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Online Master's in Psychology MS Degree

Keyon Tuiteleleapaga, a 2024 Master's in Psychology graduate, speaking to a young chold in a classroom setting.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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Program Overview Why get an online master’s in psychology?

Gain the expertise you need to advance your career when you earn your Master of Science (MS) in Psychology degree online at Southern New Hampshire University. A master's in psychology can help prepare you to play a critical role in improving the mental health and wellness of diverse populations — in hospitals, schools, government facilities and beyond.

As a graduate, you'll leave with a deepened understanding of research methods, cognitive psychology, social psychology and personality, learning theory and ethical practice. Plus, your program will focus on the real-world application of psychological research, so you can put what you've learned into practice.

Note: The MS in Psychology at SNHU is not a clinical psychology program and will not lead directly to licensure.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Applying psychology to problem-solving
  • Identifying and addressing issues
  • Planning, conducting and evaluating research
  • Putting theories and research methods into practice
  • Balancing professional ethics and empathy
Keyon Tuiteleleapaga, a 2024 MS in Psychology online alum from SNHU, taking notes while on a work call.

Courses & Curriculum Online psychology courses built for the modern workforce

Taught by instructors with years of real-world experience, SNHU's MS in Psychology curriculum can provide you with a solid foundation in psychology. Our courses are intentionally aligned with industry expectations and standards, so you can use what you learn to move your career forward.

No matter how you choose to use your degree, applying psychology means understanding people. That's why you'll take fundamental, field-specific courses focused on topics like cognitive psychology, ethical practice, personality, research methods and social psychology. And in every course you take, you'll employ critical thinking, problem-solving and practical application, so you can learn by doing.

 Note: The MS Psychology program at SNHU will not lead directly to licensure.
Concentrations

Online psychology degree concentrations

Looking to tailor your program more closely to your goals in the psychology field? Choose from our 3 career-focused concentrations: child and development psychology, forensic psychology or industrial organizational psychology.

Help support the well-being of children with your master's in psychology with a concentration in child and development psychology. In this program, you'll develop assessment, intervention and consultation strategies that address the unique individual, cultural and psychological needs of children.

Note: If you're looking to work in a clinical position in child psychology, you may need to seek state certification or licensure (and additional educational requirements may need to be met).

Learn more about earning your master's in child psychology.

Career outlook:

Adding a concentration in child development to your master's in psychology degree could be advantageous for getting positions in organizations that focus on children. You could find work developing, coordinating and administrating childhood programming for community centers, daycares, schools and nonprofits.

This concentration puts you in a great position to move onto doctorate studies in child psychology so that you can pursue a career as a child psychologist.

Courses may include:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuropsychology
  • Intervention Strategies
  • Child and Developmental Psychology Seminar
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Ready for a psychology career working with lawyers, police officers, victims and offenders? In the master's in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology, you'll learn the research, analysis, assessment and human behavior skills needed to apply psychology principles in the criminal justice system.

Learn more about earning your master's in forensic psychology.

Career outlook:

With your concentration in forensic psychology, you could pursue jobs like crime analyst, forensic case manager and jury consultant.

Roles like forensic psychologist will likely require that candidates have completed their doctorate degrees.

Courses may include:

  • Forensic Psychology
  • Assessment for Forensic Psychology
  • Intersection of Law and Psychology
  • Psychology in the Courtroom
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Improve employee performance, motivation and general well-being with a master's in psychology with a concentration in industrial organizational psychology. Industrial-organizational psychology – also known as I/O psychology – is the study of individual and group behavior in the workplace.

Learn more about earning your master's in industrial organizational psychology degree.

Career outlook:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that industrial-organizational psychologists will be required to help select and retain employees, create training opportunities, increase productivity and efficiency, handle conflicts and improve morale.1

Courses may include:

  • Motivation in the Workplace
  • Psychology of Leadership
  • Organizational Consulting
  • Seminar in Industrial & Organizational Psychology
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Apply for free in minutes

Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: Aug. 25, 2025 | Nov. 10, 2025

Next term starts:
June 9, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

10-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Faculty Profile

Learn from instructors with industry experience

Our faculty bring with them decades of experience in the field of psychology and exhibit strong leadership both in the classroom and in their professional careers. This experience informs the development of courses and curricula that can help position graduates for success, no matter where their career takes them next.

Featured Faculty

Dr. Thomas MacCarty, associate dean of social sciences at SNHU.Dr. Thomas K. MacCarty
At the start of his career, MacCarty was a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, as well as a probation and parole officer. He then spent 20 years working as a licensed school psychologist before becoming a faculty member at numerous colleges and later joining SNHU.

Position
Associate Dean, Social Sciences

Joined SNHU
2013

Education

  • PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Northcentral University
  • MA in Counseling Psychology from Norwich University
  • Certificate of Graduate Studies in Psychology from Norwich University
  • BA in Human Services from Springfield College

Read more about other online faculty at SNHU.

Dr. Barbara Lesniak, executive director of social sciences at SNHUA dedicated academics team

Hear from Dr. Barbara Lesniak, executive director of social sciences at SNHU, about why she believes in the power of earning your MS in Psychology:

"Virtually any job in which you deal with people and need to know how to relate to them and what influences their behavior will benefit from a graduate degree in psychology.”

Dr. Barbara Lesniak, executive director, social sciences at SNHU

5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

It's easy, fast and free.

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.

If you don't have a background in psychology or a related field, you may need to take up to 3 foundation courses. For those who do not meet the minimum requirements, the following courses may be required:

  • Foundations of Psychology
  • Foundations in Statistics
  • Foundations in Research Methods

Note: This program does not prepare you for state licensure.

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288

If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online psychology degree?

Graduates of SNHU's online MS in Psychology program can explore employment opportunities in a wide array of fields: business, marketing, education, health services, criminal justice and even information technology.

Already working in one of these industries? The knowledge you gain in your program will serve as an asset to your work by growing your skill set — so you can take your career even further. And because psychology is such a widely applicable discipline, the tools you'll take away from this program — like statistical analysis knowledge, research skills and understanding of human behavior — can help you succeed no matter where you go next. 

Industries

With Southern New Hampshire University's MS in Psychology degree under your belt, you may be qualified to step into roles in a wide variety of disciplines, including:

Drive human resources strategies and business operations for businesses large and small, athletic teams and more.

Prepare the next generation of psychology majors by teaching college courses as an adjunct instructor.

Provide psychological context for police officers, attorneys and judges in criminal cases.

Research and survey key audiences to help drive sales for all kinds of products and services.

Design programs for at-risk populations that aim to prevent or intervene in negative behaviors for better outcomes.

Inform decisions made about how new technology looks and is used with your knowledge of human behavior.

6%

Increase in roles for social scientists and related workers through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

$89,440

Median annual wage for social scientists and related workers as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Sarah Cudlipp '21
Sarah Cudlipp '21
The fact that I had a concentration meant that my classes were all focused on my chosen area of interest. I’ve been able to utilize so much of what I’ve learned daily in my job as a substance abuse counselor.
Sarah Cudlipp '21 '23G

Frequently Asked Questions

Psychology is a broad field, and earning your MS degree in psychology can open doors when it comes to the job market. Before enrolling, it’s important to understand what you can do with a master’s in psychology.

“Your master’s degree is a great tool and gateway to many opportunities,” said MS in Psychology alumnus Weston Corbitt '15G.

A graduate degree in psychology may open opportunities in corporate training and development, market research analytics, sales and a plethora of additional career paths.

“One of the best things about a graduate degree in psychology is that it’s so wide-ranging in its career applications,” said Dr. Barbara Lesniak, executive director of social sciences at SNHU. “For example, there are many options in the corporate world, like training and development, management, sales and marketing. Virtually any job in which you deal with people and need to know how to relate to them and what influences their behavior will benefit from a graduate degree in psychology.”

Yes, it's possible to get your psychology degree completely online. Many highly regarded, accredited schools provide online psychology degrees.

You can earn your MS in Psychology online at Southern New Hampshire University, a nonprofit, award-winning school with learners across the globe. SNHU is committed to expanding access to education. With affordability at top-of-mind, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, helping you keep your dreams of earning your degree within reach.

Karen Raquel Quezada with the text Karen Raquel QuezadaEarning your degree online also allows you to do your coursework on your schedule, too.

"Studying online made me feel in control of my learning," said Karen Raquel Quezada '21. "It gave me the freedom to still be a mother and a full-time worker, and still have the time to complete my work for school."

According to the American Psychological Association, the term psychologist is reserved for professionals with doctoral education and training, and many states have licensing laws prohibiting the use of “psychologist” in a job or professional title of a person who does not meet those requirements.2

But you'll find that earning your master's in psychology is a great benefit when it comes to landing other jobs within the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a master’s degree is highly desired when it comes to teaching psychology and for many industrial-organizational psychology positions.1

The BLS also suggests that while the majority of positions in clinical counseling and research psychology require a doctoral degree, you might be able to find work in those fields as an assistant under the supervision of a doctoral psychologist.1

However, if a doctorate is your goal, SNHU’s psychology master’s program is designed to set you up for success at the doctoral level, which can open doors in most types of psychology.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a therapist usually needs at least a master's degree and a license to practice.1

It's important to note that several different education pathways can help lead you to a career practicing psychotherapy. For example:

  • Psychiatrist, which requires either an MD or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy).
  • Psychologist, which requires a doctoral degree, usually a PhD or a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) in clinical or counseling psychology.

In addition, becoming licensed to practice independently requires another 1-2 years of post-master’s supervised work experience.

Like most graduate-level programs, a master’s degree in psychology can generally be completed in 1-2 years.

Southern New Hampshire University’s Master of Science in Psychology program is 36 credits (12 3-credit courses). Offering 5 graduate terms a year, learners at SNHU can advance at a pace that is comfortable and provides for a healthy balance between education, work and other life priorities.

No. While you do need a bachelor's degree to pursue a master's in psychology, your undergraduate degree does not have to be in psychology – or even a related field.

At Southern New Hampshire University, we find that many of our MS in Psychology students do not have a psychology background but are looking to take on new responsibilities, add new insights to their current profession or even switch up their careers completely. For this reason, we've developed 3 foundation courses to help all of our master's in psychology students succeed:

  • Foundations of Psychology
  • Foundations in Statistics
  • Foundations in Research Methods

If you've earned your bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, you shouldn't have to take these foundation courses. Likewise, if you don't have a background in psychology, but you've completed coursework, including introductory classes in psychology, statistics and social science research as part of your undergraduate studies, you can apply to waive the prerequisite foundation courses.

Earning a graduate degree in psychology can create new opportunities for you, but your salary will ultimately depend on whatever field and role you choose.

“Getting a graduate degree in psychology can help when applying and qualifying for higher-paying jobs in the field such as administering social services programs, being an administrator in a nonprofit, conducting research or working toward becoming a licensed professional,” said Dr. Thomas MacCarty, associate dean of social sciences at SNHU.

The BLS reported that social scientists and related workers earned a median annual salary of $89,440 in 2023.1

While psychology and counseling are closely related fields, the occupations of psychologist and counselor are not interchangeable.

Let's start with how psychologists and counselors are alike. First off, it's important to understand that neither are medical doctors. Medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental illness issues are known as psychiatrists. As physicians, psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication to patients. Read this article on the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist if you're interested in learning more.

Overall, both psychologists and counselors use their knowledge of the human mind to make lives better.

How are they different? Clinical psychologists, like counselors, work 1-on-1 with clients in therapeutic settings. In these instances, psychologists make use of testing to help clients while counselors rely on different therapeutic approaches to address patient issues.

But unlike counseling, many psychology roles are not clinical and do not involve therapy or case management. Since the science of psychology is so widely applicable, graduates of psychology degree programs could find themselves working in fields like advertising, business operations, traffic safety, education, criminal justice, recruitment, research, and more.

There are many great accredited schools providing psychology degrees, but choosing which is best depends on what you prioritize in your own life.

When it comes to affordability and flexibility, Southern New Hampshire University is a great choice. At $637 per credit, SNHU offers some of the lowest online graduate tuition rates in the nation. With 5 graduate terms per year and no set class times or login requirements, studying online at SNHU gives you the flexibility to earn your degree without forcing you to make any drastic changes to your life.

In your research, you might find mentions of the American Psychological Association – a renowned scientific and professional psychology organization. Note that SNHU's master's in psychology is not APA-accredited because the American Psychological Association only accredits doctoral, internship and postdoctoral residency programs. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-5 (viewed Aug. 29, 2024).
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-6 (viewed Aug. 29, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2American Psychological Association, Careers in Psychology, on the internet, at https://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers (viewed April 19, 2024).