For those persons interested in a career in mental health, school and community work, social services, or health care, a Master of Psychology degree can open many doors. This degree will equip students to evaluate human behavior and apply theory to life experience in order to help individuals, groups, and communities. It can also be an excellent preparation for doctoral work in the field of Psychology. Below is a list of the schools that offer a master’s degree in General Psychology taking solely cost into consideration — these are the cheapest online master’s degrees in psychology out there. Some are Master of Arts degrees and others are Master of Science. Program tuition does not include fees, so please check with the school for a list of comprehensive costs. Our data was taken directly from the university websites.
#1. American Public University
The American Public University System was founded as a military university but has since expanded to include students from all walks of life. They offer a
Master of Arts in Psychology that requires 39 credit hours for completion. Students in this program will study theories and research methods, psychological testing, human development, cultural and social issues, personality development, and substance abuse and addiction. Persons who earn this degree will be prepared for doctoral work or other graduate studies in the field of Psychology. They will be able to evaluate trends within the field, construct research proposals, critique scholarly resources, and apply the ethical principles of the American Psychological Association. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in Psychology or in another field having taken required core coursework.
Accreditation: American Public University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $13,650
#2. Indiana Institute of Technology
With an enrollment of 7,500 students, Indiana Institute of Technology has several regional campuses with a main campus located in Fort Wayne. Their
Master of Science in Psychology equips its students to work in businesses, hospitals, human service organizations, colleges and universities, and mental health/social service agencies. This 33 credit-hour program was created for persons who are seeking career promotions, a broader scope of employment opportunities, or preparation for doctoral work. Students completing this degree will participate in coursework that includes writing in psychology, multicultural psychology, lifespan development, counseling theory, psychopathology, and legal and ethical issues in psychology. Upon completion, they will be able to compare and contrast psychological theories and principles, examine the impact of thoughts and behaviors on the self and others, practice ethical guidelines, display effective writing skills, and respect diversity and difference. This degree does not currently lead to licensure for independent psychology practice.
Accreditation: Indiana Institute of Technology is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $16,335
#3. Grand Canyon University
A private Christian university, Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, Arizona. They offer a Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in General 
Psychology that requires 36 credits for completion. This is a non-thesis program that can be applicable to a broad range of fields and career paths, including work in behavioral health, social services, and mental health — though additional certification or licensure may be required. Students pursuing this degree will deepen their knowledge of human development, learning cognition, and research methods. Core coursework includes contemporary and ethical issues in psychology, social and cultural psychology, human development, health psychology, and psychopathology. This degree program is aligned with the standards set by the American Psychological Association. The GRE or GMAT are required if applicants do not meet the undergraduate GPA requirement of 2.8.
Accreditation: Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $18,000
#4. Azusa Pacific University
Located just northeast of Los Angeles, Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian institution with an enrollment of approximately 9,000 
students. They offer a Master of Arts in Psychology with emphasis in General Psychology that requires 36 credit hours for completion. Students in this program take 12 classes, each for eight weeks. Coursework consists of research and evaluation methods, tests and assessment, and professional and ethical issues, along with several choices to fulfill the General Psychology course criteria. Persons who attain this degree will be prepared for work in mental health agencies, schools, correctional facilities, or to pursue doctoral education. There is no GRE required for admission, but applicants must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Accreditation: Azusa Pacific University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $21,600
#5. California Southern University
California Southern University is a private institution that offers all of its undergraduate and graduate programs completely online, and has been 
operating since 1978. They have both Master of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Psychology degrees that require 62 and 42 credit hours, respectively. The Master of Arts program is designed for persons interested in marriage and family therapy or clinical counseling, and satisfies the educational requirements for licensure as a MFT or LPCC in the state of California. The Master of Science program is not a licensure-track program and has several choices for areas of focus, including General Psychology. CSU hopes that its students will become proficient in communication, critical thinking, cultural and social understanding, information literacy, personal development, quantitative reasoning, and ethical issues, among other learning outcomes. Both programs require core coursework in counseling theories and strategies, theories of human developments and functioning, psychopathology, human sexuality, and group psychology. Students in the MA program are required to complete a practicum. No GRE/GMAT required for admission.
Accreditation: California Southern University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $21,700 MA/$14,700 MS
#6. LeTourneau University
A private Christian university located in Longview, Texas, LeT
ourneau enrolls roughly 2800 students. Their Master of Arts in Psychology is a non-licensure program designed for counseling ministries for those persons needing the skills of a counselor but not interested in professional licensure. This degree requires 36 credit hours for completion. Coursework for this program includes counseling skills and techniques, lifespan human development, healthy family functioning, and group counseling methods. The GRE is not required for admission into this program.
Accreditation: LeTourneau University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $22,140
#7. Walden University
Walden University is a private institution offering online-only undergraduate and graduate programs. Their Master of Science in 
Psychology with specialization in General Psychology degree can be completed in as little as 15 months. This specialization is for those hoping to study psychology fundamentals as well as social, cultural, and cognitive aspects of human behavior. Walden hopes that this program will prepare its students to apply psychological concepts to real-world situations, conduct basic research, think critically about theory, and be prepared for further study if desired. Persons pursuing this degree will complete 11-week courses in social psychology, lifespan development, research theory and methods, culture and psychology, and quantitative reasoning. Students will be prepared for work in academic, healthcare, and research organizations, businesses and communities, or for doctoral work. This program is open to students of all undergraduate backgrounds.
Accreditation: Walden University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $22,950
#8. Capella University
An online institution with over 38,000 students, Capella University offers over 50 degree program options. Their Master of Science in 
Psychology with General Psychology specialization requires 50 credit hours for completion. Students in this program will deepen their knowledge of psychology principles, research methodologies, and theories, learning how to incorporate psychology into daily life. Persons who complete this degree will be prepared for professional positions in social services, schools and communities, businesses, and health care. Core coursework includes tests and measurements, inferential statistics, research methods, lifespan development, learning theories in psychology, and ethics and multicultural issues. Students will also complete an integrative capstone project. GRE/GMAT not required for admission.
Accreditation: Capella University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $24,250
#9. Kaplan University
Kaplan University offers primarily distance degree programs, serving over 38,000 students, the majority of whom are adults with families or persons 
working full-time jobs. They offer a Master of Science in Psychology with concentration in General Psychology that blends traditional academic psychology with contemporary scientific applications. This program was designed to help students apply psychological theories to professional environments, evaluate psychological theories and concepts, and discern ethical and legal implications within the field. Students will complete 64 hours of coursework, including applied statistics, research methods, testing and measurement, and lifespan development. Persons pursuing this degree choose between a thesis or comprehensive exam as the culmination of the program. No GRE/GMAT required for admission.
Accreditation: Kaplan University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $25,025
