If you’re ready to explore advanced concepts in psychology and gain knowledge that can lead to career advancement, you may want to take a look at online masters in psychology no GRE programs.
Standardized test preparation can be time-consuming, but applying to programs that don’t require GRE scores may help you speed up the process of enrolling in grad school.
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The sooner you start a master’s degree program in psychology, the sooner you may take your career to the next level.
Online Masters in Psychology Programs
Psychology is a diverse field, so most universities offer specialized psychology online programs. A specialization allows you to select a course of study that will move you toward your career goals.
To help you choose a direction for your online psychology program studies, you can take a look at these top degree options:
- Online Masters in Psychology
- Online Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Online Masters in Child & Adolescent Development
- Online Masters in Educational Psychology
- Online Masters in Forensic Psychology
- Online Masters in Organizational Psychology
Regardless of the psychology online programs specialty you select, you will still receive a strong foundation in psychology and related courses.
Online Masters in Psychology
Although specialization tracks allow the opportunity to tailor your studies toward a particular branch of this field, generalist degrees can be a solid option as well.
You may choose this approach if you have a career goal that doesn’t align well with the concentration options that are available to you. In many cases, a generalist degree works well as preparation for doctoral studies and licensure as a clinical psychologist.
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These psychology online programs may begin with a core set of classes that are for all psychology students. The core curriculum may include psychology theories and research in the social sciences.
In addition, general psychology students get to dive deeper into various psychology topics. There may be courses on neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, personality, and psychopathology. This versatile degree could prepare you for jobs in healthcare, criminal justice, organizational leadership, or education.
Online Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis
Making a difference for people with autism often requires special training. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) takes an evidence-based approach to helping people adjust their behavior and social skills.
This skill set is particularly useful when working with children or adults who have autism. It can also be beneficial with other populations, such as aging seniors or people with physical disabilities.
Becoming a behavior analyst who can practice independently requires certification. When selecting a school for your ABA concentration, you may look for one with curriculum that’s approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
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During your graduate psychology program, you may take classes like foundations of ABA, autism spectrum disorder, and behavioral interventions.
Before sitting for the Behavior Analysis Certification Board exam, you’ll be required to earn fieldwork hours. This may be something that you do after graduation rather than during your program. You can check with your state licensing board for specifics on the requirements.
Online Masters in Child & Adolescent Development
Young people are still developing, and their brains sometimes work in different ways than adult minds do.
By enrolling in an online program for child and adolescent psychology, you can learn more about how to help youths and their families during these important developmental years. As you study how children learn and grow, you may be equipped with specific strategies for guiding and supporting young people from a variety of backgrounds.
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The courses in this program may include developmental psychology, evidence-based interventions, and childhood trauma. You’ll probably talk about family structures and relationships as well.
This masters degree may lead to work in a variety of organizations that offer youth or family services. Examples include childcare centers, schools, community nonprofits, and hospitals. Through residential facilities, social work agencies, or the juvenile court system, you could provide support for young people in crisis situations.
Online Masters in Educational Psychology
The field of educational psychology focuses on the science of teaching and learning. If you’re interested in investigating how people gain new information, hold onto it, and make changes because of it, then this may be the branch of psychology for you.
The courses that you’ll take in an educational psychology program may include assessments and tests, learning theories, and human lifespan development. There may also be classes that address diversity and equity in educational settings.
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An online program may offer an internship component that can prepare you for school psychology licensure. Educational psychology doesn’t just make a difference for schools and classroom teachers.
While this masters program could set you on the path toward a career in school psychology, administration, or policy, those are not the only potential career settings. You could also pursue a career in employee training and development in the business world.
Online Masters in Forensic Psychology
For those who are interested in using psychological principles in the criminal justice system, forensic psychology may be an intriguing specialty to pursue.
Professionals in this field study criminology, the study of why crime happens and how it affects people and communities. They may be interested in preventing crime, solving cases, reforming offenders, or working with victims.
In a forensic psychology program, you may learn about the criminal and civil court systems and how psychology professionals can interact with them.
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There will likely be classes on theories of crime and criminal behavior, and you may discuss factors that play into criminal activity. You’ll also explore the legal and ethical implications of forensic psychology practice.
With this degree, you may work in the corrections system as someone who oversees prison operations or counsels inmates. There may also be opportunities to serve as a consultant to lawyers or police departments. Some forensic psychology jobs are offered by federal agencies.
Online Masters in Organizational Psychology
Knowing a good deal about psychology can serve you well in business and industry. The branch of psychology that deals with workplace applications of psychological principles is known as organizational psychology or industrial organizational (IO) psychology.
An IO program will cover organizational structure and leadership. You may study what’s involved in training employees, developing their skills, and motivating them to put forth their best effort. Another course may review human resources practices. You might receive credit for an internship with a local business.
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This masters degree might qualify you for a leadership position as a human resources manager or a training and development manager. You may also be a trainer or consultant who provides companies advice on best practices for organizational structure and management systems.
In addition to for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies can also benefit from the contributions of IO psychology professionals.
Psychology Careers & Salaries
A graduate degree in psychology may take your career in nearly any direction. Psychology plays a role in jobs related to private business, education, community service, research, and many other sectors.
Becoming licensed as a clinical psychologist is just one of the many options for your career in psychology. If that’s your goal, then doctoral studies will likely be necessary. A growing number of universities offer doctoral degrees in psychology online, or, if you prefer, through traditional classroom-based study.
With your masters, though, you may be able to practice as a school psychologist. Getting a master’s in psychology online can also help teachers or administrators discover new ways to reach students.
The better you understand psychology, the more successful you may be in the business world. This degree may help you lead employees, settle workplace disputes, improve training practices, or conduct marketing research.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists earn a median annual salary of $82,180.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Human Resources Managers | $121,220 |
| Training and Development Managers | $115,640 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $105,780 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $96,270 |
| Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | $79,820 |
| Postsecondary Psychology Teachers | $78,180 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | $69,600 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $67,150 |
| Market Research Analysts | $63,790 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $47,660 |
Nonprofit and community organizations benefit from having employees with psychology degrees as well. Job options might include offering substance abuse counseling, leading and evaluating community programs, mental health counseling, coordinating activities for residents of long-term care settings, or supervising teams of caseworkers.
An academic career is another option to consider. You may join a research team with a government agency or a research and development firm. You might also have the option to teach some college classes, most likely at a community college.
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A master’s degree in psychology can also be a stepping stone to a doctorate in this field, which is often a prerequisite to become a licensed psychologist.
Psychology Master’s Curriculum & Courses
Although your exact curriculum will depend on which psychology specialization you choose, you may take classes like the ones below during your time in a no GRE psychology master’s program.
- Culture and Social Behavior: You’ll discuss how people interact with their communities and how environmental factors influence behavior.
- Ethics in Psychology: Studying ethical practices for psychology professionals can prepare you to lead teams with integrity.
- Human Lifespan Development: This course will cover people’s physical and mental growth from birth through old age.
- Human Personality: In this class, you’ll explore various theories of how personalities are shaped, and you’ll examine research that has contributed to those theories.
- Psychology Research: The knowledge of social science research methodologies that you gain in this class will be useful for the capstone project that may be required at the end of your program.
- Psychology Theories: A theory course will cover the various frameworks through which you can understand psychological principles.
- Professional Psychology: This may be an introductory class that prepares you to study psychological concepts at the graduate level.
- Science of Learning: You will study how people acquire knowledge, retain it, and adjust their behavior as a result.
- Statistics in the Social Sciences: Learning to gather and analyze data through quantitative and qualitative methods will contribute to your abilities as a researcher.
- Testing and Assessments: This course will cover testing methods that can help you learn more about a subject’s personality, intelligence, or mental health.
Some online psychology masters programs also include an internship component, which you may be able to complete with an organization in your local area.
Admissions Requirements
You may not need to go through extensive testing before getting into grad school for a psychology degree. There are many psychology graduate programs that don’t require the GRE, and some other schools offer waivers.
These no GRE schools rely on other factors to determine admission status. These psychology degree program admissions requirements may include the following:
- Goal statement. In an essay, you might explain your interest in the program and how it will benefit your professional plans.
- References. Professional or academic contacts can tell admissions committees whether you’re a good candidate for graduate studies.
- Transcripts. Official college records show which classes you’ve taken and how you performed.
Other requirements may include a resume or an interview. If your graduate program requires you to have an undergraduate degree, some universities even offer accelerated psychology degrees online.
Accreditation
Regionally accredited colleges have undergone rigorous evaluations to ensure that they meet quality standards for higher education. Attending a school with regional accreditation offers several advantages.
You often have to attend an accredited school to receive federal financial assistance. Credits from accredited schools are more likely to transfer elsewhere or help you get into a doctoral program. Also, employers typically place more stock in a regionally accredited degree.
APA Accredited Psychology Master’s Programs
The American Psychological Association (APA) sets specific standards for degree programs in this field.
Colleges can choose to have their psychology programs reviewed by the APA to determine whether they meet the organization’s standards for a thorough psychology education.
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Because APA accreditation is a mark of quality, having an APA accredited degree may build trust with employers, other colleges, and the clientele that you serve. In some states, APA accredited degrees are required for psychologist licensure.
Licensure and Board Certification
States typically require a doctorate for psychologist licensure. If you plan to become a licensed psychologist, your masters degree may help prepare you for doctoral studies. Your doctoral program may also need to be APA accredited.
After completing your doctorate, you’ll then gain professional experience in a supervised work setting. The number of work hours needed for licensure varies among states. You can then apply with your state licensing board and take the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP).
Once you pass the licensing board’s requirements and pass the EPPP, you’ll officially be a licensed psychologist.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Before making your first tuition payment, you may want to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Based on your FAFSA results, you may qualify for state or federal student loans that carry low interest rates. You may even be eligible for free tuition dollars in the form of grants.
Some graduate students also receive scholarship or fellowship money from private sources, such as professional organizations and philanthropic groups. Some scholarship programs are specifically for psychology students.
What Is the Difference Between an MA in Psychology vs. MS in Psychology?
The courses for an MA in Psychology and an MS in Psychology are usually fairly similar, and you may be able to get into either type of program without GRE requirements.
MS programs often have more statistics and research courses, which may align with an academic or scientific career. MA programs usually involve more liberal arts classes. If you want to combine a psychology degree with another discipline, getting an MA may be the way to go.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Psychology?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 24% of psychologists have jobs in schools. Another 24% work in some form of healthcare, including hospitals and ambulatory services, and 9% are employed by the government.
Many psychology professionals with masters degrees work in these same settings. Other opportunities may be available in research, business, and industry. Potential job titles include training manager, market researcher, management consultant, probation officer, research assistant, and social services manager.
What Is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a test that some colleges use to determine whether an applicant is a good candidate for graduate school. The various sections of this exam evaluate your skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
Considering GRE scores for graduate admissions has long been a traditional practice. Now, though, many schools are moving away from this approach because GRE results can’t predict long-term grad school success. Instead, colleges may rely on alternative admissions materials that can better highlight a candidate’s personal strengths.
Do You Need the GRE for a Masters in Psychology?
No, there are many master’s in psychology programs that you can apply to without GRE scores. Some colleges never ask to see test scores from applicants.
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Other psychology programs may list GRE scores as an optional component of the application process or grant waivers to some psychology degree candidates.
Are There Any Psychology Graduate Programs That Don’t Require GRE Scores?
Yes, an increasing number of online masters in psychology programs do not require GRE testing.
These schools base their admissions decisions on other qualifications, such as an applicant’s undergraduate GPA, work history, interview, personal essay, and references. Some psychology programs don’t use the GRE at all, and others waive the requirement under certain circumstances.
Is a Masters in Psychology Worth It?
Yes, a master’s in psychology is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in life, physical, and social science occupations over the next 10 years.
Common psychology careers in this field include school psychologist, industrial-organizational psychologist, community service manager, human resources manager, and research assistant.
Having a masters in psychology degree might qualify you for certain types of psychology licensure, or it could be the foundation for doctoral studies and clinical psychology licensure. With or without licensure, a masters in psychology might lead to careers in education, research, social service, or business.
Universities Offering Online Master’s in Psychology No GRE Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program at California Baptist University is specifically designed for students hoping to pursue careers in either professional clinical counseling or marriage and family therapy. It meets the licensure requirements for California.
Each student must complete a written case report examination before graduating.
California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
California Southern University’s Master of Science in Psychology program is a non-licensure program that provides students with strong theoretical and research foundations in the field of psychology. The program doesn’t give students experience within clinical psychology settings. The school also offers a Master of Arts in Psychology that can lead to licensure.
California Southern University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Students enrolled in Capella University’s Master of Science in Psychology program can choose between the following six concentration options: applied behavioral analysis, sport psychology, industrial organizational psychology, child and adolescent development, educational psychology, and the general program.
Students can enroll in FlexPath and complete their degrees at their own speeds.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Students in Grand Canyon University’s psychology masters program learn to become servant leaders in their professional lives and to integrate a Christian worldview into everything they do. The program requires 36 credits for completion and aligns with standards set by the APA. Students must complete final capstone projects to graduate.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
LeTourneau University’s Master of Arts in Psychology program takes a more holistic, Christian-oriented approach to the field of psychology.
Students benefit from the comprehensive curriculum and extensive face-to-face mental health counseling experiences. It’s a non-licensure program, but the courses can be transferred into the school’s counseling program, which does lead to licensure.
LeTourneau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University’s applied psychology masters program can usually be completed in about a year and a half.
Students can choose from concentrations in industrial organizational psychology or developmental psychology. The program requires 36 total credits for completion, and up to half of those can be transferred from a previous program.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Some students are able to complete the Master of Science in Psychology program from Lynn University in only 1 year. They can choose between the general track or the industrial organizational psychology track. The curriculum is based on the guidelines set by the APA, and the faculty are real-world scholar-practitioners.
Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
National University offers a Master of Arts in Psychology that can be completed 100% online. The program offers two specializations: General Psychology and Gender and Sexual Fluidity. Most students can graduate in 18 months.
National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Students at Palo Alto University can choose from the school’s general psychology masters program or the psychology masters program with a forensic psychology concentration.
Students interested in doctoral study can enroll in the school’s Master of Science in Psychology and PhD preparation track. Coursework is conducted online via live, scheduled sessions.
Palo Alto University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Pennsylvania State University’s Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership program is a 33 credit program that provides students with a deeper, more complex understanding of social situations and people, particularly within the organizational structure.
Courses include diversity, full-range leadership development, dysfunctional leadership, and leadership development and assessment.
The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Master of Arts in Psychology program at Pepperdine University is open to students from all over the United States and can be completed entirely online. Most students complete the online psychology program between 18 and 24 months and take between four and eight total sessions. Financial aid is available to students who qualify.
Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Purdue University’s Master of Science in Psychology program includes five concentration options.
There’s the general track as well as tracks for addictions, industrial organizational psychology, forensic psychology, and applied behavior analysis. In addition to advanced psychological theories and concepts, courses also teach students important skills, like speaking, active listening, and service orientation.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The three concentration options included in Southern New Hampshire University’s psychology masters program are child and adolescent development, forensic psychology, and industrial and organizational psychology.
The curriculum includes courses on personality, ethical practice, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and research methods. Students can transfer up to 12 credits into the program.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has a Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. It’s a completely online psychology program that can be undertaken either part-time or full-time. It prepares students for career advancement in nonprofits, mental health, social work, education, and counseling.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Touro University – Worldwide’s Master of Arts in Psychology program requires 36 credits for completion, but most students can complete it in about 1 year. Up to 9 transfer credits are accepted, and students can choose concentrations from forensic, health, educational, or media psychology. Courses are delivered in fast-paced, 8 week sessions.
Touro University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Organizational Psychology program at the University of Hartford will take courses in advanced research methods, experimental design, personnel psychology, and intro to industrial organizational psychology.
There’s also an optional 3 credit internship that can help provide students with lots of real-world experience.
The University of Hartford is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program at the University of North Dakota teaches students about advanced concepts in psychological theory, skills, and competencies and how to apply them to criminal justice systems.
The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville’s Master of Science in Educational Psychology program features two concentrations in applied educational psychology and adult education.
It’s a non-thesis program that requires 24 hours of major coursework and 12 hours of concentration-specific coursework. The program is designed to be completed in 6 semesters.
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Students enrolled in Walden University’s psychology masters program can choose a course-based virtual learning option or a go-at-your-own-pace virtual option that the school calls Tempo-Based Competency Learning.
There are eight specialization tracks, including the general track and a self-designed track that allows students to largely choose their own curricula.
Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
William James College offers an accelerated Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology program that students can finish in only 11 months.
Students can earn their degrees entirely online, or they can take a combination of online courses with Weekends In Residence dates for a more immersive experience. Scholarships are available to eligible students.
William James College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Getting Your Masters Degree in Psychology Online
An online master’s degree in psychology offers the opportunity to gain expert knowledge about how people think and behave.
Organizations may appreciate your leadership and understanding of child, industrial organizational, behavioral, or educational psychology. A master’s degree might also prepare you for doctoral studies that could lead to licensure.
You may not need to take the GRE in order to be accepted into a graduate psychology program. Many accredited colleges offer online master’s in psychology programs with no GRE requirements. Without this exam, you may begin graduate psychology degree program classes sooner. You can even start your search for a no-GRE college today.
