7 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s in Social Psychology

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What is social psychology?

Social psychology is the study of how individual or group behavior is influenced by the presence and behavior of others. The study provides a unique lens to understand the intricate complexities of human behavior. In today’s interconnected and diverse world, industries seek professionals who can understand human interaction and adapt strategies accordingly.

The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for social psychologists is $117,750 and the expected growth rate for psychologists is 6% over the next decade, which is faster than average for all other occupations..

Many worry that pursuing an online master’s in psychology may require them to leave their full-time job. To help students, we have curated a list of top institutions that offer an online accelerated psychology master’s degree.

These social psychology master’s programs can be completed in as little as 1 to 1.5 years and are the best option for students who want to complete their master’s in a shorter time frame. This article provides a comprehensive overview of graduate programs offering research-oriented social psychology programs.

Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s in Social Psychology

An accelerated master’s program allows students to complete their social psychology coursework in a condensed time frame. Below are some prestigious schools offering online master’s degrees in social psychology.

1. #1

   Arizona State University

   Tempe , AZ

   #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $12K

   Acceptance

   90%

   Graduation

   67%

   Student body

   85K

   Overview of Arizona State University

   • Total Program Cost: $12,608
   • Credit: 12
   • Time Duration: 7.5 weeks
   • Focus Areas:
   • Social Influence
   • Group Dynamics
   • Intergroup Relations
   • Attitudes and Persuasion
   • Social Cognition

   What do we love about Arizona State University?

   Arizona State University offers a comprehensive social psychology master’s curriculum that explores the complexities of human behavior and emphasizes research-based learning. With a renowned faculty of experts, you’ll be able to take advantage of the program’s personalized mentorship approach and the school’s extensive online resources.

   Students are mandated to complete a capstone course in general psychology. The Higher Learning Commission approves ASU, and its clinical psychology school is listed in the top 30 nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

   • Arizona State University is great for students who: Value a university with a strong commitment to research and evidence-based practices in the field of social psychology.
   • Arizona State University might not be the best fit for students who: Are looking for the most affordable online Master’s in social psychology, as there may be other institutions that rank higher in terms of affordability.

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2. #2

   Northeastern University

   Boston , MA

   #8 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #3 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)

   Tuition + fees

   $60K

   Acceptance

   7%

   Graduation

   91%

   Student body

   38K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1495/34

   Overview of Northeastern University

   • Total Program Cost: $40,000
   • Credit Hours: 30
   • Time Duration: 18 months
   • Focus Areas:
   • Community Counseling
   • Ethics and Professional Development
   • Intergroup Relations
   • Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
   • Trauma and Mental Health

   What do we love about Northeastern University?

   The online master’s program in psychology at Northeastern University is designed to prepare students for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam. The program includes several mandatory subjects such as Behavioral Concepts and Principles, Single-Case Research Design, and Behavior Assessment.

   Additionally, as part of the program, students must create a professional portfolio as a capstone project. Northeastern University offers supervised practicums for up to eight credits or four semesters, which students can enroll in as electives from the second semester of their freshman year onwards.

   • Northeastern University is great for students who: Appreciate a curriculum that emphasizes real-world application and experiential learning opportunities in social psychology.
   • Northeastern University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer in-person learning experiences, as Northeastern’s program is delivered entirely online.

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3. #3

   University of Central Florida

   Orlando , FL

   #7 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $6K

   Acceptance

   41%

   Graduation

   76%

   Student body

   82K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1280/27

   Overview of University of Central Florida

   • Total Program Cost: $16,000
   • Credit Hours: 62
   • Time Duration: 7 weeks
   • Focus Areas:
   • Work Motivation and Job Attitudes
   • Advanced Social Psychology
   • Training and Team Performance
   • Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues
   • Industrial and Organizational Psychology

   What do we love about University of Central Florida?

   The Health Professions & Sciences College at University of Central Florida offers an innovative and accelerated online Master of Social Work program in Florida. This program is highly regarded and requires a total of 62 credits per semester for a Psychology degree.

   The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and has three start dates each year. The only requirement to enroll in the master’s program is a Bachelor’s degree.

   • University of Central Florida is great for students who: Value a highly ranked online program, as the University of Central Florida is recognized for its excellence in online undergraduate programs.
   • University of Central Florida might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer smaller class sizes, as UCF is a large institution that may have larger online classes.

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4. #4

   Liberty University

   Lynchburg , VA

   #6 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $23K

   Acceptance

   99%

   Graduation

   66%

   Student body

   131K

   Overview of Liberty University

   • Total Program Cost: $22,140
   • Credit: 36
   • Time Duration: 18 months
   • Focus Areas:
   • Cognitive Psychology
   • Social Psychology
   • Research Methods & Statistics
   • Intervention and Behavioral Support
   • Developmental Neuropsychology

   What do we love about Liberty University?

   Liberty University offers an entirely online Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Psychology that typically takes around 18 months to complete. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of research methodology and statistics before pursuing further coursework.

   The program covers various courses such as Organizational Psychology, Personnel Psychology, Industrial Psychology, Foundations in Organizational/Industrial Psychology, Administration of Tests for Candidacy, Psychology of Performance, and Applied Organizational Practicum.

   • Liberty University is great for students who: Desire a Christian-centered education with a variety of online master’s degree options, as Liberty University offers programs designed with a biblical worldview.
   • Liberty University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a secular approach to education, given Liberty University’s strong Christian ethos.

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6. #5

   Southern New Hampshire University

   Manchester , NH

   #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $15K

   Acceptance

   96%

   Graduation

   41%

   Student body

   224K

   Overview of Southern New Hampshire University

   • Total Program Cost: $18, 810
   • Credit Hours: 36
   • Time Duration: Self-paced
   • Focus Areas:
   • Cognitive Processes
   • Social Psychology
   • Ethical Practices
   • Developmental Psychology
   • Organizational Consulting

   What do we love about Southern New Hampshire University?

   The online accelerated master’s program in Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University is designed to arm students with the necessary skills for advanced career opportunities in psychology. The program offers three focus areas: forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and child and adolescent development.

   The psychology master’s degree program ends with a seminar and capstone project. Students must apply their psychological knowledge to a specific topic as part of the final project. Following the project, students present their work to their professors to receive feedback on how well they synthesize their knowledge.

   • Southern New Hampshire University is great for students who: Prioritize a flexible and career-focused education, as Southern New Hampshire University offers an online MS in Psychology with no GMAT or GRE required for admission.
   • Southern New Hampshire University might not be the best fit for students who: Are looking for a program that leads to licensure in clinical psychology, as SNHU’s program does not prepare students for state licensure.

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7. #6

   Fort Hays State University

   Hays , KS

   #7 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #13 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $5K

   Acceptance

   88%

   Graduation

   51%

   Student body

   18K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1065/21

   Overview of Fort Hays State University

   • Total Program Cost: $11,760
   • Credit Hours: 42
   • Time Duration: 16 months
   • Focus Areas
   • Developmental Psychology
   • Behavior Therapy
   • Advanced Child Psychopathology
   • Cultural Diversity in Psychology
   • Approaches to Psychotherapy

   What do we love about Fort Hays State University?

   With its eight-week classes and CAEP accreditation, this online master’s program allows students to finish in under two years. Experienced professors teach online classes at Fort Hays State University and cover various subjects.

   These include basic ideas in psychological science, research methods, study design and analysis, and theories of therapy and counseling. Individuals can increase their understanding of psychology via this program in a way that is both accessible and flexible, and it does not cost a fortune.

   • Fort Hays State University is great for students who: Value a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of psychological theories and practices.
   • Fort Hays State University might not be the best fit for students who: Seek a program with a high level of specialization in niche areas of social psychology.

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8. #7

   National Louis University

   Chicago , IL

   #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #8 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs 2025 #10 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology 2025 #16 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $12K

   Acceptance

   92%

   Graduation

   31%

   Student body

   10K

   Overview of National Louis University

   • Total Program Cost: $12,095
   • Credit Hours: 36
   • Time Duration: 18 months
   • Focus Areas:
   • Psychological Assessment
   • Advanced Social Psychology
   • Intergroup Relations
   • Psychological Statistics and Analysis
   • Development and Cognitive Psychology

   What do we love about National Louis University?

   Through advanced study and online classes, students at National Louis University in the graduate psychology program lay the groundwork for successful careers in the field. It’s an accelerated program that can be completed in around 18 months.

   Additionally, students have the freedom to pick from various majors to personalize their degree, in addition to flexible class schedules and extensive study choices. These focus areas include community psychology, psychology education, psychological evaluation, and general psychology.

   • National Louis University is great for students who: Are seeking a program with a choice of concentrations to tailor their learning, as National Louis University offers a Master of Arts in Psychology with options in General Psychology.
   • National Louis University might not be the best fit for students who: Are looking for a program with a heavy emphasis on clinical practice, as NLU’s program focuses more on the theoretical and practical knowledge of psychology.

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Student Submitted Questions About the Fastest Online Master’s in Social Psychology

How long does it take to get a master’s degree in psychology?

If you are determined, you can finish a master’s study in psychology in two years. Though it’s a significant commitment, many psychology master’s students are ready after completing their undergraduate studies.

Which area of psychology master’s degree pays the most?

Psychiatry is the highest-paying discipline of psychology. However, many students pursue a master’s in social psychology before specializing in a specific area.

For someone with a master of science degree in psychology, what are the best possible job paths?

A master’s of science in psychology may lead to many different types of jobs. Clinical psychology, counseling, industrial-organizational psychology, and academic careers are all viable options. Here are some of the top common tasks and career options for social psychologists:

• Research: Social psychologists conduct experiments, surveys, and studies to investigate social behavior. They analyze data to draw conclusions that contribute to the understanding of human behavior.
• Applied Research: Social psychologists may work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research firms. They apply their knowledge to address real-world problems such as improving workplace dynamics or reducing discrimination.
• Organizational Psychology: Similar to industrial organizational psychology, social psychologists may apply psychological principles to improve workplace productivity, employee satisfaction, leadership effectiveness, and organizational culture.
• Program Evaluation and Policy Development: Social psychologists evaluate the effectiveness of programs aimed at addressing social issues, such as education, criminal justice reform, or healthcare. At the same time, they may work with government agencies or advocacy groups to contribute to the development of public policies to address those issues.
• Counseling and Therapy: Some social psychologists become licensed therapists or counselors, providing mental health services to individuals, couples, families, or groups.
• Teaching: Many social psychologists work in academia, teaching courses at colleges and universities.

Conclusion

Psychology is a rapidly growing social science field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate is expected to increase by 6% from 2022 to 2032. This has led to an increase in the number of students enrolling in social psychology programs.