perfect for someone who wants to work with students. The clinical mental health track is good for people who want to work in other places. You could work in a hospital or a private office. You could even work in a jail.

This affordable online master’s starts every semester. With so many options, it’s easy to get started whenever you’re ready. They do ask for recommendation letters, but you don’t need to worry about taking any extra tests like the GRE.  Almost all of the courses can be completed online. This allows you to work whenever is best for your schedule. However, you will need to go to campus for one week each summer for an in-person class.

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University

Quick Facts

  • Total of 36 credit hours for completion
  • Six hours of undergraduate psychology required
  • No entrance exam needed
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Programs Offered Online

10

Programs in Department

1

84%OSR Score

If your work schedule is super strict or if you don’t have a college close by, this program was made for you. At Fayetteville State University, you can get an online master of arts in psychology. This program will teach you all about the broad applications of the psychology field. It will prepare you for a job in any industry or to apply to get your doctorate. Fayetteville State offers students a ton of choice.

They require six credits of a psychology elective and have seven different classes to pick from. You’ll also have three extra credits that you can use to take any class you want. Each class you take is eight weeks long. The program takes a year and a half to finish, but the short classes make it fly by. 

Bellevue University

Bellevue University

Quick Facts

  • Total of 60 credit hours for completion
  • Scholarships and financial aid available
  • Guaranteed hands-on experience
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Programs Offered Online

51

Programs in Department

2

81%OSR Score

At Bellevue University, they offer students a clinical mental health counseling degree. This program is perfect for anyone who wants to become a licensed counselor. They teach students the four skills needed to be a counselor. You’ll learn about everything from understanding problems to creating plans to treat them. This program also gives students hands-on practice. You can complete your clinical hours wherever you are, so don’t need to be near campus.

They even have someone on staff to help guide you through the process. You’ll take classes on a ton of important subjects, like diversity and relationships. You can even take an elective to learn more about another topic you’re interested in. After you graduate, you’ll be ready to take the exam to get your counseling license. You can take this exam either in Nebraska or in your home state.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University

Quick Facts

  • Total of 36 credit hours for completion
  • Accepts up to 12 transfer credits
  • Does not require thesis completion
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

69%

Acceptance Rate

67%

Programs Offered Online

37

Median Debt

$30,639

Programs in Department

1

80%OSR Score

Grand Canyon University offers a master’s in psychology 100 percent online. This program is ideal for anyone who wants to advance their career. It is also a great fit for people looking to continue on to get their doctorate. The classes are about eight weeks long and focus on many different topics. You’ll learn all about the different types of psychology and you’ll get to take classes on ethical issues.

You’ll also take classes on things like human development, too. At the end of the program, you’ll do a capstone project instead of a thesis. You’ll pick your own topic and present your research to your classmates. When you graduate, you’ll be ready for a job in a range of fields. You could work as an employee trainer or for a non-profit.

Ottawa University-Online

Ottawa University-Online

Quick Facts

  • Total of 48 credit hours for completion
  • Included field experience
  • Four concentration options
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Programs Offered Online

20

Programs in Department

1

80%OSR Score

If a career in counseling is calling your name, get started with this low-cost master’s in psychology at Ottawa University. The program is a combo of online classes and hands-on work in the field. You’ll get to learn new information and apply it in the real world. This structure helps get you ready to take your counseling license exam. This program also gives you the chance to pick a concentration.

You can focus on gerocounseling and work with the elderly. If you’re passionate about your faith, you could study Christian counseling. Artistic people will love the art therapy concentration. You could also focus on the treatment of trauma. You’ll also get to take interesting required courses. These include subjects like group dynamics and life planning. Each of these classes is offered in an eight-week long term. 

Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University

Quick Facts

  • Total of 36 credit hours for completion
  • Two different degree offerings
  • Accepts transfer credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

87%

Programs Offered Online

17

Programs in Department

3

78%OSR Score

Eastern Kentucky University gives students the chance to earn one of two psychology master’s degrees. One option is a master’s in psychology that focuses on analyzing behavior. This option is great for people who want to work out in the community. The other option is a master’s in industrial organizational psychology. With this option, you’ll be able to work for a small business or a big company.

This school also does a great job of supporting their students. You can get free tutoring and career guidance. They even have a tutoring program designed just for psychology students. Each of these resources can be accessed totally online. Since they’ve taught classes online for over 15 years, they know what works. The application is free to keep your cost low. They also offer many scholarships just for online students. 

University of Northern Colorado

University of Northern Colorado

Quick Facts

  • Total of 30 credit hours for completion
  • GRE not required
  • Six credit hours of electives
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

89%

Programs Offered Online

6

Median Debt

$43,794

Programs in Department

5

78%OSR Score

The University of Northern Colorado has a master’s degree in educational psychology. This affordable program admits students all year long. As part of your application, you will have to write a personal statement. You’ll share a little bit about your background and why you want this degree. To apply, you’ll have to have at least a 3.0 GPA. You can submit the application any time you are ready.

Your classes will start in the following semester. However, they do recommend starting in the summer or fall. This makes sure that you’re able to take all your classes in the right order. Their classes are divided into three categories. You’ll start by learning the basics about development and learning. Then you’ll take classes on research and statistics. At the end of the program, you’ll take the classes that set you up for a successful career.

Capella University

Capella University

Quick Facts

  • Total of 30 credit hours for completion
  • Two schedule options
  • Multiple ways to save
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Programs Offered Online

23

Student / Faculty Ratio

22 to 1

Average Aid Per Student

$9,835

Median Debt

$47,389

Programs in Department

10

78%OSR Score

At Capella University, it’s easy to get your master’s in general psychology. They make their program extra flexible to fit your needs. They offer their students the choice of two different class schedules. One option lets you take classes at your own speed. You can sign up for one or two at a time, and finish as many as you want over 12 weeks.

The other option is set for you. You’ll take between one and three classes every 10-week quarter. Capella even offers a trial course so you can get a feel of what online learning will be like. In the program, you’ll take four core courses and five specialized courses. You’ll also complete a project that helps you to integrate everything you’ve learned. In the end, you’ll be ready for a job in fields like healthcare or human resources.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Quick Facts

  • Total of 36 credit hours for completion
  • Accepts up to 12 transfer credits
  • No application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

78%

Programs Offered Online

43

Median Debt

$41,000

Programs in Department

1

75%OSR Score

Southern New Hampshire University offers students an online master’s of science in psychology. You’ll be able to pick from three different concentrations depending on where you want to work. If you’re hoping to work for a major corporation, you’ll love the industrial organizational track. People who want to work in the justice field will learn what they need in the forensic track. If working with kids is more your thing, there is a track for child development.

No matter which track you pick, you can take classes on your own time. There aren’t set meetings and you can access your classes 24/7. Semesters start five times a year. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to start a job in whatever concentration you choose. If more school is calling your name, this program gets you prepared for earning your doctorate

Indiana Institute of Technology

Indiana Institute of Technology

Quick Facts

  • Total of 33 credit hours for completion
  • Aligns with the American Psychological Association guidelines
  • Teaches both soft and hard skills
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

76%

Programs Offered Online

12

Programs in Department

1

75%OSR Score

The online master’s of science in psychology at Indiana Institute of Technology is ideal for anyone who wants to advance their career. It offers a strong foundation in both theory and research. This program shows students how psychology isn’t just used in counseling. You’ll learn all about how to use the skills from this degree in many different settings. Some of these settings include businesses and even jails.

This program doesn’t prepare you for your license, but you will graduate with a solid foundation. You’ll be almost there with just a few extra boxes to check. Throughout the program, you’ll get to build professional skills and practice your writing. You’ll learn to use new technology and how to best communicate with people around you.

University of Idaho

University of Idaho

Quick Facts

  • Total of 30 credit hours for completion
  • Multiple scholarships available
  • Same price as in-state tuition
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

73%

Programs Offered Online

7

Programs in Department

1

75%OSR Score

For anyone with an interest in research, the University of Idaho is an ideal fit. Their low-cost master’s in psychology is a research-heavy program. It has a focus on human factors, which is how people and products interact. You’ll also get to dive deep into why people act and think the way they do. The program blends psychology and engineering, as well. You can use what you learn to improve the world around you.

The University of Idaho even helps you get connected with internships. With hands-on learning, you’ll be even more prepared for your career. They also give you two choices for how to end the program. You can write a thesis, which is a research project on any topic you want. If writing isn’t your thing, the other option is to take a comprehensive exam. 

Tiffin University

Tiffin University

Quick Facts

  • Total of 37 credit hours for completion
  • Flexible start dates
  • Transfer credits accepted
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

69%

Programs Offered Online

17

Programs in Department

4

72%OSR Score

At Tiffin University, you can get a master’s in psychology for an affordable price. Here, each of your professors has multiple years of experience in the field. You can be confident that you’re learning from the best of the best. This degree focuses on the theory and science of psychology. You’ll gain an understanding of the different processes behind people’s thoughts and actions.

Your classes will teach you about each of the different types of psychology, too. For full-time students, this program takes about a year and a half to finish. If you’re taking classes part-time, you’ll be done in about two and a half years. After graduation, you’ll feel ready for work in a professional setting. You can even choose to go back to school or teach at a community college. 

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.