Can you get a full psychology degree online?

Yes. Several accredited universities offer fully online psychology degrees at the bachelor's and master's levels. Doctoral programs, including PsyD and PhD tracks, typically require some in-person components such as residencies or clinical rotations. Online programs follow the same academic standards as their on-campus counterparts, though students should verify that the program holds regional accreditation and meets licensure prerequisites in their state.

Is a 2-year psychology degree worth it?

An associate degree in psychology can serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's program and provides foundational coursework in human behavior, research methods, and statistics. While it won't qualify you for clinical roles, it can open doors to entry-level positions in human services, case management, or community outreach. If your goal is licensure or advanced practice, plan to continue your education beyond the two-year level.

Which Maryland universities offer fully online psychology master's programs?

Several Maryland institutions offer fully online master's programs in psychology or closely related fields. Loyola University Maryland, Towson University, and the University of Maryland Global Campus are among the schools that provide flexible online options. Program availability, concentration tracks, and clinical requirements vary by institution, so reviewing each school's current catalog is important before applying.

What are the licensure requirements for psychologists in Maryland?

Maryland requires a doctoral degree from an accredited program to become a licensed psychologist. Candidates must complete a minimum of two years of supervised professional experience, including at least one year of postdoctoral supervision, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists oversees this process. Master's-level graduates typically pursue licensure as professional counselors or clinical professional counselors instead.

How much does an online psychology master's degree cost in Maryland?

Tuition varies widely depending on the institution and whether you qualify for in-state rates. Online master's programs in Maryland generally range from roughly $15,000 to over $45,000 for the full program. Public universities such as Towson and the University of Maryland system tend to fall on the lower end for Maryland residents, while private institutions charge higher tuition but may offset costs through scholarships or assistantships.

What specializations are available in Maryland psychology programs?

Maryland programs offer a broad selection of specializations, including clinical psychology, school psychology, counseling psychology, forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and applied behavior analysis. Some schools also offer concentrations in health psychology or child and adolescent development. The specialization you choose should align with your career goals and any licensure pathway you plan to pursue after graduation.

Do online psychology programs in Maryland require a practicum?

Most master's programs in psychology, whether online or on campus, require practicum or fieldwork hours as part of the curriculum. Clinical and counseling tracks especially depend on hands-on experience with clients under supervision. Online programs typically arrange practicum placements at approved sites near the student's location. Expect to complete anywhere from 300 to 600 supervised hours depending on the program and specialization.

Best Psychology Programs in Maryland 2027

What you’ll learn in this article…

Maryland clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median salary between $102,680 and $104,480, roughly 7% to 9% above the national median.
Doctoral graduates pursue psychologist licensure while master's graduates follow the LCPC pathway through a separate state board.
Federal agencies like NIH, SAMHSA, and the VA drive consistent demand for psychology professionals across the state.
Online and hybrid formats are available at every ranked program, keeping tuition competitive for in-state and out-of-state students.

Maryland's concentration of federal research institutions and clinical centers, from NIH in Bethesda to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, creates a dense market for psychology professionals. That market rewards credentials, but not all programs come with an urban price tag. Fully online and hybrid master's degrees in psychology now let students tap into this job pipeline from anywhere in the state, often at costs far below the private-campus sticker.

The schools ranked here were sorted first by affordability and the strength of their online delivery, because geography shouldn't decide whether you can afford a license-eligible degree. State projections show mental health practitioner roles in Maryland growing 18% through 2032, well above the national average, which makes program choice a long-term earnings decision.

Best Psychology Programs in Maryland: 2027 Rankings

Every school below is a Maryland option that keeps cost or flexibility as a priority, but each serves a different stage of a psychology career. The cards highlight what makes each program distinctive, from a no-exam I/O psychology master's to a fully online bachelor's designed for transfer students. Graduation rates shown in this list are institution-wide, not program-specific.

How we ranked these

Factors considered

Affordability after financial aid
Online and hybrid delivery
Graduation and retention rates
Program focus and career alignment

Data sources

Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Program-level records maintained in house
Original research on individual programs
National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov

UN

University of Baltimore

Baltimore, MD · $17,000 – $23,000/yr (est.)

Best for: Working professionals seeking I/O psychology master's

University of Baltimore's psychology portfolio centers on the workplace, pairing an M.S. in industrial and organizational psychology with a shorter global I/O graduate certificate. The master's is a STEM-designated 42-credit degree with optional internship and thesis or capstone routes, and neither path requires an entrance exam. Rolling admissions with fall and spring starts make entry straightforward, and regional in-state tuition may extend to selected out-of-state students. The university's overall graduation rate is about 38%, a school-wide figure rather than a program-level result.

University of Baltimore

No entrance examRolling admissions

42 credit hours; STEM-designated program
No entrance exam required; 3.0 GPA minimum
Rolling admissions with fall and spring starts
Optional internship and thesis or capstone track
Regional in-state tuition for select out-of-state students
Careers in organizational development, consulting, and training management

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University of Baltimore

No entrance exam

12 credit hour post-baccalaureate certificate
Global and intercultural fluency focus
Requires bachelor's in psychology or related field
3.0 GPA minimum and $50 application fee
Fall and spring start options
Prepares for global I/O psychology careers

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UN

University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD · $22,000/yr (est. net price)

Best for: Adult learners seeking affordable online bachelor's degree

University of Maryland Global Campus approaches psychology education from an online-first, cost-conscious angle. Its 120-credit bachelor's in psychology can be completed fully online with select hybrid courses, and it uses no-cost digital materials in place of traditional textbooks. Transfer students can bring in up to 90 credits, while in-state tuition is $337 per credit with a $250 per credit military rate. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 33%, which reflects all UMGC students rather than only psychology majors.

University of Maryland Global Campus

Military benefits

120 total credit hours; capstone required
All courses online; select hybrid courses available
In-state tuition of $337 per credit; military rate $250 per credit
Transfer up to 90 credits toward the degree
No-cost digital course materials replace traditional textbooks
Scholarships and interest-free monthly payment plan available
Rolling starts with year-round enrollment
No prior psychology coursework required for admission

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MO

Mount St. Mary's University

Emmitsburg, MD · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)

Best for: Aspiring behavior analysts pursuing BCBA certification

Mount St. Mary's University offers a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis with a flexible structure: students can attend synchronously online or on campus in eight-week terms. The 42-credit program includes practicum and capstone work, supports full-time and part-time study, and is built for graduates preparing to pursue BCBA certification. Rolling admissions and no application fee reduce friction for working professionals. Its university-wide graduation rate is about 65%, which is a measure of the whole school, not the ABA program alone.

Mount St. Mary's University

Rolling admissionsEmployer tuition reimbursement

42 credits at $720 per credit, about $30,240 total tuition
Full-time and part-time paths; three start dates per year
On campus or synchronous online classes in 8-week terms
Rolling admissions with no application fee
Practicum and capstone project included
Prepares graduates for BCBA certification
Employer tuition reimbursement supported; scholarships available
Careers include behavior support specialist and clinical director

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JO

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD · ~$65,000/yr (est.)

Johns Hopkins University's offering in this ranking is a post-master's certificate in applied behavior analysis rather than a traditional master's degree. The seven-course, part-time path is designed for educators and specialists who already hold a master's, with synchronous online classes and optional practicum placements in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., region. The certificate prepares graduates for BCBA certification, and first-time BCBA exam pass rates for Hopkins students exceed the national average. About 94% of Johns Hopkins students graduate overall, an institution-wide rate rather than a certificate-specific metric.

Johns Hopkins University

Seven-course curriculum; part-time completion in two to three years
Synchronous online classes with optional practicum credits
Practicum placements available in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., area
Prepares for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam
First-time BCBA exam pass rates exceed national average
Designed for educational professionals who already hold a master's

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Online vs. Campus Psychology Programs in Maryland

Every program ranked in this article offers online or hybrid delivery, so you can earn your degree regardless of where you live in the state. Still, the format you choose shapes your day-to-day experience, your professional network, and sometimes your bottom line. Here is how the two paths compare.

Pros

Fully online coursework lets working professionals study on their own schedule without commuting to a Maryland campus.
Online programs often carry a lower effective cost because you avoid campus fees, parking, and relocation expenses.
Students anywhere in Maryland (or beyond) can access top programs like UMGC's psychology offerings without geographic limits.
On-campus and hybrid formats connect you to established practicum networks, such as Loyola University Maryland's Baltimore-area clinical sites.
In-person programs offer direct faculty mentorship, lab access, and campus clinical training facilities that deepen hands-on learning.
Hybrid formats at schools like Johns Hopkins and Mount St. Mary's blend online flexibility with periodic campus intensives for applied skills.

Cons

Even fully online programs require in-person practicum or fieldwork hours at locally approved sites, so a 100 percent remote experience is rare.
Remote students often must identify and propose their own practicum placements, then work with the clinical training office for approval, with no guaranteed nationwide placement.
Hybrid programs may require periodic on-campus intensives or residencies, which means budgeting for travel and time away from work.
In-person practicum obligations at some schools must be completed during weekday business hours, limiting flexibility for those with full-time jobs.
On-campus students are typically tied to a regional training network (Baltimore-area agencies, for example), which can be inconvenient if you live in western Maryland or the Eastern Shore.
Building peer relationships and professional connections can feel harder in a fully online format without deliberate networking effort.

Tuition and Cost Comparison for Maryland Psychology Degrees

If you are searching for the cheapest online psychology masters in Maryland, comparing published tuition rates alongside institution-wide net price averages is the most practical starting point. The table below lists tuition figures from IPEDS and published program rates for 2025-2026. Keep in mind that the net price column reflects an institution-wide average after financial aid for all undergraduates, not a guarantee for any specific graduate program. Some Maryland schools, such as the University of Maryland, College Park, charge a single per-credit rate for their online psychology programs regardless of residency, which can be a significant advantage for out-of-state learners. University of Maryland Global Campus also offers a lower in-state rate that online students residing in Maryland can access, though out-of-state online students pay a higher per-credit cost.

School	Program or Degree Level	In-State Tuition	Out-of-State Tuition	Per-Credit Cost (Online)	Inst. Avg. Net Price (After Aid)	Notes
Johns Hopkins University	MS in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis), Hybrid	$64,730	$64,730	N/A	$18,809	Private university; same tuition for all students regardless of residency
University of Maryland Global Campus	BS in Psychology, Online	$8,136	$12,336	$330 (in-state) / $499 (out-of-state)	$22,063	Public; online bachelor's with competitive per-credit pricing
University of Maryland, College Park	MPS in I/O Psychology, Online	N/A	N/A	$878	N/A	Single online rate applies to all students; no in-state/out-of-state distinction for online sections
Mount St. Mary's University	MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, Hybrid	$14,351	$14,351	N/A	$22,655	Private university; same tuition for all students

Questions to Ask Yourself

Do you need evening or weekend class schedules because you are working full-time?

Online programs typically offer asynchronous coursework that fits around a 9-to-5 job, while most on-campus cohorts run daytime intensives. If you cannot attend weekday classes, an online format may be your only realistic path.

Are you comfortable identifying and arranging your own local practicum or internship site?

Online programs rarely place students in field experiences the way residential programs do. You will likely need to contact local clinics or agencies independently, which takes initiative and varies in difficulty depending on where you live in Maryland.

Is your target career one that requires clinical licensure, such as LCPC or LCSW, rather than a research or organizational role?

Licensure-track programs must meet Maryland's supervised hour requirements, and not every online degree qualifies. If you plan to work in I/O psychology or research, those hour requirements do not apply, which opens up more program options.

Can you stay motivated and engaged without regular face-to-face interaction with professors and classmates?

Asynchronous learning rewards self-directed students but can feel isolating, and relationship-building with faculty matters for clinical referrals and research opportunities. Students who thrive on in-person feedback often find hybrid formats a better compromise.

Earning Potential and Career Outcomes After Graduation

Maryland psychology graduates generally earn above the national median for their field. According to BLS data from 2023, clinical and counseling psychologists in Maryland earned a median salary in the range of $102,680 to $104,480, roughly 7% to 9% higher than the national median of $96,100. Program-level earnings data at the one-year, two-year, and four-year marks after completion are not yet available for the ranked programs in this article, so the figures below reflect institution-wide ROI ratios and median graduate debt, two practical benchmarks for comparing the financial return on your degree investment.

Graduate debt and ROI ratios for three Maryland psychology programs in 2023, with Johns Hopkins showing lowest debt and highest ROI

Maryland Psychology Licensure Pathways by Degree Level

Maryland offers two distinct licensure tracks depending on your degree level. Doctoral graduates pursue licensure as a psychologist through the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists, while master's graduates in counseling follow the LCPC pathway overseen by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. Understanding which track aligns with your program is essential before you enroll.

Five-step licensure pathways in Maryland for doctoral-level psychologists and master's-level LCPCs, including supervised hours and required exams

Psychology Specializations Available in Maryland

Choosing a specialization early shapes everything that follows: which license you pursue, how long the program takes, and what populations you will ultimately serve. Maryland offers a strong range of graduate tracks across its major universities, but the details change regularly, so treating official department pages and direct contact with program coordinators as your primary sources is essential.

School Psychology Programs

Both Loyola University Maryland and Towson University are well-known entry points for school psychology graduate study in Maryland. Towson has historically offered a specialist-level program (the Education Specialist, or Ed.S.) designed to meet state certification requirements for school psychologists, while Loyola has offered graduate work in counseling and related educational psychology areas. The University of Maryland College Park houses a Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education that includes a school psychology track recognized within the broader field.

Before applying to any of these programs, run a search in the American Psychological Association's accreditation database. APA accreditation for school psychology programs at the specialist or doctoral level is a meaningful credential and, in some states, a licensing requirement. The database is updated regularly and reflects current accreditation status more reliably than any third-party article.

PsyD and Doctoral Tracks

For students aiming at clinical licensure as a psychologist, the PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) is the practice-focused doctoral path. Loyola University Maryland has offered a PsyD in clinical psychology; Johns Hopkins, through its advanced programs, focuses more heavily on research-oriented psychology and neuroscience at the doctoral level rather than a practice-centered PsyD model. Students interested in the research side of the discipline may also want to explore cognitive psychology masters programs to understand how that specialization compares. Program structures shift, so confirm current offerings directly with each department.

Other Specialization Areas

Beyond school and clinical tracks, Maryland programs cover specializations including:

Industrial-organizational psychology: Available at the graduate level at several state institutions.
Counseling psychology: Distinct from clinical psychology in emphasis, with programs at multiple Maryland universities.
Neuroscience and cognitive psychology: Stronger at research-focused institutions like UMCP and Johns Hopkins.

Students drawn to practice-oriented work across these areas, particularly in clinical or counseling settings, may find it helpful to learn how to become an applied psychologist as a way to compare degree paths and career trajectories.

How to Research Accurately

The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes occupational outlooks and median wage data for psychologists, school psychologists, and counselors separately. Reviewing that data alongside Maryland's licensure board requirements helps you match a specialization to both your career goals and the credentialing path ahead. When a program's website leaves questions open, a single email or phone call to the program coordinator will get you current admission cycles, specialization tracks, and any recent curriculum changes that have not yet made it online.

Did You Know?

Psychology graduates in Maryland gain a unique advantage from the state’s proximity to federal powerhouses such as the National Institutes of Health, SAMHSA, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. These agencies drive consistent hiring for master’s- and doctoral-level clinicians and researchers. The job outlook remains strong: school psychologist positions are expected to grow by 11% from 2022 to 2032.

Admissions Requirements and How to Apply

What GPA, test scores, and materials do Maryland psychology programs actually require for admission?

Admissions criteria vary across institutions and specializations, but most graduate psychology programs in Maryland share common patterns worth understanding before you begin your applications. If you are wondering how hard it is to get into grad school for psychology, understanding these benchmarks will help you prepare a competitive application.

Academic Prerequisites and GPA Standards

Most master's programs expect a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The University of Maryland Global Campus, for example, requires a 3.0 GPA for its M.S. in Clinical Professional Counseling.¹ Some doctoral programs set higher thresholds, typically 3.3 or above, while certain institutions evaluate applicants holistically and may consider strong work experience alongside borderline GPAs.

Prerequisite coursework requirements differ by program focus. Clinical and counseling tracks commonly require foundational courses in general psychology, abnormal psychology, statistics, and research methods. Industrial/organizational programs may emphasize coursework in organizational behavior or business fundamentals instead. If your undergraduate degree was not in psychology, many programs accept related fields like sociology, social work, or behavioral sciences, though you may need to complete bridge courses before starting graduate work.

GRE Requirements and Waivers

The GRE landscape has shifted substantially in recent years. Both the University of Maryland's online M.P.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and UMGC's Clinical Professional Counseling program do not require GRE scores for admission.²¹ This trend reflects broader changes across graduate education, with many Maryland institutions dropping standardized test requirements permanently or offering waivers for applicants who meet certain criteria, such as holding an advanced degree, demonstrating significant professional experience, or meeting elevated GPA thresholds.

Confirm current testing policies directly with each program, as requirements can change between admission cycles.

Application Components

Typical application packages include:

Personal statement: Articulate your career goals, relevant experience, and reasons for choosing that specific program
Letters of recommendation: Most programs request two to three letters from academic or professional references who can speak to your readiness for graduate study
Resume or CV: Document your educational background, work history, and any clinical or research experience
Writing sample: Required by some research-focused programs to evaluate analytical and communication skills
Interview: Certain programs, including UMD's Industrial/Organizational Psychology track, require interviews as part of the selection process²

Application Timelines

Deadlines vary significantly by delivery format and institution. Campus-based programs typically follow traditional academic calendars with fall application deadlines, often in December through February for the following autumn. UMD's online Industrial/Organizational Psychology program has a January 7 deadline², while UMGC's Clinical Professional Counseling program accepts applications through June 1 and offers rolling admissions throughout the year.¹

Online programs frequently provide more flexibility, with multiple start dates and rolling review processes that allow you to begin in spring or summer terms.

Always verify program-specific requirements directly through institutional websites. These patterns reflect general trends, not guarantees for any individual program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Psychology Programs

Choosing the right psychology program in Maryland involves navigating questions about format, cost, licensure, and career readiness. Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask when evaluating their options in 2026.

Can you get a full psychology degree online?: Yes. Several accredited universities offer fully online psychology degrees at the bachelor's and master's levels. Doctoral programs, including PsyD and PhD tracks, typically require some in-person components such as residencies or clinical rotations. Online programs follow the same academic standards as their on-campus counterparts, though students should verify that the program holds regional accreditation and meets licensure prerequisites in their state.
Is a 2-year psychology degree worth it?: An associate degree in psychology can serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's program and provides foundational coursework in human behavior, research methods, and statistics. While it won't qualify you for clinical roles, it can open doors to entry-level positions in human services, case management, or community outreach. If your goal is licensure or advanced practice, plan to continue your education beyond the two-year level.
Which Maryland universities offer fully online psychology master's programs?: Several Maryland institutions offer fully online master's programs in psychology or closely related fields. Loyola University Maryland, Towson University, and the University of Maryland Global Campus are among the schools that provide flexible online options. Program availability, concentration tracks, and clinical requirements vary by institution, so reviewing each school's current catalog is important before applying.
What are the licensure requirements for psychologists in Maryland?: Maryland requires a doctoral degree from an accredited program to become a licensed psychologist. Candidates must complete a minimum of two years of supervised professional experience, including at least one year of postdoctoral supervision, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists oversees this process. Master's-level graduates typically pursue licensure as professional counselors or clinical professional counselors instead.
How much does an online psychology master's degree cost in Maryland?: Tuition varies widely depending on the institution and whether you qualify for in-state rates. Online master's programs in Maryland generally range from roughly $15,000 to over $45,000 for the full program. Public universities such as Towson and the University of Maryland system tend to fall on the lower end for Maryland residents, while private institutions charge higher tuition but may offset costs through scholarships or assistantships.
What specializations are available in Maryland psychology programs?: Maryland programs offer a broad selection of specializations, including clinical psychology, school psychology, counseling psychology, forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and applied behavior analysis. Some schools also offer concentrations in health psychology or child and adolescent development. The specialization you choose should align with your career goals and any licensure pathway you plan to pursue after graduation.
Do online psychology programs in Maryland require a practicum?: Most master's programs in psychology, whether online or on campus, require practicum or fieldwork hours as part of the curriculum. Clinical and counseling tracks especially depend on hands-on experience with clients under supervision. Online programs typically arrange practicum placements at approved sites near the student's location. Expect to complete anywhere from 300 to 600 supervised hours depending on the program and specialization.

Best Psychology Programs in Maryland 2027 | Online & Campus

What you’ll learn in this article…