Accredited Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Michigan [Updated for 2025]

Last Updated: November 14, 2024

Are you eager to dive deeper into the study of the human mind and behavior? With current work commitments and family responsibilities you might find it hard to attend traditional, in-person classes. This struggle can be quite frustrating.

Online master’s programs in psychology are the answer you have been seeking. These programs offer the flexibility you need, allowing you to balance your studies with your existing obligations.

With a rich array of concentrations, from clinical and counseling psychology to industrial-organizational psychology, these online master’s programs in Michigan open a world of possibilities for you.

Online Master’s in Psychology in Michigan

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

  • Eastern Michigan University
  • Capella University
  • Baker College
  • Wayne State University
  • Regent University
  • Western Michigan University
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • Arizona State University Online

Eastern Michigan University

Online Master of Arts in Educational Psychology

Ever wondered how you can become a more valuable part of the teaching and research community? Well, with the online Master of Arts in Educational Psychology program at Eastern Michigan University, you will get to explore various ways students learn and grow.

This unique online course, offered by the CAEP-accredited College of Education at Eastern, focuses on the emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of learning. This knowledge will enhance your ability to engage with students and help mould them into successful critical thinkers.

During the program, you will get to study a range of topics designed to set you up for success in the ever-changing world of education. And the best part? You can become a more effective educator in just 16 months with EMU’s online MA in Educational Psychology, and inspire the next generation to love learning both in and out of the classroom.

You will also enroll in various foundation courses, including:

  • Basic Concepts in Educational Psychology
  • Human Development
  • Principles of Learning in Education
  • Motivation to Learn
  • Principles of Educational Research
  • Mixed Methods Research

By completing this online program, you will:

  • Develop, promote and implement a shared vision of high-quality education and student success.
  • Conduct yourself ethically and professionally.
  • Encourage academic curiosity in a variety of educational and community settings.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations in various educational contexts.
  • Learn to think critically about educational issues and create basic research to address these challenges.
  • Enhance your communication skills to become a more persuasive writer.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of diversity and its influence on growth and learning.
  • Work towards equal educational opportunities and culturally sensitive practices.
  • Encourage an inclusive, welcoming culture by understanding students’ emotional, cognitive, social and psychological differences.
  • Become a driving force for continuous improvement.

One of the perks of this online program is its affordability. All online students pay the same course-by-course tuition, no matter where they live. And you might be able to get financial aid if you are eligible.

The online MA in Educational Psychology at Eastern also features a flexible course schedule with multiple start dates throughout the year. This way, you can balance work, life, and your studies effectively.

To get into this program, you will need:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended
  • An undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
  • A Statement of Purpose that outlines your professional goals and explains how this degree will help you achieve them.

Baker College

Online Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Are you interested in understanding how psychology can be used to boost an organization’s success? If yes, then the online Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program could be for you. This program doesn’t prepare you to be a licensed psychologist. Instead, it focuses on how to apply psychological theories, methods, and principles to improve individuals, teams, and entire organizations.

This two-year program online program from Baker College is made up of 36 credit hours. All these credits are major course requirements. Some of the exciting topics you will explore include the psychology of leadership, the influence of individual and group factors in the workplace, and an integrative capstone in psychology.

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

  • Statistics and Data Analysis
  • Psychology of Leadership
  • Psychology of Performance and Motivation
  • Psychology of Training and Learning
  • Psychology of Personnel Management and Human Resources
  • Organizational Development, Change and Consultation

As part of this program, you will learn directly from experienced professionals who will bring real-life experiences into your learning process. This way, you won’t just be listening to lectures or reading textbooks, you will be learning how to use these psychological principles in real-world situations.

During the program you will also identify and understand the vital pathway for your professional growth, establish credibility in your field, and form a clear professional identity in your specialization area. Furthermore, you will study behavior and performance in the workplace and other organizational settings by applying psychology’s theories, methods, and principles.

Once you have earned your MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, you will be ready for a exciting career in various areas of business. This could include roles in human resources, organizational development, or employee training.

The online MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program at Baker College also qualifies for Accelerated Path option. This means you can complete your master’s degree in significantly less time.

As mentioned above, this program doesn’t prepare you for licensure as a clinical/counseling psychologist. Instead, it’s geared toward becoming an Industrial-Organizational psychology practitioner.

Wayne State University

Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Are you interested in learning more about Applied Behavior Analysis with a particular emphasis on treating autism? If so, the online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program at Wayne State University might be a perfect fit for you. The program spans five semesters starting every fall and follows a cohort model where you will learn alongside a group of fellow students.

The program not only provides you with field placement assistance but also integrates field work into the course structure. After completing the program, you will be well-prepared to take on the required supervised fieldwork and sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. At Wayne State University, you will find a challenging yet supportive environment that helps you excel in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Regardless of whether you are studying from within the state or elsewhere, tuition rates are the same for everyone. This online program employs a blend of supported and independent learning through lectures and hands-on practice. The cohort model encourages a strong sense of professional community during the program and as you move forward into your career.

To apply, you should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. After a successful interview with the program coordinator, a background check is required for final admission. While not mandatory for application, you are encouraged to have your Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification. If you are accepted, you will need to either be RBT certified or have completed the 40-hour RBT training curriculum recommended by the BACB before starting your coursework.

The online Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis consists of 40 credits, completed over five semesters. You must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 during the program, with no more than one grade of C+ or lower. If you receive a second C, you won’t be allowed to continue. Grades of B- and lower, or consistently receiving grades in the B range, could indicate an issue and might lead to intervention.

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

  • Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Evaluation & Measurement
  • Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment Planning
  • Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment Planning
  • Child/Adolescent Psychopathology

Regent University

Online Master of Science in Psychology

Are you intrigued by the principles of psychology and keen to apply them in various fields like academia, science, healthcare, and business? If so, the online Master of Science in Psychology at Regent University might just be for you. This program will take you through the key areas of psychological science, from the workings of the brain in cognitive neuroscience to the complexities of human social interactions.

You can tailor your learning to your interests by choosing from the following specializations:

  • Addictions: In this concentration, you will learn how to use psychological principles to assess addiction disorders and design treatment plans, including faith-based interventions.
  • Cyberpsychology: This focus area will give you insight into online interactions and how people behave in the virtual world. With this knowledge, you will be able to improve human-technology interactions in various settings.
  • Doctoral Preparation: This concentration will equip you with training and treatment techniques from a multicultural perspective. You will also have the chance to conduct, write, and defend a psychology thesis.
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychology: This focus area will deepen your understanding of employee behavior and attitudes, enabling you to positively impact productivity, hiring practices, morale, and more.
  • Leadership Coaching: Here, you will learn to build strong coach-client relationships, design coaching interventions, and develop client-generated goals. This can help you guide individuals to personal and professional growth.
  • Marriage & Family: This concentration will provide you with the principles to foster healthy relationships and enhance family units. You will broaden your understanding of behavioral healthcare and certain issues related to marriage counseling.

Once you have completed the master’s degree in psychology, you will be able to:

  • Apply multicultural-focused prevention, training, and treatment practices.
  • Develop skills in employee evaluation and growth to promote professional and organizational development.
  • Use your master’s as a stepping stone to doctoral studies in basic science or applied psychology.

Western Michigan University

Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Behavior Management

Are you interested in understanding and applying behavioral analysis in organizational settings? If so, the Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Behavior Management (IOBM) program at Western Michigan University might be just what you are looking for. This program combines online and in-person learning, giving you a flexible and immersive educational experience.

During your studies, you will learn how to use behavioral analysis to address specific organizational improvement needs. This could involve anything from employee training and development, instructional design, to improving productivity and safety, enhancing quality, streamlining work processes, and analyzing organizational systems. You will be exposed to a wide variety of practical applications through your coursework, research, and hands-on experiences.

As a student in this MA program, you will have the chance to gain real-world experience with diverse businesses, from local small companies to massive Fortune 500 corporations. The skills and knowledge you acquire will equip you for careers that involve tasks like personnel training and development, instructional design, and organizational systems analysis.

You will need to earn 36 credit hours to complete the MA program. The core of the program revolves around behavioral analysis, so you will be focusing on evidence-based strategies for changing environments throughout your studies. The program operates under a mentorship model, meaning you will be paired with specific faculty members, selected partially based on your preferences indicated on your application form.

You have two options for this MA program:

  1. The practicum option: This is designed to prepare you for the workforce right after you graduate. It requires a minimum of six credit hours of practicum.
  2. The thesis option: This option is geared towards preparing you for doctoral training. It involves conducting a six-credit hour research study.

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

  • Psychology of Work
  • Behavioral Systems Analysis
  • Personnel Selection and Placement
  • Personnel Training and Development
  • Professional and Ethical Issues in Psychology

Can You Be a Psychologist With a Master’s in Michigan?

In Michigan, like many other states, becoming a licensed psychologist typically requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology. However, several mental health, organizational psychology, and related career paths can be pursued with a master’s degree in psychology or a related field.

Specifically, a master’s in clinical psychology or counseling psychology can lead to licensure as a Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP) in Michigan. LLPs are permitted to offer psychological services under the oversight of a fully licensed psychologist.

A master’s degree can also pave the way for roles such as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT). Each of these roles has specific requirements regarding coursework, supervised clinical hours, and examinations.

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