Edited By Darryl S.
Review & Contribution By Dr. Emily Parker
Those seeking a psychology degree do not do it to see a few letters behind their name; they do it because psychology is a fascinating field that allows them to help people while often making an excellent living. But being able to help others starts with an excellent education. While many elements play into a good education, accreditation is the most important.
Accreditation is a voluntary process by which a school is evaluated by an independent accrediting body and found to present an education that meets rigorous quality standards. Accreditation means that the degree a student earns from that school means something – it shows that the student has the education necessary to hit the ground running in their psychology career. Let us dive into further detail on Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology.
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What is APA-Accreditation
Accreditation is of two types: programmatic and institutional. Programmatic refers to the accreditation of specific degree programs, while institutional (sometimes known as “regional” accreditation) refers to the school’s accreditation. Ideally, a master’s student will earn a degree from a program and graduate from an accredited school. However, this is not always possible because not all programs have an accrediting body. One example of this is psychology programs at the master’s level.
When researching online master’s psychology programs, prospective students should ensure the program school has institutional accreditation. Students can locate that information on a school’s website, but sometimes, it can be tricky or confusing. That is why the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs is an excellent place to confirm accreditation. Remember that the U.S. Department of Education does not accredit schools or programs; however, they recognize the organizations that accredit schools.
For those who decide to earn a doctoral degree in psychology, there is a programmatic accreditation to seek. Specifically, the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA CoA) accredits doctoral degree programs. The APA CoA is also tasked with accrediting doctoral internships and postdoctoral residency programs.
Find out more about general Accreditation.
Why is Accreditation Important for an Online Psychology Master’s Degree?
It is essential to attend an accredited online master’s psychology program. But why does accreditation matter so much?
Licensure requires it
In most states, psychologists must be licensed. To become licensed, they must meet specific criteria, including scrutiny of their educational program. The required educational requirement for licensing must be met by graduating from an accredited post-secondary institution.
Ensures it is not a diploma mill
There was a time when online education seemed risky, as accreditation had not yet caught up with the new distance education format. And even today, some colleges will try to slip under the radar and offer programs that do not meet high-quality education standards. To avoid this, always look for active accreditation status.
Boosts employment prospects
Accreditation sets a “floor” as to the level of training a professional should have. Employers expect new hires to complete their education at an accredited school, even if not required by a certification or licensing body. Most job applicants will have graduated from an accredited school, so employers will not even bother to look at the resumes of those who graduated from lesser institutions.
Required for further education
While a master’s degree is a higher-level degree, it is not the highest. If one wants to continue one’s education with a doctorate in psychology, one will only get credit for their prior education if it came from an accredited school. If they did not attend an accredited institution, this could mean that all their hard work must be completed again to obtain a degree in good standing before embarking on the doctoral program.
Required for school transfers
Just as completing education at an accredited school is an eligibility requirement for a subsequent degree, it is almost always a requirement for recognition of transfer credits. If students choose to change programs halfway through, they may have to start from scratch, and all previous coursework will go to waste.
Helps with getting more financial aid
Most forms of financial aid, especially federal grants and loans, require applicants to attend an accredited school. By not enrolling at an accredited school, there will be little to no financial assistance available for most master’s students, even through many private scholarships.
Read more about financial aid in the Best Financial Aid Guide.
Assures institutional/degree reputation
Another reason to attend an accredited program is its positive and strong reputation, which it imparts to graduates. Since an accredited school provides a high-quality education, students can rest assured that its reputation will continue throughout their careers. However, graduates from a non-accredited school might be seen as academically or professionally dishonest – and that’s not an excellent way to start any career.
Universities Offering APA Accredited Online Psychology Programs
There are so many online master’s degree programs to choose from that it can be daunting to decide which school to apply to. To help master’s students narrow their options, a few spotlight schools offer accredited Online Master’s in Psychology. Here is the list:
1. Ball State University
Well-known as a leader in online programs (and as the beloved alma mater of David Letterman), Ball State University offers two Accredited Online Master in Psychology programs that can be taken entirely online.
The degree in Quantitative Psychology prepares graduates to focus on data-related situations and research. This Master of Science degree requires 33 credits and takes about two years to complete. Two concentrations are offered: quantitative and mixed methods.
The degree in Educational Psychology takes students on a journey that prepares them to work with individuals and groups in education. This Master of Arts program requires 30 credits, which can be completed in 18 months or less. Specializations in neuropsychology, applied behavior analysis, human development, gifted and talented, or custom specializations allow students to focus strongly on what matters most to them.
2. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
With a robust list of more than 100 master’s degrees available online, there’s no wonder that Southern New Hampshire University is not only very online-friendly for Accredited Online Master in Psychology students but also has affordable tuition. SNHU offers three Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology programs. Though some basic courses will be the same across all three degrees – such as those that focus on research and data collection – the concentration courses for each will allow master’s students to target the areas that will prepare them for a future career. Here’s a brief rundown of the concentrations:
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology students will take courses in social psychology, cognitive processes, organizational consulting, the psychology of leadership, and theories of personality.
- Child and Developmental Psychology students will encounter courses in intervention strategies, cognitive neuropsychology, developmental psychology, and ethical practices in psychology.
- Forensic Psychology students will take courses in the intersection of law and psychology, assessments specific to forensic psychology, psychology in the courtroom, and theories of personality.
All master’s programs in psychology require 36 credit hours, which can be completed in as little as 15 months, assuming a student is taking two courses per term.
3. University of North Dakota
Ranked the No. 1 online master’s program in the nation, the Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from the University of North Dakota takes only two years to complete when attending part-time. Thirty credit hours are required and cover what graduate students need to know to testify as an expert witness, provide research-based evaluations, and assist courts and agencies in forensic issues, among other duties. The program offers intense tutoring, advising, tech support, and library services. Master’s students must attend class on-campus for one week during the capstone portion of their program.
4. University of North Texas
The University of North Texas offers more than 20 online master’s programs, three related to psychology. Full-time students can complete their master’s studies in as little as 15 months. Here are the three options:
- MS in Educational Psychology – Gifted and Talented. Thirty-three hours are required for this program, with courses that range from three weeks to eight weeks.
- MS in Educational Psychology – Research and Evaluation. This program also requires 33 hours, with courses that can be taken in accelerated format over the summer and breaks, making it perfect for working teachers.
- MS in Rehabilitation Counseling. This program requires 48 credit hours, nine of which are dedicated to over 700 hours of fieldwork. Students can expect to graduate within two years. Various start dates throughout the year make these programs even more flexible for online students.
5. Angelo State University (ASU)
The Master of Science in Applied Psychology is the only one of four psychology programs at Angelo State University to be offered online. Students can choose from the thesis or non-thesis option; they can expect to complete 36 hours for graduation. To help pay for the cost of earning the master’s in psychology program, ASU offers the Carr Academic Graduate Scholarship, which every enrolled grad student is considered for; it is based on merit and undergraduate GPA.
6. California Baptist University
The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University requires the completion of 62 major units and takes two years to complete. Students can choose between synchronous, instant messaging and communication learning and asynchronous learning, which offers master’s students a more self-paced approach via email, message boards, and web platforms. This program prepares students for licensure as marriage and family counselors in California; out-of-state students should check with their licensing board before enrolling to ensure the education meets their state requirements. Though this master’s program might cost a bit more than others, robust financial aid offers help level the financial playing field.
7. Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU)
Two master’s degrees in psychology online are available through SAGU, including those in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Human Services Counseling. (Note: Only the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares master’s students for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas; out-of-state students should also check with their state regulations to ensure the program meets their requirements.) Small class sizes and access to various support services help set SAGU apart, as does the fact that students graduate with an average of 20 percent less debt than other universities.
8. Fort Hays State University
Accredited Online Master in Psychology students at Fort Hays State University can participate in three psychology-based programs: Counseling – School, Counseling – Clinical Mental Health, and School Psychology. However, students should know that each program is a hybrid, requiring anything from 50/50 classroom/on-campus work to hands-on training after completing online courses. Depending upon the course, master’s students will take two to three years to complete their degree program. Though the program takes longer than those at other schools, the tuition cost is much lower than most.
9. Eastern Kentucky University
The Master of Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University is a 100 percent online program that can be completed in 36 credit hours. As a bonus, the school accepts up to 12 credit hours for transfer, thus cutting down significantly on the time it takes to earn the master’s degree. Online tutoring and other resources are available for all students during their 8-week terms. Significant tuition discounts exist for military members and their qualified family members.
10. Arizona State University – Tempe
Students seeking an Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology can opt for the Forensic Psychology or Psychology programs at Arizona State University. These Master of Science programs offer an accelerated seven and a half weeks per class; the Forensic Psychology program requires 11 total classes for 33 credit hours, while the Psychology program requires 12 total classes for 36 credit hours. Full-time students can complete the program within 18 months, but those who need more time can take courses as their schedule allows, as long as they complete their degree pursuit within six years of admission.
11. St. Leo University
The online Master of Psychology at Saint Leo University is a fully asynchronous program that takes 36 credit hours. Students take one course per 8-week term, allowing them to dive deep into the material. With no more than 15 students per cohort, master’s students enjoy more personal attention. The unique Capstone project allows students to research what interests them and show exceptional communication and ethical decision-making skills. Aspiring students will be happy to learn that the tuition charged here is less than the average tuition of most private universities.
12. University of Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV)
The Master of Science in Educational Psychology is available for aspiring students through UNLV Online. This 33-credit program requires psychology grad students to maintain a 3.0 average and complete a thesis, which they will successfully defend before the degree is awarded. The other option is a comprehensive examination at the end of the program. It is important to remember that UNLV cannot provide online programs to certain states; to see if a specific state of residence offers a degree from here, check out the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements page.
13. Touro University Worldwide
Those seeking an Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology program can pursue the online Master of Arts in Psychology through Touro University Worldwide. This program requires master’s students to complete 12 courses, three of which are electives that lead to one of three specializations: Media, Educational, or Health Psychology. There are no admission fees or hidden fees, and students can bring down their tuition rates through generous use of financial aid through the school, including scholarships and grants. Military members and qualified family members receive a 40 percent discount on tuition.
14. Grand Canyon University
The online offerings of Grand Canyon University are robust, so much so that numerous programs focus on counseling and psychology topics. The Master of Science in Psychology program offers seven concentrations, including those in forensic, general, health, human factors and geropsychology. In most cases, the program requires 36 credits divided into 8-week courses; students can transfer in up to 12 credits, thus bringing their time in the classroom down to less than one year.
15. UMass Global University
With five potential counseling and Accredited Online Master in Psychology programs, UMass Global University, formerly Brandman University, prepares students for careers in marriage and family counseling, school counseling, and clinical counseling. As an example of what to expect, the marriage and family counseling 60-credit hour program can be completed within two years, perhaps sooner with accelerated learning; the program leads to eligibility for licensure in 37 states. The financial aid office can guide master’s students through the many scholarship opportunities available to help pay for the cost of their master’s education.
Costs and Financial Aid for APA-Accredited Online Psychology Programs
Getting an APA-accredited online Master’s in Psychology brings flexibility and high academic standards but requires substantial financial investment. Student fees for such degrees span between $15,000 and $40,000 annually at different institutions and depend on program duration and in-state or out-of-state residency for public colleges. The tuition at private institutions exceeds public university rates and tends to be more economical.
Students must evaluate tuition expenses in addition to paying for textbooks and technology fees and meeting possible residency requirements for online learning programs. The total amount of extra educational expenses grows during the entire duration of the program.
Students can find multiple financial aid tools that help relieve their educational costs. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows students to apply for federal student aid, which might lead to grants, loans, or work-study programs. Schools provide their students with scholarship options, including merit-based awards and financial-need assistance. Some organizations provide reimbursement benefits to employees who enroll in advanced degree programs. Federal student loans offer adjustable repayment options through their low-cost and income-based solutions. It is advisable for prospective students to search every available aid option before creating their budget.
Common Fields of Study in Accredited Psychology Programs
Online psychology programs that have earned APA accreditation present many study areas, allowing students to specialize according to their career objectives and academic aspirations. Students in apa accredited masters psychology programs study required core subjects, including research methods, statistics, ethics, and psychological theory, but can usually choose their field of specialty based on their future career direction. Specialized degrees enable students to build their education toward the careers they choose—between clinical work with individuals or employment in business or law using psychological knowledge.
Clinical Psychology
The field of Clinical Psychology is dedicated to mental health disorder diagnosis alongside their treatment. Future students will master therapeutic strategies with psychopathology diagnosis and counseling practice to establish careers in therapy, counseling, or clinical research fields.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Industrial-Organizational Psychology provides students with expertise in using psychological knowledge to improve workplace performance. Studying employee behavior and leadership development, organizational culture, and human resources allows students to support businesses in improving workplace productivity and employee wellness.
Forensic Psychology
Forensic Psychology is a union of psychological scientific methods with the activities of the law. Students learn about criminal behaviors through psychological assessments for court use and offender mental health analysis to qualify as law enforcement officials, corrections officers, or legal consultants.
Neurosychology
Neuropsychology is an advanced field that focuses on behavioral elements arising from brain activity. Students learn about brain functions, training about brain injuries and neurological disorders, and cognitive rehabilitation strategies while regularly working in medical institutions.
School Psychology
School Psychology is about helping students overcome academic, emotional, and social development challenges. School psychologists help students through counseling, perform academic assessments, and use interventions to provide educational support that addresses mental health development in educational institutions.
Health Psychology
Health Psychology involves examining psychology’s combination with physical health by investigating life-related factors, stress responses, and behavioral influences on health results. The field of public health and wellness coaching and health research studies makes this area particularly suitable for students.
Child Psychology
Child Psychology enables learners to study how children process mental and emotional growth and developmental aspects. The curriculum covers different development aspects of children, including behavioral disorders, cognitive development, and early intervention methods. Child psychologists find work opportunities across educational institutions, pediatric therapy centers, and clinics that focus on child and adolescent populations.
Sports Psychology
Sports psychology integrates psychological knowledge with the improvement of athletic results. Through research-based techniques, athletes receive assistance for performance excellence and develop stronger mental resiliency and motivation with better focus capabilities. The curriculum includes classes about managing stress, learning how teams work together, and getting back into playing fitness after injuries. Through their work, graduates assist athletes at all competitive levels, from professional teams to amateur competitors, with their mental sports-related challenges.
Lucrative Careers for Psychology Graduates
APA-accredited online psychology programs offer students multiple rewarding employment paths that provide financial stability. Different specialties and specific geographic areas determine the earning potential in psychology careers, but particular fields where professional expertise is scarce can lead to higher earning potential.
Clinical Psychologists
Clinical psychologists diagnose and provide treatment to patients who suffer from various mental health illnesses while also performing assessments of mental health conditions. Therapy specialists and counselors can earn competitive earnings, especially when practicing in private settings or focused areas such as child psychology or addiction counseling. Clinical psychologists’ salaries span from $75,000 to $100,000 per year, yet experienced professionals and practitioners in private practice may earn higher salaries.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
The demand for industrial-organizational psychologists remains high in organizations because they help companies achieve higher workplace performance while boosting staff morale and advancing leadership strategies. Industrial-organizational psychologists earn a median yearly salary of $154,380 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Forensic Psychologists
Forensic psychologists work as expert witness and law enforcement consultants or as correctional institution professionals by applying psychological principles to legal settings. Salaries in this field range from $70,000 to $120,000, with opportunities for growth in specialized forensic roles.
Neurosychologists
Medical centers, rehabilitation clinics, and research institutions employ neuropsychologists specializing in brain-behavior relationships. The salary range for this profession starts at $80,000 and extends to $120,000, while researchers and specialists who work in this field earn higher salaries.
School Psychologists
School psychologists provide support to students through their emotional and academic needs assessment. School-based professionals specializing in psychology earn about $82,770 annually as their median salary when working in public educational institutions. Private school employment and specialized services delivery enable professionals to earn higher salaries.
Health Psychologists
Due to rising interest in mental well-being, health psychologists who assist people with chronic illness management or complete health enhancement receive increasing monetary compensation. Health psychologists can expect earnings between $75,000 and $90,000 annually, while those performing complex research or clinical work will earn higher amounts.
Child Psychologists
Child psychologists focus on child psychological development in educational institutions, hospitals, and private clinical settings. The compensation for this field spans from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience level and geographic location. Private practice professionals and specialists working with children who treat patients earn higher incomes when treating children in urban settings with active therapy needs.
Sports Psychologists
Sports psychologists assist athletes to strengthen their mental endurance while providing them with skills for enhanced focus, enhancing their sporting performance. The salary range for sports psychologists working in mental health support in sports starts at $60,000 and exceeds $100,000 based on their experience level and the type of clients they serve. The field of professional athlete and sports team mental health services leads to annual earnings surpassing $100,000 with high earning potential.
Additional Resources for Accredited Online Master’s in Psychology Programs
Now that everything pertinent about accreditation for the master’s programs in psychology has been covered, why not learn more about the degree? Here are some of our other pages on psychology that can help one understand what to expect from various online psychology master’s programs:
FAQs About Online Master’s in Psychology Programs
What does it mean when a program is not accredited?
An education program without accreditation status failed to complete the required assessment by a recognized accrediting organization to fulfill its educational requirements. The lack of accreditation reduces employer recognition and licensing board and institutional acceptance, negatively impacting graduate employment opportunities and potential restrictions on licensure.
Will I have trouble getting a job or becoming licensed if I don’t go to an accredited program?
Why is attending an accredited psychology program important?
Do I need to pass the GRE to apply to an accredited psychology program?
How do I become licensed once I earn my accredited psychology degree?
Can I pursue a part-time PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology through an APA-accredited program?
What courses are typically included in APA-accredited clinical psychology programs?
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