Is a Master's Degree in Psychology Right for You?

Published on: December 27, 2023

Two women speak to each other during a counseling session.

Interested in a career as a clinical psychologist, counselor, research psychologist or similar position? If so, and you already have a bachelor's degree under your belt, then you may consider taking your education to the next level with a master's degree in psychology.

By getting a master's in psychology, you could open the door to new career opportunities while gaining the foundational knowledge needed to help others with their mental health and wellness. With a better understanding of what a master's degree in psychology entails and the benefits of having a graduate degree in the field, you can ultimately decide whether this advanced degree program is right for you.

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What Is a Master's in Psychology?

A master's in psychology is a graduate-level degree offering a more in-depth study of the psychology field, with potential specializations including:

Clinical psychology and counseling
Educational psychology
Organizational psychology
Social psychology

While no two master's programs in psychology are identical, the overall focus of any program is on human behavior and mental processes. Those who obtain their master's degrees in this industry often go on to work in more advanced positions, with some common jobs including:

School psychologist
Guidance counselor
Research assistant
Rehabilitation specialist
Family services worker
Health project coordinator
DEI Coordinator

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master's Degree in Psychology?

How long it would take to get a master's degree in psychology depends on several factors, including the number of credit hours in the program, your enrollment status (part or full time) and how often classes are offered.

Generally, these programs consist of around 39 credit hours and, for those enrolled full-time, are designed to be completed within two years. However, many graduate students only enroll in classes part time if they have other life obligations (such as a full-time job or a family). If this is the case, it may take closer to three or four years to complete this type of degree program.

The best way to learn how long it will take to complete a master's degree in psychology is to consult with an academic advisor. This way, you can plan out exactly which classes you'll take when, when you’ll take them, and set your sights on an expected graduation date that works for you.

Who Should Consider Getting a Master's in Psychology?

Anyone interested in psychology and pursuing a career in the field might consider getting a master's in psychology. Though most programs require that applicants have a bachelor's degree, this degree does not necessarily have to be in psychology or a closely related industry. Even if you're still in the process of finishing up your bachelor's degree, it may be worth looking into graduate programs in psychology now to get ahead of application deadlines—especially if you plan to enroll shortly after completing your undergraduate degree.

Benefits of Earning a Master's Degree in Psychology

Still not sure whether a master's degree in psychology is right for you? There are a variety of benefits you could enjoy with a graduate degree in this realm.

More Job Opportunities

Although there are psychology jobs for which you could qualify with a bachelor's degree alone, a more advanced degree (like a master's in psychology) opens up more job prospects in the field. This includes opportunities for more advanced positions, such as health project coordinator and rehabilitation specialist.

Higher Earning Potential

Holding a graduate degree could also increase your earning potential compared to that of an undergraduate degree. While many factors can affect your master's in psychology salary (including your specific job, level of experience and location), the average earnings increase across all fields from the bachelor's level to the master's level is 20 percent. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a psychologist in 2022 was $85,330.

Ability to Study a Specialty

One of the best things about pursuing a graduate degree in any field is the ability to really focus on the area(s) most interesting to you. Many master's degree programs in psychology offer specializations or concentrations that allow you to narrow your studies to such areas as:

Clinical psychology
Counseling psychology
Experimental psychology
Business psychology

Gaining Essential Skills

When you embark on a master's degree program in psychology, you're setting yourself up to learn and acquire all kinds of skills applicable to your work in the field. This skill set could shape you into a more well-rounded professional and make you more versatile within the job market.

A Rewarding Career

If you're looking for a career that allows you to have a direct impact on the population's mental health, psychology may be a good fit. No matter what role you end up in, this field can be extremely rewarding, offering ample opportunity to help people and make a difference in their lives.

Whether you are counseling children in need or helping diagnose and treat clients suffering from mental illness, you could show up every day knowing you're making a true difference. And because you usually work directly with patients throughout all phases of diagnosis and treatment, you can often see the impact of your work firsthand.

Step Toward a Doctorate Degree

Some psychology careers do require an even more advanced degree in the form of a doctorate. It is worth noting, though, that doctorate programs typically require a master's degree in psychology as a basic admissions requirement, so pursuing your master's degree now could help you fast-track your educational journey to the doctorate level. Because of the dedication and hard work finishing a master's program demands, this can also be an effective way to determine if a doctorate is the best path.

Is a Master’s in Psychology Worth It?

Ultimately, whether pursuing a master's degree is ideal for you is a highly personal decision. However, if you are interested in a career in psychology and want to equip yourself with an advanced degree to open more doors for opportunity—and ready to commit a couple of years to your degree program—then a master's in psychology degree could pay off many times over.

The key, of course, is to choose a degree program that best suits your needs, interests and lifestyle. At Husson University Online, we're proud to offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology to help you pursue your goals. Plus, these degree programs can be completely entirely online—so you can work at your own pace and study on your own time while enjoying immersive online courses, free tutoring and one-on-one career services.

Learn more about our online degree offerings at Husson University Online or start your application today.