Online Master’s in Psychology Programs

Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Become a Catalyst for Inspiration and Change

Since its founding in 1971, the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) has been an innovative learning community where faculty and students of diverse cultures and perspectives work collaboratively to foster academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.

Today, that innovative learning community is available to students all over the globe through our research-backed, top-tier online psychology programs. We invite you to learn more about our programs, designed to prepare students everywhere to enrich lives in their organizations and communities.

GSEP by the Numbers

Students in our online and on-campus programs inspire real change.

20,000+

Alumni leading with purpose

44,000

Hours of psychotherapy provided

1,100+

People served in our clinics each year

Learn More About the Program of Your Choice

The final deadline for the October 2026 cohort is July 31, 2026. Request information by completing the brief form.

Request Information

Find Your Online Psychology Master’s Degree Program

We offer three online degree programs, each with specialized areas of interest.

Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Our online ABA program prepares students to develop a deep understanding of behavior analysis and the modern techniques used to recognize, assess, and treat human behaviors. Our program features concepts and principles of ABA, assessment procedures, and applications of ABA for behavior change. The program can be completed in as few as 15–21 months.

Explore the master’s in ABA program.

Online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

Our online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program is designed for students who want to serve individuals, couples, and families as a counselor or marriage and family therapist. Graduates will be prepared to pursue a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) upon graduation. The program can be completed in as few as 27 months.

Explore the master’s in clinical psychology program.

Online Master of Arts in Psychology

Our Master of Arts in Psychology program is designed for students who want to gain a thorough understanding of human behavior and psychological principles. Students are prepared to take the next step in a human services field, advance in a related field, or pursue doctoral study in psychology. The program can be completed in as few as 18–24 months.

Explore the master’s in psychology program

Compare Our Psychology Degrees at a Glance

While each of our programs offers a unique focus on human behavior, comparing the specific academic requirements and professional outcomes side-by-side can help you identify which path aligns best with your career goals. Use the table below to compare units, completion times, and licensure tracks for our MA in Clinical Psychology, MS in ABA, and MA in Psychology programs at a glance.

DegreeGoal/OutcomeUnitsCompletion TimeLicensure/TrackField PlacementHour Requirements
MA in Clinical Psychology
Become a licensed therapist.
62–68 units
27 months
LMFT/LPC licensure
Required (4 terms)
700 total hours
MS in ABA
Become a behavior analyst for autism/behavioral health.
30 units
12–15 months
BCBA® Certification
Required (3 terms)
1,500–2,000 hours (BACB standards)
MA in Psychology
Prepare for a PhD or advance a career in human services.
36–48 units
18–24 months
Academic Prep (Non-Licensure)
None Required
N/A (Foundational Track)

Learn more about our on-campus psychology programs.

 Antiracism and Antidiscrimination Statement

The online psychology programs and the GSEP Psychology Division stand in solidarity against racial inequities and injustice and other forms of discrimination and oppression. We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that is enriched and strengthened by diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity and national origin, gender and gender identity, sexuality, class, age, ability status, and religion. GSEP also encourages all community members to engage in critical learning and reflection to strengthen our capacity for being effective, active, and outspoken against all forms of racism and intersectional oppression.

Is an Online Psychology Degree From Pepperdine Worth It?

For students seeking a flexible, clinically focused psychology degree from a nationally recognized private university, GSEP offers online programs designed to support long-term personal and professional growth.

Pepperdine’s reputation in online graduate psychology education is reflected in rankings that recognize both academic quality and student outcomes:

#1

Top online programs in clinical psychology1

#4

In schools with online psychology programs2

88%

Student retention rate3

Online Learning That Fits Your Schedule

Designed for students pursuing licensure, board certification, graduate study, or career advancement in counseling, psychology, and behavioral health, Pepperdine’s Online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Online Master of Arts in Psychology, and Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis programs combine academic rigor with the flexibility needed to balance graduate study alongside work and personal commitments.

Students benefit from:

  • Live online classes
  • Asynchronous coursework
  • Experiential clinical training
  • Access to faculty mentorship
  • Professional networking opportunities 

Pepperdine’s Legacy of Excellence

Pepperdine University enjoys a stellar reputation for academic excellence and student-centered learning. Crafted with flexibility in mind, without compromising academic rigor, all Pepperdine’s online programs are grounded in the values and standards that have defined the university for decades:

#1

Highest-ranked Protestant Christian University4

92%

Positive student outcomes after graduation5

R2

Prestigious research designation, Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education6

130,000+

Global alumni

Accreditation and Licensure

Pepperdine University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis programs are designed to help students pursue professional licensure and certification pathways, depending on their chosen program.

Graduates may be academically prepared to pursue licensure as a:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

Students in the online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program are academically prepared to sit for the certification examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

To learn more about licensure and certification pathways, visit our How Do the Pepperdine Online Psychology Programs Prepare Students for Licensure? page. 

Career Preparation

Pepperdine’s online psychology programs are designed to support a wide range of professional goals within psychology, counseling, and behavioral health. Depending on the program, students may pursue licensure pathways, prepare for doctoral study, or position themselves for leadership and advancement opportunities across counseling, human services, and related fields.

Beyond academic preparation, students also gain access to Pepperdine’s global alumni network and career resources, supporting long-term professional development, mentorship, and networking throughout their careers.

Our Faculty: Passionate and Purpose-Driven

GSEP faculty members are renowned practitioners in their fields who are passionate about their work and their students. Our professors teach because they want to—not because they have to—and they see sharing knowledge, mentoring students, and enriching lives as not just work, but a noble pursuit and responsibility.

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis

Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, associate professor, ordained minister, psychologist, author, host of the Homecoming podcast, and recipient of the Sarah Allen Research on the Status of Black Women Award.

Learn more about GSEP leaders on the Meet Our Faculty page.

Prepare for What’s Next

At GSEP, we work closely with our current students and alumni as they pursue meaningful career outcomes. Students have access to a number of Pepperdine career resources, including:

  • One-on-one advising with an executive coach.
  • Student and alumni job boards.
  • The PeppConnect online alumni community.
  • Virtual and in-person networking events.

Experiential and Online

We’ve combined our values-based approach to education with 21st-century learning best practices to create an online experience that promotes deep thinking, purposeful reflection, and meaningful connection. As a student, you’ll benefit from:

  • Weekly live classes that encourage discussion.
  • Collaborative tools and small-group activities.
  • Interactive course work including modules, video lectures, and case studies.

On-Campus Psychology Master’s Programs

The psychology master’s programs at Pepperdine GSEP empower you for personal growth and service. Change lives as a marriage and family therapist, clinical psychologist, or applied behavior analyst. Extensive practicum experience is offered through a scholar-practitioner model. Whether you’re looking for a full-time program or need flexibility as a working professional, our on-campus programs offer a degree for you.

Visit our on-campus site to learn more and apply to on-campus programs. Note that on-campus and online psychology program applications are separate. Access the online psychology programs application here.

Clinical Training in Your Community

Clinical training is an essential component of our online ABA and online master’s in clinical psychology programs. Our dedicated placement team will work with you to find and secure Pepperdine-approved practicum and internship opportunities, where you can observe professionals in the field and gain direct experience working with clients in or near your own community.

Serving the Greater Good for More Than 50 Years

For the last 50 years, Pepperdine has empowered students to transform themselves, and others, into the best possible expression of themselves. That legacy is alive today more than ever, as we help students all over the globe gain the skills they need to achieve personal fulfillment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in the lives and communities they serve.

We look forward to the next 50 years of psychology education the Pepperdine way:
with purpose, service, and leadership.

Join us—we’re just getting started.

FAQs About the Online Master’s in Psychology Programs

  • Admission to our online psychology programs is holistic, meaning we look at the whole person: your experience, passion, and potential, rather than just test scores.
    While specific requirements can vary slightly by degree track, the core application checklist includes:
    – Bachelor’s Degree: You must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. (Note: You do not need a prior degree in psychology to apply).
    – No GRE Required: We do not require GRE scores for admission to our online master’s programs.
    – Statement of Purpose: A personal essay outlining your professional goals, your interest in the field, and why you want to join the Pepperdine community.
    – Letters of Recommendation: Typically two letters from professional or academic references who can speak to your potential for graduate-level work.
    – Official Transcripts: From all post-secondary institutions you have attended.

  • Each program features a distinct curriculum designed to meet specific career outcomes, though all share Pepperdine’s commitment to academic excellence and values-based service.
    – MA in Clinical Psychology (MFT/LPC Track): This curriculum is designed for licensure preparation. You will complete 62–68 units covering psychopathology, diagnosis, and advanced counseling techniques. It includes supervised clinical rotations in your local community to meet state licensure requirements.
    – MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Verified by the ABAI, this 30-unit curriculum focuses on the science of learning and behavior. It pairs rigorous coursework in behavioral concepts with verified field experience, preparing you to sit for the BCBA examination.
    – MA in Psychology (General): This 36–48 unit program provides a broad, comprehensive foundation in human behavior. It is ideal for students who want to apply psychological principles to other fields (like business or leadership) or who plan to pursue a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in the future.

  • Yes. For programs that require clinical fieldwork (such as the Clinical Psychology and ABA tracks), Pepperdine provides a dedicated Clinical Training and Placement team. We do not leave you to find a site on your own. Instead, we work collaboratively with you to identify, vet, and secure approved training sites within your local community that meet both university standards and state licensure requirements.

  • Yes, the majority of our online students are working professionals. Our programs are designed with flexibility in mind, offering evening live classes and asynchronous coursework. However, graduate study is rigorous; most students take two courses (6 units) per term, which is considered a full-time academic load. We recommend speaking with an enrollment advisor to discuss how to balance your work schedule with the specific field experience requirements of your chosen track.

  • Pepperdine’s online programs are billed on a per-unit basis, giving you the flexibility to pay for the courses you take each term rather than a flat annual fee.
    2025–2026 Academic Year Rates:
    – Tuition Rate: Approximately $2,030 per unit for online psychology master’s courses.
    – Total Program Cost: Because unit requirements vary by degree, the total estimated cost ranges from approximately $60,900 (for the MS in ABA) to $138,000+ (for the MA in Clinical Psychology).
    Note: Financing your education is a partnership. Many students utilize federal financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement, and scholarships to manage these costs. We encourage you to visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page for a personalized breakdown.

  • Your career path depends largely on which degree track you choose:
    – Clinical Psychology Graduates (MFT/LPC): Primarily pursue licensure to work as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) in private practice, hospitals, or community mental health agencies.
    – Applied Behavior Analysis Graduates (ABA): Typically become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders or developmental disabilities in schools, clinics, and homes.
    – General Psychology Graduates: Often apply their skills in the corporate world as Human Resources managers, marketing specialists, or organizational consultants. Many also use this degree as a stepping stone to doctoral programs or careers in social services case management.

  • Yes, Pepperdine University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), one of the six official regional accrediting agencies in the United States.
    In addition to this institutional accreditation, our specific psychology tracks align with top industry standards:
    – ABA Program: Features a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), ensuring you meet the coursework requirements for the BCBA exam.
    – Clinical Program: The curriculum is designed to meet the rigorous academic requirements for licensure set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), which is widely respected across the nation.

  • Yes, program funding assistance is available through various financial aid options, such as scholarships and loans. For further details, please refer to the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

  • No, the tuition rates for online study are not different for out-of-state students. As a private institution, Pepperdine charges a uniform tuition rate per unit, regardless of residency status.
    For further details, please refer to the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

  • No, while applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, the degree does not have to be in psychology. For further details, please refer to the Online Psychology Master’s Program Application Requirements page.

Pepperdine University partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. Pepperdine University has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.

  1. Top Online Graduate Programs in Clinical Psychology 2026. (2026). Psychology.org. Retrieved May 29, 2026. ↩︎
  2. Online Psychology Master’s Degree. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved May 29, 2026. ↩︎
  3. Top Online Graduate Programs in Clinical Psychology. (2026). Psychology.org. Retrieved May 29, 2026. ↩︎
  4. For Greater Purpose. (2026). Pepperdine University. Retrieved May 29, 2026. ↩︎
  5. For Greater Purpose. (2026). Pepperdine University. Retrieved May 29, 2026. ↩︎
  6. Pepperdine University Earns R2 Designation from Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. (2025). Pepperdine University. Retrieved May 29, 2026. ↩︎