Psychology is a rewarding field that offers the opportunity to make positive changes in the lives of individuals and communities alike. Pursuing a one-year online psychology master’s degree provides graduates with a versatile skillset, making them competitive hires in various industries.
Graduates are well-prepared for careers as mental health or substance abuse counselors, with a median salary of $53,910. Opportunities are also available in Human Resources, where specialists earn a median salary of $67,650.
For those interested in furthering their education, an online psychology master degree is a solid stepping stone to a doctoral program, preparing students for roles as licensed psychologists, where the median salary is $92,740.
How to Choose a One-Year Online Master’s in Psychology Program
Choose your area of study
Choosing your area of study for your master’s in psychology is an essential first step, as it narrows your options to programs that align with your interests and career goals. Options may vary by institution, but common psychology concentrations include:
- Clinical psychology
- Industrial-organizational psychology
- Social psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Positive psychology
- Personality psychology
- Cross-cultural psychology
- Human development
- Mental health disorders
Those interested in therapeutic settings may be drawn to clinical or counseling psychology, while individuals wanting to work in corporate environments may prefer industrial-organizational psychology. Meanwhile, educational psychology is perfect for those enthusiastic about learning and development in academic settings.
Research schools and programs
With your intended specialization in mind, you can begin your research process for master’s degree in psychology programs in earnest. You may come into this process with some questions of your own, but here are a few more you can use to guide your research:
- Who are the faculty, and what is their experience like?
- How is the curriculum relevant to my career goals?
- Are there opportunities for practical experience?
- What are the graduation and job placement rates?
You can gather this information by visiting school websites, attending information sessions, and contacting admissions counselors.
Also, you should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
To determine a school’s accreditation status, you can refer to the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Prepare for tests and applications
Once you have a shortlist of master’s degree in psychology programs, start preparing for tests and applications by focusing on the following standard requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts from previous academic institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement or essay
- GRE scores, if required
Enrolling in a test prep program can be beneficial for programs that require GRE scores, as it improves your test performance and increases your chance of acceptance.
Select your program
Some students apply to many different programs to increase their odds of acceptance, while others only apply to one or two of their top choices. There’s no right or wrong number of schools to apply to — just keep in mind that each school will typically have its own application fee. If you’re concerned about this cost, you can inquire about fee waivers, which are often available to students with limited financial resources.
When acceptance letters arrive, you may find that you have multiple options to choose from. In that case, you’ll have a big decision to make.
To narrow your options down, review your needs and goals again (especially any logistical concerns). Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Are you only interested in 100% online programs, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a few in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer?
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Paying for your degree can feel daunting, but many financial aid resources are available to help.
Start by submitting the FAFSA to access federal financial aid options; then, apply for scholarships specifically related to psychology, as these can significantly offset costs. Additionally, consider graduate assistantships, which often provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for work. Lastly, check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, which can further reduce your financial burden.
Federal loans, though widely available, should be used sparingly and only to bridge financial gaps. It’s important to remember that every dollar taken out on a loan will eventually need to be repaid with interest.
Best 50 Accredited One-Year Online Master’s in Psychology Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the country’s best one-year online master’s in psychology programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s psychology graduate program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best one-year online master’s in psychology programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a One-Year Online Psychology Master’s Program?
A one-year online psychology master’s degree program offers an all-encompassing and flexible learning experience for those wanting to further their education in this field.
Graduate students can expect their online courses for this degree to cover topics such as:
- Human behavior
- Human development
- Mental health
- Psychological research
- Research methods
- Clinical psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Positive psychology
- Cross-cultural psychology
- Industrial-organizational psychology
- Advanced cognitive science
- Advanced social psychology
Overall, your program will likely focus on cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. These curriculums focus on cultivating critical thinking abilities, sharpening research skills, and understanding ethical practices.
Throughout these programs, you’ll engage in both theoretical and practical learning — exploring psychological theories, learning to conduct and analyze research, and applying relevant principles to real-world situations.
Graduation requirements vary by program, with some requiring students to complete a traditional thesis and others offering an applied research project as a capstone experience.
Potential courses you’ll take in a one-year online psychology master’s program
Cognitive Psychology
In this core course, students explore the intricacies of human cognition, including perception, memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. They learn about the latest research studying cognitive processes and better understand how these functions influence human behavior.
Developmental Psychology
This course covers the psychological development of people from infancy through old age. Students examine the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes throughout life, emphasizing how genetics, environment, and culture influence development.
Social Psychology
This course reviews how social interactions affect psychology as well as how psychology affects social interactions. Students learn about topics such as conformity, stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, and persuasion.
Clinical Psychopathology
Students study disorders related to mental health, including their symptoms, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. They learn to use the DSM-5 and other tools to assess and classify psychological conditions, gaining insights into therapeutic interventions and case management. This course is especially important for those who plan to become clinical and counseling psychologists after they graduate.
Social Media and Cyberbullying
This modern course examines the psychological impact of social media use and the prevalence of cyberbullying. Participants will explore the dynamics of online interactions, the psychological effects of cyberbullying, and strategies for prevention and intervention.
What Can I Do With a One-Year Psychology Master’s Degree?
A master’s in psychology opens up many career advancement opportunities, offering a relatively positive job outlook. Indeed, this online master’s degree provides students with a versatile skill set valued across industries, including counseling, human resources, and higher education.
Career outlook
- Mental Health Counselor — A relatively popular career path for those completing this degree, mental health counselors provide therapy and support to individuals, families, and groups dealing with mental health issues.
- Median annual salary: $53,910
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 18%
- New jobs projected: 42,000
- Human Resources Specialist — Many employers find a psychology graduate a high-quality hire for human resources specialist roles. These individuals manage employee relations, recruitment, and organizational development within companies.
- Median annual salary: $67,650
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 78,700
- Psychology Professor — While some universities require candidates to have a doctoral degree, many community colleges will consider applicants with a master’s degree. Graduates in this role teach psychology courses, conduct research, and mentor students in academic and professional development.
- Median annual salary: $84,380
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 8%
- New jobs projected: 118,800
One-Year Online Psychology Master’s Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
These accelerated degree programs condense the typical two-year curriculum into a single year for full-time students. Curriculums often include summer sessions to cover the intensive coursework, meaning these programs involve a year-round commitment.
To learn more about the pros and cons of accelerated programs and determine if they’re the right fit for you, visit our page, which explores this in depth.
How long does it take to earn a one-year psychology master's degree?
True to its namesake, these programs take just one year for full-time students to complete. Part-time students will likely take longer but can still benefit from an accelerated timeline — with most part-time enrollees taking two years to complete degree requirements.
Double-check the total number of required credits before enrolling, as this will ensure you can complete the program within the allotted time.
How much does a one-year psychology master's degree cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for a graduate degree is $20,513. However, it’s important to budget for additional expenses such as technology fees, library fees, course materials, and textbooks. These costs can add up over time, significantly impacting the overall expense of earning your degree.