24 Best Master’s in Psychology Programs in 2024

It’s tempting to say that there has never been a better time to get a master’s in psychology. Last year, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory declaring loneliness a new epidemic. Meanwhile, the CDC’s research shows that mental health issues are increasing among adolescents. But there is a bright side—talking about mental health is getting less taboo every day, and there is an ever-increasing demand for therapists. As such, psychology master’s programs are the perfect step towards helping your community and individuals in need. These programs are designed to help you specialize in a chosen psychological field, from sports psychology to family therapy to clinical psychology.

Why should I get a master’s degree in psychology?

Put simply, getting a master’s degree in psychology will be highly rewarding. But on top of that, there is an impressive amount of job security in the field. Generally speaking, the number of jobs in psychology is increasing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% increase in demand for psychology-related jobs through 2032. This means that the field is growing faster than average.

Best of all, there is little risk of AI affecting careers in psychology. (Unless there are any wild AI breakthroughs, of course.) Talk therapy relies on human contact and the judgment and knowledge of an experienced therapist. We asked Chat GPT if it agrees, and it does. Chat GPT stated that it is not equipped to replace “1. Human connection; 2. Context and complexity; 3. Non-verbal cues; 4. Ethical considerations.” Phewf!

If you’re convinced that your calling is to help others improve their mental health, better manage challenges, and/or remediate their relationships–or even if you’re just curious, this article will unpack the reasons for getting a master’s degree in psychology. We’ll also talk about the differences between a master’s and a PhD in psychology, according to what you want to do with the degree.

Earning a Master’s Degree vs. a Doctorate in Psychology

Generally speaking, earning a master’s degree does enable you to work in a variety of counseling, research, and organizational psychology roles. However, some roles may require additional, specialized certifications. For example, if you want to work as a marriage and family counselor, drug and alcohol counselor, or social worker—among other client/patient-facing roles—you’ll need to become licensed in your state.

On the flip side, a PsyD or PhD is a degree that designates you as a true subject matter expert. Both will enable you to work in a wider array of higher-level roles, but a PsyD is more clinically focused while a PhD is more research-focused. Regardless, if you want to work with patients, you’ll still need to obtain a separate license after you earn your degree, which may require one to two years of additional training, depending on where you live.

Best Master’s Degrees in Psychology (continued)

Let’s go over several additional differences:

1) Statistically speaking, with a master’s in psychology, your salary will range from $40,000-$100,000. However, with a PhD, you could earn $100,000+.

2) A master’s degree usually takes 1-3 years. In psychology in particular, you can expect 2-4 years of coursework. A doctorate degree in psychology usually takes 5-7 years. These estimates do not factor in the additional time it may take to earn licenses and certifications. However, if you’re eager to start working as soon as possible—and are entering a role that requires a minimum of a master’s degree—a master’s program could be the best choice for you.

3) As noted above, a master’s degree will qualify you to enter a number of different professions. You can work in human resources or consumer research, data analysis, social services, school counseling or psychology, marriage counseling, nonprofit or project management, psychometrics, and many, many other things. However, a master’s degree in psychology will not license you to become a clinical psychologist. If you want to be a clinical psychologist, you must get a doctorate. You should also get a doctorate if you’re interested in teaching at the postsecondary level or pursuing a serious research career.

What jobs can I do with a master’s degree in psychology?

Curious about what jobs you could do with a graduate degree in psychology? Below, we’ve gathered some of the most popular options.

1) Counseling psychologist: This branch of psychology is dedicated to helping individuals through specific challenges, ranging from major life events to identity-related issues.

2) School counselor: These individuals work in schools to help students navigate academic, behavioral, and social issues.

3) Career counselor: Often working in schools or colleges, career counselors provide guidance on higher education and vocation.

4) Family or marriage therapists: These therapists counsel families and couples through life challenges, from parent-child conflicts to marital or sexual issues, and everything in between. If this is interesting to you, you may also like Esther Perel’s podcast “Where Do We Begin?” or the TV show “Couples Therapy.”

Best Master’s Degrees in Psychology (continued)

5) Genetic counselors: These counselors are trained to help people navigate genetic issues, from finding out or seeking new information about inherited illness to genetic testing of children who show signs of a disorder. This is a niche role with fewer program options available, although it is quite highly paid.

6) Drug and alcohol treatment specialists: Another highly important profession, this type of counselor specializes in helping people overcome addiction.

7) Sports psychologists: These professionals help athletes work through issues and up-level their performance.

8) Human resources managers: Human resources managers are in charge of hiring and interviewing new employees as well as administering company policies and managing employee conflicts.

These are only a few of the incredible careers you can build with a master’s in psychology. Moreover, a master’s is great preparation for a PhD in the event that you decide to go that route in the future.

How do I choose a master’s degree program in psychology?

Since there are many different types of master’s programs available in psychology, the primary consideration is the type of psychology that interests you. Are you fascinated by the minds of children and adolescents? Try developmental or child/adolescent psychology. Are you committed to studying and improving the structure of the workplace? Industrial-organizational psych might be right up your alley. Interested in the legal system? Check out forensic psychology.

Along these lines, you’ll also want to consider the particular demands and realities of your preferred concentration. For example, clinical psychology programs are often more competitive than other types of programs. Niche subfields, like genetic counseling or sports psychology, may be offered at fewer institutions.

Another item to consider: do you want an MA (Master of Arts)—which is more liberal arts-focused and holistic—or an MS (Master of Science) which is more research and data-based? If you want to work with patients, an MA may provide more of the skills you need to practice “in the field.” Alternatively, future academics and researchers might opt for an MS. If you hope to pursue school counseling, you may need to obtain a Master of Education vs. a Master of Arts or Science.

Lastly, if your future profession requires licensure, you’ll want to ensure that the program you choose helps prepare you for that path. Remember that licensure requirements vary by state, and most programs prepare students for licensure in the state where the school is located—not nationwide. Furthermore, some programs will not lead to licensure.

Best Master’s Degrees in Psychology (continued)

Best Master’s Degrees in Psychology Programs

Without further ado, let’s shift our attention to the best master’s programs in psychology. When creating this list, we considered the program’s resources, available specializations, and outcomes. Accordingly, we’ve divided the list into three sections:

• Pre-Licensure Master’s Programs satisfy the academic requirements for professional licensure in certain types of counseling roles. Students hoping to practice in a clinical setting should lean toward these programs.
• Research-Focused Master’s Programs center research and provide professional development or doctorate preparation. Students hoping to enter research or academia, apply to doctorate programs, or advance in their current careers should take a look at these programs.
• Specialty Master’s Programs highlight colleges and universities that offer degrees in several niche areas of psychology, including industrial/organizational psychology, developmental psychology, sports psychology, genetic counseling, and forensic psychology.

All master’s programs listed are stand-alone, terminal degree programs.

Pre-Licensure Master’s Programs in Psychology

1) Northwestern University

• Location: Evanston, IL
• Tuition: $5,576-$6,506 per unit (part-time); $22,304 per quarter (full-time)
• Program: Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy; Master of Arts in Counseling

Interested in becoming a marriage and family therapist? Northwestern offers several COAMFTE-accredited tracks, including a full-time on-campus option as well as part-time or full-time online options. All tracks include a clinical internship and supervised therapy; online students must complete an on-campus immersion experience.

In addition, Northwestern offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling that is CACREP-accredited. Although most of your classes will take place remotely, the program is very hands-on and collaborative. Accordingly, you’ll complete 800 hours of practicum/internship, attend two on-campus immersion experiences, and present at an online capstone conference.

2) University of Pennsylvania

• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Tuition: $30,768 per term
• Program: Master of Philosophy in Education in Professional Counseling

Newly revamped, Penn’s Master of Philosophy in Education in Professional Counseling program is two years long, preparing students to either enter roles as mental health counselors (Licensed Professional Counselor credential) or pursue doctoral studies. Those who’d like to work as school counselor can pursue that credential as well within a separate track. Moreover, the program is organized around three themes: social justice, diversity, and person-centered counseling.

All students complete clinical internships, where they work for 20 hours per week. They also sit for oral clinical examinations before graduating that assess their competency as future counselors.

3) Northeastern University

• Location: Boston, MA
• Tuition: $1,880 per credit hour
• Program: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

Northeastern’s two-year Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program leads to an LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) credential and provides the latest training in urban, preventative, and community-baed interventions. Uniquely, the program also allows students to choose a concentration. Furthermore, all students must complete a practicum followed by a clinical internship placement. Possible sites could include federal prisons, rape crisis centers, community service agencies, and complementary medicine clinics, among many others. Students will spend at least 20 hours per week at their placement, starting in their second year of study.

Best Master’s Degrees in Psychology (continued)

4) New York University

• Location: New York, NY
• Tuition: $2,185 per credit
• Programs Offered: Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness

This Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness takes a holistic approach, aiming to understand individuals across cultural contexts and promote equity and social justice. Electives are offered in specialty areas like bereavement counseling and career counseling as well as in counseling special populations, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and people with addiction disorders.

At the culmination of the program, you’ll have satisfied the academic requirements for licensure in New York State, meaning that you could pursue a clinical counseling role in community mental health programs, trauma-focused programs, and college counseling centers, among many others. Graduates also regularly go on to attend doctorate programs. Note that this degree is also offered online.

5) Pepperdine University

• Location: Malibu, CA
• Tuition: $1,565-$1,945 per credit, depending on format
• Programs Offered: Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

Pepperdine offers an MA in Clinical Psychology in several formats: daytime, evening, or online. The daytime program is cohort-based, and is best for students who are looking for a full-time experience. Alternatively, the evening program is best for students who need to attend on a part-time basis due to other responsibilities.

Over the course of the program, students receive preparation to serve as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) or licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in the state of California. Accordingly, they’ll engage in academic coursework as well as clinical practicums. There are over 130 clinical practicum sites to choose from, ensuring that you’ll have the opportunity to work with a population that interests you.

6) University of Central Florida

• Location: Sanford, FL
• Tuition: $369 per credit hour (in-state); $1,194 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

This program offers two tracks, one of which is pre-licensure. In the pre-licensure track, which is geared toward students who would like to practice in a clinical or community setting, you will spend approximately two years completing requisite coursework and clinical internships. After you graduate, you’ll then complete a two-year postgraduate clinical experience. At that point, you are eligible to become licensed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida.

There is also a research/thesis track, best for students who are interested in research and/or would like to pursue a doctoral program. Unlike the pre-licensure track, students in this track will not be eligible to become LMHCs post-graduation.

Best Master’s Degrees in Psychology (continued)

7) Wake Forest University

• Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
• Tuition: $38,650 (full-time, in-person); $1,700 per credit (online)
• Program: Master of Arts in Counseling

Wake Forest offers two tracks for students who are interested in becoming practicing counselors: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. In addition to core courses in counseling skills, crisis management, family counseling, addiction counseling, and research analysis, students also complete three clinical internships and practicums. Both programs lead to the ability to become licensed in the state of North Carolina.

Hoping to attend online? You’re in luck—both programs are offered remotely as well.

8) Boston College

• Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
• Tuition: $1,764 per credit
• Program: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

Renowned for its School of Education and Human Development, BC offers an MA in Mental Health Counseling for students who are interested in becoming a licensed mental health professional. The program is also excellent preparation for students who would like to pursue doctoral studies.

Several optional concentrations are available: Integrated Behavioral Health, Child & Family Mental Health and Wellness, Positive Youth Development, and Trauma Stress Studies & Intervention Responses. A 100-hour (minimum) practicum must be completed as well as a 600-hour internship. Part-time study is available for this program, as are graduate assistantships.

Research-Focused Master’s Programs in Psychology

1) William & Mary

• Location: Williamsburg, VA
• Tuition: $17,666 (in-state); $36,684 (out-of-state). Note that all students receive a teaching or research assistantship (about 20 hours per week) that provides tuition remission and a nine-month stipend.
• Programs Offered: Master of Science in Psychology

William & Mary offers a two-year, fully residential Master of Science in Psychology program for students who are highly interested in research careers. Accordingly, it’s geared toward students who ultimately hope to apply to doctoral programs. Competition is stiff as only 8 to 9 students per year are admitted. Interestingly, if you attended William & Mary as an undergrad, you are urged to apply elsewhere to work with a new set of faculty members and broaden your horizons.

Research areas include behavioral neuroscience, social, cognitive, clinical, and developmental psychology. There are also quite a few laboratory facilities that can facilitate studies in human & animal physiology, social psychology, and early childhood development.

2) Northwestern University

• Location: Evanston, IL
• Tuition: $22,304 per quarter (full-time)
• Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

The MA in Clinical Psychology is offered by the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine through the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Note that this program does not prepare students to enter clinical practice and is primarily academic/research-based in nature. As such, students complete approximately ten hours of lab research per week as well as a capstone project. Over the course of the program, they’ll be exposed to clinical adult psychology, clinical child psychology, clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, health psychology/behavioral medicine, and policy.

Best Master’s Degrees in Psychology (continued)

3) Columbia University

• Location: New York, NY
• Tuition: $2,049 per credit
• Program: Master of Arts in Psychology in Education

Offered through Columbia’s Teachers College, the MA in Psychology in Education is particularly popular. It provides students with the academic preparation necessary to apply to PsyD or PhD programs, and offers ten concentrations: child & family; clinical psychology & technology; community psychology & integrated health services; forensic psychology; global mental health & trauma; neuropsychology; psychotherapy; research methods; sexuality, women & gender; and spirituality & mind/body practices. Moreover, all students complete an Integrative Project that allows them to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice.

4) Boston University

• Location: Boston, MA
• Tuition: $66,670
• Program: Master of Arts in Psychology

High-speed option alert! BU’s program is one year long and led by an incredibly strong and diverse faculty, enabling students to complete required research apprenticeships in highly specialized areas of interest. Cognition, neuroscience, developmental science, and clinical psychology are especially well-regarded.

In general, this program emphasizes foundational research methodology, and is an excellent choice for students who are curious about psychology as a profession and desire higher-level training. Note that the program does not lead to licensure.

5) Pepperdine University

• Location: Malibu, CA
• Tuition: $1,565-$1,945 per credit, depending on format
• Programs Offered: Master of Arts in Psychology

Pepperdine’s MA in Psychology is available either in-person or online. It’s geared toward students who plan to pursue doctorate programs or a non-clinical psychology profession. Additionally, students who hope to become more adept leaders in their current careers will also find value in the program.

Core courses include a broad overview of the field, such as mental health disorders, social psychology, theories and techniques of psychotherapy, multicultural counseling, industrial/organizational psychology, and scientific writing. Note that students do not have to complete supervised clinical experiences within this program—as such, it does not lead to licensure in the state of California.

6) University of Maryland

• Location: College Park, MD
• Tuition: $844 per credit; about $25k for the entire program
• Program: Master of Professional Studies in Clinical Psychological Science

This Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Clinical Psychological Science offers a great foundation for students who are looking for career advancement or doctorate preparation. It is designed for working professionals, so if you already work full-time, you’ll be able to continue doing so as a student in this program. (Full-time equals two classes per 12-week term.)

Curriculum-wise, the program covers the latest in psychosocial interventions, psychological principles, and research methods. Coursework includes child and adult psychopathology, psychometric principles, cognitive-behavioral intervention, and culture and diversity in mental health, among others.

Best Master’s Degrees in Psychology (continued)

7) Arizona State University

• Location: Tempe, AZ
• Tuition: $12,376 (in-person, in-state); $34,290 (in-person, out-of-state); $576 per credit (online)
• Program: Master of Science in Psychology

For ASU’s MS in Psychology, two formats are available: on-campus and online. Both are geared toward different types of students. If you hope to pursue or research career or doctoral degree, the on-campus option will be the best fit as it involves training in advanced research methodology and analysis, data collection, and manuscript development, among other skills. In addition, all students complete a thesis or applied project.

Alternatively, the online program is best for students who are either interested in a psychology career and would like further exploration or are interested in professional development in their current field. Although students will exposed to psychological theory and research, hands-on research opportunities are not part of the program. Instead, students complete a capstone.

8) University of North Carolina Charlotte

• Location: Charlotte, NC
• Tuition: $1,054 per credit (in-state); $1,863 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program: Master of Arts in Psychology

UNC Charlotte’s MA in Psychology is unique in that offers two optional concentrations: Community Psychology or Cognition. Note that students with special research interests are encouraged to reach out to faculty members prior to applying to ensure that those interests can be accommodated. Otherwise, the chance of acceptance is low. The program is very competitive as it is purposely kept quite small.

Like all other programs in this section, research methodology is a major focus. Accordingly, all students are required to become involved in ongoing research and complete a thesis. No clinical training is provided, so this program will be the best fit for students interested in pursuing research assistant or coordinator positions, or continuing on in a doctoral program.

Best Master’s Degrees in Psychology (continued)

Specialty Master’s Programs in Psychology

1) California Baptist University

• Location: Riverside, CA
• Tuition: $845 per unit
• Programs Offered: Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology programs are difficult to find, but CBU offers an excellent one. It’s geared toward working professionals, so classes are scheduled to accommodate a busy schedule. Major areas covered include the biological nature of crime, psychopathology, psychology and the law, and criminal profiling. Finally, during their second year, students take on a field experience in a forensic setting, such as victim advocacy, trial consultant firms, or rape crisis centers, among others.

2) Boston University

• Location: Boston, MA
• Tuition: ~$66,000 per year (two-year, full-time program)
• Program: Master of Science in Genetic Counseling

Another hard-to-find type of program is genetic counseling, a specialty offered at a select few universities. BU’s genetic counseling program is the only one in New England that is located within an academic medical center. First-year coursework focuses on general genetics and counseling skills; classes included Embryology, Teratology, and Prenatal Genetics, Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling, and Cancer Genetic Counseling. Fieldwork experiences are required each year as well as a capstone project.

3) Florida State University

• Location: Tallahassee, FL or Panama City, FL
• Tuition: $444-$479 per credit (in-state); $1,075-$1,1110 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program: Master of Arts in Psychology, Applied Behavioral Analysis

Florida State’s MA program prepares students to become licensed Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and enter careers in areas like behavior and learning disorders, developmental disabilities, autism, and language development, to name a few. This program also boasts the highest BCBA pass rate globally.

In addition to their coursework, all students complete three practicum experiences as well as a professional capstone project. Moreover, all students are placed in paid assistantship positions and receive full tuition waivers.

4) University of Denver

• Location: Denver, CO
• Tuition: $1,356 per credit
• Program: Master of Arts in Sport & Performance Psychology

If you’re interested in sports psychology, DU offers one of the most specialized programs in the country. Accordingly, students learn how to work with high-performance teams across sports, performing arts, and corporate sectors as well as those in high-risk occupations such as law enforcement and military. It also emphasizes leadership, coaching, and team development. Finally, students complete a supervised practicum as well as a Master’s Project.

Best Master’s Degrees in Psychology (continued)

5) University of Southern California

• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Tuition: $47,080 per year
• Program: Master of Science in Applied Psychology

USC’s MA in Applied Psychology (MAPP) program offers coursework in organizational and consumer psychology. Accordingly, it prepares students for myriad roles within the business world including learning and development, user experience, and DEI, to name a few. On-campus and online program formats are available.

Regardless of format, experiential learning is paramount. Therefore, all students completed an applied internship and capstone research project. Many capstones involve consulting projects with real companies.

6) Cornell University

• Location: Ithaca, NY
• Tuition: $29,500 per year
• Program: Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology

While this program does not prepare its graduates to be psychologists or counselors, it does enable them to enter the world of academia or work in government, community, or private agencies. All students develop a personalized program of study according to their interests, and must complete a research thesis to graduate. Concentrations include aging and health; cognitive development; developmental psychopathology; ecology of human development; law, psychology, and human development; and social and personality development. Moreover, students can become involved in ongoing research and studies across the department’s many laboratories and centers.

7) University of Georgia

• Location: Lawrenceville, GA (Gwinnett campus)
• Tuition: $8,682 (in-state); $24,630 (out-of-state)
• Program: Professional Master’s Program in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

UGA’s IOMP is an excellent option for current professionals who are interested in workforce management, analytics, and leadership development. The program is two years along. However, to accommodate its students’ busy lives and schedules, all courses are delivered via five weekends each semester.

The program focuses on preparing graduates to become practitioners in the field; therefore, there is minimal emphasis on research. Half of all courses will be taught by practicing I/O psychologists, and every student must complete a practicum and capstone paper. A formal mentoring program is also offered.

8) Rice University

• Location: Houston, TX
• Tuition: $35,000 per year
• Program: Master of Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Students who emerge from Rice’s MIOP program will be well-prepared for academic or applied settings, including corporate, nonprofit, and government agencies. Accordingly, they delve into psychometrics, leadership, personnel psychology, organizational psychology, and meta-analysis, among other topics. Finally, all students must complete a multi-semester capstone experience. Note that this program is only offered on a full-time basis.

Best Master’s in Psychology Programs – Final Thoughts

To conclude, there are tons of great programs out there, all with different strengths and offerings. The key to finding the best one is finding the best one for your specific needs.

Looking for additional resources? You might find the following blogs helpful:

• Best Colleges for Psychology
• Best Psychology Summer Programs
• What is Graduate School?
• How to Become a Psychologist
• 149 Capstone Projects and Ideas
• 20 Best Online MSW Programs
• 15 Best PsyD and PhD Clinical Psych Programs
• Best Jobs for Extroverts