Pepperdine Online Master of Arts in Psychology

Gain a thorough understanding of human behavior and psychological principles.

  • 20,000+ Inspired Alumni — Our community is vast, yet closely connected and passionate about making a difference in psychology fields.
  • Complete in as Few as 18 Months — Graduate in just a year and a half with knowledge you can apply to the human services field or further academic pursuits.
  • No GRE Required — You’re not a number, but a person with experiences and interests. We evaluate applicants based on these qualities instead of test scores.

The online Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology program from the Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) will give you a broad understanding of human behavior and the fundamental principles of the psychology field. Structured by a clinical framework, the program will expose you to essential psychological theory and practice through online classes and course work.

Whether you want to enter the human services field, advance your career in a related field, or pursue doctoral study in psychology, you will be prepared to apply your psychological expertise to your next professional or academic endeavor.

Earn Your Degree in as Few as 18 Months

No GRE Scores Required to Apply

Online Master of Psychology Program Highlights

The online master’s in psychology program can be defined as the gateway to understanding human behavior and the foundational practices that accompany the psychology vocation. You will gain a deeper understanding of psychological diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.

Depending on your decision to study part time or full time and the number of transfer credits you receive, program length ranges from:

4–8

sessions

36–48

units

18–24

months to complete

After you’ve completed the program, you will be ready to pursue a variety of careers in the field of psychology in a range of professional settings.  

On-Campus MA in Psychology Program

Pepperdine’s on-campus MA in Psychology program helps you turn passion into purpose. Build a foundation for personal growth, expand your impact through service, and prepare for leadership opportunities or further your studies toward a PsyD in clinical psychology. No GRE required to apply.

Visit our on-campus site to learn more and apply to the on-campus program. Keep in mind that on-campus and online MA in Psychology program applications are separate. Access the online application here. 

Admissions Overview

The online Master of Arts in Psychology program seeks students who are committed to cultivating a deep understanding of human behavior while advancing their capability to serve those in need. We accept applications on a rolling basis and offer you the option to start earning your psychology degree at various times throughout the year.

  • Bachelor’s Degree Requirement
    Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree may be in psychology or another field, provided the program’s academic requirements are met.
  • No GRE Requirement
    Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores. The admissions process takes a holistic approach, considering academic background, experience, and overall readiness for graduate study.
  • Application Fee Waivers
    Application fee waivers are available for applicants who submit their materials by the priority deadline, helping reduce the upfront cost of applying.

Visit our Application Requirements page for further details.

Cohorts start four times per year in winter, spring, summer, and fall.

Tuition and Financial Aid

You will need to complete 36 to 48 units to graduate. To help you better understand the total cost of your degree, Pepperdine offers a calculator tool to approximate the cost of tuition.

Financial aid opportunities are available for Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology students. Students may utilize employer tuition assistance, federal student loans, private loans, or scholarships to assist with program expenses.

For more information, visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

Pursue Your Purpose

Learn more about the online master’s in psychology program from Pepperdine University.

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Online Master’s in Psychology Curriculum Overview

The online master’s in psychology curriculum covers core psychological concepts and introduces clinical theories used in real-world practice. As a student, you will explore mental and emotional disorders, conduct research, and evaluate methods as you learn how psychological principles can be used to assess personality and intelligence.

The curriculum is designed to address a wide range of practical and clinically oriented subject materials. You will have the opportunity to select multiple electives, allowing you to customize your plan of study to focus on the topics and areas that most interest you.

Online Program Courses

Pepperdine’s online content and coursework reflect the academic complexity and reputation of the on-campus option. Courses will introduce you to a range of psychotherapy techniques while providing insight into a broad spectrum of topics.

The Program Timeline

The online master’s in psychology program is designed with flexible pacing options and a clearly defined unit structure.

  • Total Units: 36–48 (fixed, depending on track)
  • Accelerated Track: 18 months
  • Standard Track: 24 months

Students can complete the program on either timeline depending on their course load and preferred pace, allowing flexibility while maintaining a structured path to completion.

Coursework is delivered in eight-week sessions, with students typically completing 4–8 sessions per year, allowing for steady, focused progress toward degree completion.

Curious to know what your schedule might look like? Check out a sample course sequence (PDF).

How Your Coursework Is Structured

The online master’s in psychology program includes a total of 16 courses, designed to build both foundational knowledge and advanced clinical understanding.

As a student, you will complete:

  • Five foundation courses, which establish essential graduate-level skills in psychology, including key theories, research methods, and ethical principles. These courses provide the academic groundwork needed for more advanced study.
  • Nine core courses, which focus on in-depth exploration of psychological concepts and clinical applications. These courses are central to the degree and emphasize real-world understanding of behavior, mental health, and assessment.
  • Two elective courses, which allow you to tailor your studies to specific areas of interest within psychology and align the program with your personal or professional goals.

Foundation courses are offered as part of the master’s program and may be waived if you have earned a B or better in classes covering the required course work within the past seven years.

Read course descriptions for the online psychology master’s program.

Featured Courses

Course Spotlight: Multicultural Counseling

Consider how people’s identities and backgrounds relate to mental health and treatment. Explore how counselors can take into account clients’ race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, spirituality, sexual orientation, gender, and ableness.

Course Spotlight: Social Psychology

How do individuals and social environments shape each other? Explore the dynamics of interpersonal influence in diverse contexts, including attitude formation and change, stereotyping and prejudice, altruism and aggression, and political and health psychology.

Course Spotlight: Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders

Explore the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders as defined in the DSM system. Examine evidence-based approaches, including individual, group, systemic, and psychopharmacological interventions, with attention to sociocultural factors and recovery-oriented care. Develop practical skills in intake assessment and treatment planning.

Course Spotlight: Trauma in Diverse Populations

Explore the science of trauma through a culturally responsive lens, examining how trauma impacts individuals and communities across experiences ranging from interpersonal violence to natural disasters and medical events. Gain practical insight into multicultural competence, trauma-informed intervention, and risk reduction strategies while fulfilling the California BBS requirement in spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention.

Accreditation

Pepperdine University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. Institutional accreditation ensures that the University meets rigorous standards for academic quality, faculty expertise, student support, and institutional effectiveness.

The Master of Arts in Psychology is offered through Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology under this institutional accreditation. This means students are earning their degree from an accredited university committed to maintaining high standards of graduate education and continuous academic quality improvement.

Accreditation provides assurance that the program is delivered within a recognized academic framework and reflects the University’s commitment to excellence in graduate psychology educatio

Licensure

The Master of Arts in Psychology provides advanced graduate training in psychological theory, research, and applied practice, helping students build a strong foundation for a variety of career and academic pathways in the field.

This program is not a direct licensure track and does not, on its own, lead to licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). These credentials typically require a specialized clinical or counseling graduate degree, along with supervised clinical experience and successful completion of a state licensing exam.

Antiracism and Antidiscrimination Statement

The MA in Psychology program and 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.

Passionate and Purpose-Driven Faculty

GSEP faculty are active clinicians and experts in their disciplines who are dedicated to helping you grow as you pursue your degree. The purpose-driven practitioners and professors you’ll collaborate with work in all segments of the psychology landscape and have a deep passion for inspiring future leaders.

Gimel Rogers

Clinical Professor

Associate Director Online MAP/MACLP Programs

Online Psychology Division, Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Education

  • PsyD, Pepperdine University, GSEP
  • MA, Pepperdine University, GSEP
  • BA, Spelman College

gimel.rogers@pepperdine.edu

310-568-5564

Biography

Gimel Rogers, PsyD, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist and is Board Certified in Clinical Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. With over 15 years of clinical, professional speaking, and training experience, she is the owner of F.I.R.E. Igniting Lives and the founder of its brand, One Temple Fitness. She earned her doctorate from Pepperdine University and has provided trauma-focused care to clients from the Children of the Night Program, the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility, FCI Terminal Island, and community programs serving survivors of intimate partner violence. She is an expert witness and assists clients who are involved in criminal, family, and civil cases involving a broad range of forensic issues.

She is a Clinical Professor and the Associate Director of the Online MAP/MACLP Programs at Pepperdine University. She provides professional training to a variety of organizations and institutions on the topics of antiracism, bias, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as trauma-informed practices. Therapeutically, Dr. Rogers presently works with survivors who are recovering from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as persons coping with life’s stressors. She utilizes an array of therapeutic interventions with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral therapy. She has published in the areas of culture, coping, spirituality, and trauma. Her inaugural book is the 21-Day Relationship Healing Devotional and Journal, a poetry-based devotional that promotes restoration through reflection. She is the content developer of the Power and Control Wheel of Historical Trauma.

Learn more on the GSEP Meet Our Faculty page.

Careers with a Master of Arts in Psychology

With a master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine, you’ll be empowered to align your career with your passion for helping others. You will be prepared to pursue doctoral study or employment within a human services-related setting, such as public mental health, education, healthcare, government, or the corporate sector.

The job market is diverse and includes both independent and team-oriented career options.

Job Titles and Work Settings

Job Title 2026 Median SalaryWork Setting
Social and Human Service Assistance
$45,120 per year1
Develops programs that connect communities to health and social resources and increases access to services.
Corporate Recruiter
$72,910 per year2
Identifies and hires talent while supporting workforce planning and organizational culture. 
Executive Coach
$65,850 per year3
Works with professionals to improve leadership, performance, and communication using behavioral and psychological principles.
Grant Writer
$72,270 per year4
Writes funding proposals for nonprofits and organizations to secure program support and resources.
Group Facilitator
Varies, $59,190 per year5
Leads structured group sessions focused on support, education, or behavioral development. 
Market Research Analyst
$76,950 per year6
Analyzes consumer behavior and market trends to support business decision-making. 
Program Manager/Director
Varies, $105 350 per year7
Oversees planning and execution of organizational programs to ensure goals are met.
Social Science Research Assistants
Varies, $62,350 per year8
Supports research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting in academic or applied settings. 

Learn more about careers you can pursue after earning your MA in Psychology. Visit our Psychology Career Paths page to explore how the degree and Pepperdine’s courses apply to particular industries.

Immersions and Clinical Experience

The Master of Arts in Psychology is delivered in a fully online format and does not include required in-person immersions, clinical placements, or supervised fieldwork hours.

This structure is designed to provide flexibility for working professionals and students balancing other commitments, allowing them to complete coursework remotely without relocation or scheduled on-site requirements.

Because the program is not a licensure track, it does not incorporate practicum or internship components typically required for clinical licensure. Students seeking hands-on clinical training or supervised experience may choose to pursue additional education or licensure-eligible programs aligned with their professional goals.

Earn Your Master’s.
Help People and Organizations Thrive.

Access Your Application

Now is the time. Advance your career with Pepperdine. Take the next step today.

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FAQs About Online Master’s in Psychology

  • Yes. Online master’s degrees from Pepperdine University are respected and designed to provide rigorous academic training through faculty-led coursework and a comprehensive graduate curriculum.

    What matters most isn’t whether you studied online or on campus, but the quality of the program and its accreditation. 

    A strong, recognized degree signals that the curriculum meets professional standards and that you’ve developed the skills needed to succeed in your field.

  • No, becoming a licensed psychologist requires a doctoral degree and supervised clinical hours, which cannot be completed entirely online.

    However, if you are looking for a fully virtual foundation in human behavior, the online Master of Arts in Psychology program serves as an excellent stepping stone toward future doctoral study or a variety of non-clinical careers in fields like business and human services. 

    If your ultimate goal is professional licensure as a counselor or therapist, you can learn about our hands-on field training options by reviewing the online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology curriculum.

  • No. Your diploma will simply state that you earned a Master of Arts in Psychology from the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University. It will not indicate whether you completed the program online or on campus. The online program is designed and delivered by Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

  • No. In most states, a master’s degree alone isn’t enough to become a licensed, independent psychologist. That role typically requires a doctoral degree, such as a PhD or PsyD.

    That said, a master’s in psychology can still open the door to many careers in human services, therapy, and research, often working under the supervision of a doctoral-level professional.

  • A master’s in psychology is a challenging but rewarding graduate program that requires dedication and strong time-management skills.

    You can expect a rigorous workload that includes advanced coursework, research, critical analysis, and the application of psychological theories and concepts. Staying organized and actively engaging with your studies will help you succeed in this academically demanding program.

  • A psychologist is a mental health professional with a doctoral degree who is trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions using a variety of assessment and diagnostic tools.

    A therapist is a broader term that includes anyone trained to provide talk therapy and emotional support, such as psychologists, licensed counselors, and marriage and family therapists.

    While both roles help people work through emotional and behavioral challenges, psychologists typically have more extensive training in psychological testing and research, and may work with more complex mental health conditions.

  • No. In most states, a Master of Arts in Psychology (Non-Licensure) does not grant the legal authority to diagnose mental health conditions independently. Diagnosis typically requires a doctoral degree (PsyD/PhD) or a specific clinical license (LPC/LMFT).

  • Graduates of the Online Master of Arts in Psychology program from Pepperdine University typically step into versatile, non-clinical roles since this specific path does not lead to professional licensure. Instead of working as licensed therapists or psychologists, individuals with this degree use their deep understanding of human behavior to excel as human resources managers, career counselors, market research analysts, and community project coordinators. This foundational training prepares you to make a meaningful impact across business, education, and social services.

  • This versatile degree can open doors to a wide range of careers across human services, business, and education. Graduates often go on to roles such as:

    • Business roles: HR managers, marketing specialists, or industrial-organizational consultants
    • Human services roles: Case managers, social service managers, or nonprofit directors
    • Education and research roles: Community college instructors or research assistants
    • Further study: Many students also use the degree as a stepping stone to a PhD or PsyD if they want to advance their qualifications further

  • The most common abbreviations you’ll see after a master’s in psychology are MA (Master of Arts) or MS (Master of Science), depending on your program. These simply indicate the type of graduate degree you’ve completed.

  • To apply, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, and GRE scores are not required.

    If you submit your application by the priority deadline, you may also qualify for an application fee waiver.

    For the full list of requirements and detailed instructions, you can visit the Online Master of Arts in Psychology Application Requirements page.

  • The Online Master of Arts in Psychology program is designed with flexible pacing options to accommodate different schedules and study intensities.

    At a standard full-time pace, most students complete the program in approximately 24 months. For those who take a more accelerated course load, the program can be completed in as few as 18 months.

    This range allows students to balance their studies with work and other commitments, while building practical knowledge they can apply in human services roles or use as a foundation for further graduate study.

  • The cost of an online master’s degree in psychology includes tuition and fees.

    To help you plan ahead, Pepperdine provides a tuition calculator so you can estimate the overall cost of the program.

    Financial aid options are also available, including employer tuition assistance, federal student loans, private loans, and scholarships, which can all help offset expenses.

    For more information, visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

  • The MA in Psychology does not offer concentrations or specializations. Instead, the program provides a broad foundation in psychological theory, research, and applied practice, with elective coursework that allows you to explore topics aligned with your academic interests and career goals.

  • Yes. Many students use an MA in Psychology as a way to strengthen their academic profile before applying to a doctoral program. If your undergraduate GPA wasn’t as strong as you’d like, doing well in a rigorous master’s program can help show doctoral admissions committees that you’re ready for advanced study.

    The curriculum also covers key areas like research, assessment, and human behavior, giving you a solid foundation for the demands of a PsyD or PhD program.

  • Completing the MA in Psychology may make you a more competitive applicant for doctoral programs, but the transferability of graduate credits is subject to the policies and approval of the receiving institution.

    For students applying to Pepperdine’s PsyD program, a maximum of nine graduate units may be considered for transfer. To be eligible, the courses must:

    • Be equivalent to psychology courses offered in the PsyD curriculum.
    • Have been completed after earning a bachelor’s degree.
    • Not have been applied toward another completed graduate degree.
    • Have been completed within the past seven years with a grade of B or higher.
    • Not be extension courses.

    Transfer credit is not guaranteed. Admitted students must submit a formal petition, including the course description and syllabus, to the PsyD Program Administrator for review. For doctoral programs at other institutions, transfer credit policies vary and are determined by the receiving institution.

  • Switching between tracks isn’t automatic, it does require a formal petition and isn’t guaranteed. While the two programs share about nine courses, the Clinical (MFT/LPC) track has different requirements, including hands-on clinical training that starts early in the program.

    Because of this, changing tracks is more like applying to a new program. It may extend your time to graduate or add extra costs to meet licensing requirements.

    To avoid surprises, it’s a good idea to speak with an enrollment specialist before you start, so you can choose the track that best fits your career goals.

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. Social and Human Service Assistance. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 2026. ↩︎
  2. Corporate Recruiter. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 2026. ↩︎
  3. Executive Coach. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 2026. ↩︎
  4. Grant Writer. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 2026. ↩︎
  5. Group Facilitator. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 2026. ↩︎
  6. Market Research Analyst. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 2026. ↩︎
  7. Program Manager/Director. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 2026. ↩︎
  8. Social Science Research Assistants. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 2026. ↩︎