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

In today’s modern, digitally connected world, you no longer have to choose between continuing your education and maintaining your current lifestyle or job. Online psychology master’s programs offer a flexible and convenient way to explore the fascinating world of psychology, without uprooting your life.

So, whether you are in bustling Seattle, tranquil Spokane, or somewhere in between, you can access top-tier education from renowned universities. Online programs are tailored to give you the flexibility to study at your own pace, from wherever you are, while still providing an exceptional education.

From detailed program information, learning outcomes, to the unique strengths of each program, this guide is your one-stop solution for online psychology master’s programs in Washington state.

Online Master’s in Psychology in Washington State

Here is a list of popular schools offering online psychology master’s programs in Washington State:

  • Eastern Washington University
  • Capella University
  • Northwest University
  • University of Washington
  • Eastern Oregon University Online
  • Regent University
  • Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Eastern Washington University

Online Educational Specialist in School Psychology (EdS)

Eastern Washington University offers an online Educational Specialist in School Psychology (EdS) program, designed specially for busy professionals. This 107 credits program combines online classes with some real-time and in-person training sessions.

Throughout the program, you will follow a curriculum, practicum, internship, and portfolio requirements that match both state and national training standards. These standards come from the National Association of School Psychologists. Your training will cover:

  • Evaluating students and programs.
  • Creating plans for academic and social-behavioral intervention.
  • Researching and understanding statistics.

You can choose to finish the program in either 2 or 3 years.

If you opt for the 2-year plan, you will take fast-paced classes for five quarters before starting a full-time internship with 1,200 hours of experience. If you choose the 3-year plan, you will take eight quarters of classes before doing the same full-time internship. Both plans require you to take classes during the summer sessions.

You will be part of a cohort, a group of students who stay together throughout the program, starting every summer. This way, you will have the chance to build strong relationships and learn collaboratively with your peers, improving your overall learning experience.

As a student, you will:

  • Learn and correctly use different ways to assess and collect data. This will help you recognize strengths and needs, create effective programs and services, and measure progress and results.
  • Understand and apply different methods of consultation, collaboration, and communication that work for individuals, families, and groups.
  • Create and assess evidence-based curriculum and teaching strategies that help with cognitive and academic skills.
  • Develop and assess services and programs that encourage socializing, positive behavior, and mental health.
  • Grasp the main points of school and system structures, including multi-tiered systems of support.
  • Collaborate with others to make detailed plans for multi-tiered prevention and research-based strategies for effective crisis preparation, response, and recovery.
  • Develop and assess services that encourage partnerships between families and schools, as well as interactions with community agencies to improve academic and social-behavioral outcomes for kids.

To join this program, you will need:

  1. A strong internet connection (preferably wired).
  2. An updated computer with the latest browser.
  3. A webcam and a headset with a microphone.
  4. Access to a scanner or a printer that can scan to PDF files.

In this program, your full participation in online activities and in-person training is crucial for your success.

Northwest University

Online Master of Science in Data Analysis and Research Psychology

The online Master of Science in Data Analysis and Research Psychology from Northwest University is a 36-credit program that offers specialized training in data research and analysis techniques critical for the social science and user experience fields. During the program, you will use scientific methods to study complex issues in today’s society and business world.

Unlike other programs that mainly focus on theory, this 2-year online degree emphasizes practical application, giving you hands-on experience in solving real-life problems.

You can tailor this online program to your professional interests by choosing one of the concentration tracks:

  • Data Analytics: This track is perfect for students aiming for careers in research and data analysis in the business and user experience sectors.
  • Program Evaluation: This is ideal for those who want to work in the nonprofit, education, public health, and community service fields.
  • Doctoral Preparation: This track is for those planning to pursue a PhD in social science or those interested in researching specific topics that fascinate them.

The MS in Data Analysis and Research Psychology aims to enable students to apply social science research methodologies to social and workplace challenges faced by communities and organizations. Throughout the program, you will learn to:

  • Plan and carry out scientific studies in communities and organizations.
  • Analyze data using the right quantitative and qualitative techniques and draw conclusions from the analysis results.
  • Produce professional reports and presentations that detail the investigation procedures, data analyses, findings, and conclusions in APA format.
  • Follow the ethical code and standards set by the American Psychological Association for psychological research.

With this degree, you could pursue several career paths in technology, government, education, research, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors, such as:

  • UX Researcher
  • Research Associate
  • Data Analyst
  • Program Evaluator

If you choose the Doctoral Preparation track, you can further your studies in PhD programs in psychology and social sciences.

Admission requirements for the program include:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Science, Human Services, or a related field. If you don’t have one of these, you will need to complete prerequisite courses in Statistics and General Psychology.
  • An undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • A completed online application.
  • A letter of interest that highlights your research interests and professional goals.

No GRE is required for admission to this program.

University of Washington

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Online Program – MEd

The online Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program at the University of Washington is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). After completing this program, you will meet the coursework requirements to apply for the BCBA exam and earn a master’s degree in special education.

This online ABA program offers you with both the Applied Behavior Analysis coursework needed for the BCBA exam and an optional Master’s degree in Special Education. If you aren’t interested in the master’s degree, you can just opt for the ABA course sequence as a non-degree seeking graduate student.

The program takes two years to complete, with classes offered every quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring) and one course during the summer. If you are not aiming for a master’s degree, you will still finish the program in two years, but you will have fewer classes during some quarters. You also have the option to complete the program at a slower pace over three years.

The main objective of the program is to prepare you to be a skilled, inclusive, ethical, and professional behavior analyst working with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

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

  • Concepts and Principles of ABA
  • History and Philosophy of ABA
  • Measurement in ABA
  • Assessment in ABA
  • Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies in ABA
  • Ethics and Professionalism in ABA

As a graduate, you will be able to:

  • Understand and effectively apply behavior analysis principles.
  • Be knowledgeable about current evidence-based practices for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Design and evaluate appropriate, evidence-based interventions for the individuals you serve.
  • Collaborate effectively with schools, families, and other community stakeholders, always considering how culture and equity affect service delivery.
  • Work towards improving the quality of life for the individuals and their families you work with.

To be eligible for the BCBA exam, you must complete supervised experience. This practicum placement, where you will gain the necessary supervised fieldwork hours, is a crucial step towards becoming a BCBA. Here, you will gain practical experience in implementing the strategies and skills learned during your coursework.

While the University of Washington’s ABA online program does not require you to obtain your supervision through the university, it still offers the chance to get your supervised fieldwork hours through this program. Furthermore, you don’t have to live locally to receive supervision.

Eastern Oregon University Online

Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

In the online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Eastern Oregon University, you will get the chance to work with seasoned faculty members and gain essential skills to embark on a rewarding career in counseling. This program is designed to help you fulfill the educational and practical experience requirements to get a counseling license in 41 states.

This is a two-year program with 20 fully online courses, taught by experienced faculty. Furthermore, you will participate in three stages of hands-on training, including a practicum, an internship, and an advanced internship, all at a counseling facility. Full guidance and support will be provided by the university in securing these opportunities.

Throughout the program, you will explore essential mental health counseling subjects like the theory of development, the importance of cultural diversity, understanding diagnostic systems, and so forth. The updated syllabus ensures that you are ready to set foot in your preferred career after you graduate. Some of the core courses you will take include the following:

  • Developmental Theory: Counseling Across the Lifespan
  • Social and Cultural Diversity in Counseling
  • Assessment & Evaluation Techniques in Counseling
  • Counseling Theories: Couples & Families Applications & Techniques
  • Crisis & Trauma Counseling
  • Counseling Substance Use Disorders & Behavioral Addictions
  • Professional Issues & Advanced Ethics in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

With an online master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, you will have the opportunity to explore various job prospects in mental health, student support services, and career counseling.

By the end of the program, you should be able to:

  • Understand and implement ethical guidelines and regulations in your role as a counselor.
  • Recognize and respect the influence of social and cultural factors in treatment plans.
  • Leverage theories of human development in your counseling process.
  • Understand the relationship between work-life balance and mental health and guide your clients accordingly.
  • Build beneficial and healing relationships with your clients using effective counseling skills.
  • Effectively participate in and conduct group counseling sessions.
  • Use psychological assessment data to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
  • Implement evidence-based research and program evaluation in your practice.
  • Demonstrate your professional identity and roles within service delivery and use various treatment strategies for assessing and improving clients’ conditions.
  • Demonstrate your knowledge and skills through hands-on experience during your practicum and internships.

Regent University

Online MS in Psychology – Industrial-Organizational Psychology

As part of Regent University’s online Master of Science program focusing on Industrial-Organizational Psychology, you get a chance to dig deep into how people behave at work through a scientific lens. This specialized field will broaden your insight into employees’ actions and attitudes, preparing you to enhance workplace productivity, recruitment, morale, and much more.

During this program, you will explore tried-and-tested methods for elevating office environment, stimulating employee motivation, and boosting the performance of both individuals and groups. You will get to learn principles of performance management that can uplift productivity, and heighten employee satisfaction and loyalty.

In this online I-O psychology program, you will also examine the relationship between a leader and a follower. This can take numerous shapes, existing between two people or between a leader and a smaller group. You will get a chance to study how groups form and develop, and the finer points of coaching, mentoring, and providing guidance. You will also get a chance to learn about organizational behavior and see how these concepts can affect a leader’s effectiveness.

Additionally, you will study the foundational theories, principles, and skills used by top executives to manage an organization’s human resources. This includes studying and applying human resource processes, leveraging the best practices in human resource management.

Upon completing your MS in Psychology with a concentration on Industrial-Organizational Psychology, you will be equipped to:

  • Utilize psychological principles and methods to address workplace issues and seize opportunities.
  • Understand how to assist organizations in handling the growing diversity in the workplace.
  • Develop expertise in employee assessment and development to foster both individual and organizational growth.

Are Psychologists in High Demand in Washington State?

The job outlook for psychologists in Washington state is quite promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for psychologists are expected to grow significantly. Specifically, the demand for psychologists in Washington state is predicted to increase by an impressive 7.3% from 2022 to 2032.

This anticipated growth rate suggests that new positions for psychologists in Washington state will continue to emerge over the next decade, providing ample opportunities for individuals interested in this profession.

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