Online psychology master’s degrees in Utah offer a flexible pathway for students to advance their understanding of human behavior, mental health, and cognitive processes from the comfort of their own homes.
Online psychology master’s programs cater to a diverse range of interests, including clinical, counseling, educational, and industrial-organizational psychology. These programs are designed to accommodate working professionals and provide an accessible route to enhance career prospects, prepare for licensure, or pave the way for doctoral studies.
Accredited universities in Utah provide quality education through comprehensive curriculum that blend theoretical knowledge with practical application. In this article, we will explore some of the popular schools that offer online psychology master’s degrees in Utah.
Online Psychology Master’s Degrees in Utah
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online psychology master’s degrees in Utah:
- Utah State University
- University of Arizona – Global Campus
- Liberty University
- Arizona State University
- Grand Canyon University
- American Public University
- Capella University
- Purdue Global
- Pepperdine University
- Southern New Hampshire University
Utah State University
M.Ed. in School Counseling
At Utah State’s Department of Psychology, you have the opportunity to enroll in a nationally accredited master’s degree program for school counseling. This program is designed to equip you for professional licensure in school counseling, with a focus on preparing you for roles in K-12 school counseling.
The program is accessible across Utah through an online live, interactive, hybrid format. Classes are available via Zoom, broadcast, or online asynchronous formats, chosen to optimize both student learning and course content delivery.
Throughout your studies, you will explore subjects such as behavior and education assessment and intervention, ethical and professional standards, as well as individual and group counseling. The program also emphasizes career development and college and career readiness. You will gain practical experience through practicum and internship opportunities in both private and public K-12 schools.
The curriculum spans six semesters, during which you will complete between 48 to 60 credit hours. Each course typically carries three credit hours. In the initial one and a half years, you will complete 14 required courses and a 150-hour practicum scheduled for the spring of your second year.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Introduction to Theories of Intervention in Psychology
- Evidence-Based Practice: School Intervention
- Comprehensive and Systemic School Counseling Programs
- Career Development
- Consultation in the Schools
- Group Counseling in the Schools
- Developmental Psychology: Lifespan
- Collaborative Classroom Instruction, Leadership and Professional Topics
- College and Career Readiness for School Counselors
- Legal, Ethical and Transition Issues in School Counseling
The M.Ed. in School Counseling Program operates on a part-time basis with classes held in the evenings. The final year is dedicated to a 600-hour internship. Both the practicum and internship are conducted during school hours in a K-12 environment. It is possible to work full-time during the first two years, including the practicum period.
In your third year, a 600-hour internship in a school setting is required, with at least 240 hours of direct service. These hours involve one-on-one sessions, small group meetings, or leading guidance lessons.
The Practicum in School Counseling is supported by both site and secondary supervision. You will apply theories, skills, and knowledge related to comprehensive guidance programs, exposing you to various theories and professional activities.
The Internship offers a hands-on opportunity to practice the skills, theories, and applications learned. You will take on a school counseling intern role within a K-12 setting under supervision.
Both practicum and internship courses feature a lecture followed by group supervision, totaling two and a half hours weekly. You are required to participate in these sessions along with fulfilling your practicum or internship hours at a K-12 school site. Completion of 150 total hours of practicum and 600 total hours of internship is necessary for program completion.
Group supervision sessions are an integral part of your learning, where you are expected to present and discuss case studies reflecting your current work. These sessions are capped to ensure personalized attention, requiring you to prepare and share a case study weekly.
To complete the program, you must:
- Earn 48 semester credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Complete a 100-hour practicum under a licensed school counselor’s supervision.
- Undertake a 600-hour internship in a K-12 setting, also under the supervision of an experienced licensed school counselor.
- Achieve the required score on the Praxis: Professional School Counselor Test.
The School Counselor Education Program at USU not only prepares you for licensure and roles within K-12 settings but also opens doors to potential careers in teaching and other related counseling fields, such as college advising. However, it’s important to note that this master’s program may not cover all necessary experiences for roles in higher education or other mental health fields.
Graduates of the program have successfully transitioned to higher education roles, highlighting the program’s broad applicability.
To apply, you must:
- Must have completed a Statistics course at or above the 2000-level.
- Complete an application through the USU School of Graduate Studies.
- Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions with prerequisite courses.
- Maintain a 3.2 GPA for the last 60 credits.
- Submit a Statement of Purpose, three letters of recommendation, and a resume.
- Participate in a group interview if selected after the application review.
The University of Arizona – Global Campus
Online Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology
The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) offers a 36-credit online Master of Arts in Psychology degree. This program will equip you with insights into human motivation, enhancing your capability to leverage this knowledge in your professional life and setting you apart in your career.
Upon completion of your degree, you will possess the ability to:
- Adhere to ethical principles and psychology standards in both academic and professional endeavors.
- Communicate psychological concepts clearly, adhering to the discipline’s professional guidelines.
- Analyze the essential concepts, theories, methodologies, and historical developments in psychology.
- Evaluate the scientific merit of professional literature in the field of psychology.
- Synthesize psychological theory with research findings.
Throughout your online master’s studies, you will explore various psychology domains, including developmental, social, and biological psychology. Assessing the scientific merit of psychological research and literature will be a key component of your online coursework, laying a solid foundation of psychological knowledge for your future endeavors. The core curriculum of the program covers:
- Introduction to Graduate Study in Psychology
- Applied Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Personality Theories
- Research Design & Methods
- Biological Bases of Behavior
- Psychological Testing & Assessment
Graduating with your online Master of Arts in Psychology from UAGC prepares you for roles where a broad understanding and specialized expertise in psychology are advantageous. It is crucial to understand, however, that this program does not lead to certification or licensure and is not designed to prepare you for a career as a licensed psychology professional.
To obtain your Master of Arts in Psychology degree, you must complete 36 credit hours and achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all your UAGC coursework.
With your MA in Psychology, career opportunities in various sectors may become available to you, including:
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Adoption Services Manager
- Community Services Director
- Graduate Research Assistant
- Post-secondary Psychology Teacher
- Fields within human services, education, and business
Liberty University
Online Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
You can pursue Liberty University’s online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary for state licensure for professional counseling. As a licensed professional counselor, you will be equipped to support individuals, families, and groups facing mental health and behavioral challenges.
The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which means it meets the high standards required for licensure preparation. CACREP accreditation is a hallmark of quality assurance, ensuring that the curriculum is robust and geared towards preparing you for professional licensing in clinical mental health counseling. This accreditation is particularly valuable given the variability in licensure requirements across states, offering a solid foundation for seeking licensure as a professional counselor.
Within this online master’s degree, you will embark on a comprehensive journey through the intricacies of human behavior. The curriculum is designed to provide insights into the ethical and legal facets of counseling, the importance of cultural competency, theoretical counseling foundations, and various other areas critical for evidence-based practice.
Key courses in your studies will include:
- Ethical & Legal Issues in Counseling
- Multicultural Counseling
- Human Growth & Development
- Integration of Spirituality & Counseling
- Assessment Techniques in Counseling
- Career Development & Counseling
- Clinical Diagnosis & Treatment Planning
The program not only focuses on rigorous academic coursework but also emphasizes engagement with mentors and faculty, alongside structured practical experiences. A vital component of this program is the practical and internship opportunities, allowing you to gain significant hands-on experience under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
Upon completing your online master’s degree in counseling and achieving success in your state licensing examination, you will be well-positioned to embark on a rewarding career within the counseling profession.
Potential career avenues include working within healthcare settings, community service organizations, educational institutions, social services, or even establishing your own counseling practice.
To apply, you must:
- Complete an application form.
- Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Have a 3.0 GPA in your bachelor’s degree.
- Submit a Statement of Purpose, three letters of recommendation, and a resume.
Arizona State University
Online Master of Science (MS) in Psychology – Addiction Psychology
At Arizona State University (ASU), you cab pursue an online master’s degree in addiction psychology, equipping you with the expertise to provide critical counseling and support to individuals facing addiction challenges. This program will teach you how to deliver counseling services, oversee clinical programs, and handle case management effectively.
By completing this master’s degree in addiction studies, you will gain the competencies required for state licensure, opening pathways to becoming an addiction counselor. The program’s alignment with the educational standards for national certification further ensures that you can meet licensure qualifications across almost all states.
Your studies in the addiction psychology master’s program will encompass 33 credit hours dedicated to addiction-related subjects, complemented by a six-credit-hour practicum and a six-credit-hour applied project.
The program uniquely integrates contemporary research from esteemed addiction experts with practical insights from licensed psychologists and addiction counselors who bring a wealth of experience from their work in the field.
This combination of cutting-edge research and practical clinical experience will give you an edge over others in the addiction counseling field. Importantly, this online master’s degree satisfies the educational requirements for national certification, making you eligible for licensure in nearly every state.
Upon finishing your online master’s degree in addiction studies, you will possess the essential knowledge and skills for a range of careers within addiction counseling, education, and other areas within the human services sector. Additionally, you might consider advancing your education through various doctoral programs.
For application, you will need to submit:
- A completed graduate admission application along with the application fee.
- Official academic transcripts.
- A personal statement outlining your goals and reasons for choosing this program.
- Your current curriculum vitae or resume.
- Two letters of recommendation supporting your application.
How Much Does Master’s in Psychology Graduates Make in Utah?
As of February 2024, master’s in psychology graduates on average earn $92,881 per year in Utah. However, the range typically falls between $78,497 and $105,140.
What is the Difference Between an MA and an MS in Psychology?
The primary difference between an MA and an MS in Psychology typically lies in the focus of the curriculum.
An MA in Psychology may emphasize a broader understanding of psychological theories, including more courses in the humanities and qualitative research methods, suitable for students interested in counseling, therapy, and clinical work.
An MS in Psychology often focuses more on scientific research and quantitative methods, appealing to those looking to pursue careers in research, academia, or more scientifically oriented roles.
Is an Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology Worth It?
Whether an online master’s in clinical psychology is worth it depends on your personal, professional goals, and circumstances. We have shortlisted some considerations to help you determine any clinical psychology program’s value for you:
- Licensure Preparation: Many online master’s programs in clinical psychology are designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a clinical psychologist or counselor, depending on the state’s requirements. If becoming a licensed practitioner is your goal, ensure the program is accredited.
- Specialization: These programs often allow for specialization in areas such as child psychology, addiction counseling, or forensic psychology, which could open doors to niche roles in the field.
- Online Learning: The flexibility of an online clinical psychology program can be particularly beneficial if you are working, have family responsibilities, or cannot relocate for your studies. It allows you to balance your studies with other commitments.
- Financial Consideration: Online programs can sometimes be less expensive than their on-campus counterparts when you consider the savings on commuting, housing, and other campus-based fees. However, it’s important to weigh the cost of the program against the potential increase in earning power and job opportunities post-graduation.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships: Look into financial aid, scholarships, and other funding opportunities that might be available to online students.
- Accreditation: Ensure the program’s accreditation is recognized by licensing boards and potential employers. Accreditation affects the quality of education you receive and your eligibility for licensure.
- Resources and Support: Consider the quality of the faculty, the resources available to online students, and the level of support you will receive (e.g., career services, academic advising).
- Employment Outlook: The demand for mental health professionals has been increasing, which can lead to good job prospects. Research the job market in your area or areas where you’d be willing to work to assess the demand for clinical psychologists or counselors.
In short, an online master’s in clinical psychology can be worth it if the program aligns with your career goals, meets educational requirements for your intended path, offers flexibility you need, and represents a good investment in your future.
Contact Us
Privacy Policy