You might aspire to provide mental health care, work in areas like exercise or organizational psychology, or take the initial step toward pursuing a PhD degree. Georgia universities offer many psychology master’s degree programs that might align with your career goals and academic interests. An increasing number of colleges offers these degrees online, making them ideal choices for students who require flexibility. To help you navigate online, hybrid, and in-person options, we compiled this STEPS guide about top psychology master’s degree programs in Georgia. Read on to discover top programs and popular specializations, and to estimate how much you can expect to make after graduating.Best Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Georgia (GA)
Specialization Options for Psychology Master’s Degree Programs in Georgia
Psychology is the study of the human mind, and it’s a broad field. Covering everything within that field in two to three years isn’t possible. So, most psychology master’s degree programs help students gain mastery over one area of psychology. Whether you’re interested in comprehending how psychology operates in a corporate environment or in aiding individuals in a clinical setting, there’s a master’s degree in psychology specialization that can equip you with the knowledge and skills required to achieve your goals.
To help determine the right specialization for you, we’ll outline five of the most common specializations below. Another common specialization, forensic psychology, is not offered by any schools in Georgia, though online programs with this concentration are available.
Clinical Psychology
A master’s degree program in clinical psychology prepares students for a career as a mental health practitioner. The program focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating mental health conditions. Students acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are necessary to offer competent care.
Students can typically earn this type of degree within one to three years. It might provide a pathway to state licensure or prepare students for a PhD or PsyD program. Coursework usually includes theories of counseling, psychopathology, and theories of psychotherapy.
Augusta University
The Master of Science in Psychology – Clinical/Counseling degree program from Augusta University is a flexible option for students who want to become a licensed professional counselor in Georgia. The program consists of foundational coursework in research, assessment, and social/cultural behavior, plus practical classes on how to deliver counseling and a 600-hour clinical internship.
The program focuses on both biological and learned behavior. While some coursework is offered online, most classes must be taken on campus, and internships also require in-person attendance.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $236 per credit hour (tuition for part-time, in-state students)/$822 per credit hour (tuition for part-time, out-of-state students)
Curriculum:
- Developmental Psychology
- Learning Principles and Applications
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Clinical and Addictive Psychopharmacology
- Professional Foundations
- Ethical Issues in Counseling and Psychology
- Research Methods I and II
- Cognitive Assessment
- Personality Assessment
- Behavior Pathology
- Therapeutic Interventions I and II
- Seminar in Group Process
- Career Counseling
- Therapeutic Intervention Practicum I and II
- Social/Cultural/Systemic Basis of Behavior
- Social Psychology and Human Diversity
- Diversity Issues in Counseling
- Thesis research
- Clinical internship
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Counseling Psychology
Counseling psychology is similar to clinical psychology, since both specialties prepare students to work directly with patients. They differ because clinical psychology focuses on procedures and skills that provide competent mental health care in various settings, while counseling psychology focuses on providing a specific type of care, such as therapy for adolescents or couples’ therapy.
A master’s degree program in counseling psychology offers hyper-focused coursework in a few specific types of counseling, including theoretical background and related practical skills.
Toccoa Falls College
Toccoa Falls College offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) degree program. It focuses on practical skills for professional therapists. Graduates are eligible for licensure by the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists.
This program is designed for full-time working professionals and can be completed alongside a full-time work schedule.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $380 per credit hour (tuition only)
Curriculum:
- Career Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Worldview, Professional Identity, and Ethics
- Biopsychosocial and Spiritual Development
- History and Foundations
- Foundational Skills for Counseling and MFT
- Psychopathology and Diagnosis
- Multiculturalism and Diversity
- Research and Evaluation
- Spirituality in Marriage and Family
- Theories of Counseling and MFT I
- Pre-marital and Marital Counseling
- Treatment Planning
- Assessment and Psychological Testing
- Contemporary Issues and Community Resources
- Sexual Development and Family Therapy I and II
- Family Therapy
- Professional and Spiritual Identity
- Practicum
- Clinical Internship I and II
Exercise Psychology
A master’s degree program in exercise psychology is an interdisciplinary academic specialization that integrates the physical and mental components of well-being. In addition to exploring how the body responds to movement, students learn about theories and techniques designed to encourage physical activity and regular exercise.
This research-based degree prepares students for further academic work, teaching, and/or corporate research. Standard courses include ethical issues in sport and exercise psychology, psychology of sport and exercise performance, and health and exercise psychology.
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University offers a Master of Science (MS) in Kinesiology – Sport and Exercise Psychology degree program. This interdisciplinary program combines kinesiology – the study of movement – with exercise psychology. Graduates are prepared to work in sports psychology, academic services for athletes, research labs, and/or exercise and performance settings.
Courses cover topics from both fields plus coaching. The program boasts a 100% pass rate on the Certified Mental Performance Consultant exam. Students who qualify can receive a fully-funded graduate assistantship.
Duration: Two years
Mode: In-person
Cost: $6,802 per semester (tuition for in-state students at Savannah campus)/$27,844 per semester (tuition for out-of-state students at Savannah campus)
Curriculum:
- Research Methods
- Sport Coaching Pedagogy
- Sociocultural Foundations of Sport Coaching
- Scientific Foundations of Human Performance
- Practical Applications of Human Performance
- Administrative Issues in Coaching
- Prevention, Recognition, and Care of Athletic Injuries
- Analysis of Teaching Physical Education
- Psychology of Sport and Exercise Performance
- Practicum in Coaching
- Research Design in Kinesiology
- Data Analysis in Kinesiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Instrumentation and Techniques in Biochemics
- Theory and Methodology of Strength and Conditioning
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
A master’s degree program in industrial/organizational psychology focuses on the interaction between institutions and employees. It emphasizes conflict resolution and mitigation, workplace productivity, and organizational development.
This expanding field provides career opportunities across various sectors, from health care to manufacturing. Standard courses in this program include human factors psychology, professional issues in organizational psychology, and employment law and personnel practices. Many programs require a hands-on practicum or internship.
Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University offers a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology degree program. It’s a great option for students who want to learn how organizational psychology can be used to address real-world problems. The school features a faculty-led, student-powered consulting program that allows students to consult with businesses regarding organizational and industrial psychology issues.
The school offers comprehensive financial aid packages and career development resources. Faculty members work closely with students to cover topics of interest and support their professional growth.
Duration: Two years
Mode: In-person
Cost : $260 per credit hour (tuition for in-state students)/$961 per credit hour (tuition for out-of-state students)
Curriculum:
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Professional Issues in I/O Psychology
- Organizational Development
- Employment Law and Personnel Practices
- Statistical Methods in Psychology
- Research Design and Analysis
- Group Dynamics
- Consulting in Industrial/Organizational Psychology I and II
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology Practicum I and II
- Human Factors Psychology
- Psychometrics
- Performance Appraisal
- Personnel Selection
- Human Resource Development
- Motivation
- Research Methods in I/O Psychology
School Psychology
A master’s degree program in school psychology provides training needed to tackle behavioral, emotional, and learning difficulties that young students face in an academic environment. This specialization is frequently offered through both education and psychology departments. It focuses on topics like learning, instruction, and applied behavioral analysis.
Standard school psychology courses include research methods in education, foundations of cognition for education, and applied statistical methods in education. Students typically must complete 30 to 40 credits before graduation.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia offers a Master of Education in Educational Psychology degree program plus three other educational psychology master’s degrees (in Applied Cognition and Development, Gifted and Creative Education, and Quantitative Methodology).
While some of the other three options are offered in a hybrid or a fully online format, the school psychology option must be completed in-person. The program takes two years to complete and provides field work that lets students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life situations.
Duration: Two years
Mode: In-person
Cost : $10,034 (tuition for in-state students)/$30,272 (tuition for out-of-state students)
Curriculum:
- Introduction to School Psychology and School-Based Services
- Assessment of Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Functioning
- Individual Academic Interventions
- Methods of Research in Education
- Developmental Psychopathology and Schooling
- First-year Research and Scholarship Training Seminar
- Master’s Practicum in School Psychology
- Practicum in Psychoeducational Assessment
- Applied Educational Assessment
- Foundations of Cognition for Education
- Multicultural Psychology and Social Justice
- Applied Statistical Methods in Education
- Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Intervention
- Master’s Seminar in Educational Psychology
- Educational Law and Ethical Leadership
- Development Across the Lifespan for School/Counseling Psychologists and Educators
FAQs About Psychology Master’s Degree Programs in Georgia
How long does it usually take to earn a master’s degree in psychology in Georgia?
The length of time it takes to complete a master’s degree program varies based on factors such as the school, the specialization, part-time or full-time enrollment, and more. Most students in Georgia take two to three years to complete a master’s degree program in psychology.
Can I earn a master’s degree in psychology online in Georgia?
Online master’s degree programs in psychology in Georgia aren’t as widely available as on-campus options. But, numerous hybrid programs are available. For example, schools like the University of Georgia and Toccoa Falls College currently provide at least some coursework online.
Many online programs utilize asynchronous learning, which allows students to complete coursework at their own pace. While this approach requires a high degree of self-discipline, it provides a flexible option for working students. Note that clinical psychology master’s degree programs generally require hands-on clinical training in person, even if virtual courses are offered.
How much does a master’s degree program in psychology cost in Georgia?
The cost of a psychology master’s degree program varies greatly, depending on the program and the type of delivery. Generally, programs at public universities and programs that are offered in hybrid or online formats are more budget-friendly than fully in-person programs or those offered at private universities.
Financial aid opportunities can help lower costs for psychology master’s degree students in Georgia. For example, the University of Georgia’s psychology department lists funding opportunities like graduate school fellowships and an outstanding teaching assistant award. Popular loan forgiveness programs from groups like National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Indian Health Service are available, as well.
What are the admissions requirements for psychology master’s degree programs in Georgia?
Psychology master’s degree programs can be competitive. But, many have similar admissions requirements, which might include:
- A completed application
- Transcripts from all schools previously attended
- Letters of recommendation (often two or three)
- A statement of purpose
- A resume or CV
Many schools, like the University of Georgia, accept GRE scores. Other schools, like Augusta University, don’t list them as optional or required for applicants.
Can I work while earning a master’s degree in psychology in Georgia?
Many master’s degree programs are designed for working professionals, which makes them easy to balance with full-time or part-time work. If working while studying is a priority, look for hybrid or online programs – especially those that feature asynchronous components like pre-recorded lectures or projects.
The University of Georgia’s Master of Education in Educational Psychology degree program is a good example of a flexible psychology master’s degree program in Georgia.
Salary and Career Outlook for Mental Health Counselors in Georgia
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $36,700 | $89,920 | $53,710 |
| Georgia | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $31,990 | $80,020 | $48,290 |
| Albany, GA | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $26,390 | $69,840 | $38,650 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $23,100 | $76,480 | $46,200 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $28,620 | $80,210 | $49,510 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $35,750 | $73,900 | $47,960 |
| Brunswick, GA | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $38,000 | $89,340 | $57,170 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $35,340 | $75,530 | $44,310 |
| Gainesville, GA | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $27,180 | $88,790 | $58,510 |
| Hinesville, GA | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $34,920 | $69,930 | $46,770 |
| Macon, GA | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $36,060 | $62,820 | $47,860 |
| Rome, GA | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $34,980 | $83,020 | $54,050 |
| Savannah, GA | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $39,100 | $83,200 | $48,180 |
| Valdosta, GA | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $31,570 | $71,200 | $47,440 |
| Warner Robins, GA | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | $30,710 | $73,970 | $45,890 |
Source: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | 388,200 | 459,600 | 71,400 | 18.40% |
| Georgia | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors | 6,350 | 7,730 | 1,380 | 21.70% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online Psychology Master’s Degree Programs in Georgia
It’s a great idea to check out the specialized programs highlighted above. But, those spotlights don’t show how programs compare in terms of academics, affordability, and flexibility. So, we ranked accredited online and hybrid psychology master’s degree programs in Georgia.
Rankings were determined based on academic rigor, the number of specializations offered, financial aid availability, and the percentage of coursework offered online, among other criteria. To learn more about these rankings, click the “About the Rankings” button.
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Public
Life University
Marietta, Georgia
Private
