SubscribeSubscribe Now
  • Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
We have independently evaluated the products and services below. We may earn affiliate revenue from links in the content.
Right Arrow Button IconLeft Arrow Button Iconeducation
Right Arrow Button IconLeft Arrow Button IconHealth and Wellness
Right Arrow Button IconWhat top online psychology master’s programs are looking for

What top online psychology master’s programs are looking for in applicants

By
Sydney LakeSydney Lake
Sydney LakeSydney Lake
and
Jasmine SuarezJasmine Suarez
Jasmine SuarezJasmine Suarez
By
Sydney LakeSydney Lake
Sydney LakeSydney Lake
and
Jasmine SuarezJasmine Suarez
Jasmine SuarezJasmine Suarez
May 25, 2022 at 5:19 PM UTC
Students studying on the campus of Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., as seen in November 2019. (Photo by: Robert Knopes—Universal Images Group/Getty Images)
Students studying on the campus of Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., as seen in November 2019. (Photo by: Robert Knopes—Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

The pandemic took a toll not only on the economy, people’s physical health, and resources—but also took a major hit to the population’s mental health. In fact, the number of psychologists who reported receiving more referrals in 2021 almost doubled to 62% from 2020, according to research from the American Psychological Association.

“As more people seek treatment for mental health conditions, the demands on psychological practitioners have increased,” Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association said in an October 2021 study. “Like many other health care providers, psychologists are feeling the pressure.”

Advertisement

Pepperdine's Online MAP

Earn a Psychology Master's Online. No GRE Req'd.

Earn Your Master's in Psychology online from Pepperdine in as few as 18 months. Bachelor's degree required.

Learn More
Pepperdine's Online MAP
Learn More

To match that demand, students can earn a master’s degree in psychology online—and even at some of the nation’s top schools. These programs don’t necessarily expect that candidates earned an undergraduate degree in psychology, but students need to prove their intentions to pursue a career in the field after graduation. 

“We’re more interested in what you’re looking to do and why you think this degree is a good fit—and why online learning might be a good fit for you,” Karen Magner, manager of admissions and enrollment for Pepperdine University’s online master’s in psychology program, tells Fortune.

For candidates interested in studying psychology at a graduate level from a top-ranked online master’s degree program in psychology, Fortune spoke with both Pepperdine University and New York University to find out what it takes to get into their programs. 

Admissions to psychology programs is about more than grades, test scores

Representatives from both programs say that they evaluate candidates holistically, meaning that while a student’s transcript is considered it’s not the only grounds for admission. In fact, neither NYU nor Pepperdine require a GRE score to apply to their online master’s in psychology programs.

However, candidates should have at least some psychology coursework under their belt in order to apply, recommends Frandelia Moore, director of NYU’s master’s in counseling for mental health and wellness.

“My suggestion would be to take at least one psychology-related class,” she says. “You want to make sure that this is something for you.”

An application should also illustrate that the candidate is a strong fit for an online program, adds Magner. This means applicants should exhibit that they’re self-directive and have the ability to focus on the program in a home setting. Some of Pepperdine’s classes are held live, while others are recorded for students to watch on their own time.

Students should have at least some direct psychology experience

It’s not enough to have just studied psychology or have an interest in a future career in the field to get into one of the top programs. Both Pepperdine and NYU are seeking candidates who have had some experience either counseling or mentoring others to be admitted to their programs.

While psychology is a helping profession, it’s more than that, Moore says. 

“It’s a journey of figuring out your own identity, your own biases—figuring out your own positioning in the room with your clients,” she says. “So we’re looking for students who have that insight and want to grow and develop in the program, and in turn help communities.”

Direct experience can include anything from mentoring at a summer camp to nannying to working for a social justice organization. Pepperdine especially values diversity in candidates—both in what they’ve studied and the life experiences they’ve had. The school wants its candidate profile to match that of the population it serves after graduation.

“We really look at folks that have life experience and have had a trajectory [that] through volunteer service, work, things like that, they’ve dedicated themselves beyond just studying psychology,” Magner says. 

Candidates can illustrate these past experiences through their statement of purpose and letters of recommendation for both schools. Both schools seek two recommendation letters: one academic and one from a work setting. 

Show genuine interest in a career in psychology

Earning a master’s degree in psychology isn’t just an academic journey—it’s a personal journey, Moore says. For candidates who have not been through their own psychological counseling experiences, she suggests they give it a try before applying.

Once students have had the experience of seeing a therapist, they’ll have more insight into what they’re looking to do in their own psychology career, she says. Plus, it serves as a gut check that this is the career for you.

“Engage in your own personal therapy, your own counseling,” she says. “It’s also very important for you to see what it’s like on the other side—in the client seat.”

See how the schools you’re considering landed in Fortune’s rankings of the best master’s in psychology programs, public health programs, business analytics programs, data science programs, and part-time, executive, full-time, and online MBA programs.

About the Contributors

Sydney Lake
By Sydney LakeAssociate Editor
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Sydney Lake is an associate editor at Fortune, where she writes and edits news for the publication's global news desk.

See full bio
Jasmine Suarez
Reviewed By Jasmine SuarezSenior Staff Editor
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Jasmine Suarez was a senior editor at Fortune where she leads coverage for careers, education and finance. In the past, she’s worked for Business Insider, Adweek, Red Ventures, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and more. 

See full bio

Top Articles

alt text
10 free data analytics courses you can take onlineByRich GrisetApril 18, 2024
alt text
2024 real estate school review: AceableAgentByPreston ForeJune 24, 2024
alt text
Is coding difficult to learn? It isn’t a cakewalk, but it can open up a near-six-figure careerBySam BeckerFebruary 1, 2024
Advertisement

MA in Psychology from Pepperdine

Earn Your MA in Psychology in as Few as 18 Months

No GRE Required: Earn Your Master's in Psychology online from Pepperdine. Bachelor's degree required.

Learn More
MA in Psychology from Pepperdine
Learn More
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • Ceo Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.