2024 Trending Online Psychology Master's in Massachusetts

As a bustling state that is home to numerous prestigious universities, Massachusetts offers many opportunities for higher education. However, the demands of modern life can make it challenging for individuals to attend traditional, on-campus programs. Especially for those who are looking to advance their knowledge and career in psychology, finding the perfect program that suits their lifestyle can be daunting.

Online psychology master’s programs allow you to learn at your own pace, without the need to commute or sacrifice your personal life. You can study from the comfort of your home, sipping a hot cup of coffee, and gain a quality education from top-rated universities in Massachusetts.

It’s time to discover the opportunities waiting for you in Massachusetts’ online psychology master’s programs.

Online Master’s in Psychology in Massachusetts

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online master’s in psychology in Massachusetts:

William James College
Capella University
Regis College
University of Massachusetts – Boston
Bay Path University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Arizona State University Online

William James College

Online Master of Arts in Psychology

William James College’s 33-credit online Master of Arts in Psychology program from is a perfect fit for you if you are looking to progress in fields like behavioral health, business, education, law enforcement, or social services. This program doesn’t just teach you psychology; it helps you hone your management, teamwork, communication, and research skills, and grow a sense of social responsibility.

The best part? You can adjust your learning journey to suit your schedule. Whether you choose to go full-time and wrap up in three semesters, or part-time over six semesters, you have the freedom to study when it suits you best. The seven-week long courses are packed with recorded lectures, videos, reading materials, and group projects that encourage interaction with classmates.

Throughout the program you will take various core courses, including:

Lifespan Development
Psychopathology
Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
Introduction to Family Therapy
Substance Use and Addiction Evaluation and Treatment
Diversity, Difference and Inclusion
Leadership and the Use of Self

By the end of your journey with this online MA in Psychology, you will have leveled up in areas such as:

Understanding psychology
Developing a scientific mindset
Being socially responsible in a diverse world
Communicating effectively
Growing professionally

The program welcomes students from all walks of life and from any undergraduate background. It’s important to note that although it gives a strong foundation in psychology and scientific principles, it doesn’t lead to becoming a licensed psychologist or counselor.

This program is a great fit for those who want to advance in their current profession, change careers and step into the field of psychology, or simply gain more knowledge before pursuing further education in psychology or counseling.

While this program does not make you a licensed psychologist or counselor, it equips you with a strong basis in psychology, research, and social responsibility, which can be beneficial across various industries.

Once you finish the program, you will be ready to work in a variety of settings. This program can be your gateway to explore the field of psychology, helping you advance in your current career or preparing you for an advanced degree like a PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology or counseling psychology.

Regis College

Online Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Imagine being able to change someone’s life by helping them improve their behavior. That’s what you will learn in the online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program from Regis College.

This program has a total of 39 credits and can be completed in as little as 20 months. However, remember that you need to fulfill some more requirements to be eligible for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. Experienced teachers, who have worked in the field, will guide you in learning the required skills to help people improve their behavior. This way, you will be able to make a real difference in your career.

Whether you dream of a career in a clinical setting, a research environment, or in a supervisory role, this program can help you get there. You could become an ABA therapist or a registered behavior technician (RBT) making a difference by implementing research interventions.

The online ABA program at Regis is as good as highly successful on-campus version. Online format gives you the flexibility to study at your own pace, and still benefit from interactive learning experiences.

Throughout the program, you will explore topics like the principles of ABA, evaluating treatments, and assessing behavior. The program offers balanced research-based knowledge with hands-on experiences to provide comprehensive training, whether you are new to the field or looking to move up. Core courses of the program include:

Concepts and Principles I: Intro to ABA
Treatment Evaluation
Behavior Assessment
Ethical Practice in ABA
ABA Training and Supervision
Advanced Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis

Graduating with a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis opens up many fulfilling career paths for you. You could become an independent clinician providing behavioral services, be a part of a clinical team, or work as a supervisor implementing behavior interventions.

To apply for the online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis at Regis, you will need:

A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
Official academic records
A minimum GPA of 2.75 (3.0 GPA is preferred)
Two recommendation letters
A resume
A personal statement

University of Massachusetts – Boston

Online Master of Science – Mental Health Counseling

The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling at UMass Boston is an engaging program that will prepare you for a career in mental health counseling. If you have a passion for helping others and want to become a licensed counselor, this program is a great fit for you.

The online MS in Mental Health Counseling starts with a two-week study session on or near the UMass Boston campus, where you will meet your fellow students and complete two of your required courses. After this in-person component, the rest of the coursework is delivered online. Core courses of the program include:

Counseling Theory and Practice
Group Counseling and Group Dynamics
Ethical Standards and Professional Issues in Counseling
Research and Evaluation in Psychology
Psychopathology and Diagnosis
Counseling Theory and Practice
Life Span Human Development

Throughout the program, you won’t just be reading about counseling; you will be practicing it. The program includes supervised fieldwork at an approved site where you will gain real-world experience. By the time you finish, you will meet the academic requirements for mental health counseling licensure in Massachusetts and will have completed all the required clinical fieldwork hours before graduation.

You will get to intern in various settings, and graduate with a solid skill set in mental health, counseling, and advocacy. You will be ready for roles that will set you on the path to licensure.

If you are interested in working in schools, you can add an adjustment counseling concentration to your program. This involves taking one extra course and completing additional internship hours. With this concentration, you will be eligible for a K-12 initial level licensure as a school adjustment counselor from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

After successfully completing all degree requirements, you will receive your Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. This degree will be a testament to your expertise in counseling and will boost your resume. You will be prepared to complete your required clinical fieldwork hours to earn your licensure to work as a mental health counselor.

For those who choose the adjustment counseling concentration, you will be eligible for a K-12 initial level licensure as a school adjustment counselor from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Bay Path University

Online Master of Science – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

As a mental health counselor, your role will be all about making a difference. You might be assisting people through their struggles with issues like depression, trauma, or substance use. You might be helping an individual or a family find their footing after a tough divorce. Or, you could be developing strategies to help people deal with an uncertain future. No matter the specifics, one thing is constant: your work will have a powerful, positive impact on the lives of those who need it most.

Bay Path University’s online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to equip you with a deep understanding of the field. In this exciting program, you will explore the latest theories and models related to mental health issues, and you will learn advanced counseling skills and strategies.

You can select one of following program options:

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – 60 credits, fully compliant with Licensed Mental Health Counselor eligibility requirements in Massachusetts.
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Advanced Trauma-Informed Counseling – (48 course credits and 12 practicum & internship credits).
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Alcohol & Drug Use Counseling – (48 course credits and 12 practicum & internship credits).
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – School Adjustment Counseling – (60 credits, including a practicum of 100 hours and an 800-hour supervised internship).

By the end of your journey with this master’s program, you will:

Understand the main theories of counseling and psychotherapy, and how they are used for treatment and prevention.
Gain insights into how development affects mental health.
Develop critical thinking skills to analyze personality differences and abnormal behavior effectively.
Appreciate how culture, gender, sexual identity, environment, and family impact physical and psychological development.
Recognize how the field of psychology helps clients realize their unique potential.
Grasp group dynamics and interactions, enhancing the group’s overall mental health and wellbeing.
Be able to analyze the difficulties families face in balancing work, family life, and mental illness.
Understand how substance abuse affects society’s mental health.
Investigate the influence of bullying and coercive behavior on mental health development.
Have a clear understanding of ethical and professional behavior in psychology.
Grasp the scientific and statistical principles underlying psychological research and measure their quality.
Complete a minimum of an approved 100-hour practicum under supervision at an academic or clinical placement.
Complete a minimum of an approved 600-hour internship under supervision at an academic or clinical placement.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Online MS in Psychology – Industrial Organizational Psychology

Are you ready to dive into the ever-evolving world of business with an edge? Consider pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology, focusing on Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University. This master’s degree prepares you to help organizations in hiring, nurturing, and retaining top-notch employees.

As an industrial-organizational professional, you will be a vital asset in any business, having influence in every corner of a company, from administrative duties to top-tier executive decisions. You will use your understanding of psychology to apply scientific research to practical workplace scenarios.

During your journey through this program, you will be engaged in various learning activities such as:

Exploring data collecting and interpreting methods.
Delving into cognitive psychology, especially the complexities of decision-making.
Learning how to use psychometric techniques to interpret research results.
Studying how personality theories are applicable to culturally diverse groups.
Mastering the ethical principles in psychology practice.

Although this program doesn’t lead directly to licensure or certification, it equips you with skills that align with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s standards and are relevant to a wide range of roles. It also opens doors to fields like market research and advertising where your expertise can help address client needs.

Throughout the program, you will also learn to:

Apply psychological methods to assess and enhance organizational leadership.
Create a conducive work environment.
Use strategic HR management for conflict resolution.
Encourage others to grow and work towards shared objectives.
Develop strategies to steer organizational change.
Utilize research findings to boost organizational performance.

It’s worth noting that a master’s degree is enough to get you started as an I-O psychologist in many workplaces. However, holding a doctorate degree in industrial-organizational psychology could potentially increase your earnings.

Accredited Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Massachusetts [2024 Guide]