10 Best Psychology Masters Programs in the U.S. (2025)

Psychology is a complex field, and to work as a psychologist you'll need special training. This is typically offered as a doctorate degree, but some master's programs are available.

Keep reading to discover the top ten psychology master's programs in the United States.

Top Psychology Master's Programs in the United States

While master's programs in psychology aren't as common as doctoral programs, there are a few colleges and universities in the United States that offer master's degrees in psychology.

Below, we've listed our top picks for psychology master's programs in the United States in alphabetical order.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, Arizona. It offers multiple master's degrees in psychology both on campus and online.

The general Master of Science in psychology is offered at the West Valley campus or online. Students can take electives in many areas, like cognitive psychology and social psychology.

Other psychology master's programs offered by ASU include:

• addiction psychology
• forensic psychology
• positive psychology
• political psychology

2. Boston University

Boston University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. It offers a Master of Arts in psychology through its Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

This is a rigorous, one-year program that provides the flexibility to pursue a variety of areas in psychology, building on a common foundation of scientific methodologies.

The program is ideal for students who wish to strengthen their understanding of research methodology and clarify their field of interest in preparation for employment or a Ph.D. program.

3. New York University

New York University is a private research university in New York City. It offers a Master of Arts in psychology through its College of Arts and Sciences.

Students in this program can, but are not required to, choose an area of focus. These include:

• clinical psychology
• cognition/perception and neuroscience
• forensic psychology
• social psychology

Students also have a choice as to how to complete their program: either a thesis project or a comprehensive exam.

4. Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University is a public research university on Long Island, New York. It's part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and offers a Master of Arts in psychology.

This is a one-year program that provides an advanced education preparing students for a career in psychology or a psychology doctorate.

While this is a general psychology program, students can choose elective courses in areas like clinical psychology, developmental psychology, and social and health psychology.

5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university in Illinois. It's the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system and offers a Master of Science in psychological sciences.

This program offers research experience as well as advanced courses in experimental techniques and professional development.

The university also offers a Master of Science in psychology to students as they complete their Ph.D. in psychology.

6. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public research university in Lafayette, Louisiana. It offers a Master of Science in psychology through its College of Liberal Arts.

This program provides foundational training in the science of psychology and prepares students for entry into a doctoral program in psychology.

The program also provides the flexibility to design a sequence of coursework best suited to a particular area of interest, like assessment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychopathology.

7. University of Maryland

University of Maryland is a public research university in College Park, Maryland. It offers two master's degrees in psychology through its Department of Psychology.

The first is a Master of Professional Studies in clinical psychological sciences, which provides rigorous training that includes coursework in assessment, research, and critical thinking.

A master's in industrial organizational psychology is also available. This program gives students a comprehensive understanding of the field of industrial organizational psychology.

8. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles, California. It offers a Master of Science in applied psychology through its Dornsife School of Letters, Arts, and Sciences.

This program teaches students psychological principles and research methods at the intersection of theory, research, and practice. It can be taken on campus or online.

Students in the Ph.D. program can also earn a master's in psychology as they work toward their Ph.D.

9. University of Washington

The University of Washington is a public research university in Seattle, Washington. It offers a Master of Arts in applied child and adolescent psychology.

This program focuses specifically on prevention and treatment and gives students the specialized skills needed to provide mental health services to children and teens in a variety of settings.

Students also get clinical experience in real-world therapeutic settings with children and adolescents.

10. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public research university in Madison, Wisconsin. It's the flagship university of the University of Wisconsin system and offers a Master of Science in psychology.

The program prepares students for a variety of professional careers in academic, clinical, research, and other settings.

Students receive both extensive academic training in general psychology and intensive research training in their area of concentration.

FAQs About Psychology Master's Programs in the United States

Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about psychology master's programs in the United States.

Can I Earn a Master's in Psychology Online?

Many master's programs in psychology, including several listed above, are available online.

How Long Are Master's in Psychology Programs?

Most psychology master's programs take two years to complete, but some can be completed in as little as one year.

What Can I Do with a Master's Degree in Psychology?

Many states require a doctoral degree to work as a clinical psychologist, but a master's degree can prepare you for roles in mental health counseling, family therapy, and psychology research.

Find Top Psychology Master's Programs in the United States

Though master's programs in psychology aren't particularly common, there are still a handful of excellent colleges and universities with these programs.

Check out our top picks listed above to find the perfect psychology master's program for you today!