The 30 Best Psychology Masters Programs and How to Pick

The 30 Best Psychology Master's Programs and How to Pick SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Regardless of whether youmajored in psychology as an undergrad or are just now realizing you havean invested interestin thefield, a psychology master’s program could be a great fit for you, especially if you're not sure about pursuing a doctorate. In this guide, we look at what kinds of psychology master’s programsare out thereand what the point of these programs is in terms of how they help you build a career. Moreover, we'll present you with a list of the best psychology master's programs forvariouskinds of psychology. What’s the Point of a Master’s in Psychology? What is the overall purpose of entering a psychology master’s program and earning an advanced degree in psychology? For one, many people choose to get a master’s degree in psychology to learn more about a specific subfield or type of psychology.Whereas a bachelor’s degree program in psych mostly provides you with a broad overview of the field, a master’sdegree programlets youconcentrate on the particular area of psychology that interests you most. The area you’re interested in will likely vary depending on what kind of job you’re hoping to getafter you earn your degree (and also whether you want tocontinueon to get a doctorate). Here are some examples of the types of psychology you could study in a graduate program: Clinical psychology Industrial-organizational psychology Child and adolescent development Counseling psychology Educational psychology Experimental psychology Developmental psychology Cognitive psychology Social psychology Health psychology Behavioral psychology General psychology Secondly, a master’s degree in psychology can be useful because many jobs in the field require or strongly prefer people with a master'sdegree.Inshort, a master's degree has the potential to advance your career. Most counseling and therapy jobs, for example, requirea master’s degree in psychology, therapy, counseling, social work, or a related field. Therefore, by getting a master’s degree, you’re not only deepening your knowledge of a particular area of psych but also expanding your job prospects. The chart below shows a variety of psychology-related jobs for master’s degree holders and what kinds of salaries and job growth rates you can expect for them. All jobs listed require at least a bachelor’s degree (typically in psychology), with somerequiring a master’s degree in psychology or a related field. For each job, we give you its 2018 median annual salary and employment growth rate for 2016-2016. Jobs are listed in order of highest salary to lowest. All data is from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS). According to the BLS, the current average employment growth rate is 7%, so any job with a percentage higher than this means that it’s growingfaster than average. Job Title Minimum Degree Required Median Salary (2018) Job Outlook (2016-2026) Social and Community Service Managers Bachelor’s or master’s degree $65,320 18% Market Research Analysts Bachelor’s or master’s degree $63,120 23% Human Resources Specialists Bachelor’s degree $60,880 7% Training and Development Specialists Bachelor’s degree $60,870 11% School and Career Counselors Master’s degree $56,310 13% Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists Bachelor’s degree $53,020 6% Marriage and Family Therapists Master’s degree $50,090 23% Social Workers Master’s degree (for clinical social work) $49,470 16% Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Varies, but usually a master’s degree $44,630 23% Rehabilitation Counselors Master’s degree $35,630 13% In general, an advanced degree will increase your earning potential. Even for jobs that only require a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree could help you stand apart from other applicants and give you a better chance of nabbing a higher salary for that position. But what if you want to become an actual psychologist? Can You Become a Psychologist With Just a Master’s Degree? You might have noticed that the chart above doesn’t include the job "psychologist" in it. This isn’t a mistake- the reality is that in order to become a practicing psychologist, you will need toearn either a PhD in Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).In other words, a master’s degree, though impressive, simply won’t cut it if your dream is to work full-time as a licensed psychologist. I should clarify here that a psychologist differs from a therapist.Psychologists hold a doctorate and often work with psychiatrists to diagnose and treat disorders; they can also conduct research or offer therapy. By contrast, therapists can hold either a master's degree or doctorate and solely offer therapy services to support and guide patients. The word "therapist" is a broader term that encompasses not only psychologists who offer therapy services, but also counselors, life coaches, and social workers. According to the BLS, the majority of research, clinical, and counseling psychologists are required to have a doctoral degree. That said, a master’s degree could be sufficient for jobs as a school psychologist or an industrial-organizational psychologist. In addition to a PhD or PsyD, you’ll usually need to have a psychologist license. This applies to most jobs that include the title "psychologist." (Note that although therapists must be licensed as well, their license requirements differ from those required to become a psychologist.) To get licensed as a psychologist, you’ll typically need to have done the following: Earned aPhD in Psychology or a PsyD Passed the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology Completed an internship Accumulated one to two years of supervised professional experience Exact licensure requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your own state’s policies and procedures to see what you must do to become a licensed psychologist. Though not typically required by states, certain jobs might require psychologists to obtain board certification in a particular area of psychology, too. Here are some examples of jobs you could get with a doctorate in psychology (ordered from highest median salary to lowest): Job Title Median Salary (2018) Job Outlook (2016-2026) Psychologists, All Other $100,770 14% (all psychologists) Industrial-Organizational Psychologists $97,260 Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists $76,990 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $76,710 15% (all postsecondary teachers) Best Psychology Master’s Programs: Notes on Rankings Before we take a look at our list of the best psychology master’s programs, it’s important that we are aware of the current state of these types of programs. Because a doctorate is required to become a psychologist- the overarchinggoal of many people studying psychology- there aren’t many terminal psychology master’s programs in the US. Indeed, most psychologists earn a master’s in psychology on the way to their doctorate (students normally get an MA/MS in Psychology along the way to the PhD or PsyD after a couple of years of study). This means that it can be somewhat difficult to find psychology master’s degree programs that are not part of doctoral programs. Therefore, we've looked mostly at master’s degree programs in fields related to psychology, such as social work, counseling, and therapy. These degrees range from a Master of Social Work (MSW), toan MA, to other specialized types of professional master’s degrees. For each category of master’s degree, we’ll be introducing to you our topfour to five choices (unranked),which we have determined based primarily on the following criteria: Prestige of both the program and overall school Ranking of the program by online lists and websites, such as US News Array of concentrations, classes, and online options offered Whether the program has an internship and/or practicum component Quality and reputation of faculty Now then, it’s time to look at our picks for the best psychology master’s programs! The Best Psychology Master’s Programs, by Category Since there aren’t that many terminal psychology master’s programs (programs that don’t require or expect you to continue on to get a doctoral degree), this list will mostly consist of programs that offer master’s degrees in fields strongly tied to psychology. Here are the seven categories we'll be looking at (feel free to click the link to jump straight to that category): Social Work Marriage and Family Therapy Mental Health Counseling School Counseling/Educational Psychology Rehabilitation Counseling Clinical Psychology Industrial-Organizational Psychology Social Work The field of social work is largely connected to psychology, especially counseling and therapy, in that it’s all about improving the lives of people and people within certain communities. Typically, social work master’s degree programs lead to a Master of Social Work (MSW). University of Michigan- Ann Arbor, MI Ranked #1 by US News and many other top social work programs lists, U-M’s MSW program offers many areas of specialization, including aging in families and society, children and youth in families, and community and social systems. Many students attend U-M’s MSW program to jump-start their careers as school social workers, juvenile justice workers, case managers, community organizers, or geriatric specialists. The school offers 550 fieldwork locations so students can gain real-life experience and training. U-M also has made available several scholarships, such as the Geriatric Scholarship Program and the Child Welfare Scholarship. Washington University in St. Louis- St. Louis, MO Another top-ranked social work program based at the Brown School, WUSTL’s MSWoffers the opportunity to performgroundbreaking research with renowned faculty to create sustainable impact. Nine concentrations are available, including mental health; American Indian and Alaska Native; children, youth, and families; health; and violence and injury prevention. WUSTL has connections with more than 500 organizations around the world for students to complete their practicum. University of Chicago- Chicago, IL If you'd prefera more flexible approach to social work, UChicago’s social work master’s degree program might be a good fit for you. Equivalent to an MSW, the MA in Social Service Administration provides students with a broaderfoundation that combines research, theory, practical experience, and policy development. Two concentrations are available: Clinical and Social Administration. In addition, students can take advantage of a handful of study abroad opportunities in India, China, and Hong Kong. Columbia University- New York, NY Home to the first social work school in the US, Columbia has ahighly ranked MSW program. This rigorous program combines theory and practice to help students become leading professionals in the field of social work. Four method concentrations are available across seven fields of practice, which are as follows: Aging/Gerontology Contemporary Social Issues Family, Youth, and Children’s Services Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities International Social Welfare and Services to Immigrants and Refugees School-Based and School-Linked Services World of Work Columbia’s MSW is also available entirely online (for specific fields of practice)- perfect for those who aren’t based in New York or who'd prefer the flexibility of an online program. University of California, Berkeley- Berkeley, CA Established in 1944, UC Berkeley’s Master of Social Welfare (MSW) program is known for producing top-quality social work professionals who are able to work in multiple practice areas and assume a variety of leadership roles. There are three specializations students canchoose from: Strengthening Children, Youth, and Families Strengthening Organizations and Communities Advancing Health and Wellbeing across the Adult Lifespan Although UC Berkeley doesn’t offer an online version of its MSW program, students have the option of earning their MSW degree concurrently with either a Master of Public Health or a Master of Public Policy. Marriage and Family Therapy These next master’s programs specialize in marriage and family therapy, and offer degrees and practical experiences so you canbecome a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in the state where you earn your degree. Note that although many of these programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), MFT programs are not required to have this accreditation. Northwestern University- Evanston, IL The MS in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Northwestern is a joint initiative between The Graduate School and the Family Institute at Northwestern- whichboasts an impressive 40-year history of researching and teaching marriage and family therapy. This COAMFTE-accredited program uses a 21st-century approach called Integrative Systemic Therapy. Students study topics such as intimate relations, treatment models, and methods of systems therapy; doan intensive clinical internship; and conduct at least 500 hours of therapy. Brigham Young University- Provo, UT Students can earn an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy in BYU's COAMFTE-accredited program, which aims to prepare students to pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards. Theaim of the program is to help students develop theoretical, research, and clinical competence, as well as the ability to understand cultural diversity. Students have the option to pursue either a research track (mainly for those intending to go on to doctoral study) or a clinical track. The program is quite competitive, with a mere 20% acceptance rate. University of San Diego- San Diego, CA USDoffers a highly regarded MA in Marital and Family Therapy program that is accredited by both COAMFTE and the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California. This two-year program hasa unique "biopsychosocial, systems approach" that focuses on how relationships influence our day-to-day lives. Class topics include human diversity, couples and sex therapy, ethical and legal issues in family therapy, and family violence. Students enroll in apracticum for three semesters wherein they accumulate 500 hours of direct supervised contact with clientsby working for a community agency. Pepperdine University- Malibu, CA At Pepperdine, a top-50 research university, students can get anMA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. This program, which offers more than 130 clinical practicum sites, prepares students to become a licensed marriage and family therapist ora licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California. Classes teach students abouthuman sexuality and intimacy, mental health systems, multicultural counseling, andpreparing for the practicum. Mental Health Counseling The following master’s programs in psychology focus on providing counseling services topeople with psychiatric disabilities and/or problems with substance abuse and addiction (as opposed to rehabilitation counseling or career counseling, for example). Many mental health counseling master’s programs are accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) and/or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). New York University- New York, NY NYU, a consistently top-ranked private university, offers an MPCAC-accredited MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness program. In this program, students must complete a 600-hour internship and a 100-hour practicum over a 12-week period. This program is available both on-campus and online,the latter of which letsyou choose from among three start dates (January, June, or September). The online version also gives students the chance to visit NYU for three to four days of networking and hands-on training. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill- Chapel Hill, NC UNC’s Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling master’s program is a unique, highly regarded program that combines two types of counseling and is also accredited by CACREP. This program specifically aims to prepare students to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in North Carolina. Last year, 100% of students completed the program, and 100% passed the CRC exam on their first attempt. Students can choose to concentrate ondevelopmental disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, or both. Columbia University- New York, NY At the famed Columbia Teachers College, students can earn anMEd in Mental Health Counseling. Strengths of the program include its focus on cultural diversity and social justice, its commitment to experiential training, and its emphasis on providing students with adequate opportunities to conduct research. Many graduates of the program go on to work in educational and health settings such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and clinics. University of Wisconsin–Madison- Madison, WI UW Madison's highly rankedMS in Counseling programis available through the Department of Counseling Psychology. Mandatory core courses include Abnormal Behavior and Psychopathology, Social and Cultural Foundations,Counseling Theories, andCrisis and Trauma Counseling.Students must complete a year-long practicum and also have the option to do a master’s thesis. School Counseling/Educational Psychology These next counseling psychology master's programs are all about helping students in school settings. School counselors assist students with personal, social, and career development; they also offer guidance to students with academic problems. Most school counselors work in schools (primary and secondary), though some instead work at community centers or youth centers. Like the mental health counseling programs above, many school counseling programs have been accredited by CACREP. Vanderbilt University- Nashville, TN Ranked #3 by US News in educational psychology programs, Vanderbilt offers a fantastic school counseling master's program: theMEd in Human Development Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling (the other emphasis available is Clinical Mental Health Counseling). Some of the program’s biggest benefits are its small classesand the option tocomplete the school counseling track entirely online. Both tracks are accredited by CACREP. What's more, 100% of school counseling students secured employment within six months of graduation in 2017. University of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX One of the nation’smost renowned public universities, UT offers top-ranked MEd in Counselor Education and MA in School Psychology programs (the latter of which is geared toward those who ultimately plan to get a doctorate). Two tracks are available for the MEd program: School Counseling (counseling students in K-12), and Higher Education Counseling Student Affairs (which focuses on roles within colleges and universities). This program option emphasizes the importance of diversity training and lets students supplement their studies so they can eventually become an LPC. Meanwhile, the highlycompetitive MA program prepares you to become a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology in Texas. University of Maryland- College Park, MD UMD’s MEd in School Counseling is a high-quality psychology master’s program that is currently ranked #6 by US News on its list of the best educational psychology schools. Here, students learn how to work with diverse student populations, with special emphasis on the importance of social justice and inclusivity. Students must also complete a 100-hour practicum in addition to two 300-hour internships in urban public school systems. Courses cover research methods, school counseling, and special education, among other topics. Ohio State University- Columbus, OH Ranked #1 for school counseling programs and #11 for educational psych programs, OSU offers tworeputable psychology master’s programs: an MA in Educational Psychology and an MA in Counselor Education. In the former, students can studyalongside doctoral students and take advantage of the program’s partnership with the Learning Technologies program to learn more about the intersection between psychology and technology. The latter, which is CACREP-accredited,trains students to become professional counselors and to work at places such as public schools, community agencies, and health-care facilities. Rehabilitation Counseling Rehabilitation counseling is atype of counselingin whichyou work withpeople who have physical, emotional, mental, and/or developmental disabilities to help them achieveand maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle and career. Many of the following master’s programs in rehabilitation counseling are accredited by CACREP. Michigan State University- East Lansing, MI MSU'sMA in Rehabilitation Counseling program is currently ranked #1 by US News. In this CACREP-accredited program, students study disability management, ethical practices, and the social and psychological side of disabilities. Additionally, students must complete a practicum and internship. Evening classes are available to accommodate a range of schedules. Upon completion of this program, graduates may sit for the national CRC exam. University of Wisconsin–Madison- Madison, WI Tied for the #1 spot with MSUfor best rehabilitation counseling graduate programs, UW Madison offers a top-ranked MS in Rehabilitation Counseling program through the school’s Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education. In thisprogram, which has been accredited by CACREP,students learn how to improve the quality of life for people with psychiatric and physical disabilities, alcohol/substance abuse problems, and learning disabilities. Notably, UW Stout (another branch of the University of Wisconsin system) offers an online MS in Rehabilitation Counseling program that was ranked #4in the countryby US News. This part-time online master’s program lasts three years and is geared toward those with at least two years of related work experience. George Washington University- Washington, DC GW'sMA in Rehabilitation Counseling programisavailable both on-campus and online and is currently ranked #3 by US News on its list of best rehabilitation counseling programs. This CACREP-accredited program consists ofintensive courseworkas well as aninternship and practicum. One of the program’s unique traits is the breadth of counseling theories and practices it covers, from multicultural counseling to the medical aspects of disabilities. Furthermore, GW has a special mentorship program wherein current master's students are paired with graduates. University of Alabama- Tuscaloosa, AL UAoffers a renowned, CACREP-accreditedMA in Rehabilitation Counseling. In this whollyonline program,students get to watch live class lectures and take classes in career development, ethics, research methods, life-span development, and psychopathology. Additionally, both aninternship and practicum are required. Several scholarships are availablethrough UA's College of Continuing Studies. University of Massachusetts Boston- Boston, MA Through UMassOnline, the renowned distance-learning platformcreated by the UMass schools, including UMass Boston, students can earn an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, which is ranked #15 by US News. This CACREP-accredited, 60-credit program begins in the summertime and uses the cohort model wherein all students take the same program of study.Although all the classes are delivered online, students are required to be on-campus for two weeks in July to complete two mandatory clinical coursesduring their first summer of study. Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology focuses on the science behind mental illness and disability. Although clinical psychology master’s programs are usually far harder to find than doctoral programs, there are some terminal ones available. Be aware that these master’s programs do not lead to licensure as a psychologist (though they could prepare you for licensure as a therapist or counselor), as you’ll generally need a doctorate to become a practicing clinical psychologist. Note: For a list of the best clinical psychology doctoral programs, check out this one by US News. Northwestern University- Evanston, IL Northwestern is known for its doctoral clinical psychology program, for which it’s currently ranked #16 by US News, but it also offers a famed terminal master’s program in clinical psychology. This program is designed mainly for those who aren’t decided about getting a doctorate in clinical psychology and who want to learn more about clinical psychology through an academic lens. As such, the program does not lead to licensurefor clinical practice as a psychologist. Classwork is mostly the same as that completed by the PhD students. Master’s students must also participate in a Research Lab Experience for at least 10 hours a week and finish a capstone project under the guidance of a research mentor. Columbia University- New York, NY Ivy League member Columbia offers an esteemedMA in Psychology in Education program, which is geared mostly toward students interested in clinical psychology and mental health occupations. Although the program doesn't prepare students to become a professionally licensed psychologist, it does serve those who wish to work in the field of mental health and psychology more broadly. Students in the program are mentored by clinical psychology PhD students and can choose from among nine concentrations: Research Methods Child and Family Spirituality and Mind/Body Practices Community Psychology and Integrated Health Services Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis Global Mental Health and Trauma Sexuality, Women, and Gender Clinical Psychology and Technology Forensic Psychology University of Maryland- College Park, MD Ranked #31 by US News for its doctoral clinical psychology program, UMD also offers aMaster of Professional Studies (MPS) in Clinical Psychological Science. This program primarilytargets those who are interested in clinical psychology but aren’t sure where tobeginor don’t know whether a doctorate is the right path. The MPS emphasizes the study of empirical scientific research in clinical psychology. Classes, which can be taken in the evenings, include Basic Foundations of Clinical Interventions,Research Methods in Clinical Psychology, and Child Psychopathology. Boston University- Boston, MA Tied for the #31 spot on US News with UMD for its doctoral program in clinical psychology, BUhas an MA in Psychology program wherein you can specialize in clinical psychology specifically. This master's program is rigorous, lasting only one year, and offers courses on a multitude of topics, such as behavioral medicine, social oppression, child therapy, and social anxiety. Students have the opportunity to work directly with a faculty member on a Directed Study project as well. Industrial-Organizational Psychology Industrial-organizational psychology- also known as I/O psychology- is an applied discipline in the field of psychology that involves using psychological principles to improve workplace settings, encourage efficiency, and foster teamwork. While most I/O programs are doctoral ones, there's still a number of master's programs available around the country, mostly at state and tech schools. Note: For a list of the best I/O psychologydoctoral programs, check out the rankings by US News. New York University- New York, NY At NYU, students can enroll in the terminal MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program to learn about critical topics, such as work motivation, personnel selection, training in organizations, etc. Based in NYU’s eminent Department of Psychology, the I/O psych master’s program offers small class sizes and provides students witha foundation in research, practice, and theory so they can pursue jobs in client interaction and solution development for corporate environments. Students can choose from among six specializations: Management consulting Leading and managing change Executive coaching Conflict and negotiation Quality of work life Diversity and culture Middle Tennessee State University- Murfreesboro, TN Although MTSU isn’t as well known as some of the other collegeson this list, it’s home to the #1 I/O psych master’s program, as ranked in 2018 by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP). This makes MTSUan excellent choice for I/O psychology students. This program emphasizes thereal-world application of skills and knowledge through a required internship. Students must also complete several applied projects with local businesses. Many graduates have gone on to work for large companies and corporations, including Walmart, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and Target. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis- Indianapolis, IN IUPUI’s MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program is well liked among students and a solid choice for I/O studies, especially if you’re more interested in the organizational aspect. Cohorts are small- around three students each year- ensuring that all master's students get tons of individualized attention and guidance. Students learn about the core content areas of I/O psychology and are required to write a thesis and conduct research with theassistance of faculty members. The program also offers theoption to take part in a summer internship. Several scholarshipsare available to MS students at IUPUI. Florida Institute of Technology- Melbourne, FL The MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Florida Tech is ranked #3 by SIOP and is famed for the strength of its faculty and mentoring. The program utilizes a team-based research approach in small-sized classes, allowing students to conduct critical research with faculty members and their peers. MS students also have the option to participate in a 300-hour practicum in order to gain real-world experience. Moreover, the program offers aconcentration in international I/O psychology for students who hope to work in international business settings. Recap: The Best Psychology Master’s Programs When it comes to psychology master’s programs, at a first glance, it might not seem that there are that many programs available to those not seeking a doctorate. But the truth is that there are a ton of quality, prestigious psychology master’s programs out there- you just have to know what type of psychology youwantto study and what kind of career you’re hoping to get out of your degree. Althoughyou can’t become a licensed, practicing psychologist with just a master’s degree, you can enter related fields and work as a licensed counselor, therapist, or social worker. To recap, here are the best psychology master’s programs for each category above: Social Work University of Michigan WUSTL UChicago Columbia UC Berkeley Marriage and Family Therapy Northwestern BYU University of San Diego Pepperdine Mental Health Counseling NYU UNC Chapel Hill Columbia UW Madison School Counseling/Educational Psychology Vanderbilt UT Austin UMD Ohio State Rehabilitation Counseling MSU UW Madison GWU University of Alabama UMass Boston Clinical Psychology Northwestern Columbia UMD Boston U Industrial-Organizational Psychology NYU Middle Tennessee State IUPUI Florida Tech We hope this list will be useful as you search for the best psychology master's program for you! What’s Next? Are you planning to take the AP Psych exam?Get tips and review what you need to knowwith our ultimate AP Psych study guide. For study materials, check out our picks for thebest AP Psych prep books and get access to free official and unofficial practice tests. Not sureifa master's degree is the right move for you?Then take a look at our in-depth guide on what grad school is and how to determine whether you should go.