Guide to Psychology Master’s Programs in Texas

Specialization Options for Psychology Master’s Programs in Texas

While bachelor’s level psychology degrees typically offer a general knowledge of psychology principles, the master’s level provides specialization and allows students to cultivate one area of expertise. Depending on your desired specialization, you may be able to find online, in-person, or hybrid programs in Texas.

That said, many programs have clinical hours built into the curriculum. These hours provide hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in a specific area of psychology and must be completed in person.

Before you apply to a program, it’s a good idea to have a specific specialization in mind. Are you curious about the most common specialties in psychology and which one might fit your career goals? To help you decide, we’ve outlined popular options alongside examples of Texas schools that offer them.

Clinical Psychology

Some psychology specialties focus heavily on data collection and analysis, but clinical psychology emphasizes research, theory, and practice and prepares graduates to work with clients in a clinical setting. A high-quality online clinical psychology master’s will prepare you for work as a counselor, marriage and family therapist, social worker, and the like. It can also serve as a solid stepping stone to the PhD or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) required to become a licensed psychologist in Texas.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychologists work in the legal system to assess individuals who are accused of crimes, examine the motivation behind certain crimes, speak to the court about the accused or other players in the court system, and create reports of their findings. This can be an excellent specialization choice if you’re interested in aiding your community by working in the nation’s justice system.

An accredited online master’s in forensic psychology degree prepares students to work as forensic psychologists. It also qualifies students to pursue a psychology doctorate.

Counseling Psychology

A master’s in counseling psychology overlaps with a clinical psychology master’s. Both programs prepare students to work directly with clients and patients in clinical settings.

The difference between these two specialties is that counseling psychology focuses more on the theory behind marriage and family therapy and other related fields. It’s a great option for those who are interested in learning more about delivering therapy instead of about the clinical procedures within the discipline and how to improve them.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Those specializing in industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology often work with businesses, organizations, and governments to address workplace issues and employee satisfaction. These professionals help improve productivity and create easier processes for better workflow.

This degree is a pathway to work in a variety of fields, including healthcare, public relations, and social services. Some who get this degree may also work for private companies in marketing or communications, utilizing their knowledge of psychology to improve market productions and services.

School Psychology

Attending an online master’s in school psychology is an ideal pathway for those who are passionate about education and wish to use their expertise to aid children and families. This concentration prepares graduates to work in educational settings as guidance counselors and career counselors or in administration.

School counselors work closely with students, teachers, parents, and faculty members to create a safe, welcoming atmosphere for children and youth. They also offer assistance to families in the school’s community.

Answering Common Questions from Psychology Master’s Students in Texas

What are the admissions requirements for psychology master’s programs in Texas?

Psychology graduate programs in Texas are highly competitive, so following all admissions requirements is a must. Always meet application deadlines and allow ample time to write and edit essays and collect letters of recommendation. Common requirements include:

• A completed application
• Transcripts from all schools previously attended
• Letters of recommendation (often two or three)
• A statement of purpose
• A resume or curriculum vitae

Many schools, like the University of Texas at San Antonio, also require GRE test scores earned within five years before admission. Places like the University of Texas at Austin accept the GRE but do not have a minimum required score for admission, instead using it as a holistic look at overall potential. Additionally, schools like the University of Texas at Tyler do not require GRE scores for students who already hold a graduate degree.

How long do psychology master’s programs in Texas take to finish?

Psychology graduate programs in Texas take one to three years to complete. Accelerated programs move faster, especially if a student comes to the school with graduate credits that transfer to their new program.

At Texas A&M, for example, the accelerated program takes 16 months to complete. Students at Stephen F. Austin State University need at least three years but have up to six to complete the program.

Are there any fully online master’s in psychology in Texas?

Some psychology graduate programs in Texas provide distance learning for classroom work, but there are usually still in-person clinical hours or internship requirements. These requirements can often be met at a location convenient to the student’s home or even at their current workplace.

Online courses are sometimes asynchronous, but many are synchronous, meaning classes have set times. Online students and faculty exchange ideas and discuss course materials in classroom messaging boards, such as virtual classes, or both.

Can I work while getting my psychology master’s in Texas?

Master’s programs in Texas are often designed specifically for working professionals, so programs are flexible and allow for self-pacing as long as certain milestones are met. Angelo State University’s psychology master’s is a good example of what a flexible program looks like.

What financial aid resources are available for psychology master’s students in Texas?

Financial aid can help cover costs associated with earning a psychology master’s degree in Texas. In addition to scholarships for public service degrees, there are often graduate assistantships, fellowships, paid internships, and other programs specific to a school itself.

You can often find funding opportunities on the financial aid and scholarship pages at specific schools. Texas A&M University, for example, provides extensive financial and scholarship information, including information specific to graduate students. You can also turn to loans through the federal government or pursue scholarships and other funding through organizations like the Texas Association of School Psychologists (TASP).

Salaries & Career Details for Mental Health Counselors in Texas

Top-Rated Online Psychology Master’s Programs in Texas

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell how an online master’s program stacks up against others. To help you understand where different online psychology master’s stand, we ranked the available online programs in Texas.

Rankings for this list were determined based on factors such as the percent of the coursework available online, how many financial aid options were available to students, the number of professional development resources available online, and more. To learn more about rankings, click the “About the Rankings” button below.