3 Questions to ask when comparing online psychology master's degrees

As a field of practice, psychology is as broad as it is influential. In your journey to becoming a qualified practitioner, it can be a challenge to narrow down the type of online psychology master's degree that will help you achieve your career goals.

Because there are such a range of programs out there, some of the most important questions you can ask yourself should be tailored to your specific needs and aspirations: what type of psychology degree will help you achieve your goals, advance in your profession, and allow you to maintain your various life responsibilities while you're in school?

Keep reading to explore some of the most helpful features to look into when searching for the best online psychology master's degree for you.

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3 things to consider about online psychology programs

Generally speaking, most psychology master's programs require between 30 and 50 credit hours, taking about two years to complete. That said, if you choose to pursue a more specialized area, your program may call for additional training and fieldwork.

As you look beyond high-level details like the length of each program, it can be helpful to ask yourself the following questions.

1. Will this program effectively prepare me for a career in psychology?

A master's degree is considered the minimum degree level for most psychology careers. As you begin researching different programs, you'll come across a range of different options — some fully on campus, some in a hybrid learning format, and others that are 100 percent online. The idea of pursuing a postgraduate education online might leave you wondering whether you'll acquire the same caliber of knowledge and skills you would if you were learning in person.

The good news is there are a number of different ways to determine whether an institution is effective in preparing its students for a career in their field. One of the primary things to look into is the university's accreditation status. Bellevue University, for example, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program has programmatic accreditation by the Council of Accreditation for Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP).

In higher education, the accreditation process ensures that institutions meet the proper standards of education. Employers today may not look into the minutiae (like your grades for each class), but they will typically seek out job candidates who have been educated by an accredited college or university. A school's accreditation status can also be a determining factor in whether you qualify for federal financial aid, employer-sponsored tuition assistance, or other forms of monetary support.

Other ways to look into an online psychology program's credibility include examining the experience level of the faculty, reviewing the school's and/or program's student outcomes, or even speaking with current students or alumni.

2. Do I have confidence in this program's curriculum?

The specifics of a psychology program's curriculum will vary depending on the school. But you can typically expect your educational experience to be comprised of two parts: core/foundational courses and elective/specialization courses.

You'll want to keep your psychology career goals in mind as you examine each program's course offerings — does the program cover the foundational skills you'll need? Are there elective opportunities that align with the areas of psychology you're eager to learn more about? Does the curriculum seem up-to-date and in keeping with industry best practices?

Most online psychology master's degrees will have detailed program pages you can review. In many cases, you should be able to see all the pertinent curriculum information right on that web page. Take Bellevue University's Industrial and Organizational Psychology master's degree page, as an example. It not only lists the breakdown of courses you can expect to take, but it also offers an outline of the core outcomes graduates of the program having mastered.

With a field like psychology, finding an online master's program with high-quality internship or practicum opportunities is also important — especially if you're hoping to practice in the clinical realm. Gaining observational and hands-on experience can be critical in preparing you to thrive in your psychology career.

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bellevue University, for example, equips students with 100 practicum hours and 600 clinical internship hours, all with at least 40 percent direct client contact. This is in addition to two clinical residencies, which can be completed on campus or at a facility closer to home if you're outside of the Bellevue, Nebraska, area.

Finding an online psychology master's degree that will also provide you with high quality, supervised, hands-on experience will help you truly master the skills and techniques you'll need once you're practicing in the field.

3. Does this school offer adequate online student support services?

If you're committed to earning your master's degree online, it's important to know that you may find very different online learning experiences at different schools. If support services aren't readily available, some online students may experience challenges.

In searching for an online psychology master's degree, you'll want to find an institution that offers a range of different resources to its students, both on campus and online. Bellevue University's online students, for example, have access to the same student support services as those who learn in person. You'll be able to receive assistance with everything from tutoring to technical support.

Web-based writing center help is available, as are virtual office hours with instructors. Online learners can even access the school's library services 24/7. In addition to this range of tools, all students at Bellevue University are assigned a Student Coach when they begin their studies. This individual will work alongside you, providing the support and guidance needed to help you stay on track to graduate on time.

Learning online offers a level of flexibility that can be invaluable for adult students who are looking to progress in their careers. But, without the necessary accompanying support, your virtual learning experience may not be as effective.

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Find the best online psychology degree for you

Mapping out your psychology career can be intimidating as you're starting out. But if you find an online psychology master's degree that will equip you with the skills you need, offer you an in-depth and comprehensive curriculum with experiential learning opportunities, and support you every step of the way, you'll be able to enter the next phase of your career with confidence.

To learn more about how the online psychology master's programs at Bellevue University can provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and resources you'll need, visit the Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree pages.