Online Master's in Psychology
Grow Your Opportunities with an MA in Exploration Psychology
100% Online Courses
High Doctoral Program Admission Rate
Graduate Assistantships Available
Career-Focused Specializations
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about this program.
- Duration 4 Semesters
- Cost per Credit $857
- Credit Hours 36
Program Benefits
- Learn advanced principles in general and applied psychology
- Take courses part-time or full-time with a flexible online format
- Gain the experience to be accepted into doctoral psychology programs
Make an Impact with an MA in Psychology
Carlow’s MA in Psychology – Exploration Psychology program is designed for students who want to work in psychology settings that do not require licensure. The program caters to those who wish to make an immediate impact with their social science training in human service fields.
Courses are delivered 100 percent online, and with a career-focused curriculum taught by experienced faculty. You’ll learn advanced principles in general and applied psychology, and with four specializations to choose from, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize your courses in areas that best suit your interests and career goals.
This program is also well-suited for students who are looking to prepare for a doctoral degree in psychology. It has a strong track record (82 percent) of students being accepted into doctoral psychology programs.
Whether you take classes part-time or full-time, you’ll graduate ready to have an immediate impact in fields such as substance abuse, mental and behavioral health, psychometrics, juvenile corrections, probation and research.
The MA in Exploration Psychology program is also available on campus.
Rewarding Career Opportunities With an Online MA in Psychology
Earning an online master’s in psychology will prepare you to make an immediate impact in mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse or other human service areas. Psychology career paths include training and development specialist, research assistant, probation officer and more.
The need for psychology degree holders is great. An estimated 122 million Americans live in areas where there is a shortage of mental health professionals — and nearly 6,400 providers are needed to fill the gap.1
Explore CareersChoose From 4 Areas of Specialization
Tailor your online psychology master’s to fit your interests by customizing your degree through the flexible Exploration track or by choosing from four unique specialization options. Each provides the opportunity to learn skills that make an immediate impact in your chosen field by focusing on the areas of interest that are important to you. Specialization courses fulfill the elective credits required for the program.
Curriculum
Rigorous, Career-Focused Curriculum
4 Specializations
36 Credits Required
Taught by an experienced and supportive faculty, the career-focused curriculum offered by the online MA in Exploration Psychology program focuses on advanced general and applied psychology principles. Students will also learn the valuable research and clinical skills they need to succeed in their chosen field. Specifically, this program caters to individuals who want to work in psychology settings that do not require licensure such as substance abuse, mental and behavioral health, psychometrics, juvenile corrections, probation or research.
View Complete CurriculumAdmission Requirements
Begin the Simple Online MA in Psychology Application Process
9 transfer credits accepted
No application fee
The flexible online Master of Arts in Psychology program makes it easy to apply, and with multiple start dates throughout the year, it’s always a good time to begin the process. Here’s a closer look at the application requirements.
| Resume |
| Transcripts from all schools |
| 400-word personal essay |
| 1 letter of recommendation |
Tuition & Aid
Accessible, Affordable Online MA in Psychology Program
$857 per credit
The affordable online MA in Psychology program will lay the groundwork for many rewarding and lucrative psychology career paths. With scholarships available and a supportive enrollment team, we can help make your online education as affordable as possible. Graduate assistantships are also available, providing students with the opportunity to engage in additional research, curriculum design as well as teaching and advising roles.
Find out MoreWhat You’ll Learn
As an online MA in Psychology student, you’ll expand your skills and knowledge in the field of psychology and grow your understanding of research methods, data collection, statistical analysis and the presenting of findings. Through the challenging and engaging coursework, you’ll be prepared to meet the unique demands of jobs in the mental and behavioral health fields.
Program Outcomes
- You will be able to work professionally with diverse individuals, groups and communities.
- Learn skills in research methods, data collection and statistical analysis so you can contribute to the expansion of scientific knowledge in psychology.
- Develop clinical skills in case conceptualization so you can apply them to mental health issues and general distress.
- Gain an understanding of how development affects symptom expression and behaviors.
- Become well-trained in the tools used in psychology to assess intelligence, achievement and personality.
Faculty Spotlight
Joseph M. Roberts, PhD, Professor, Director of Undergraduate Criminology, Master of Arts in Psychology, and Master of Science in Fraud and Forensics
Dr. Roberts is a professor and the current director of Undergraduate Criminology, Master of Arts in Psychology, and Master of Science in Fraud and Forensics at Carlow University. He is also a licensed psychologist in private practice who currently specializes in forensic-related assessment relevant to criminal proceedings. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling Psychology at West Virginia University and more recently, completed post-doctoral certificates in Forensic Psychology from St. John’s University in foundational, civil and criminal law domains. Teaching interests include personality assessment, ethics, diagnosis and criminal psychology. In Carlow’s MA in Psychology Program, he teaches PYM 722-Psychology of Deviance and PYM 704-Psychology Practicum I with Ethics. In his free time, Dr. Roberts enjoys engaging in poorly planned home improvement projects and reading horror novels.
Expert, Supportive Faculty
Carlow’s online MA in Psychology program faculty bring a wealth of experience in the different subfields of psychology, criminology, art therapy and education. In addition to providing a broad-based and well-balanced education, our faculty are deeply invested in the success of their students and are accessible, collegial and collaborative.
When you join the Carlow family, you get an experienced and compassionate team dedicated to your personal and professional growth. Online learning at Carlow offers the flexibility you need while connecting you to a vibrant, close-knit and supportive community of instructors and learners.
Discover Carlow OnlineWe understand that pursuing higher education is an investment. Carlow’s staff is always available to answer questions and connect you to resources for loans, grants, scholarships and employer benefits.
Find Out MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Explore our frequently asked questions for in-depth answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to us.
To apply for one of the programs, submit your application and transcripts, along with any other required information. Apply now.
Those who hold an M.A. in Psychology often pursue career titles such as Mental Health Clinician, Probation Officer, and Human Service Manager with salaries that range from $50,170 to $72,017 per year and growth rates as high as 8%. Learn more about your career options by visiting our career page.
The program is 36 total credits, including nine specialization credits. The program can be completed in as few as four semesters.
You can complete the BA in Psychology in as little as one year, depending on transfer credits accepted. On average, this program takes 3-4 years to complete.
The BA in Criminology and BA in Psychology can be completed in as few as three years if you meet the admissions requirements for the three-year program plan.
Complete the MA in Psychology in as few as four semesters (including one summer).
You may incur costs beyond tuition, such as textbooks, supplies and other fees. Take these costs into consideration as you budget for your education.