Accredited Online Psychology Master’s Degree Programs in Tennessee [2025 Guide]

Last Updated: November 14, 2024

In the vibrant and diverse state of Tennessee, the field of psychology is flourishing. Aspiring psychology professionals can now take advantage of cutting-edge online psychology master’s programs designed to fit their unique needs and lifestyles. With a rich blend of Southern charm, cultural history, and modern innovation, Tennessee is the ideal backdrop for your journey towards an online master’s in psychology.

From the bustling urban centers of Nashville and Memphis to the serene landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee’s online master’s programs in psychology provide flexibility, convenience, and quality education.

In this article, we will explore the various online master’s programs offered by popular institutions, each designed to cater to different interests and career goals. As you read on, you will discover how these programs skillfully merge theory, research, and real-world practice to equip you with the necessary expertise to excel in diverse professional settings.

Online Master’s in Psychology in Tennessee

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

  • The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • The University of Memphis
  • Pepperdine University
  • Regent University
  • Capella University
  • Purdue University

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Online Master of Science in Educational Psychology

At the University of Tennessee, you can pursue a 36-credit hour online Master of Science (MS) in Educational Psychology that has two distinct concentrations: Applied Educational Psychology and Adult Education. This degree is designed to help you reach your goals, whether you want to work with kids or adults.

The Adult Education concentration is centered on enhancing the education of professionals who offer service and leadership to encourage adult learning in communities worldwide.

On the other hand, the Applied Educational Psychology concentration is aimed at preparing educational experts to create effective learning environments for people of all ages, from children to adults.

This program is tailored for individuals working in diverse settings such as schools, higher education, non-profit organizations, businesses, and government. The curriculum focuses on improving your understanding and skills in teaching and learning at individual, group, and organizational levels. Specifically:

  • Those in the Adult Education concentration often work or plan to work with adult learners in a variety of settings.
  • Those in the Applied Educational Psychology concentration generally work with children or young people in educational environments like schools or in other contexts like non-profit organizations and social work settings.

Courses are available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings (excluding Fridays or weekends). The online curriculum is structured with specific requirements, and the course offerings are organized to enable you to graduate within six consecutive semesters, no matter when you start (i.e., you will take two courses per semester).

Additionally, this master’s program can act as a stepping-stone towards doctoral education. Examples of related doctoral programs include Adult Learning, Educational Psychology, School Psychology, and various Education specialties (e.g., Special Education). Approximately 15 percent of graduates from this master’s degree continue on to pursue doctoral education.

The University of Memphis

Online MS in Educational Psychology and Research

The 30-credit hour online Master of Science (MS) program in Educational Psychology and Research (EDPR) at the University of Memphis is ideal for students like you who want to broaden their career options or prepare for future doctoral studies. Through a dynamic online platform, you will gain essential knowledge and skills in these areas:

  • Human development, focusing on childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, and their effects on learning and achievement.
  • Learning, cognitive development, and motivation, covering topics such as self-control, motivation for success, self-confidence, and effective learning strategies.
  • Research methodology, introducing educational research design, and a choice between quantitative or qualitative research methods.

The program aims to help you:

  • Contribute to your field through research presentations and writing.
  • Prepare for careers as educators in higher education institutions or applied researchers in professional settings.
  • Develop leadership skills for professional organizations and contribute to your field through professional service activities.

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

  • Introduction to Research Design and Methodology
  • Statistical Methods Applied to Education
  • Introduction to Qualitative Research
  • Learning and Cognition
  • Adolescent Development and Education
  • Lifespan Human Development

The MS program welcomes applicants with undergraduate degrees from various disciplines. The same admission requirements apply to both online and on-campus students, and you can study full-time or part-time.

You have the option to complete your degree entirely online or through a hybrid approach. The University of Memphis’ online programs attract students from across the United States and around the world, and transcripts for online programs are issued in the same manner as for on-campus programs.

To apply for the MS program, you will need:

  • Three letters of recommendation, with at least two from university professors who can address your academic achievements, writing abilities, research experiences, interests, and potential.
  • A goal statement (700-1000 words) that explains your research interests and activities, previous research experiences, your reasons for joining the program, and your short- and long-term objectives, as well as how the program can support you in achieving these goals.
  • A sample of your academic writing, which could be an undergraduate thesis or a paper written for an academic course where you are the only author.

Pepperdine University

Online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

Pepperdine’s online Master of Arts program in Clinical Psychology prepares you to embark on a fulfilling career, helping individuals, couples, and families flourish. After graduating, you will be ready to pursue licensure as a licensed professional counselor (LPC).

Studying online, you will learn from experienced faculty without relocating, completing the same reputable curriculum and clinical training required for on-campus students.

Starting with 6 units of core courses that lay the groundwork for your clinical psychology education, you will then complete 62 master’s-level units to explore the latest developments in the field.

During the program, you will delve into the connection between people’s backgrounds and mental health, and learn how counselors can consider factors such as ethnicity, social status, spirituality, and more when treating clients.

You will also acquire skills to conduct interviews, assess clinical cases, design treatment plans, and manage therapeutic processes in line with key theoretical approaches. Examining clinical cases and participating in supervised exercises will help you develop practical expertise.

The curriculum emphasizes modern psychotherapy methods, offering practice-oriented education with clinical training close to your community. You will investigate a variety of topics, including the socio-economic factors that affect individuals, couples, and families.

The program involves four terms of clinical training, during which you will work under the guidance of a licensed counselor at an approved site near you.

This program aims to ensure that by the time you graduate, you will have fulfilled all academic requirements to qualify for the LPC licensure exam.

Throughout the program, you will have the freedom to select electives that interest you the most. By the end of your studies, you will be able to:

  • Evaluate clients
  • Assess clinical cases
  • Create treatment strategies
  • Manage therapeutic processes

Regent University

Online Master of Science in Psychology

By earning a 39-credit online Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology from Regent University, you will have the opportunity to apply psychological principles in a variety of fields, such as education, science, healthcare, and business. During the program, you will explore key areas of psychological science, from cognitive neuroscience to human social interactions.

You can select from these exciting concentrations: Addictions, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Cyberpsychology, Leadership Coaching, and Marriage and Family.

With the Addictions concentration, you will study how to use psychological concepts to evaluate addictive disorders. This sought-after degree addresses the increasing need for addiction research due to rising substance abuse rates.

In the Industrial-Organizational Psychology concentration, you will use a scientific approach to examine human behavior at work. You will gain a deeper understanding of employee behavior and attitudes, positively impacting productivity, hiring, morale, and more. Learn performance management techniques to boost productivity and enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

The Cyberpsychology concentration, a unique and specialized field, delves into the scientific aspects of how online interactions influence human behavior. You will also investigate cybersecurity and internet safety concerns. You will also uncover how modern technology has transformed society while gaining insights into the psychological processes, motivations, and intentions behind online interactions.

Focusing on Leadership Coaching, you will learn how to encourage growth and change, helping individuals progress both personally and professionally. You will develop abilities to establish coach-client relationships, design coaching interventions, and create client-driven goals.

In the Marriage & Family concentration, you will explore ideas that foster strong relationships and family well-being. Utilizing a scientific method, you will expand your knowledge of behavioral healthcare and topics related to this unique field, such as improving marriages, working with teenagers, understanding human sexuality, navigating blended families, dealing with divorce, and embracing remarriage.

Throughout the program, you will have the chance to collaborate with respected psychology professors and learn alongside driven classmates who share your goal of personal and professional growth.

Capella University

Online MS – Clinical Psychology: Applied Research

By enrolling in an MS in Clinical Psychology with a focus on Applied Research at Capella, you will gain crucial knowledge and skills that can lead to advanced career opportunities in clinical psychology. This program combines theories, research, and real-world applications, allowing you to develop a versatile skill set for a variety of professional settings.

During the program, experienced teachers will help you understand how to apply psychological theories, conduct assessments, explore psychopathology, use research methods, and uphold ethical principles. Moreover, this program can set the stage for pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology.

You will need to complete 53 program credits, including five core courses and six specialized courses.

The MS in Clinical Psychology with an Applied Research emphasis equips you with a strong foundation for academic practice, research roles, or doctoral-level education in clinical psychology. The course material covers applied research techniques, therapy theories and evaluations, psychopathology, human development, ethics, and cultural diversity.

Upon finishing this program, you will be able to:

  • Use theory and research findings in clinical psychology practice
  • Analyze clinical psychology research
  • Uphold ethical principles in academia, research, and clinical psychology practice
  • Communicate professionally using academic writing and technology
  • Appreciate the significance of diversity and demonstrate multicultural competencies in scholarly work

Graduates of this program often work in settings such as:

  • Mental health centers
  • Correctional facilities
  • Healthcare institutions
  • Hospitals (inpatient and outpatient)
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Government agencies (local, state, and federal)

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