30 Best Online Masters in Psychology Programs [2024 Guide]

Explore 30 accredited Online Masters in Psychology no GRE Programs. Compare schools offering psychology master’s programs online.

Studying for the GRE is time-consuming, and you may worry that low scores will set you back in your educational pursuits. Fortunately, not all master’s in psychology programs require GRE scores for admission.

You can earn your master’s degree and achieve your career goals with a no GRE psychology graduate program.

Universities Offering Online Master’s in Psychology No GRE Programs

The following universities do not require the GRE for admission (or they offer GRE-waivers), provide online programs, and are fully accredited.

1. Angelo State University

Angelo State University was recently ranked as one of the top 20 most rapidly growing graduate-level universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Establish in 1928, it now lists more than 100 undergrad programs in addition to 34 master’s programs.

The Master’s in Applied Psychology focuses on human wellness in many specific aspects, including health, prosperity, and decision-making. Every class can be taken on campus or online.

• MS in Applied Psychology

The master’s in psychology degree program at Angelo State University are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona has over 100,000 students, about a fifth of which are graduate students. Here, you can receive instruction on nearly every area of psychology over a course of 12 classes and a total of 36 credit hours. The program is set up so that you can go as fast or as slow as you want, provided you finish within six years.

• MS in Psychology

The online master’s in psychology programs at Arizona State University has maintained continuous accreditation by the Higher Learning Committee.

3. Ball State University

You can study online with Indiana’s Ball State University to earn a master’s degree in Educational Psychology. Another option is to get your degree in Quantitative Psychology through an online or hybrid course of study. Each program offers further concentrations, such as Neuropsychology, through which you can tailor your studies.

• MA in Educational Psychology
• MS in Quantitative Psychology

Ball State’s continuing institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission was reaffirmed on January 14, 2014.

4. California Baptist University

Through online study, you can earn a master’s degree in Psychology Counseling from California Baptist University. During this online psychology program, you’ll be expected to complete a practicum and write a case report. You can select to complete your coursework through a synchronous or asynchronous format, and you can engage with fellow students each week.

• MS in Psychology Counseling

The master’s in psychology counseling program at California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.

5. California Southern University

Through online coursework, you can earn an MA or an MS in Psychology from California Southern University. The MA program can prepare you for becoming licensed as a marriage and family therapist. The MS program features specializations like Sports Psychology and Pastoral Counseling and is good preparation for doctoral studies.

• MA in Psychology
• MS in Psychology

The online master’s in psychology offered by California Southern University are regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

6. Capella University

Online master’s degree options from Capella University in Minnesota include Psychology and Clinical Psychology programs. Psychology students can choose among specializations like Educational Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Child and Adolescent Development.

Clinical Psychology students can study Applied Research, Clinical Counseling, or Forensic Psychology.

• MS in Clinical Psychology – Applied Research
• MS in Clinical Psychology – Clinical Counseling
• MS in Clinical Psychology – Forensic
• MS in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
• MS in Psychology – Child and Adolescent Development
• MS in Psychology – Educational
• MS in Psychology – General
• MS in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational
• MS in Psychology – Sport

The master’s in psychology degree programs at Capella are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. Colorado State University

About a third of Colorado State University’s 25,000 students are postgrads studying one of 55 disciplines. The school as a whole is known for its research. The master’s of psychology degree you can get here is all about recruiting and managing employees in the business world. It’s perfect for human resource managers or business owners.

• Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Colorado State University and its online master’s in psychology program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

8. George Mason University

Virginia’s George Mason University offers a fully online program for earning an MPS in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology. To earn your online psychology degree, you’ll take core classes like Psychological Research Methods and Personnel Selection as well as a few electives of your choosing. You will also be expected to complete two practicums.

• Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology

The master’s in psychology program at George Mason is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

9. Grand Canyon University

From Arizona’s Grand Canyon University, you can earn an MS degree with a concentration like Forensic Psychology, Geropsychology or Health Psychology. A generalist degree is available as well. Classes may include Social and Cultural Psychology and Contemporary and Ethical Issues in Psychology. You’ll finish your studies with a capstone project.

• MS in Psychology – Forensic
• MS in Psychology – General
• MS in Psychology – GeroPsychology
• MS in Psychology – Health
• MS in Psychology – Human Factors
• MS in Psychology – Industrial and Organizational
• MS in Psychology – Life Coaching

The online master’s in psychology degree level programs offered by Grand Canyon University are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

10. Liberty University

Studying online with Liberty University in Virginia allows you to earn an MA in Applied Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology or Industrial/Organizational Psychology. These programs include core courses like Cognitive Psychology and Psychology and Christianity. The Developmental Psychology electives are designed to provide insight into various age groups.

• MA in Applied Psychology

Liberty University and their psychology graduate program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

11. Lynn University

You can take online classes from Lynn University in Florida to earn a generalist MS in Psychology or one with a focus on Industrial/Organizational Psychology. All students receive an iPad that they can use for their coursework. During the program, you may get to help faculty members with research.

• MS in Psychology

Lynn University and their online psychology program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

12. Medaille College

New York’s Medaille College offers accelerated online classes for its MA in Psychology program. From this university, you can earn a generalist degree or pursue a concentration in Sports Psychology. The concentration may be a good choice for you if you’re interested in going into sports management or coaching.

• MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• MA in Psychology

The master’s in psychology degree programs at Medaille are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

13. National Louis University

National Louis University, a private Chicagoan university, was established in 1886 and is famous for helping to found the National Kindergarten Movement and the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Its master’s of psychology program is focused not on education, however, but on business. It’s an ideal online psychology program for company and industry leaders.

• MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

The online master’s in psychology program at National Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

14. National University

National University. a network of nonprofit educational institutions in California, offers several master’s programs in the field of psychology. NU was founded in 1971 and now has over 30,000 enrolled students and more than 220,000 alumni from around the world.

• MA in Psychology
• MS in Forensic Psychology
• MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

15. Northeastern University

If you’re located in Boston, consider attending classes at Northeastern University to earn an MS in Psychology Counseling. For those who can’t attend classes on this Massachusetts campus, an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis is an online option in a related field; this program includes an optional practicum.

• MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

The master’s in psychology degree program at Northeastern University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC).

16. Nova Southeastern University

Florida’s Nova Southeastern University has online master’s programs for Forensic Psychology and General Psychology. These non-licensure programs are recommended as a pathway to a doctoral program, or you can put your education into practice in the workforce.

The coursework for a master’s degree in psychology may include Cognitive Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and Human Sexuality.

• MS in Forensic Psychology
• MS in General Psychology

NSU and its online master’s programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

17. Palo Alto University

California’s Palo Alto University offers an online master’s program in preparation for earning your doctorate. Although classes are online, you’ll need to make one trip to campus. After earning your master’s degree in psychology, you may be able to transfer your Master of Science in Psychology credits toward the school’s PhD in Clinical Psychology program.

• MS in Psychology

The online master’s in psychology program at PAU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

18. Penn State University – World Campus

If you lead employees or other teams, consider pursuing an MPS in the Psychology of Leadership from Penn State World Campus. Your studies from this Pennsylvania school will include core courses like Diversity Leadership, Dysfunctional Leadership and Leadership for Creativity and Innovation. You’ll also engage in a culminating experience.

• MPS in Psychology of Leadership

Penn State World Campus and their online master’s program is regionally accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

19. Pepperdine University

With online classes from Pepperdine University in California, you can earn an MA in Psychology or an MS in Behavioral Psychology. MA students learn about psychotherapy, counseling and interventions. The MS program includes supervised clinical experience, and with a master’s degree in psychology, you will be better prepared for taking the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.

• MA in Behavioral Psychology
• MA in Clinical Psychology – Marriage and Family Therapy
• MS in Behavioral Psychology

The online programs at Pepperdine are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges—Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

20. Purdue University Global

You can earn a generalist psychology master’s degree from Purdue University Global, or you can pursue a specialty, such as Addictions or Applied Behavior Analysis. Before graduation, you can choose whether to take a comprehensive exam or write a thesis paper. Your coursework may prepare you to take certification exams.

• MS in Psychology – Addictions
• MS in Psychology – Applied Behavioral Analysis
• MS in Psychology – Forensic
• MS in Psychology – General
• MS in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational

The online psychology master programs offered by Purdue University Global are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

21. Southern New Hampshire University

The concentration options for SNHU’s online psychology master’s degree program are Child and Adolescent Development Psychology, Forensic Psychology and Industrial Organizational Psychology. This non-licensure program includes courses like Theories of Personality and Ethical Practice in Psychology. You’ll earn your master’s degree in psychology with a capstone class.

• MS in Psychology – Child & Development
• MS in Psychology – Forensic
• MS in Psychology – Industrial & Organizational

SNHU and its online learning programs are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

22. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School, which has campuses around the country, offers a number of online master’s programs for psychology students, including concentrations in International Psychology, Public Health, Child and Adolescent Psychology and Organizational Leadership. Most tracks are non-licensure, but the Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology can lead to licensure.

• MA in Behavioral Economics
• MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• MA in Forensic Psychology
• MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• MA in International Psychology
• MA in Organizational Leadership
• MA in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
• MA in Psychology – Child and Adolescent
• MA in Psychology – Forensic
• MA in Psychology – Generalist
• MA in Psychology – International Psychology
• MA in Psychology – Organizational Leadership
• MA in Psychology – Public Health
• MA in Psychology – Social and Community
• MA in Psychopharmacology
• MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
• MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology

The online programs at The Chicago School are accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

23. Touro University Worldwide

From Touro University Worldwide, you can earn an online MA in Psychology with a concentration in Educational Psychology, Media Psychology or Health Psychology. This New York-based school’s non-licensure programs are designed to equip you with skills for putting your classroom learning about cognition and personality into real-life practice.

• MA in Psychology – Educational
• MA in Psychology – Forensic
• MA in Psychology – Health
• MA in Psychology – Media

All online degrees at TUW are accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

24. University of California Irvine

Although UC Irvine has more undergrads than graduate students, it offers almost twice as many master’s degrees as bachelor’s. The interdisciplinary Psychology/Criminology at UC Irvine is designed for those who want to assist or take an official role in law enforcement.

• Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology

UC Irvine and its online program is accredited by the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges(WSCUC).

25. University of Hartford

You can take online or on-campus classes to earn a Master in Science in Organizational Psychology from the University of Hartford in Connecticut. In addition to core classes like Personnel Psychology, you can choose both general psychology and organizational psychology electives. You’ll also complete a capstone project or an internship before earning your degree in psychology.

• MS in Organizational Psychology

The master’s in science online degree program at UHart is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

26. University of North Dakota

The online no-GRE master’s program from UND includes classes like Behavior Pathology and Diversity Psychology. You’ll earn an Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology, so you’ll also study the legal and criminal justice systems. The online class format involves watching recorded lectures, and you can access tutoring and library services.

• MA in Forensic Psychology

The online psychology program at UND has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913.

27. University of Northern Colorado

You can take online classes from UNC to earn an MA in Educational Psychology with a Teaching Emphasis. Classes include Life Span Developmental Psychology, Brain and Education, Cultural Issues in Education Psychology and Motivation in Education. You’ll need to join a cohort, and you’ll be expected to complete a master’s project.

• MA in Educational Psychology – Teaching Applications

Since 1916, UNC and its online psychology programs have been fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

28. University of Tennessee – Knoxville

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville’s Vols Online program offers an MS in Educational Psychology. You can choose a concentration in Adult Education or Applied Educational Psychology. This degree program is recommended for professionals or as a stepping stone toward a doctorate.

• MS in Educational Psychology – Applied Educational Psychology

The psychology online learning program at UTK has been continuously accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

29. Walden University

When you study with Maryland’s Walden University, you can choose from one of several concentrations for your MS in Psychology, such as Applied Behavior Analysis and Social Psychology. You can choose the Doctoral Preparation track if you’d also like to earn a PhD from Walden.

• MS in Developmental Psychology
• MS in Forensic Psychology
• MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

The online programs at Walden have been accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1990.

30. William James College

With William James College, you can choose to earn your master’s degree in psychology fully online or to report to the school’s Massachusetts campus on select weekends. This program allows you to earn a Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology, and you can select an optional concentration in Talent Management.

• MA in Organizational Psychology

The online programs at William James College are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Online Master’s in Psychology Programs

Click on the master’s in psychology program that interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

• Applied Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• General Psychology
• Industrial Organizational Psychology
• Marriage and Family Therapy
• Mental Health Psychology
• School Psychology

Regardless of the specialty you select, you can still receive a strong foundation in psychology and related courses.

Applied Psychology

Problem-solving minds may enjoy choosing an Applied Psychology concentration. Students in this field use their knowledge of psychology to help solve problems in the world.

In this concentration, you can learn to do research, and your understanding of human thinking and behavior could be useful for making a difference in schools, workplaces and courtrooms.

Counseling Psychology

If your goal is to meet with clients on a regular basis for psychology counseling, then you might want to pursue a Counseling Psychology online master’s degree.

Students of this discipline prepare to work one-on-one with patients by studying mental and emotional health, behavioral therapies, substance abuse and diagnostic skills.

Forensic Psychology

You can merge your interests in criminal justice and psychology with a degree concentration in Forensic Psychology. Specialists in this area may help catch criminals, solve crimes, counsel offenders and contribute to custody hearings.

In addition to psych classes, you can learn about ethics, law and the justice system.

General Psychology

To gain knowledge and experience in many aspects of the psychology field, consider a General Psychology degree.

In addition to going deeper into the field of psychology than you did during your bachelor’s program, you may also gain new critical thinking, leadership, research and teaching skills.

Industrial Organizational Psychology

If you’re business-minded, then you’ll probably appreciate how a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology can help you apply psychological principles to companies and organizations.

This specialization covers topics like leadership and critical thinking and is useful for those who want to contribute to human resources, hiring or management teams.

Marriage and Family Therapy

Family relationships can be improved through visits to a counselor. When you pursue a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration, you can learn about interpersonal dynamics and prepare to work in with couples and families in clinical settings.

Coursework in this concentration covers strategies for communicating with clients of all ages.

Mental Health Psychology

What factors contribute to a person’s mental health? That’s one of the issues that you can discuss as you study for a concentration in Mental Health Psychology.

You and your classmates can also learn about ways to lessen mental illnesses, provide diagnoses, offer supports and conduct assessments.

School Psychology

With a concentration in School Psychology, you can prepare to put your counseling skills to work in an educational setting. Students of this discipline learn about child development, literacy promotion and classroom diversity.

They also study the principles of psychology and learn techniques for communicating with young students.

Psychology Careers & Salaries

Your salary prospects will depend largely on your degree level, the focus of your studies, the career that you pursue after graduation, and whether you become licensed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists earn an average of $82,180 per year, but that includes many professionals who hold doctoral degrees. Employment in this field is expected to increase by 3 percent for the next ten years.

The following salary projections may give you an idea of what you can hope to earn annually with a master’s degree in psychology:

Keep in mind that licensing requirements vary in different states. Therefore, it’s possible that your particular master’s program may prepare you for only some of the above career options.

Licensure and Certification

In order to practice as a psychologist, you’ll need to become licensed in your state. Some state regulations require you to obtain a doctoral degree before using that title.

Instead, some 2 year psychology degree master’s programs are designed to prepare you for other types of licensure or certification.

Possible credentials include:

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

Most master’s programs are considered non-licensure tracks, but there are many jobs that you can do with a psychology master’s that don’t require a license.

Accreditation

All reputable universities bear regional accreditation, so it’s essential that you pick a school that bears this certification.

Some school’s online psychology programs are also accredited by an industry-specific organization.

The top psychology accreditors are:

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
• Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)

Although this type of certification isn’t as critical as regional accreditation, you can take it as a sign of a program that offers a degree level with high standards. This is important when pursuing graduate level programs like your master’s or even a one of the online PsyD programs.

Professional Organizations

The following professional organizations can help you learn more about the field or network with like-minded professionals.

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Association for Behavior Analysis
• American Psychological Association
• National Association of School Psychologists
• Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Financial Aid

No matter what degree level you are applying for, you should always research the financial aid options in order to afford the cost of an online psychology master’s degree.

The most common financial aid options are grants, bursaries, scholarships, and student loans.

When investigating what financial aid you qualify for, start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

What Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?

The GRE is an exam that you may have to take before being admitted into a master’s program. Designed to prove your readiness for grad school, it measures your mathematics, verbal and writing skills.

GRE preparation can be time-consuming. However, some programs do not require test scores for admission.

Types of GRE Waivers

Although many schools do request GRE scores for admission, you may be able to get into a master’s program without ever taking this exam. If you qualify for a waiver, you won’t need to invest time and money into preparing for the GRE. Waiver policies vary among schools.

• GPA. Many schools request GRE scores only if your undergraduate GPA was below a certain threshold. For example, if you’ve recently earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you may qualify for a waiver.
• Previous Graduate Degree. If you’ve earned a master’s or a doctorate before, then it’s clear that you have what it takes to make it in grad school, and some schools will waive the GRE requirement for you.
• Professional Experience. After working in the psychology field for several years, you’re sure to have gained valuable knowledge and skills. Some schools will take this into consideration and allow you into their programs without testing.

Depending on the university, a number of online master’s programs have no GRE requirements. And while some grad degrees don’t require the GRE at all, some offer waivers.

What Types of Online Master’s in Psychology Programs are Available?

In addition to earning a Master of Arts or Master of Science in General Psychology, the following master degree level programs are also available.

• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology
• Master of Applied Psychology
• Master of Counseling Psychology
• Master of Educational Psychology

Each of these programs can be completed online.

Take Your Next Step in Psychology

If you’re ready to grow your professional qualifications, you could pursue an online master’s in psychology without the GRE.

Psychology graduate programs are often tailored to diverse interests and career goals, allowing you to deepen your understanding of human behavior in a specialized area.

You can start exploring psychology masters programs from accredited universities today!

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• Online Master’s in Social Work No GRE Guide
• Master’s in Counseling No GRE Guide
• One Year Online Masters Programs