Online and Distance Learning

Are you looking for psychology masters programs online? If you are already working and do not wish to give up your job whilst studying, then this mode of study is perfect for you. This page will help you to find out more about psychology study online and to locate suitable university online masters psychology degree programs.

The importance of a psychology masters degree

University psychology masters programs online are some of the most popular amongst students. This is partly because of the interesting nature of postgraduate courses in psychology, but also because of the career opportunities presented.

"Psychology" is the theory of the human mind. It is usually classed as a science and so graduates receive a Master of Science (MS or MSc) - but it is also possible to take an online MA Psychology. Actually, there has been a philosophical debate about whether psychology is actually a science or a social study for many years. In the end, it really depends on the exact nature of the program, the university masters courses or specializations offered and the department within which it is offered.

This page is for students who prefer a distance learning psychology masters. However, if you wish to explore the on-campus programs available, go to the on campus programs page.

Selected general psychology masters programs online

Many schools offer general psychology masters programs online - here are a few selected ones:

• Walden University
  • M.S. in Psychology

• Capella University Online
  • MS in General Psychology

• University of Phoenix Online
  • MS in Psychology

• The University of the Rockies Online
  • Master of Arts in General Psychology
  • Graduate Certificate in General Psychology

You can also find more psychology masters programs online using the search box in the right-hand column.

What do you study in psychology masters programs online?

In a masters in psychology program you learn about physical, cognitive, emotional, or social aspects of human behavior. You are introduced to a variety of research methods including controlled laboratory experiments, observation, interviews, questionnaires, clinical studies, and surveys. You also learn how to administer personality, performance, aptitude, or intelligence tests.

Online psychology masters programs typically include the following courses as a general foundation:

• Biology;
• Contemporary Issues;
• Statistics;
• Human Motivation;
• Research Design;
• The Cognitive Approach;
• Clinical Psychology;
• Tests and Measurement;
• Social Psychology;
• The Developmental Approach;
• Culture and Psychology;
• A thesis may be required in addition or in place of some of the courses.

A specialized masters will relate this foundation to the specific focus of the degree, and mays also provide you with additional content.  For example, a sports psychology masters will relate this foundation in psychology to physiological, motor, and psychosocial aspects of sport behavior.

Specializations

Psychologists are required in a variety of settings, including health and human services, business, education, law, and sports. You may like to consider the programs in one or more of the many different specialties available at masters degree level:

• business psychology;
• clinical psychology;
• counseling psychology;
• developmental psychology (infant, child, adolescent, adult and elderly);
• educational psychology (including school psychology);
• forensic psychology/criminal justice;
• health psychology;
• industrial/organizational psychology;
• leadership psychology degrees;
• sports psychology;
• substance abuse counseling.

What jobs and salaries do graduates get?

Accredited online psychology masters programs provide many career opportunities in private sector (e.g., marketing, personnel management) or the public sector (e.g., teaching, social/community work, mental health care in hospitals, clinics and schools). The American Psychological Association says that psychology is the third fastest-growing field in America requiring a college degree. Salaries are high, in particular for those with a PhD or a masters in psychology that can be applied in management, as can be seen from the chart in the right hand column.

For schools in Canada

Click here for a page that links to campus universities and campus colleges in Canada. It also provides some advice on choosing a suitable campus.

Click here and then enter your Canadian postal code to search for Canadian college or university campuses.

For more information

Use this link to find programs and schools near you.

Use the search facility on this site to find more online subjects and programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for a program or a school near you.