Find Accredited Online Psychology Masters in Florida [2024]

Many aspiring psychology professionals often face challenges in balancing their work, personal life, and education. Traditional on-campus programs may require significant time and commitment, making it difficult for students with other responsibilities to pursue higher education in psychology.

This challenge can limit your potential to excel in the field of psychology and hinder your ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others. You might feel stuck or unable to progress in your career without the appropriate qualifications.

Online psychology master’s programs in Florida offer a flexible and convenient solution to overcome these challenges. These programs allow you to earn your master’s degree from the comfort of your own home while maintaining your existing work and personal commitments.

Online Master’s in Psychology in Florida

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

Florida State University
Nova Southeastern University
Saint Leo University
Florida International University
Florida Atlantic University
Capella University
Purdue Global
Keiser University

Florida State University

Online MS in Educational Psychology

Florida State University offers a Master of Science in Educational Psychology, focusing on Learning and Cognition, which is tailored for students and professionals interested in learning, cognition, development, and group processes in diverse environments.

This program is ideal for you if you are a teacher, someone who designs training seminars, or a supervisor focused on adult learning processes for meeting modern workplace challenges.

The master’s program requires a minimum of 30-35 credit hours, depending on the chosen track. You will create your study plan with your advisor and select between two tracks: Thesis-track or Coursework-track.

The Thesis-track is designed for students seeking practical research training or aiming for a PhD. This track takes approximately three years to complete and is a residential program. The Coursework-track can be completed in less than two years and is available entirely online.

Throughout the program, you will benefit from a highly personalized experience and the ability to choose the training that suits your needs. This adds flexibility and customization to the program. The program offers a strong foundation in research, and you will form close working relationships with nationally and internationally recognized faculty members.

It is important to note that this program does not lead to licensure in teaching, school counseling, or school psychology.

To apply for the master’s degree program in Educational Psychology, you will need a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution. Other admission requirements include:

Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended.
A personal statement (maximum of 3 pages) describing your purpose for pursuing the degree, qualifications, and long-term career goals.
Three letters of recommendation, preferably with at least two written by faculty members.
A resume or curriculum vitae.

Nova Southeastern University

Online MS in General Psychology

Nova Southeastern University’s M.S. in General Psychology program aims to improve the skills of professionals working in various fields beyond traditional clinical psychology. The program also serves as a stepping stone for students aiming to pursue advanced doctoral programs.

The master’s program requires completing 30 credit hours, divided into 21 core credits and a nine-credit specialization track. The program is entirely online, enabling you to participate from any location with an internet connection, following a schedule that suits you best.

This non-clinical program offers a strong foundation in psychological theories and research. It covers prerequisite courses needed to transition into a doctoral program, allowing you to choose between the Applied Health Science concentration or the General Psychology track.

While the MS in General Psychology provides foundational knowledge for non-clinical careers or preparation for doctoral programs, it does not lead to Florida certification or licensure.

During the program, you will take the following core courses:

Cognitive Psychology
Behavioral Neuroscience
Human Growth and Development
Social Psychology
Individual Evaluation and Assessment
Research Design
Psychological Quantitative Methods

Graduates of this program can use their knowledge in various fields, including law firms, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, clinics, social services, and corporate HR.

To apply for the program, you will need to:

Fill out an online application form.
Pay a non-refundable application fee of $50.
Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Submit official transcripts from all attended schools.
Have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Write a brief explanation (minimum 500 words) detailing your interest in general psychology.
Submit two academic or professional recommendation letters.

Saint Leo University

Online Master’s Degree in Psychology

The 36-credit online Master’s Degree in Psychology at Saint Leo University provides a wide-ranging and general degree, perfect for those who want to further their knowledge and skills in psychological science.

Entirely online, this program uses a cohort model with a focus on student-led discussions, typically offering one course per 8-week term.

You can personalize your degree by selecting one of four concentrations:

General Psychology
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Health Psychology
Teaching of Psychology

The curriculum helps you gain a thorough understanding of human behavior, covering a variety of psychological theories and practices. You will also acquire practical skills in data analysis, research, and teaching through courses on topics such as social, developmental, and physiological psychology.

At Saint Leo University, the emphasis is on ethical decision-making, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for human diversity.

This program equips you for a range of job opportunities in various sectors like business, government, non-profit organizations, military, and education. Potential roles include data analyst, market researcher, program evaluator, research analyst, project manager, human resource analyst, and college-level psychology instructor.

A distinctive aspect of this program is the final capstone project, where you will explore a specific area of interest and engage in research design, analysis, ethical decision-making, and writing. The completed project will be a valuable asset when looking for employment.

Saint Leo University’s online education offers a versatile learning experience with excellent academics, hands-on learning opportunities such as research projects, and the possibility to attend national psychology conferences.

It’s important to note that this online Master’s in Psychology is not a counseling or clinical program and does not prepare students for licensure or include an internship experience.

During the program, you will take various courses related to psychology, including:

History and Systems of Psychology
Advanced Social Psychology
Learning and Cognition
Lifespan Development
Physiological Psychology
Research Methods

Florida International University

Online MS in Psychology: Professional Counseling Psychology

The Master of Science in Psychology at Florida International University, with a focus on Professional Counseling Psychology, is designed to train you to become a skilled therapist, counselor, or consultant, ready for independent, licensed professional practice in counseling and psychotherapy

You can opt for this 60-credit program in a hybrid or entirely online format, both leading to the same Master of Science in Psychology degree.

The online program follows a cohort-based structure, with students taking courses together for eight semesters (around 2 years and 8 months). This approach allows for a well-organized and carefully planned learning experience. You will be able to form connections with your professors, supervisors, and mentors as part of a small, dedicated group of faculty.

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

Advanced Case Conceptualization
Principles & Methods of Psychological Consultation
Developmental Research Methods for Counselors
Applied Lifespan Developmental Psychology

Once you complete the program, you will be qualified to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. The curriculum offers a strong foundation in psychology, along with opportunities to focus on various clinical issues and work with diverse populations.

During the program, you will learn to apply scientific theories, methods, techniques, and evidence-based treatments in order to prevent and address psychological problems, as well as to promote mental health and human development.

You will also have the opportunity to build expertise in a specific area within the counseling psychology field by working with faculty members on independent studies and research projects. You will learn how to use a variety of methods to assess and implement evidence-based treatments that have a meaningful impact.

To complete your training, you will have the opportunity to gain 1,000 hours of hands-on, supervised clinical experience in both on-campus and community-based settings.

Florida Atlantic University

Master’s Degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Psychology

Florida Atlantic University offers a 36-credit online M.Ed. program in Educational Psychology. This program enables you to explore the role of psychology in educational settings, focusing on topics like learning processes, cognitive development, human growth, and various psychological principles. The degree is suitable for a range of educational professionals, such as teachers, administrators, and researchers.

The online format of the master’s program provides flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with your personal life.

The M.Ed. program equips you to apply psychological principles in educational environments and conduct related research. Although it doesn’t result in a specific certification, it enables you to gain expertise in applying psychology to various educational scenarios.

It’s crucial to understand that educational psychology is different from school psychology. While educational psychologists focus on understanding and improving teaching and learning dynamics, school psychologists work directly with schools, helping students, consulting with teacher, school staff, and parents and conducting behavioral interventions.

If you are planning to become a licensed school psychologist in Florida, you will need to continue your education to earn an Education Specialist (EdS) degree in school psychology.

To apply for the M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, you need to:

Submit an online application through the Graduate College.
Provide all official undergraduate transcripts.
Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Submit your GRE scores.

Is an Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology Worth It?

Getting an online master’s degree in clinical psychology can be a smart choice depending on your career aspirations and personal circumstances. A lot of reputable and leading schools now provide online degrees in clinical psychology, which can prepare you for well-paid jobs in mental health counseling, couples and family therapy, and other related fields.

When deciding if an online master’s in clinical psychology is the best option for you, consider these factors:

Job opportunities: A master’s degree in clinical psychology can open up various job prospects in mental health, research, or consulting. However, remember that to become a licensed clinical psychologist, you typically need a doctoral degree (like a Ph.D. or Psy.D.). A master’s degree may allow you to become a licensed professional counselor.
Flexibility: Online classes offer convenience as you can complete your coursework when it suits you best, and from any location with internet access. This can be helpful if work or family commitments make attending traditional on-campus classes difficult.
Accreditation: Make sure the university you select is accredited by a recognized accreditation organization. Accreditation is crucial because it can affect your ability to obtain licensure, transfer credits to another school, or pursue further education.
Networking and support: Sometimes online programs don’t provide as many opportunities for networking with fellow students and professors or discovering job opportunities as on-campus programs. However, many online programs have improved their networking options, either through online platforms or by offering on-campus visit opportunities.

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