Download Ranking Seal Close Psychologists study and observe various emotional, social, and cognitive behaviors exhibited by individuals and groups in different settings. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is an important first step toward pursuing a career in this richly rewarding field, but a master’s degree is considered the minimum credential for most positions. In many cases, a Ph.D.

1. Masters In Psychology Programs

Or doctoral degree will be required as well. An online master’s degree allows you to earn the credentials you need for most psychology careers in a flexible format that allows you to continue working.

Prospective students searching for Top Schools with a Masters in Clinical Psychology Program found the. The schools that offer some of the best programs. Want to earn your Clinical Psychology Masters Degree? Review, compare and contact Masters in Clinical Psychology Programs fast at GradSchools.com.

An online master’s in psychology can help you advance your career in psychology and prepare you for doctoral studies. Web-based programs are delivered in a flexible format that ensures you’ll be able to work throughout your master’s program. If you have completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and wish to continue your education, then you may be a strong candidate for a master’s in psychology online degree program. Master’s-level psychology programs are designed to build on undergraduate studies. The curriculum combines aspects of neuroscience, medicine, and clinical counseling.

Students learn the protocols for diagnosing a range of emotional and mental disorders, along with strategies for treating patients who display symptoms of these disorders. Master’s psychology students often choose a specialization that enables them to focus on a particular subfield; popular concentration options include child psychology, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, and school psychology. In addition to their classwork, most graduate psychology programs require students to complete a certain number of supervised training hours as part of an internship or practicum course. Most master’s-level psychology programs fall into one of two categories: the master of arts, which focuses more on liberal arts, and the master of science, which is more scientific and research-oriented. Our comprehensive guide will teach you more about what you can do with a master’s degree in psychology and what kind of career opportunities you can pursue upon graduation.

WILL AN ONLINE MASTER’S IN PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM PROVIDE ME WITH THE SKILLS I NEED TO ADVANCE MY CAREER? According to the APA Center on the Workforce, earned a doctoral or professional degree from 2005 to 2013.

The remaining 47.6% completed their education with a master’s degree. Depending on your career path, a master’s degree in psychology may be sufficient for beginning your career or serve as a stepping stone toward a doctoral program.

In either case, the best online master’s degree in psychology programs are designed to prepare you for the next step. Earning a specialized degree can further boost your career standing in the area of psychology that interests you most. WILL AN ONLINE MASTER’S IN PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM WORK WITH MY SCHEDULE? Online master’s degree programs in psychology offer a flexible alternative to traditional classroom-based education.

You’ll be able to access course materials, submit written assignments, take exams, and communicate with your professor any time of day from the comfort of your home computer. The interactive technology also allows you to study on the go using a laptop, tablet, smartphone, and other portable devices. For added convenience, many programs allow students to fulfill their supervised practicum or internship requirements at facilities located close to their home. WHAT JOBS CAN I GET WITH MY MASTER’S IN PSYCHOLOGY? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most states require to earn a doctorate, complete an internship, and log one to two years of supervised professional experience before they can pursue licensure. However, a master’s degree will be sufficient for industrial-organizational psychologists. Master’s-holders in psychology may also find work as assistants for licensed psychologists in clinical, counseling, or research settings.

Others graduates pursue careers in counseling, where most professionals are able to obtain licensure with a master’s degree. WHAT ARE THE BEST ONLINE MASTER’S IN PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMS? Choosing a master’s degree in psychology online program is a very personal decision, and only you can properly evaluate whether a target school’s strengths match your educational and professional ambitions.

The following ranked list of schools should serve as a helpful starting point in your search for the best online psychology master’s programs in the United States. If you are considering an online master’s in psychology, be sure to contact admissions specialists at different colleges and universities to learn more their about specific requirements and offerings. Accredited Online Master's in Psychology Programs. As one of the top postsecondary institutions in the world, students accepted into can rest assured that they’re attaining a valuable degree. Although the program is largely taught online, prospective students do need to be on campus for at least three courses. Students must also present a researched, original thesis that brings together all they have learned throughout the program. Harvard is highly esteemed, and the university remains committed to providing an affordable program for those accepted.

In fact, Harvard has set current tuition at $2,700 per course. Master’s in psychology online students can rest assured that many classes are taught by the same Harvard professors who provide instruction on campus. The program features a unique 'earn your way in' admissions model, through which prospective students take three graduate-level courses covering statistical methods, psychology, and graduate research. Learners who earn a grade of 'B' or higher in each of these courses are eligible for admission into the psychology master’s degree online program. Open application periods occur in the fall, spring, and summer. In all, students complete 12 courses before graduating, and they must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Notable courses include psychology of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, a class in which students explore how trauma affects the psychology of individuals.

These traumas may come from a variety of sources, including military service, serious accidents, and near-death experiences. Throughout their time in the two-year program, students work on a thesis in a process that involves extensive research on a subject relevant to their academic and professional interests. Students receive the guidance of a thesis director, who helps them work toward achieving publishable results. Is based in the college town of Athens but the school's Online Learning Division caters to students located throughout the United States and across the globe. As part of its offerings, the school’s is specifically tailored to online learners who seek to better understand cognitive, developmental, and motivational processes.

UGA designed this online psychology master’s degree to provide maximum flexibility for learners. Students can complete the degree in six semesters. Students must complete 34 credit hours to obtain the degree and learners may count up to nine transfer credits from accredited institutions to that total. To be eligible for admission, prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, along with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.6 on a four-point scale. Applicants must also submit GRE or MAT scores, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a statement of goals. The University of Georgia’s master’s in psychology online program runs on a cohort model, with students moving through their coursework in groups of 10.

This allows them to get to know one another and complete projects together. Learners may also choose from four different areas of focus, including learning with technology, learning across the lifespan, qualitative approaches to education, and development of high intellectual capability. The area students choose informs the electives students take during the second year of the program. Based in Los Alamitos, California, Worldwide Campus was developed exclusively for students throughout the country who elect to complete their learning online. The university’s is offered as a master of arts program for students who may wish to complete doctoral-level studies upon graduation. Unlike other programs that are usually tailored to specific branches of psychology, TUW’s degree provides a cohesive overview of cognitive psychology, social psychology, learning theory, ethical practice, personality, and research methods. There school also offers concentrations in media psychology and educational psychology available.

One of the more interesting courses offered through the program, the psychological impact of media and technology explores how television, film, and the media in general influences people, groups, and cultures on a global scale. Students examine how the portrayal of certain groups in the media influences our views of those groups, along with, for example, how the concept of war has become a source of entertainment in society. Students in this online psychology master’s degree program must successfully complete 12 separate courses, including nine required courses and three electives. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, along with a minimum 2.5 grade point average throughout their undergraduate studies. The program does not require applicants to take the GRE or any other exam as part of the admission process. Aside from traditional financial aid, Touro also offers a range of scholarships exclusively to online students, along with tuition discounts for military veterans, active military personnel, and members of military families. Key services to which online students have access include academic advising, future career and educational planning, disability services, technical assistance, and a comprehensive digital library.

Sitting at the intersection of psychology and the law, is a great option for students who are looking to combine their passion for understanding how people work within places like the courts, law enforcement agencies, national security, prison, correctional facilities, and treatment centers. Among the core courses in this psychology master’s degree online program is PSY 0906: best practices and policies for the mentally ill in the criminal justice system. This course takes an in-depth look at the ongoing efforts in the field to develop models to keep mentally ill people out of jails and prisons without harming public safety. Concepts covered in the course include how law enforcement officers may be better trained in crisis intervention techniques and how the criminal justice system can improve the treatment and prevention programs available to the mentally ill. As they enter the program, students may select one of two tracks to direct their studies. Fear and trembling pdf nothomb.

One is forensics psychology in the legal system, which focuses on issues like therapeutic jurisprudence, behavioral criminology, and the impact of psychology on family law cases. The second track option is forensic psychology for mental health workers, first responders, and disaster Teams.

It focuses on prevention, crisis intervention, trauma assessment, and school and workplace violence issues. This online master’s degree in psychology consists of 36 total credit hours and can be completed in two to three years, depending on how much time students are able to devote to the program. For prospective students looking to learn more about the field, the department regularly hosts free webinars led by significant figures within the field. In addition to NSU’s institution-wide regional accreditation, the department is independently accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association.

Since 1967, has provided in-depth studies in psychology and human behavior from its campus in Richfield, Minnesota, located just outside the Twin Cities. Today the school’s reach extends to every corner of the United States due to its innovative and widely respected online programs. Founded by Alfred Adler, AGS teaches administers all of its programs through an Adlerian lens. Adler believed the measure of an individual’s overall health could be determined by his or her level of social interest. To that end, the provides learners with focused studies in psychotherapy and counseling, as well as a concentrated look at individual psychology, a branch of study created by Adler. A key focus of this accredited online master's in psychology is preparing students for successful careers in human services, mental health, and nonprofit leadership.

The program outlines a set of it aims to provide its students as they move through their coursework and approach graduation. The list includes everything from understanding Adlerian psychology and philosophy to gaining a firm grasp on the various issues and ethical challenges facing mental health professionals in today’s society. Before applying for admission to the program, AGS asks students to complete a distance learning self-assessment. This process involves answering a series of questions to determine if distance learning will work well for potential students (especially when it comes to scheduling) and assesses whether an applicant possesses the self-discipline necessary to be successful in an online learning environment. AGS's master’s in psychology online program consists of a total of 48 credit hours, which includes a combination of required and elective courses, along with a master’s project students must complete before receiving their degree. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and delivers courses to distance learners through Moodle, a popular online learning platform. What Else Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Psychology Program?

Earning a bachelor’s degree is an important first step towards entry or advancement in many fields, but a master’s in psychology is a minimum requirement for most positions in the field. While most schools offer a general graduate curriculum, specific coursework and requirements vary depending on the history and mission of the program you choose.

Masters In Psychology Programs

The information in this section will give you an idea of what you can expect from an online master’s in psychology degree. CONCENTRATIONS OFFERED FOR AN ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY Concentration Description Careers This Concentration Prepares For Clinical Psychology Accredited online clinical psychology master’s programs are the most common in the field and prepare students to use psychological and scientific knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat patients on an individual basis or through group and family counseling. Graduates usually work in private practices, but some also choose to counsel at community centers or on college campuses.

Couple and family counselor, child psychologist, substance abuse counselor, mental health social worker Forensic Psychology Forensic psychology students prepare for careers in the legal justice and court systems. They apply psychological principles and scientific techniques as they conduct evaluations, pick witnesses, and provide testimony in legal cases. They also study diversity issues within the United States to help victims in underserved or oppressed populations find justice. Courtroom adviser, federal law enforcement specialist, criminal behavior analyst Organizational Psychology Also known as the industrial psychology concentration, this track prepares students to apply psychological theories and practices to work environments in order to improve efficiency among individual employees and groups. Students learn the importance of psychological considerations that are involved in personnel selection, team leadership, and organizational health issues. Consumer behavior specialist, human resources manager, business consultant CURRICULUM FOR AN ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY Most online psychology master’s programs are offered as either an MA, which focuses on the liberal arts aspects of the field, or as an MS, which is more research-oriented and grounded in the natural sciences.

When choosing a program, be sure to select one that best suits your specific career goals. Regardless of which program you choose, each online master’s in psychology should include some fundamental courses. Below are a few examples of general curriculum courses that you can expect to find in any psychology program:. Lifespan Development: This course provides students with an advanced look at human development from conception through death, with emphasis on biology, social/emotional, and cognitive changes as they relate to counseling and other applied practices. While this topic deals with all branches of psychology, this course is particularly relevant for students who want to work as clinical psychologist or other positions of personal counseling. Gerontology (or the Psychology of Aging): The course is designed for students who want to work with aged populations as nursing home psychologists or professional caretakers. Coursework provides an overview of the social and emotional changes that happen to an individual later in life, including intellectual functioning and mental illness.

The course also explores ways to assist the elderly through professional treatment and agency referrals or placement. Human Neuropsychology: This course explores the causes, consequences, and treatment of brain disorders and diseases and prepares students for a wide variety of careers, including substance abuse counselor or forensic psychologist. Students also learn about the functions of the brain in normal human functioning and exceptional conditions such as brain damage and neuropsychological syndromes in order to help them properly help diagnose and treat these conditions. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN ONLINE MASTER’S IN PSYCHOLOGY? The average master’s in psychology online program has a curriculum of 30 to 36 credit hours. Students can earn their degree in two years or less with full-time enrollment, though many schools will allow up to five years for those who want to enroll part-time.

Those who want to pursue a more scientific track may find that their program requires campus visits, usually scheduled during summer sessions far in advance to accommodate work schedules and other obligations. Many online master’s programs also require a capstone project or thesis work, and depending on what a student chooses to accomplish, this may add some time to degree completion. Some online psychology programs structure their classes based on a cohort model, where students progress through the coursework with the same group of peers in order to build a community of professional relationships. However, most online courses are offered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace.

When researching online programs, it is good to ask yourself which model, or combination of models, will work best with your own learning process. CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES A MASTER’S IN PSYCHOLOGY PREPARES FOR. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): Many graduates choose to pursue an LPC title in order to work as a licensed counselor at their own practice or another site, like a mental health facility, a university campus, or a psychiatric hospital. The LPC is granted at the state level and each state has its own set of requirements, such as a certain number of practicum or experience hours.

Teaching of Psychology Certificate: Earning the TPC is a good way for those who want to pursue a career as a college instructor to boost their overall job prospects. Offered through certain university departments, the TPC is a post-baccalaureate program that gives graduates the chance to learn fundamental teaching skills as well as specific practices related to the field of psychology. Accreditation for Online Master’s in Psychology Degrees When searching for an online master’s in psychology program, you should look for national, regional, and field-specific official recognition. National accreditation is the standard and is conferred by the U.S.

Department of Education (DOE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Nonprofit schools are unable to operate without this designation. Regional accreditation is granted by seven national organizations and is more important because it denotes that the college or university meets the specific standards of the state where it operates.

Most employers look for regional accreditation when hiring candidates. The DOE and CHEA oversee national accreditation of colleges and universities in the United States. The DOE is a government institution that works to create and enforce a cohesive set of educational standards, while the CHEA is a non-governmental organization that works towards similar goals.

Since the DOE and CHEA works towards similar goals, it is rare to find a school that is accredited by one and not the other. The USDE and CHEA are also responsible for maintaining the credibility of organizations of regional accreditation. To see what colleges and universities have the and stamp of approval, visit their websites. There are also industry-specific organizations that establish and maintain standards and offer accreditation. Those pursuing a master’s in psychology online should be aware that the American Psychological Association (APA) only gives out its stamp of approval to doctorate programs. Another organization to look for is the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). Although the organization is relatively new, some of the best psychology master’s degrees online operate under its direction.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK FOR MASTER OF PSYCHOLOGY GRADUATES Job Placement: MPsych vs Bachelor of Psychology Although a bachelor’s degree in psychology will lay the groundwork for a successful career, jobs are limited for candidates who complete their education with an undergraduate psychology program. Bachelor’s-holders for roles as case managers, technicians, career counselors, and other non-clinical titles. Interestingly, only 25% of individuals with a bachelor’s in psychology go on to pursue careers in this field. A graduate degree in psychology will help improve your job placement rate and boost your earning potential. Approximately two-thirds of today’s college students rely on loans to fund their education, but there are plenty of overlooked financing options you can use to reduce your overall student debt. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial first step for any student with financial needs. Our FAFSA guide features a step-by-step rundown on the process and answers to several frequently asked questions.

Financial aid for online learning is equivalent to what you’ll find for campus-based learning, but that hasn’t always been the case. Learn about the changes that have taken place, as well as the different funding opportunities available to online students. Online programs can provide an affordable and flexible option for women trying to balance the demands of work, family, and earning their degree. We’ve curated a list of valuable scholarships specifically for women. Online college programs can be a flexible, affordable option for single parents who are interested in earning a degree and securing their family’s financial future. We’ve compiled a list of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options geared toward single moms and dads. Millions of dollars in free money is available to U.S.

Military personnel, but much of it goes unused. Learn more about grants, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities available to veterans, active-duty service members, and reservists. Our Methodology The methodology behind our rankings is grounded in statistical data and a few consistently applied guiding principles. Our 2017 rankings reflect the most recent data compiled from and the, both of which are hosted by the.

Our goal is to objectively assess relative quality based on academic outcomes, affordability, and the breadth and depth of online learning opportunities. The following criteria was used to make these assessments: Minimum Requirements.

Each school must be an accredited public or private, not-for-profit institution. Must offer an online master's psychology degree program. Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics. Ranking Factors All eligible institutions are ranked on a 100 point scale.

A perfect score of 100 is earned by ranking #1 for all ranking factors.