For those looking to advance their career with a flexible and accessible online master’s in psychology program that doesn’t require the GRE, these programs may be the key to your success. Whether you prefer to be assessed on different metrics or simply want to avoid standardized tests, these programs offer a valuable opportunity.
Graduates can pursue careers as mental health counselors, with a median salary of $53,910, enter human resources as specialists, earning a median salary of $67,650, or become marketing analysts, making a median salary of $74,680.
These programs take 18 months to two years to complete for full-time students and three to four years for part-time students, allowing you to customize your education to your schedule and career goals.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Psychology (NO GRE) degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 30 Accredited Online Master's in Psychology Programs (No GRE)
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Touro University School of Health Sciences
Intelligent Score: 99.77In-state: $18,283
Out-of-state: $18,283
In-state: $12,618
Out-of-state: $12,618
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$925
Online, On-Campus
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
36
Tiffin University
Intelligent Score: 98.35In-state: $27,210
Out-of-state: $27,210
In-state: $12,600
Out-of-state: $12,600
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$630
Online
Higher Learning Commission
41
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 98.29In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$565
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
The Chicago School
Intelligent Score: 98.28In-state: $46,796
Out-of-state: $46,796
In-state: $50,636
Out-of-state: $50,636
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$1,409
Hybrid
Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
60
Mississippi State University
Intelligent Score: 98.11In-state: $8,800
Out-of-state: $23,840
In-state: $8,800
Out-of-state: $8,800
SAT: 1050-1270
ACT: 22-30
$559
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
35
University of Wisconsin Madison
Intelligent Score: 96.29In-state: $9,273
Out-of-state: $37,161
In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $10,728
SAT: 1260-1460
ACT: 27-32
$800
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
University of North Dakota
Intelligent Score: 96.05In-state: $8,540
Out-of-state: $12,810
In-state: $11,060
Out-of-state: $11,060
SAT: 1000-1230
ACT: 20-27
$589
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
30
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 92.94In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$695
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
39
LeTourneau University
Intelligent Score: 92.46In-state: $31,740
Out-of-state: $31,740
In-state: $18,630
Out-of-state: $18,630
SAT: 1110-1330
ACT: 22-29
$625
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
39
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 91.50In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
$576
Online
Higher Learning Commission
36
University of Southern Maine
Intelligent Score: 90.74In-state: $8,064
Out-of-state: $21,532
In-state: $7,776
Out-of-state: $7,776
SAT: 958-1160
ACT: 20-25
$509
Online, Hybrid
New England Commission of Higher Education
36-67
Keiser University
Intelligent Score: 88.28In-state: $19,808
Out-of-state: $19,808
In-state: $27,162
Out-of-state: $27,162
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,554
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
Baker College
Intelligent Score: 86.52In-state: $9,960
Out-of-state: $9,960
In-state: $12,510
Out-of-state: $12,510
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$600
Online
Higher Learning Commission
36
Johnson & Wales University
Intelligent Score: 83.12In-state: $34,376
Out-of-state: $34,376
In-state: $14,148
Out-of-state: $14,148
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$842
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
30
Ball State University
Intelligent Score: 83.07In-state: $9,482
Out-of-state: $26,470
In-state: $9,328
Out-of-state: $9,328
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $464
Out-of-State: $696
Online
Higher Learning Commission
33
Kent State University
Intelligent Score: 82.22In-state: $10,810
Out-of-state: $19,686
In-state: $11,766
Out-of-state: $11,766
SAT: 1020-1210
ACT: 20-26
Resident: $572
Non-Resident: $582
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
Ferrum College
Intelligent Score: 82.06In-state: $36,480
Out-of-state: $36,480
In-state: $8,010
Out-of-state: $8,010
SAT: 910-1060
ACT: 15-19
$475
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
National University
Intelligent Score: 81.62In-state: $13,320
Out-of-state: $13,320
In-state: $15,480
Out-of-state: $15,480
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$856
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
30
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Program (No GRE)
Choose your area of study
While it’s always possible to receive a general master’s in psychology, many programs offer the option to choose an area of study or specialization around which you can organize your studies. To make this decision, consider asking yourself:
- What are my career goals?
- Which population am I interested in working with?
- What areas of psychology am I most enthusiastic about?
Potential specialization options include clinical, counseling, industrial-organizational, forensic, and school psychology — but it’s essential to research the specific specializations offered by different programs, as these can vary.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve decided on a specialization, you can research schools and programs by considering key factors. Here are some questions to guide your research:
- Does the program offer my intended specialization?
- What are the faculty’s qualifications and areas of interest?
- What are the application requirements, especially in the absence of the GRE?
- What is the program’s format and duration?
Since these programs don’t require the GRE, they may need additional components like an interview or more extensive application materials.
Prepare for tests and applications
With your shortlist of programs in hand, it’s time to begin preparing for tests and applications. Standard application requirements include:
- Transcripts from previous academic institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
Instead of the GRE, some programs may require a writing sample or an interview. It’s always important to double-check these requirements, as they can vary by program.
Select your program
When acceptance letters arrive, take some time to revisit your initial research criteria and focus on what’s most important to you. This may include factors like curriculum relevance, faculty you’re excited to learn from, and the availability of support services for online learners.
You’ll also want to reassess the total cost of attendance and compare it against any financial aid offers, just to be sure your decision is as feasible economically as it is academically.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
For many students, figuring out how to finance a graduate degree begins with submitting the FAFSA, which will allow you to explore federal financial aid options. You’ll also want to seek out scholarships and assistantships, which can provide additional financial support. If you’re currently employed, check if your employer offers a tuition reimbursement program, which can significantly offset costs.
While widely available for most students, federal loans should be used sparingly — only to bridge any remaining financial gaps.
What Can You Expect From an Online Master’s in Psychology Program (No GRE)?
Considering that the GRE has become synonymous with graduate school success, you may think that a program without this requirement may have a less rigorous curriculum. However, this is unlikely to be the case. These programs maintain the same academic standards as those with GRE requirements, ensuring a comprehensive education.
As a student, you can expect to learn different psychological theories, research methods, and applied practices. Key areas of study include cognitive and developmental psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and clinical psychology. The most innovative curriculums will cover advanced statistical analysis and research design, preparing you with essential skills for conducting and interpreting research.
Many programs culminate in a traditional thesis, but others offer the option to complete an applied research project. Regardless of graduation requirements, most programs can be completed in 18 months to two years of full-time study. In some cases, you may be able to earn a master’s in psychology in just one year.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in psychology program
- Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: In this course, students will explore different counseling and psychotherapy approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and humanistic theories. They will learn to apply these theories in clinical practice and develop therapeutic techniques.
- Trauma in Diverse Populations: This course examines the impact of trauma on individuals from different cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants analyze various types of trauma, such as PTSD, and effective interventions for specific populations.
- Industrial Organizational Psychology: Students in this course will study applying psychological principles to workplace settings. They will explore employee motivation, organizational behavior, leadership, and performance assessment.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Psychology Degree?
This degree prepares students for careers in counseling and beyond, offering opportunities in marketing and human resources. The career outlook is largely positive, providing graduates with versatile skills that are in demand across various industries.
Career outlook
- Rehabilitation Counselor — Specializing in helping people with physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities, rehabilitation counselors assist clients in achieving greater independence.
- Median annual salary: $44,040
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 2%
- New jobs projected: 6,700
- Research Analyst — Graduates in this role utilize their understanding of human behavior to analyze consumer preferences and market trends. They provide insights to help businesses develop effective marketing strategies and improve their products and services.
- Median annual salary: $74,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 13%
- New jobs projected: 94,600
- Human Resources Specialist — Leveraging their knowledge of human behavior, graduates can work in HR to manage recruitment, training, employee relations, and organizational development.
- Median annual salary: $67,650
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected:Â 78,700
Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Program (No GRE) Frequently Asked Questions
How do degree programs with no GRE requirement work?
Degree programs without a GRE requirement work very similarly to those with GRE requirements — they just focus more on other admission requirements without the need for standardized test scores. This might mean that other application materials, such as your personal statement, resume, or interview, are weighed more heavily.
To learn more about the application process and the pros and cons of pursuing a no-GRE program, visit our page, which explores this in more detail.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in psychology degree?
Earning this degree takes 18 months to two years for full-time students and three or four years for part-time students. The completion timeline depends on the total number of required credits, which varies by program and can significantly impact the duration. Evaluating each program’s credit requirements is essential for estimating your graduation date.
How much does an online master's in psychology degree cost?
The average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $20,513. However, it’s important to note that tuition doesn’t typically cover all expenses. You’ll also want to budget for additional costs like technology fees, library fees, course materials, and textbooks.