masters in social psychology onlineIn this ranking, we profile the top 15 most affordable master’s in social psychology online programs.

With online master’s in social psychology programs limited in availability, many general psychology programs offer concentrations or classes that cover advanced study in social psychology. If you are looking for affordable, accredited, and reputable online options for social psychology, we have found the top 15 schools that offer online social psychology programs, or closely related degrees.

Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs Methodology

We looked at approximately 40 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered affordable options for master’s in social psychology online programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation, at least one online psychology or social psychology program (or closely related online degrees), institution and/or program rankings with U.S. News and World Report, and affordability of the online program. In this case, we collected programs costing less than $23,000 per year.

Below are the results of our 15 most affordable master’s in social psychology online degree programs.

#15 – California Southern University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Irvine, California

Website

California Southern University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
Cal Southern offers options for those considering a master’s in social psychology online.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,890

California Southern University offers several options for those considering master’s in social psychology online degree programs, including a general psychology degree. The general psych master’s program consists of 42 credits and takes two years to complete when enrolled full-time. Learners can progress at a slower rate, taking a more leisurely time to complete requirements in four or more years. However, all classes are delivered online and taught by Cal Southern’s esteemed faculty. Required courses include advanced ethical and professional issues in counseling, counseling theories and strategies, group counseling, and social psychology. According to U.S. News and World Report, Cal Southern’s graduate schools have received recognition in various disciplines, such as nursing and other health-related areas.

#14 – Nova Southeastern University

Online Master’s in General Psychology

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Website

Nova Southeastern University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
Only 30 credits – Nova Southeastern University – Ideal for those considering a social psych online degree!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,620

A general psychology graduate degree, as offered by Nova Southeastern University, lays the foundation for those considering online social psychology programs. Nova’s online master’s program is offered entirely online, which allows students to participate in courses from anywhere in the world. Curriculum consists of 30 credits with 21 credits coming from foundational or core classes and nine credits from one of two specialty tracks. Available specialties include general psychology and applied health science. Core classes cover topics in all areas of psychology, including social psychology. In the social psych classes, students cover a broad overview of current theories and research in social psychology. U.S. News and World Report ranks Nova Southeastern #246 in best national universities.

#13 – Medaille College

Online Master’s in Psychology

Buffalo, New York

Website

Medaille College - Top 15 most affordable master's in social psychology online
Ranked and accredited! Medaille College – affordable master’s in social psychology online degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,240

With few options for online study in social psychology, such as an online master’s in social psychology program, students may enroll in a graduate psychology program like Medaille College offers. General study offers a broad view of different psychology areas that cover human behavior across many disciplines, including social psychology. The core program takes one year to complete and consists of 36 credits. Each course runs seven weeks in length and students typically take between one and four classes each semester. Applying to Medaille’s graduate online psychology program is straight-forward and requires a completed resume, personal or professional goal statement, and two professional references. Medaille ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Medaille ranks #129-#170 in best regional universities in the North.

#12 – Regent University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Website

Regent University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
Regent University’s master’s in social psychology online programs are affordable and accredited.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,179

Online social psychology programs cover a wide variety of psychology practices and theories, which Regent University offers through its online master’s in psychology degree. Depending on interests, concentrations dig deeper into psychology disciplines like addictions, industrial and organizational psychology, or marriage and family. Students take all of their classes online and the program consists of 39 or more credits. Courses in social psychology are available. Also, required core courses cover topics like biological bases of behavior, life span psychology, and research methods in psychology. Regent ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 281st best national university.

#11 – University of Massachusetts

Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling

Amherst, Massachusetts

Website

University of Massachusetts - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
UMASS – One of the few schools that offers online mental health counseling degrees with social psychology courses.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,782

Knows as the “university without walls,” University of Massachusetts at Amherst offers options for those considering an online master’s in social psychology. The applied psychology program, available online, provides students who need to finish a bachelor’s degree with online study options. Once the bachelor’s program requirements are met, students may enroll in a master’s in psychology program. Several options are available, including the online master’s in mental health counseling. Through UMASS, students may take a variety of psychology courses, including social psychology, to help hone skills needed for employment. UMASS ranks #64 in best national universities and #107 in best value schools, according to U.S. News and World Report.

#10 – Tiffin University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Tiffin, Ohio

Website

Tiffin University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
Fully online! Tiffin University – ideal for those seeking online master’s in social psychology programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,000

With online social psychology programs scarce, students interested in graduate programs may turn to general studies, such as the online master’s in psychology at Tiffin University. This fully online program provides students with a broad, graduate-level education in areas like cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology. Thirty-seven credit hours are required to earn the MS degree. Classes include advanced theories of personality, cognitive psychology, history and systems of psychology, professional issues in law and ethics, and social psychology. Tiffin is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Tiffin ranks #114 in best regional universities in the Midwest.

#9 – Arizona State University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Tempe, Arizona

Website

Arizona State University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
ASU offers master’s in psychology online degree programs!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,134

Arizona State University’s master’s in social psychology online degree programs are offered through the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences. The general psychology program is designed to prepare graduate students for work in all areas of psychology. Elective courses are offered in several psychology disciplines, such as developmental psychology and social psychology. Full-time students may earn the degree in as little as 18 months, while part-time students may take up to six years to complete degree requirements. ASU is recognized as a top-tier research institution. Also, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #117 in best national universities.

#8 – National Louis University

Online Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Chicago, Illinois

Website

National Louis University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
100% online! National Louis University – Affordable master’s in social psychology online programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,096

National Louis University offers several psychology programs that might appeal to those interested in an online master’s in social psychology. From applied behavior analysis to industrial and organizational psychology, the online offerings include foundational courses in social psychology, as well as advanced study in the field. Some of the online courses cover topics like advanced social psychology, advanced theories of personality, psychological statistics and analysis, and work motivation and job attitudes. The online program is ideal for working students or those looking to hone their skills in a psychology discipline. According to U.S. News and World Report, National Louis University ranks #293-#381 in best national universities.

#7 – Purdue University Global

Online Master’s in Psychology

Indianapolis, Indiana

Website

Purdue University Global - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
Purdue Global – A top choice for those seeking master’s in social psychology online degrees.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,414

Purdue University Global offers graduate degrees that will appeal to those seeking online social psychology programs. The online master’s in psychology is a comprehensive degree with five concentrations that can be aligned with your career goals. Whether it’s general psychology or applied behavioral analysis, the graduate degree covers a wide range of topics, including social psychology. Some of the specific courses offered include assessment in applied behavior analysis, ethics for behavior analysts, foundations of professional psychology, and social psychology. Purdue Global ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 228th best national university and 57th most innovative school.

#6 – University of Georgia

Online Master’s in Educational Psychology – Applied Cognition and Development

Athens, Georgia

School Profile

University of Georgia - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
GRE or MAT scores required – University of Georgia’s master’s in social psychology online programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,982

A master’s in social psychology online degree program can be difficult to find, but the University of Georgia offers an educational psychology degree that covers topics related to social psychology. The online program explores the impact of developmental, human cognitive, and motivational processes in education and practice. Graduates of this non-clinical program usually pursue careers in non-clinical educational settings, research support settings, training facilities, or other areas of psychology where education psychologists work. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.6. Three letters of recommendation and adequate GRE or MAT scores are also required.

#5 – Grand Canyon University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Phoenix, Arizona

Website

Grand Canyon University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
Grand Canyon University – online master’s in psychology — affordable and accredited.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,760

Grand Canyon University’s online master’s in social psychology focuses on general psychology with courses offered in social and cultural psych. The program may be completed entirely online and consists of 36 credits and classes that run eight weeks in length. Program courses include contemporary and ethical issues in psychology, health psychology, human development, learning and motivation, and social and cultural psychology. Research methods, graduate statistics, and a professional capstone must be completed to satisfy degree requirements. Grand Canyon University is one of the few proprietary institutions ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, GCU ranks #293-#381 in best national universities and #42 in top performing schools on social mobility.

#4 – Liberty University

Online Master’s in Applied Psychology

Lynchburg, Virginia

Website

Liberty University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
100% online – Liberty University offers psychology degrees for those seeking an online master’s in social psychology.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,333

Liberty University’s online social psychology programs include the master’s in applied psychology—a 36-credit hour program that takes 1.5 years on average to complete. With 100% online coursework and classes that run eight weeks in length, the program is considered ideally designed for working students. Individuals who have completed this online degree have secured work in a variety of psychology roles. Potential career options include employment counselors, developmental specialists, human resource analysts, rehabilitation counselors, and social service managers. Admission to Liberty’s online psychology program requires applicants hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited school with a 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Liberty ranks #293-#381 in best national universities, according to U.S. News and World Report.

#3 – Angelo State University

Online Master’s in Applied Psychology

San Angelo, Texas

Website

Angelo State University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
One of the top schools for master’s in social psychology online programs – Angelo State University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,696

Angelo State University’s master’s in social psychology online degree programs include the MS in applied psychology. This program is offered fully online and prepares students for community college teaching roles, positions in human services, and career advanced within the workplace. Admission to the applied psychology program requires applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in any major. However, a strong undergraduate GPA is required. In fact, applicants that fall short of a 3.0 undergraduate GPA may not be considered for admission, unless nine graduate hours have been earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Students may choose from either a thesis or non-thesis completion track. Classes are delivered entirely online and cover topics such as developmental psychology, experimental research development, social perception, and social psychology. Angelo State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 87th — 113th best regional university in the West.

#2 – American Public University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Charles Town, West Virginia

Website

American Public University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Social Psychology Online Programs 2020
Take social psychology classes in APU’s affordable online master’s in psychology program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,600

If you are considering online master’s in social psychology degree options, American Public University offers social psych classes through their online MA in psychology program. The 39-credit hour program combines scientific theory with academic research and skills needed to work in the field of psychology. Classes are delivered online and cover topics in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Psychological Association. Some of the topics include leadership and change, personality and counseling theories, social psychology, and substance abuse and addiction. For individuals looking to land a role in the private sector as a social psychologist, concentrations in developmental/personal psychology and industrial/organizational psychology are offered. APU has earned recognition from U.S. News and World Report’s 2020 rankings as a top regional university in the South.

#1 – Fayetteville State University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Website

Fayetteville State University - Top 15 Most Affordable Master's in Social Psychology Online Programs
#1 most affordable master’s in social psychology online program – Fayetteville State University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,705

The #1 most affordable master’s in social psychology online, or closely related psychology program, on our list is offered by Fayetteville State University. The school offers a 36-credit hour online graduate psychology degree designed to prepare individuals for careers in psychology, education, government, research, and social services. To apply, students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.60 on all undergraduate work. GRE scores received within the last five years are also required. The program is fully online and delves into theory, statistics, and research methodology applicable to the field of general psychology and social psychology. U.S. News and World Report ranks Fayetteville State #87 in best regional universities in the South.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a master’s in social psychology online degree?

Social psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on social interaction, as an individual or group, and how behavior changes under particular conditions. Social psychologists work in a variety of settings, including colleges and universities where research is conducted, as well as in government or private organizations.

Some social psychologists are trained in human behavior. The specialized training provides ample job options and diverse working environments. However, most social psychologists find work in colleges, universities, and schools. They research, teach courses, and work in psychology laboratories as specialists. Other social psychologists often work for private corporations, nonprofit agencies, and government offices. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, the role of the social psychologist varies, but most examine social interaction within a social environment.

In the private sector, social psychologists often work as consultants, strategists, and researchers. For these roles, individuals must hold a master’s in social psychology or a closely related discipline, such as general psychology or industrial and organizational psychology. Outside of academia, most social psychologist jobs require a master’s degree, though some research positions will require a doctoral degree. The master’s in social psychology online degree will prepare you for entry into a doctoral program.

How long does it take to complete a master’s in social psychology online degree?

When determining how long it takes to complete a master’s in social psychology online degree, the answer often has more to do with the applicant. As most online programs are designed for busy, working students, they allow for a great deal of flexibility in terms of completion time. Many of the programs on our list offer part-time enrollment, though some have full-time options. Part-time programs allow students to work at their own pace, often slower than their colleagues who are enrolled full-time. Part-time students may take one or two courses each semester, rather than two to three classes at a time. Taking less classes means slowing down the time it takes to earn a degree.

Accelerated master’s in social psychology online degrees are out there, and a few made it onto our list of affordable programs. As the average completion time for a master’s degree is two years, accelerated programs take only 12-18 months to earn the degree. Accelerated psychology graduate programs often require an earned bachelor’s degree in a closely related discipline, such as psychology or social psychology. Accelerated programs may also accept transfer credit and allow students to bypass foundational course requirements if the classes have been taken at another accredited institution.

Without acceleration, most online social psychology degree programs take two to seven years to earn a master’s degree.

What is the job outlook for individuals with a master’s in social psychology online, or closely related, degree?

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not predict the job outlook for social psychologists specifically, data has been collected to determine the job outlook for the entire field of psychology. As a branch discipline of psychology, social psychologists can expect a 14 percent growth in employment through 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

BLS reports job prospects should be favorable for those with advanced degrees, especially in an applied specialty. Social psychologists working in education should fare better than general psychologists, as schools rely on specialists to assess and provide counsel to students of all ages. In addition to assessments, psychologists working in school settings will be counted on to show how factors both in and out of the classroom impact learning.

Another area of job growth within the scope of psychology is industrial and organizational psychology. Social psychologists working for industries and organizations will be called for research, especially quantitative research.

Candidates with advanced degrees, such as a master’s in social psychology online degree, are expected to have a competitive edge due to extensive research and training. Earning a master’s degree in social psychology can give you the competitive edge needed to advance in a current role or gain employment following graduation.

How much money do individuals with a master’s in social psychology online degree make?

PayScale, the nation’s top data collection organization, reports a salary breakdown for individuals with social psychology degrees. For individuals with an MA in social psychology, the average salary is $61,000 per year. The average salary for individuals with an MS in social psychology can expect to earn about the same, though PayScale reports the average compensation as $62,000 per year.

Since data is limited, we also considered the pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In the most recent publication of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS reports the median annual wage for psychologists as $79,010 as of May 2018. The lowest ten percent of earners made $43,800, while the highest ten percent of earners made more than $129,250.

BLS also reports the median annual wages for psychologists in the top industries in which they were employed. According to BLS, the top paying industry for psychologists is the government. Psychologists working in government agencies earned an average median wage of $96,410. Other top-paying industries include hospitals (state, local, and private) with an average wage of $86,530, ambulatory healthcare services with an average wage of $79,180, and public and private schools with an average wage of $75,890.

What are the admission requirements for a master’s in social psychology online degree program?

The admission requirements for master’s in social psychology online programs vary by school. However, most programs require similar admission criteria.

Most programs ask that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably in psychology or a closely related discipline. Bachelor’s degree should be earned from an accredited college or university. In fact, all of the online master’s in social psychology programs on our list require accredited bachelor’s degrees for admission consideration.

In addition to an earned bachelor’s degree, applicants should offer two to three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to academic performance. If you’ve been out of school for a while, some programs will consider recommendations from an employer. Other common requirements include GRE or MAT scores from tests taken within the last five years, a well-crafted personal statement detailing research goals, and strong undergraduate academic performance. Top-ranked programs require at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA to be considered for admission.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests psychologists possess certain qualities and characteristics outside of academic degrees and licensing to ensure they are cut out for the field. It is important to have good analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, and also integrity and patience while helping individuals overcome barriers and face challenges.

BCO Staff
October 2019

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This concludes our list of the top 15 most affordable master’s in social psychology online programs.