Choose from eight compelling master’s in psychology online specializations to focus your studies on a specific area of interest within the field. Gain in-depth knowledge and expertise that can help set you apart.
LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE
Available in the General Psychology specialization, Tempo Learning® lets you personalize the pacing of your studies.
GET A HEAD START ON YOUR PHD
Depending on your specialization, you can take up to five doctoral-level courses at the master’s tuition rate and prepare for your PhD.
GAIN SKILLS FOR GOOD
The principles of creating positive social change are woven into our courses, with a focus on diversity and cultural sensitivity.
Learn more about Walden’s master’s in psychology online program, from admission requirements to the courses you can expect to take.
In this course, students use the lens of social psychology to examine both social cognitions and social behavior—nearly all phenomena that pertain to the individual in society. Students explore the topics of perceptions, attitudes, relationships and attraction, the motivation to help others, prejudice and aggression, conformity and obedience, group behavior, and the influence of culture, and consider how knowledge of these topics can be used to effect positive social change. Students’ application of what they learn in this course culminates in a final project in which they develop a plan for using social psychology research to address a significant social problem. Moreover, students’ learning in this course will extend to their personal and professional lives and truly enable them to effect positive social change as a scholar-practitioner committed to doing so.
Professionals study personality in a variety of contexts to better understand the factors that compose an individual’s psychological framework, including feelings, thoughts, and motivations. Students in this course are introduced to the major theories of personality and personality assessment approaches. Students examine research that supports multiple theories as well as basic concepts and principles of the various schools of thought. They also explore and discuss related topics, such as various aspects of psychology, including psychoanalytic, biological, behaviorist, learning, social-cognitive, trait and skill, humanistic, and existential, in addition to individual, cultural, and gender differences in personality. Students consider themes of diversity throughout the course.
In this specialization course, students examine the variables related to teaching and learning to understand how educational psychologists contribute to teacher effectiveness, student motivation, and overall academic achievement. They assess teaching methods, learning environments, curriculum development, educational achievement, and characteristics of teachers and learners. They also explore educational assessment, environmental issues, and educational research techniques. Students complete an article summary through which they explain the rationale, methods, findings, and implications of a current research issue. Sharing their topical summaries with the class, students gain multiple perspectives and make connections within the field of educational psychology.
Health psychologists work toward positive change in healthcare and health behavior through the study of relationships between patients and providers, how individuals and groups adapt to illness, damaging health behaviors, health cognitions, and many other related issues. In this specialization course students explore the field of health psychology with a focus on the biopsychosocial model. They discuss behavioral and biomedical theories as well as the effect of psychological (personality), behavioral (health behaviors and coping), and social factors (stress and physician-patient relationships) on physical health and wellness. Through the examination of current literature and peer discussions, students explore and address issues related to cardiovascular and immune health, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. They demonstrate their understanding of course material and consider how topics apply to their personal and professional life through the development of taskforce papers, a health brochure, and a final essay.
Students in this course explore the cultural components, research, and theory of cross-cultural psychology. In addition to the previously listed goals, students focus on the impact that culture has on the field of psychology around the world. The scope of this course is broad, with the core theme being cross-cultural psychology (focusing on cultures representing different parts of the world) and comparing cultural influence on human psychology. Many of the topics addressed are related to human development. Additionally, interactions among culture and social behaviors, health, mental health, and mental illnesses are emphasized throughout the duration of this course.
Walden’s Enrollment Specialists are here to guide you through every step—from finding the right program to paying for your education.
Pursuing your master’s degree in psychology online is an exciting decision. To make it easier to get started, Walden has:
No application fee
No essay or SAT/ACT/GRE requirement
Easy credit transfer
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
We know that cost matters when you’re exploring online master’s programs in psychology. Walden offers opportunities to lower your tuition through:
Experience-based credits
Special tuition savings
Believe & Achieve Scholarship™
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 48 quarter credit | $570 per quarter hour | $27,360 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $875 |
| $28,235** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$5,700 $22,535 | ||
*Represents the course-based learning format, specialization other than Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 24 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 to $3,500.
Progress at Your Pace. Control Your Cost.
Walden’s Tempo Learning® programs follow a subscription-based pricing format. Students are billed a flat-rate for each 3-month subscription term. All pricing is represented in U.S. dollars and is subject to change.
| Program | Subscription Period Tuition | Subscription Period PROGRAM Fee | Subscription Period Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Psychology | $3,000 | $175 | 3-month subscription period |
| You may be able to complete your MS in Psychology degree in 8 months for under $10,000.* | |||
*Represents Tempo Learning® format, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, and the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students in this program in the Tempo Learning® format. Your actual total program time and costs will depend on your individual pace and transfer credits. A student’s pace is usually determined by their experience, ability to work independently, and availability. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
Financial aid is available for this program. Our financial aid advisors can help you identify funding opportunities to help you pay for your education.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 63 quarter credit | $570 per quarter hour | $35,910 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $1,225 |
| $37,135** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$5,700 $31,435* | ||
*Represents the course-based learning format, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) specialization, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 24 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,500 to $3,500.
You have a unique learning style—and a unique schedule. That’s why Walden offers you more than one way to learn.
Course Based
Ideal if you prefer predictability, deadlines and traditional learning format.
Starts on October 07, 2024
Tempo Learning®
Ideal if you’re a self-motivated learner with strong time management skills.
Starts on September 02, 2024
*Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Tuition and fees are subject to change. See See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.
Earning your master’s in psychology online can prepare you to serve your community or teach and mentor the field’s next generation of professionals.
Social and Community Service Manager
Coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.
Expected growth: 9%1
Estimated annual wage: $48,880–$98,7401
Psychology Teacher, Postsecondary
Teach courses in psychology as a faculty member or professor.
Expected growth: 5%2
Estimated annual wage: $49,790–$106,6102
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the MS in Psychology program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries.
As a graduate of Walden’s master’s in psychology online program, you will be prepared to:
Describe the foundations of psychology.
Synthesize psychological theory and research to apply in real-world situations, such as in educational, social, organizational, and health settings.
Interpret psychological theory and research.
Describe psychological theory, research, and practice from a multicultural and/or global perspective.
Apply psychological theory, research, and practice to scholarly and/or professional activities that promote positive social change.
Walden’s faculty includes psychology practitioners, researchers, and subject matter experts, all committed to helping you be successful in your program.
Browse related online degree programs at Walden.
When it comes to jobs with a master’s in psychology, the opportunities are as diverse as the field of psychology itself. Those with a master’s degree in psychology work both independently and within teams of diverse professionals, including lawyers, doctors, engineers, teachers, policymakers, and business executives. They work in both the public and private sectors. Earning a master’s in psychology online can also prepare you to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology.
Job roles for those with an MS in Psychology could include:
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
With many online master’s programs in psychology to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Start by considering whether a program lets you focus your coursework on an area of the field that captures your interest. For example, at Walden, you can choose from an array of program specializations to tailor your studies to your professional aspirations. Specializations include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Educational Psychology, Health Psychology, and Social Psychology. The General Psychology option allows you to gain a broad understanding of psychology and how you can apply its principles throughout your career. The Self-Designed option offers ultimate flexibility by allowing you to design a program that most closely matches your personal and professional goals.
In addition, does the online MS in Psychology program you’re looking at offer more than one way to earn your degree? Walden’s Tempo Learning® option lets you personalize the pacing of your studies. No deadlines, no set schedule.
And, if a doctoral degree is part of your plan, Walden has you covered. Depending on your specialization, you can take up to five doctoral-level courses at the master’s tuition rate and apply those credits toward a Walden doctoral program.
Lastly, if you’re a person who wants to make a positive difference for people, family, and communities, Walden’s social change mission will likely resonate with you. Our programs are designed to help students immediately apply what they learn to create lasting, meaningful change in the world around them.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a widely used therapy for children and adults on the autism spectrum and is practiced by behavior analysts. According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, annual nationwide demand for people with BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst®) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral® (BCBA-D) certification has increased each year since 2010, with a 14% increase from 2022 to 2023. Those serving in this role work with clients to reinforce and encourage positive behaviors. Behavior analysts use evaluated and reliable interventions based upon principles of learning to improve socially important behavior of individuals. ABA therapy can help treat a variety of challenges, including problems with language and communication, attention, memory, focus, and more.
The path to becoming a board-certified behavior analyst starts with an approved master’s degree program from an accredited university. Look for an online MS in Psychology program that offers specializations to match your career goals. Walden University’s master's in psychology online program with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers a course sequence verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. This sequence meets the coursework requirements to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam. Graduates of this program who wish to pursue certification must also complete a period of supervised practical experience as defined by the BCBA®. Walden does not offer the fieldwork component required for the BCBA exam. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide information relating to national certification exams; however, it remains the individual student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification exams for the state in which he or she intends to practice.
If you’re interested in how systems and people work—and you are compassionate and curious—a career in psychology could be a good fit for you. Earning an online MS in Psychology from Walden can help you gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and emotions, develop versatile professional skills, and effect positive change in the lives of others.
