M.S. in Psychology
32
Credit Hours
16
Month Completion
Class Type
Placement Tests
GMAT/GRE not required for admission

Put your passion for mental well-being to work with an online master’s in psychology

You have the empathy to help others and the enthusiasm to understand human behavior. Add to your expertise, broaden your career options or prepare for doctoral studies with an online master’s in psychology. Franklin’s 16-month  M.S. in Psychology is an advanced degree that elevates your passion for helping people and your desire for career advancement. Whether you want to advocate for mental health, teach undergraduate psychology, or apply psychological insights to effect change, this is the online psychology master’s to help you do it.

Program Availability

On Site


Program Begins Fall 2025
 

100% Online Classes

Take classes that fit with your busy life.

Broad Curriculum

Explore your passions and align your career goals.

Real-World Experience

Apply what you learn with an optional hands-on practicum.

Research & Analytical Skills

Learn to design, conduct and analyze research.

Aspiring Ph.D. or Psy.D.?

Better prepare yourself to earn a doctorate.  

Finish Faster

Earn your master’s in psychology in as few as 16 months.

Master's in Psychology Program Overview

Gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and therapeutic techniques

Prioritizing mental health and well-being is good for everyone. When people are supported in their communities – workplaces, schools, hospitals, criminal justice systems, government agencies and nonprofit organizations – they tend to be more focused, motivated and productive.* As organizations continue to champion mental health and expand their avenues of support, more qualified professionals will be needed to guide wellness cultures, objectives and practices.

With Franklin University’s M.S. in Psychology degree, you’ll gain expertise across the discipline, including understanding research methodologies, applying psychological theories, and advocating for mental health and workplace well-being. And, if you decide to pursue your Ph.D. or PsyD., Franklin’s master’s in psychology degree provides much-needed research experience, as well as a deeper understanding of the field.

*Source information provided by the World Health Organization

Finish your online master’s in psychology in as few as 16 months

Prepare for your next career move in as few as 16 months with Franklin’s master’s in psychology degree program. With flexible, 100% online instruction from real-world practitioners and a broad-based curriculum, you’ll earn a degree you can align with your passions. Choose from a practicum that lets you gain real-world psychological experience or a capstone research project that takes you from hypothesis to conclusion.

Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless admission process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family and life.

Apply what you learn to benefit a real-world organization or community

Making a difference matters to you. It also matters to us. That’s why we designed Franklin University’s online psychology master’s to be different from many other master’s in psychology programs.

Our M.S. in Psychology lets you choose an integrative practicum experience, allowing you to showcase what you’ve learned by applying your knowledge and skills in a professional setting.

This hands-on experience is intended to develop your practical and tactical skills, as well as deepen your understanding of psychological concepts. More importantly, our master’s in psychology practicum gives you a real-world opportunity to make an impact on an organization you value and a community you care about.

Cultivate strong, evidence-based research skills

Effective and ethical mental health advocacy starts with effective and ethical research. Throughout Franklin’s online master’s in psychology program, you’ll get firsthand experience with qualitative and quantitative research designs, measurements and methodologies. 

As you complete your courses, you’ll deepen your understanding of the factors contributing to mental health issues. You’ll also dig into current mental health statistics, explore data types, data collection and statistical research inquiry, and conduct original research on a topic of interest.

As you enhance your understanding of social and cognitive psychology research, you’ll develop in-demand knowledge and skills, enabling you to identify emerging mental health issues, advocate for effective treatments, and promote empowering, data-driven solutions.

Prepare for the doctoral experience

Franklin’s M.S. in Psychology degree is more than a master’s in psychology; it’s a foundational learning and experiential opportunity designed to better prepare you to earn a doctorate (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) and qualify for licensure.

In addition to providing an in-depth examination of the discipline, Franklin’s online psychology master’s will introduce you to cornerstone theories, psychological concepts, research methods, assessment tools, and ethical practices and principles you can apply in your current career and in your doctoral studies. You’ll also learn alongside current doctoral students in a variety of disciplines creating a great opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and networking.

Invest in a meaningful and impactful career path

Although psychology, well-being and mental health advocacy has risen to greater prominence in the last decade, the long-term ramifications of a global pandemic, cultural shifts and changing society norms have yet to be seen.

Enter the next generation of heroes: professional mental health advocates, evidence-based researchers and empowerment coaches. Which is why our M.S. in Psychology is designed not only for the psychology and mental health advocacy field of today, but also tomorrow.

Franklin's online psychology master’s curriculum meets the highest professional standards for psychologically informed professionals preparing for new or advanced career positions, such as community mental health advocate, health project coordinator, mental health case manager, mental wellness coach, human resources specialist, psychological research assistant and psychology adjunct faculty.

And with many of these jobs projected to grow by double digits -- 11% for HR specialist, 14% for social science research assistants, 15% for social and human services assistants and 18% for coaches* – you’ll be well prepared for an exciting and innovative career upon graduation.

*Source information provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI)

Read more >

Your Best Value M.S. in Psychology

Choose Franklin's M.S. in Psychology and get a high-quality degree that fits your life and your budget.  

Finish Fast

16
MONTHS TO COMPLETE

Realize your career goals sooner and reap the benefits.

Affordable Tuition

$670
PER CREDIT HOUR

Affordable tuition rates for the M.S. in Psychology provide value and quality.

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Search below to see if you could save tuition through an employer or professional organization partnership.

$21,440
Total Tuition
(After Partner Discount)

Highly Recommended

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

98%
STUDENT SATISFACTION

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

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Inflation-proof your degree cost by locking-in your tuition rate from day one through graduation.

Instructor Led

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Curriculum & Course Descriptions

32 Semester Hours
Major Area Required
PSYC 701 - Social Psychology (3)

This course offers an in-depth exploration of advanced theories, methods, and academic research in social psychology. Students will examine the psychological influences of individuals, groups, and situations on contemporary societal problems. Topics will include, but are not limited to, 1) social cognition, 2) attitude structure and change, 3) social influence, 4) relationships, 5) group/team dynamics, 6) prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination, 7) social identity, and 8) health, stress, and coping. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the social processes that shape human behavior and interaction.

PSYC 702 - Cognitive Psychology (3)

This course offers an in-depth exploration of advanced theories, methods, and academic research that contribute to our understanding of cognition. The course emphasizes the application of cognitive principles to real-world scenarios. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, 1) cognitive processes, 2) cognitive neuroscience, 3) learning and knowledge representation, 4) social cognition, 5) cognitive development, 6) intelligence, and 7) memory. Students will gain an understanding of the intricacies of cognitive processes and explore the latest developments in the field.

PSYC 703 - Developmental Psychology (3)

This course offers an in-depth exploration of advanced theories, methods, and academic research that contribute to our understanding of human growth and development. Throughout this course students will explore the biological, cognitive, cultural, environmental, and social factors that affect human development throughout the lifespan. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, 1) the foundations of developmental science, 2) neuroscience, perceptual, cognitive and language development, and 3) personality and the social contexts of development. Students will gain an understanding of how individuals grow, change, and evolve across the stages of life.

PSYC 770 - Psychopathology (3)

This course explores the complex and nuanced aspects of psychopathology, with a focus on the understanding, assessment, and treatment of psychological disorders. Throughout this course students will examine advanced theories, methods, and academic research that contribute to our understanding of psychological disorders. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, 1) the foundations of psychopathology, 2) major clinical syndromes 3) personality disorders, and 4) contemporary criticisms of the diagnostic criteria. Students will gain an understanding of how psychological disorders can impact human functioning.

MATH 8070 - Statistical Reasoning and Interpretation (2)

This course will introduce students to the concepts underlying basic data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Core topics include descriptive statistics, selection and operationalization of variables, scales of measurement, data types, sampling techniques, and means of collecting data. Using a current statistical analysis program, students will learn to describe data sets using measures of dispersion and relative position, to compute probability of occurrence of events, to compute measures of relationship, and to convey and interpret results of various analyses in written form.

MATH 8090 - Statistical Techniques for Research Inquiry (3)

This course will emphasize the alignment of statistical procedures with research methods, including selection and application of appropriate statistical analyses given a data set and a problem statement, including comparison tests, tests of prediction/relationships, and tests of predicting group membership. Moreover, students will develop skills of data set manipulation, including ?cleaning and screening? data, and assessing conditions in order to choose between parametric and non-parametric tests. Additional emphasis will be placed upon conveying and interpreting results of analyses in written form.

HCM 742 - Healthcare Laws and Ethics (4)

In this course students will develop a strong foundation in health law, enabling them to deal with the common legal, practical, moral, and ethical issues that healthcare organizations face on a daily basis. Topics will include statutory law, rules and regulations, tort law, criminal law, contract law, civil procedures, and trial procedure.

PSYC 775 - Psychological Measurement and Assessment (3)

Emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical skills, this course explores the use of psychological measurement and assessment. Students will become acquainted with various psychological instruments including their selection, construction, and administration. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, 1) the tools of psychological measurement, 2) reliability and validity, 3) theories and applications of measurement techniques, and 4) ethical, cultural, and professional considerations. Throughout this course students will gain experience with the interpretation and delivery of assessment results, as well as the translation into psychological interventions.

PSYC 780 - Individual and Group Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)

This course introduces students to individual and group theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Throughout this course students will learn to utilize foundational theoretical concepts, therapeutic techniques, and practical applications in order to achieve a successful therapeutic outcome for the clients. The course aims to develop critical thinking skills and enhance students? ability to apply diverse therapeutic approaches in both individual and group clinical settings.

AND

MTHD 8003 - Introduction to Qualitative Methods (2)

This course provides a comprehensive overview of qualitative research designs and methods. Students engage in hands-on exploration of qualitative data collection techniques, such as observations and open-ended surveys, and practice foundational data analysis methods. They also delve into key concepts, including sampling design, validity, reliability, and researcher bias. By the end of the course, students will understand how components of a qualitative research design fit together, equipping them with essential tools and insights for advanced coursework and dissertation research.

OR MTHD 8004 - Introduction to Quantitative Methods & Research Design (2)

Through this course, students will gain an overview of quantitative research designs and methods, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs. The course will also introduce students to quantitative sampling techniques, data collection approaches, and data analysis. Students will also engage in practical hands-on experience with formulating a research question or hypotheses, discussing important ethical issues, designing sampling methods, collecting data, and analyzing data. They will learn how to examine validity and reliability issues and will be introduced to available software for conducting quantitative design. At the end of this course, students will be introduced to the research proposal to get a start on the guidelines required for their dissertation proposal.

AND

PSYC 790 - Psychology Capstone (3)

This course offers a culminating, integrative experience for all M.S. Psychology majors. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their mastery of the learning outcomes associated with the major. Students will self-select a capstone research project that can be completed within the duration of the course which will demonstrate evidence of their subject matter learning, as well as benefit a participating organization and the community.

OR PSYC 795 - Psychology Practicum (3)

This course offers a culminating, integrative experience for all M.S. Psychology majors. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their mastery of the learning outcomes associated with the major. Students will self-select a practicum experience that can be completed within the duration of the course which will demonstrate evidence of their subject matter learning, as well as benefit a participating organization and the community.

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M.S. in Psychology Program Details

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Employment Outlook

11%

From 2023-2033, jobs in Psychology are expected to increase by 11%

Occupation Median Salary (2023) Job Postings (2023) Projected Growth (2023-2033)
Occupation
Human Resources Managers $136,344 195,533 11%
Human Resources Managers
Median Salary: $136,344
Job Postings: 195,533
Projected Growth: 11%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Human Resources Managers plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Human Resources Managers63,25432%
Human Resources Business Partners54,58528%
Directors of Human Resources31,31316%
Directors of Diversity and Inclusion7,0614%
Talent Acquisition Managers4,7212%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Employee Relations45,27131%
Performance Management34,61124%
Human Resources Information System (HRIS)24,06116%
Talent Management23,96016%
Project Management22,92716%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Management of Companies and Enterprises13%
Federal Government, Military6%
Employment Services5%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services5%
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services4%
Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals4%
Other65%
Postsecondary Teachers $83,637 105,818 11%
Postsecondary Teachers
Median Salary: $83,637
Job Postings: 105,818
Projected Growth: 11%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Postsecondary Teachers aggregate category equivalent to SOC group 25-1000. Teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in their specialized field of study. Include both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of both teaching and research. Alternate titles: College Professor.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Adjunct Faculties20,60720%
Adjunct Instructors7,0397%
Assistant Professors10,88310%
Assistant/Associate Professors6,6426%
Nursing Faculties8,0618%
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SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Curriculum Development26,98012%
Nursing21,39010%
Pedagogy15,4737%
Learning Management Systems14,7247%
Biology13,5246%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Education and Hospitals (State Government)44%
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools36%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)15%
Technical and Trade Schools3%
Junior Colleges1%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals1%
Other2%
Social and Community Service Managers $77,022 33,766 14%
Social and Community Service Managers
Median Salary: $77,022
Job Postings: 33,766
Projected Growth: 14%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Social and Community Service Managers plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization’s budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Directors of Social Services13,09839%
Program Managers3,0979%
Group Home Managers2,5558%
Life Enrichment Managers1,7895%
Hourly Managers1,5575%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Social Work13,90426%
Human Services6,42812%
Marketing6,30212%
Psychology5,32410%
Case Management5,31610%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Individual and Family Services31%
Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals10%
State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals7%
Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities7%
Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services7%
Social Advocacy Organizations5%
Other35%
Human Resources Specialists $67,662 277,609 11%
Human Resources Specialists
Median Salary: $67,662
Job Postings: 277,609
Projected Growth: 11%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Human Resources Specialists recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Human Resources Generalists90,49833%
Recruiters38,62914%
Human Resources Specialists24,5559%
Talent Acquisition Specialists16,4346%
Human Resources Coordinators17,0476%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Human Resources Information System (HRIS)45,92117%
Applicant Tracking Systems34,80013%
Employee Relations31,78712%
Auditing27,40310%
Full-Cycle Recruitment22,6909%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Employment Services15%
Management of Companies and Enterprises6%
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services5%
Federal Government, Civilian4%
Federal Government, Military4%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services4%
Other62%
Social Science Research Assistants $56,389 275 9%
Social Science Research Assistants
Median Salary: $56,389
Job Postings: 275
Projected Growth: 9%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Social Science Research Assistants assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Social Science Research Assistants10237%
Political Science Research Assistants207%
Assistant Professors of Anthropology3914%
Anthropologists2710%
Social Scientists104%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Social Sciences7850%
Anthropology5032%
Political Sciences3724%
Statistics3623%
Data Collection2818%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Education and Hospitals (State Government)36%
Scientific Research and Development Services30%
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools13%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals4%
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services4%
Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services3%
Other10%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Human Resources Assistants35,37231%
Human Resources Coordinators26,33123%
Human Resources Administrators8,2207%
Recruiting Coordinators7,8327%
Human Resources Administrative Assistants8,1847%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Administrative Support14,88019%
Human Resources Information System (HRIS)14,79219%
Auditing10,96014%
Data Entry9,79912%
Employee Relations7,0819%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Federal Government, Civilian9%
Management of Companies and Enterprises8%
Employment Services8%
Federal Government, Military6%
Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals5%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)4%
Other61%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Rehabilitation Counselors counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors3,85039%
Rehabilitation Counselors2,45225%
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists1,00910%
Vocational Specialists4044%
Vocational Evaluators3574%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Rehabilitation3,49762%
Vocational Rehabilitation2,99253%
Psychology2,59946%
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling2,36342%
Rehabilitation Counseling2,34342%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Vocational Rehabilitation Services35%
State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals16%
Individual and Family Services12%
Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities12%
Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals6%
Outpatient Care Centers3%
Other16%
Show More

Employment outlook data is provided by Lightcast and represents labor market trends in the United States. It is not specific to Franklin University graduates or any particular degree level. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

M.S. in Psychology Knowledge & Skillsets

Gain in-demand skills sought by employers with curriculum that teaches you:

M.S. in Psychology or M.S. in Business Psychology?

Find the Master's Program That Fits Your Goals

If you’re interested in advancing your career, Franklin has several great options. The best fit for you depends on your interests and goals. Compare programs and identify your perfect match.

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M.S. in Psychology
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M.S. in Business Psychology

Focus: 
Learn to better understand human behavior, hone your research skills, and/or prepare for specialized doctoral-level study.
 
Skills:
Blend theory, research and practical skills to create a knowledge base that is comprehensive and versatile. 
 
Careers: 
Leverage an M.S. in Psychology to pursue a career in mental health and wellness advocacy or research.
 
How many courses are in the program?
11 courses (mix of 6 and 12-week courses)
 
How quickly can I complete the program?
16 months

Focus: 
Take a qualitative approach to advanced business concepts by applying neuroscience and psychology research. 
 
Skills:
Leverage psychology and neuroscience to motivate behavior and resolve workplace challenges.
 
Careers: 
Use your M.S. in Business Psychology to bring out the best in individuals and teams.
 
How many courses are in the program?
Nine 6-week courses
 
How quickly can I complete the program?
14 months

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Master's in Psychology Frequently Asked Questions

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