Studying online has become commonplace. But in rural states like Nebraska, getting a degree remotely is nothing new. In the past, mail-based courses, video courses, and teleconferencing were methods of completing coursework without going to a college campus.
As a prospective graduate psychology student, you have plenty of options for working toward your degree from the comfort of your own home. Private and public schools in Nebraska and beyond offer high-quality master’s degrees in psychology. Often, the hardest part of the college search is simply finding the best program to fit your needs. That’s where this list comes in!
Below is an outline of some of the popular online master’s programs in psychology. Some are in Nebraska. Others are offered by out-of-state schools. In either case, these programs will prepare you well for your future career.
Online Master’s in Psychology Programs in Nebraska
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online psychology master’s degrees in Nebraska:
- Bellevue University
- Chadron State College
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- University of North Dakota
- Arizona State University Online
- Northwestern University
- Walden University
- Pepperdine University
- National University
- Southern New Hampshire University
Bellevue University
Online Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
At Bellevue University, you can complete a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology in just two years. This 36-credit program follows a one-class-at-a-time format. You’ll progress through each class with a cohort, which allows you to build relationships with other students in the program. These relationships often continue into your professional career, where you can rely on one another for advice and expertise.
The curriculum focuses on IO assessment tools, data analysis, and organizational leadership. You’ll gain skills related to these and other areas by participating in rigorous coursework. The program’s faculty are all experienced IO psychologists who have expertise in this field as well as experience applying IO principles in real-life work settings.
For example, you’ll learn how to develop workplace assessments that measure company, team, and individual performance. Likewise, you’ll become versed in common organizational problems and the solutions you can employ to help a business overcome its roadblocks to success. Other key learning targets you’ll address in this program include the following:
- Learn how to use data and analytics to give decision-makers valuable insights.
- Devise research methods that address applied business topics.
- Solve organizational issues by employing industrial and organizational psychology theories.
- Develop effective communication skills, especially with regard to communicating complex psychological theories to laypersons.
Regarding the specific classes you’ll take, you’ll begin with a three-credit course entitled Profession of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. As the name indicates, this class explores the basics of this field and identifies major theories of IO psychology and their applications in the business realm.
Next, you’ll take classes like Job Analysis and Performance Appraisal, Applied Organizational Psychology, and Organizational Development to gain a better understanding of concepts like effective leadership, risk mitigation, developing a positive workplace culture, and employee review methods, among others.
This program has a statistics component, too. First, you’ll take Statistical Methods I, which introduces you to basic data analysis techniques like regression, probability, and ANOVA. In Statistical Methods II, you’ll focus on multiple regression techniques, including ANCOVA. You’ll also learn how to use statistical software to analyze and interpret data.
Other required coursework includes the following:
- Social Psychology
- Personnel Selection
- Measurement and Design
- Applied Research Methods
You’re also required to participate in a supervised practicum. This experience allows you to work on an applied industrial and organizational project under the supervision of an experienced IO psychologist. You have the freedom to customize this experience, so it aligns with your future career goals.
Likewise, you must complete an Advanced Industrial and Organizational Psychology Practice course in which you complete detailed research. You’ll refine your skills as a psychological researcher and practitioner through a research project with a company of your choosing. Your project must include features like appropriate measurement tools, data collection and analysis, and data visualizations.
The application for admission to Bellevue University is available online. To apply, you must first create an account. To do so, you must have the following information readily available:
- Your social security number.
- Details about your previous education.
- Details about any military service.
- Information about your current employment.
- A credit card to pay the application fee.
Furthermore, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. You must also have a 2.5 GPA or higher for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work or a 3.0 GPA or higher in all previous graduate-level work. Official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended are required, too.
Chadron State College
Online Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
If you want to get an education that allows you to provide counseling services to clients, the Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Chadron State College is a worthwhile pick. With the knowledge and skills you acquire in this program, you’ll be eligible for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP).
This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). As such, the curriculum is aligned with current professional goals for this field. By completing your studies, you’ll have the entry-level skills necessary to work in counseling settings of all sorts, from career counseling to inpatient drug treatment programs to probation and parole, to name a few.
You must complete 60 credits to graduate. Your studies begin with online courses in fields like Research Design and Data Analysis, Treatment Issues in Addictions, and Multicultural Counseling. As you can see, the coursework explores many different subjects in psychology and counseling, from clinical applications to research.
Part of your training is learning how to identify and diagnose psychological disorders. To do so, you’ll take Diagnoses and the DSM. You’ll learn about psychopathology through the social-biological lens. Your studies will focus on disorders common in children, adolescents, and adults, as well as the causes of common disorders that occur throughout the lifespan.
A related course is the Fundamentals of Assessment. This class explores everything from intelligence tests to personality inventories to aptitude tests. You’ll also discuss diagnostic measures you can use in conjunction with the DSM to make appropriate diagnoses.
One of the most important classes you’ll take is Counseling Theories. This course lays the groundwork for your development as a counselor. You’ll learn about historical and modern approaches to counseling, including their philosophical bases and how to apply them in a counseling situation. What you learn in this class will be key to developing your personal counseling approach.
Other required courses discuss counseling and psychology topics that are further afield. These include classes like:
- Psychopharmacology, Social, and Medical Issues in Addictions
- Counseling and Communication Skills
- Counseling Ethics and Professional Identity
- Child and Adolescent Counseling
- Principles and Practices of Mental Health Counseling
You’ll also examine topics like Career and Lifestyle Development, Group Counseling, and Couple and Family Counseling.
The final component of this program is an internship in counseling that takes place in a supervised counseling setting, such as a mental health center or rehabilitation center. You must complete at least 600 internship hours at your assigned site. At least 300 of these hours must involve direct contact with clients.
During the internship, you’ll have opportunities to apply your skills, learn new skills, and develop a better sense of who you are as a counselor. You’ll accomplish these tasks under the watchful eye of an experienced supervisor. You’ll also work closely with the counseling program faculty to ensure you’re making appropriate progress and meeting the necessary conditions for graduation.
You can apply to Chadron State College online at any time. The following requirements must be met to be considered for admission to this graduate program:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Submit your responses to the admissions essay prompt.
- View the orientation video for new students.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Online Master of Science in Counseling
The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers a 100 percent online Master of Science in Counseling that focuses specifically on Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education. Upon completion, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to provide guidance counseling to college-aged students.
This 30-credit program can be completed in as little as 12 months. The curriculum examines important topics in counseling and higher education, like basic counseling practices you can use to assist students with a variety of presenting problems. The course focuses specifically on Ivey’s Intentional Interviewing and Counseling Model, which you’ll use to improve your counseling skills and inform how you develop as a higher education counselor.
Another class that prepares you to work with college-aged students is The College Student Experience. You’ll learn about common psychological issues for college students, including those in the psychosocial, academic, and personal realms. Along with that, you’ll take a Diversity and Wellness Issues in Higher Education class, which discusses everything from multicultural issues to social identity to power and privilege.
This program doesn’t just focus on the psychological and counseling services you can provide to students. You’ll also learn about the machine of higher education. For example, the History of Higher Education and Student Affairs course takes a look at how higher education is organized and operates–and where you fit into that organization. More specifically, you’ll analyze the purpose of higher education, diversity issues on college campuses, and legal issues, to name a few.
You’ll also take Law and Ethics in Higher Education and Student Affairs. The purpose of this class is to help you develop a strong moral and ethical compass you can rely on to ensure you adhere to the legal standards of working in higher ed. You’ll analyze case studies of law and ethics and explore your personal values as they pertain to your work in higher ed, too.
Other essential classes you’re required to take for this degree include the following:
- Digital Learning: Policy, Programming, and Systems
- Crisis and Emergency Management in Higher Education
- Current Issues in Higher Education and Student Affairs
- Organization, Administration, and Leadership in Higher Education
You’ll get practical experience working in this field as part of the College Student Personnel Internship. The internship occurs at the end of the program and requires you to participate in various higher education counseling activities under a supervisor’s watchful eye. For example, you might assist students with career planning or course selection.
You might also provide basic counseling for a new student who’s experiencing homesickness. You might also assist your supervisor in developing onboarding programs and services for new students to ease the transition into college.
The application for graduate admission to the University of Nebraska at Omaha is available online. To start, you’ll need to create an account. You must meet these criteria to be eligible for admission:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in any field. It’s strongly suggested that you have at least three credits of studies in behavioral science.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide a resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a statement of purpose in which you discuss your reasons for wanting to be a counselor. You must also discuss any relevant experience you have as well as your future career goals.
- Provide proof of English language proficiency if English is not your native language.
University of North Dakota
Online Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
If you want an education in psychology or a related field, you aren’t limited to online graduate programs from Nebraska schools. The University of North Dakota offers a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology that’s available to you as a Nebraska resident.
Forensic psychology is a fascinating area that explores the application of psychological principles in criminal justice settings. You aren’t limited to working in law enforcement or corrections, either. With this degree, you can pursue employment in hospitals, social services, or even the military, to name a few.
To gain the necessary knowledge and skills, you’ll complete a 30-credit curriculum that typically takes two years to finish. Of the 30 credits, 18 are required courses and the remaining 12 credits are electives.
The required courses begin with a Psychology and Law class that dives deep into how these fields are interrelated. For example, you’ll examine how psychological theories can be used to explain legal issues, such as a possible motive for someone to commit a crime against someone else.
A related class is Behavior Pathology. This survey course explores explanations for behavior by emphasizing the most current research in this field. You’ll supplement your understanding of pathology with an exploration of social forces on behavior in Advanced Social Psychology. This class discusses social psychology theories and examines empirical literature in this field. You’ll learn about issues like group behavior, social cognition, attitudes, and personality, too.
Other required courses give you leeway in terms of what you learn. For example, the Readings in Psychology class allows you to focus your studies on contemporary research, theories, and techniques that are of interest to you. Likewise, the required Independent Study course gives you the opportunity to examine a specific forensic psychology topic that’s of interest to you. The purpose of this course (aside from gaining additional knowledge) is to demonstrate your ability to conduct psychological research and present a detailed report about your findings.
You have the option of modifying the independent study experience, though. For example, if you wish, you can focus on a detailed research project (e.g., a capstone). As another example, you can participate in a practicum in a forensic psychology setting.
As for the elective component of this program, you’re given the choice of five options, of which you must complete four. The available courses are as follows:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Eyewitness Testimony Memory
- Diversity Psychology
- Supervised Fieldwork
- Special Topics in Psychology
You must meet the following requirements to qualify for admission to the graduate school:
- Have an undergraduate degree in social science or behavioral science (e.g., psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice) from an accredited institution.
- Have a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA or higher or a 3.5 graduate GPA or higher.
- Provide three letters of recommendation from references who can speak to your abilities as a student.
- Provide a curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement in which you discuss your reasoning for wanting a graduate degree in forensic psychology. You must also outline your academic and professional accomplishments and are encouraged to provide any other information you feel is pertinent to making your case for admission.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements if English is not your native language.
Arizona State University Online
Online Master of Science in Psychology
Arizona State University (ASU) offers one of the largest online campuses in the country. As a student based in Nebraska, you can access ASU’s Master of Science in Psychology without relocating. If you aim to pursue a non-clinical career, this program may be suitable for you, as it covers a wide range of psychology topics such as cognition, developmental psychology, social psychology, and physiological psychology. This degree can prepare you for roles in areas like:
- Public relations
- Human resources
- Employee training
- Market relations
- Social services
Additionally, you could consider career paths in rehabilitation services, program management, education, or behavioral health.
The program requires the completion of 36 credits, distributed across 12 courses, each lasting 7.5 weeks. This accelerated format allows for faster completion of individual classes, with a manageable workload by focusing on one course at a time.
The curriculum includes specialized courses that cover various aspects of psychology. For example, in Advanced Cognitive Science, you’ll study cognitive processes, including connections to neuroscience, linguistics, and computer science, as well as the philosophical principles that shaped the field.
In the Advanced Social Psychology course, you’ll explore how individual behavior is influenced by social factors and group dynamics. Topics include social motivation, interpersonal perception, and interaction processes.
Cross-Cultural Psychology examines the application of social psychology across different cultural contexts, addressing the challenges and limitations in using this approach to understand mental health. This course will provide you with a working knowledge of key theories in cross-cultural psychology.
Some courses focus more on psychological processes than scientific study. The Emotion course, for instance, looks at how biological and sociocultural influences shape emotional experiences and expressions. You’ll also analyze research on emotional regulation across cultures.
In the Choice and Decision-Making course, you’ll explore decision-making processes, contrasting intuitive and rational approaches. The course will cover how factors such as attention, experience, context, and uncertainty influence the choices people make.
Other courses you may take include:
- Psychopathology
- Psychology of Mindfulness
- Psychology of Addiction and Treatment
- Resilient Relationships and Communities
- Advanced Physiological Psychology
To apply for the program, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for the last 60 credits of your undergraduate coursework, or for six or more graduate credits.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
- Provide a personal statement.
- Submit letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
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