20 Most Affordable Master’s in Psychology Online that Don’t Require GRE

Graduate Online Pyschology Programs

Graduate degrees in psychology are popular amongst those with an undergraduate degree in the field, but traditionally, they haven’t been very easy to attain. Just getting into a graduate program has been an arduous process historically. This is changing, though. Increasingly, graduate schools—especially those offering online degree options—are making admission to their programs easier by doing away with the GRE requirement. To help you find a quality, accredited school for your degree program without having to take a standardized test to get in, we’ve ranked 20 of the top great value online master’s in psychology with no GRE requirement.

About Online Master Psychology No GRE Programs

For decades, graduate schools have required applicants to submit GRE—or Graduate Record Examination—scores in order to be considered for admission. The idea was that this standardized test would level the playing field for students from less populous or less affluent areas of the country, giving them a chance to compete against students with impressive transcripts born from opportunity. The GRE requirement is no longer a foregone conclusion, though. More and more graduate schools are waiving the standardized test requirement for incoming applicants.

Many online graduate programs, in particular, are often happy to ditch the GRE requirement for admission so long as applicants hold a bachelor’s degree and can prove a minimum undergraduate GPA. These programs are more lenient in order to attract busy, working professionals who don’t have the time to study for or take a high-stakes standardized test. This leniency isn’t a sign of disrepute, though. As long as the program is accredited to award the degree in question, your credentials are protected.

About the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE assesses a student’s readiness for graduate school by testing his or her skills in three general areas: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. These are the skills that are widely considered among the most crucial for success in a master’s or doctoral program. The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and students can take the test in person at one of the thousands of licensed testing centers across the country. There is a fee of approximately $200 to take the test, but the ETS does offer discounts in certain circumstances. Scores are sent to the schools of your choice approximately two weeks after the test date. Some students take the test multiple times in order to achieve the highest score possible. The ETS allows up to five tests per student per year.

Problems With the GRE

The GRE was established in the 1930s. It has undergone many changes since then, but some critics still don’t think it’s relevant to today’s graduate experience. In fact, many say the test is biased towards white, male students while others think the test fails to predict one’s readiness for graduate school, which is precisely its purpose. The fact that effective GRE test-prep programs are often expensive complicates the issue further, leading many to believe that high scores on the GRE can be bought and paid for.

Among other concerns, these problems with the GRE have led to an increasing number of colleges and universities to make the test optional or eliminate it altogether as an admissions requirement. Still, it’s a common prerequisite for entry into graduate school, especially for more traditional programs.

Recommended Online Psychology Programs

Admissions Requirements for No-GRE Online Master’s in Psychology Programs

Just because the programs in this ranking don’t require GRE scores doesn’t mean they’ll accept just anyone. You’ll still need to meet certain admissions requirements. These will vary slightly from school to school and program to program, but there’s a lot of overlap. As we mentioned, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field and a decent undergraduate grade point average at a very minimum. You may also be asked to submit a personal essay or statement of intent, an application detailing your academic history and any relevant work experience, and possibly even some letters of reference. Some of the more competitive schools may even require you to interview for a spot in their online master’s psychology degree programs. As you can see, these schools are indeed selective; they just measure a candidate’s eligibility by indicators other than the GRE.

Tuition
• Net Price Below $10,000: 4 points
• Net Price Below $15,000: 3 points
• Net Price Below $18,000: 2 points
• Net Price Below $20,000: 1 point
Student to Faculty Ratio
• Less than 20:1: 1 point
• Less than 15: 1: 2 points
• Less than 10: 1: 3 points
Return on Investment (ROI) According to Payscale.com
• Top 500: 1 point
• Top 300: 2 points
• Top 150: 3 points
Flexibility of the Program (asynchronous course delivery, hybrid options, part-time/full-time schedule, etc. ) – 1 point per item
Online Student Support Network (faculty mentors/advisors, etc.)— 1 point per item
Concentrations/Specializations – 1 point per item
Accreditation (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item
“Wow” Factor – 1 point

Ranking the Top Online Master’s in Psychology No GRE Programs
Our initial search for no-GRE master’s in psychology online programs yielded almost forty degree options. To narrow the pool and rank the programs according to quality and affordability, we applied the methodology above. This required data from each program’s website as well as from College Navigator and PayScale. In cases of a tie, the more affordable online master’s psychology no GRE program received the higher ranking.

#10—Touro University-Worldwide

Los Alamitos, California

Online Master of Arts in Psychology

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 7

Touro University-Worldwide’s online master psychology no GRE option features three distinct concentrations: Media Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Health Psychology. The program requires that students complete 36 semester credits, including core courses such as Principles of Consumer Psychology, Developmental Issues Across the Lifespan, Applied Research Methods and Statistics, and Professional Ethics, for instance. Depending on their chosen concentration, students will take additional classes like Foundations of Learning and Cognition, Communication and Persuasion, and Stress and Coping in Health Psychology. The program is accelerated; full-time students can graduate in just one year. Touro University-Worldwide is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission to award this online graduate degree.
Net Price: $21,122

#9—Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Online MS in Psychology

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 28:1
Points: 8

southern-new-hampshire-university

The online master’s psychology no GRE offering from Southern New Hampshire University features three concentration options: Child and Adolescent Development Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. The program is accelerated, enabling students to earn their MS degree in Psychology in as few as 15 months by taking two courses at a time. Sample course titles required for the curriculum include Theories of Personality, Research Methods in Psychology, Cognitive Processes, and Ethical Practice in Psychology. Distance students are paired with an academic and career advisor to help them navigate the program. Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award this master’s in psychology online. U.S. News & World Report has named the school a top regional university in the North and awarded SNHU its top spot for Most Innovative School.
Net Price: $39,638

#8—Pepperdine University

Malibu, California

Online MA in Psychology

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Points: 8

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Pepperdine University offers an online master’s in psychology no GRE program from its Graduate School of Education and Psychology. The program has an accelerated track and can be completed within 18 to 24 months, depending on the student’s course load. The curriculum for the program is mostly prescribed and includes courses such as Interpersonal Skills and Group Therapy, Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology, for instance. Students progress through the program as a cohort, and there are four convenient start dates per year. Coursework can be completed entirely online, and no internship or practicum is required. Pepperdine University is a Christian university and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). U.S. News & World Report has ranked the university among the top 50 national universities in the United States.
Net Price: $36,372

#7—Penn State University-World Campus

University Park, Pennsylvania

Online Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 8

The no GRE online master’s in psychology option from Penn State University-World Campus is a unique Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership. The curriculum for this program is comprised of required courses such as Foundations of Behavior, Motivation, and Attitudes at Work; Psychological Foundations of Leadership, and Ethics and Leadership: Psychological and Social Processes. Enrolled students will also choose from a variety of psychology electives, including Group Leadership and Effective Decision Making, Dysfunctional Leadership, and Psychology of Shared and Collective Leadership. A culminating capstone experience is also required for graduation. Penn State-World Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award this and other online degrees. U.S. News & World Report has named the school a top national university, a best value school, and one of the top 20 public schools in the nation. Many of the school’s online graduate degree programs have also been awarded top ten rankings by the publication.
Net Price: $18,194

#6—George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

Online Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 9

The online master’s psychology degree no GRE program from George Mason University is a fully online Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Offered through the school’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the program requires that students take courses such as Survey of Industrial Psychology, Applied Data Analytics, and Psychological Research Methods. Elective offerings include classes such as Organizational Change and Development, Applied Leadership and Teamwork, and Motivation and Well Being. Course delivery for the program is asynchronous, and students attend classes on a part-time basis. Graduates of the program are qualified for careers in management, training and development, human resources, and more. GMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this degree online. U.S. News & World Report has called the school a top national university and lauded it for its value and innovation.
Net Price: $18,629

#5—Northcentral University

San Diego, California

Online MA in Psychology

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 1:1
Points: 9

Northcentral University

The no GRE master of psychology online offering from Northcentral University features specializations in General Psychology and Gender Diversity Studies. The program is offered through the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and includes core courses such as Theories of Human Development and Functioning; Research Design; and Professional Ethics, Law, and Psychology. Students enrolled in the Gender Diversity Studies specialization will take additional classes like Psychology of Gender, LGBTQ Affirmative Psychology, and Introduction to Gender Variance, for example. Students can complete the 30-credit hour program in just 18 months. Northcentral University is regionally accredited and is an affiliate of the National University System. U.S. News & World Report has ranked some of the school’s online graduate degree programs among the best in the nation.
Net Price: $16,864

#4—Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Online MS in Psychology

Student to Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Points: 9

capella-university

Capella University offers a customizable online master’s degree psychology no GRE program from the Harold Abel School of Psychology. In addition to a general track, the program features specializations in Applied Behavior Analysis, Child and Adolescent Development, Educational Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Sport Psychology. Coursework is offered entirely online, and a self-paced option is available to students with exceptionally busy schedules. Sample course titles required for the program include Learning Theories in Psychology, Cognitive/Affective Psychology, Lifespan Development, and Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this online graduate degree.
Net Price: $15,667

#3—University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Online MA in Forensic Psychology

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 9

The master’s degree in psychology no GRE online option from the University of North Dakota is a part-time program that can be completed within two years. Students enrolled in the program will take courses in Advanced Social Psychology, Psychology and Law, Diversity Psychology, and Behavior Pathology. Graduates of the program are qualified to work in juvenile facilities, community mental health centers, addiction centers, child advocacy centers, social service agencies, and more. The school offers its distance learning students a range of services, including academic advising, library resources, and technology support. The University of North Dakota is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. U.S. News & World Report has named the school a best national university and a top public school. Many of its online degree programs have also received high marks from the publication.
Net Price: $14,478

#2—Medaille College

Buffalo, New York

Online MA Psychology

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Points: 9

The online master psychology online no GRE option from Medaille College is an MA in Psychology with an optional Sports Psychology concentration. The program features an accelerated track, allowing students to complete all degree requirements within just one year. Courses are seven weeks in length, and there are two start dates per year. Graduates of the program are qualified for careers as sports psychologists, psychiatric technicians, public relations representatives, human resource managers, and more. Distance students have access to the Medaille Family Counseling Center, a hub for experiential learning opportunities. Medaille College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to award this online graduate degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the college among the top regional universities in the North.
Net Price: $11,980

#1—Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana

MA in Educational Psychology Online

Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 13

Ball State University’s online master’s in psychology no GRE option is a Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Psychology. Several specialization options are available to students, including Gifted and Talented, Human Development, Neuropsychology, and Applied Behavior Analysis. Alternatively, students can opt to customize their own individualized specialization. The program is accelerated, and full-time and part-time options are available, enabling students to earn their degree within 12-18 months. Core courses required for the degree include Human Learning and Achievement Motivation, Methodology of Educational and Psychological Research, and Statistical Methods in Educational and Psychological Research. Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this and other online degrees. U.S. News & World Report has called the school a top national university and a top public school. The publication has also ranked BSU’s online graduate education programs among the top 50 nationwide.
Net Price: $13,535

Types of Online Master’s in Psychology No GRE Programs

If you’re looking for a no GRE master’s in psychology online, you’re in luck because there are many different types to choose from. Some of your options are listed below:

  • Online Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology
  • Online Master of Science (MS) in Psychology
  • Online Master of Educational Psychology
  • Online Master of Counseling Psychology
  • Online Master of Applied Psychology

These different types of no-GRE online master of psychology programs prepare students for work in various areas of psychology. Some will also provide students with the academic foundation they’ll need for success in a psychology doctoral program. Even degree programs with the same label will vary depending on the college or university offering the degree, so be sure to thoroughly investigate the program’s curriculum and objectives prior to enrollment.

Frequently-Asked Questions About Master of Psychology No GRE Online Programs

Even when the GRE requirement is waived, there are still plenty of hoops to jump through to gain admission into an online master’s degree in psychology program. And that’s not to mention tuition costs or the time and effort you’ll need to devote to your studies. It’s a big commitment and not one to take lightly. You’re bound to have some questions. In the below FAQ section, we’ll attempt to answer some of them. Any other questions you have should be directed to an admissions counselor at the college or university you’re considering applying to.

Q: Are online master psychology no GRE programs credible?

A: Most of them are. Check to ensure that the college or university you’re thinking of attending is accredited to award the graduate degree in psychology, though.

Q: Other than accreditation, what are the indicators of a quality online master’s in psychology degree with no GRE requirement?

A: Another good indicator of a quality online master psychology no GRE program is a curriculum aligned with the standards established by the American Psychological Association (APA). Also look for online student support services such as tutoring and career services, for example.

Q: Can I complete my no-GRE online master’s in psychology degree entirely online?

A: Yes. Most of the online master’s in psychology programs in this ranking can be completed online with no visits to campus required. There are a few programs that require residencies, though, so be sure to double check with an admissions counselor prior to enrollment.

Q: What is the advantage of an online master’s in psychology with no GRE requirement?

A: A master’s in psychology online with no GRE is convenient since you probably already have all of the documentation you need to apply. The GRE can be a headache to study for, and there is a fee to take the test as well.

Q: Can I complete coursework for a no-GRE online master psychology program on a part-time basis?

A: Yes, but it does depend on the program you’re enrolled in. Many distance education programs, including master’s in psychology online programs, offer part-time options for students who work full-time or have other commitments.

Q: How long does it take to complete an online master of psychology no GRE program?

A: The duration of online master’s in psychology programs varies from school to school and program to program, but generally speaking, you can expect to spend two years working towards your degree. Accelerated options do exist that will allow you to earn your degree in as little as a year, however. These accelerated programs will often require a heavier course load, so be sure to factor this in before signing up for a fast track.

No GRE Online Master’s Psychology Concentrations

Many online master’s in psychology no GRE programs emphasize general psychology, but some offer opportunities for graduate students to specialize in a specific area of psychology by selecting a concentration. Some of the concentrations you can expect to see when considering online masters programs in psychology are listed below:

Sports Psychology

The sport psychology concentration enables students to prepare for careers in athletic training, consultancy, coaching, and more. Some sample course titles comprising a specialty in this area include the following:

  • Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury
  • Psychology of Coaching
  • Current Issues in Sport Psychology

Gifted and Talented Education

A no GRE master’s in psychology online degree with a concentration in Gifted and Talented Education prepares graduates to apply their knowledge of educational psychology to the gifted and talented population. The curriculum explores issues in gifted and talented education, including diversity, assessment, social aspects of giftedness, and more. Sample course titles may include:

  • Social and Emotional Components of Giftedness
  • Methods and Materials for the Gifted and Talented
  • Creativity and Cognition

Human Development

The human development concentration is available in a variety of no-GRE master’s in psychology online programs, including the MA in Psychology and the Master’s in Educational Psychology. This specialty area focuses on a person’s growth and development across the lifespan and how it affects specific areas of their lives, both cognitively and behaviorally. Courses comprising the concentration in human development may include:

  • Life Span Development Psychology
  • Developmental Psychopathology
  • Gender Identity and Development

Neuropsychology                                                

An online master’s in psychology with a concentration in neuropsychology emphasizes the complex relationship between one’s brain and one’s behavior. Students learn how to treat and counsel individuals with a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Coursework could include the following classes:

  • Sensation and Perception
  • Adult Neuropsychological Assessment
  • Cognitive Rehabilitation

Applied Behavior Analysis

A popular specialty within online masters of educational psychology programs, the applied behavior analysis prepares graduates to work as behavior analysts in educational and therapeutic settings. Sample courses one may expect to take when enrolled in this concentration include the following:

  • Principles of Learning and Behavior
  • Professional Ethics in Behavior Analysis
  • Psychotherapeutic Interventions

Career Questions About Online Psychology Master’s Programs

What’s more exciting than completing an online master’s in psychology without a GRE requirement? Finding a rewarding, lucrative job with those shiny new credentials, that’s what! You probably have questions about exactly what that position might be, though, as well as what your responsibilities will be and how much money you’ll make. Below, we’ve listed some frequently asked questions about careers related to online master’s degrees in psychology in order to help you find the answers you need.

Q: What can I do with a no GRE online master’s in psychology?

A: Although a doctorate is required for most clinical psychology positions, there are many other career options for graduates of online master’s in psychology programs. Some of these include: marriage and family therapist, school and career counselor, school psychologist, industrial-organizational psychologist, mental health counselor, substance abuse and rehabilitation counselor, behavior analyst, and more.

Q: Are jobs in demand for professionals with a master’s degree in psychology?

A: Yes! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in the field of psychology are growing faster than average. This is likely because of the increased societal awareness of the need for mental health services, especially for certain populations like school-aged children and those at risk for substance abuse.

Q: How much will I make with an online master’s psychology degree?

A: The salary you can expect to make after graduation from a master’s in psychology online program will vary based on several different factors, including the type of graduate degree in psychology that you earn, the employer who hires you, and your exact job duties, for example. Even so, you can get a rough idea of your anticipated wages by considering the average salaries for occupations available to those with an online master psychology degree. We’ve listed some of these occupations below alongside their mean annual wages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

  • Industrial-Organizational Psychologists: $87,100
  • School Psychologists: $75,090
  • Marriage and Family Therapists: $48,790
  • School and Career Counselors: $55,410
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselors: $43,300

Q: What professional organizations should graduates of online psychology master’s degree programs join?

A: Yes. The largest and most popular organizations for professionals in the field is the American Psychological Association (APA), but there are others as well. Some of these are listed below:

  • American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Association for Behavior Analysis
  • National Association of School Psychologists
  • Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Q: How can joining a professional organization help my career in psychology?

A: Joining a professional organization or association can provide you with many opportunities that will benefit you professionally. These opportunities include professional resources, advocacy, networking opportunities, and more.

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