The field of psychology has gained a lot of significance in recent years, especially during the post-pandemic era. Today, professionals with a master’s degree in psychology can choose from a number of job roles across different industries. Several international students opt to pursue their master’s in psychology in the USA. The country is home to several top-ranked universities in the world and offers high-quality education, advanced research facilities, clinical training opportunities, and much more.
Key highlights:
- What Is a Master’s in Psychology?
- Why Pursue a Master’s in Psychology in the USA
- Top Universities for Pursuing Master’s in Psychology in the USA
- Eligibility and Admission Process for Master’s Programmes in Psychology in the USA
- Eligibility Criteria
- Admission Process
- Cost of Pursuing a Master’s in Psychology in the USA
- Tuition Fees
- Cost of Living
- Career Avenues After a Master’s in Psychology in the USA
- Highest Paying Jobs After a Master’s in Psychology
What Is a Master’s in Psychology?
A master’s in psychology is a graduate-level study programme that prepares students for careers in psychology or related fields, such as business, education, and even criminal justice. A master’s in psychology in the USA is usually a 2-year study programme, with some universities offering courses with durations of 1 to 2+ years. The programme is best suited to students with a passion for humanitarian work or who wish to make a real difference in the world.
Why Pursue a Master’s in Psychology in the USA?
- Quality Education: The USA has always been known for offering quality education and learning opportunities.
- Globally Ranked Universities: The USA is home to several well-known universities that have consistently ranked high in the World University Rankings.
- Pedagogy: Faculties at US universities are renowned globally for their emphasis on research as well as practical applications and their innovative teaching methods.
- Strong Career Opportunities: Students who complete their master’s in psychology from US universities can build lucrative careers as professional psychologists, as the course is globally accredited.
Top Universities for Master’s in Psychology in the USA in 2025
Here are the best universities in the USA for pursuing a master’s in psychology, as per the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
- QS Category: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Psychology (USA-Specific).
- THE Category: World University Rankings 2025 by Subject: Psychology (USA-Specific).
| University | QS World University Rankings(USA-Specific) 2025 | THE World University Rankings(USA-Specific) 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 1 | 3 |
| Stanford University | 2 | 1 |
| Yale University | 3 | 5 |
| Columbia University | 4 | 10 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 5 | 7 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 6 | 9 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 7 | 41 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 8 | 4 |
| New York University | 9 | 11 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 10 | 6 |
Eligibility and Admission Process for Master’s Programmes in Psychology in the USA
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.
- Must meet minimum GPA score requirements (may vary depending on the universities).
- Must meet minimum score requirement for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
- Scores of a relevant English language proficiency test, like the Duolingo English Test (DET), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Visa Requirements
- Valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months after your period of stay in the US.
- Letter of acceptance from a recognised US university.
- Non-Immigrant Visa Application and the confirmation page of Form DS-160.
- Application fee payment proof.
- An I‑20 form for an F‑1 visa.
- Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status.
Admission Process
- Step 1 - Choose Your Specialisation: Align your interests with the focus areas of the programmes, career goals and faculty research to choose the right psychology specialisation, such as forensic, clinical, health psychology, or counselling.
- Step 2 - Select Your University: Choosing the right university in the USA for psychology programmes is very important. Check the eligibility requirements of your preferred US universities, which offer the course you want to pursue, and ensure that you meet them.
- Step 3 - Appear for Entrance Exams: Book the required standardised tests and English language proficiency tests well in advance and appear for the relevant tests.
- Step 4 - Gather Your Documents: Make a checklist of the documents you need to submit, gather the originals, and keep soft copies ready.
- Step 5 - Submit Your Application: Apply for admission to the master’s degree in psychology at the USA university you chose through their online portal. Ensure that you submit the application in the proper format as recommended by your chosen university before the deadline.
- Step 6 - Confirm Your Admission: Once you receive an official notification of admission to a master’s in psychology in the United States from your preferred university, you can apply for a student visa.
Cost of Pursuing a Master’s in Psychology in the USA
Tuition Fees at Some Popular Universities
The tuition fees can vary depending on the university you select. For instance, the cost of the Psychology Master’s Degree Programme from Harvard Extension School will be ~USD 41,280 for the total course. Whereas an MA in Psychology in Education at Columbia University will cost ~USD 76,700 for 1 year. Tuition fees for the MA in Psychology will be ~USD 44,400 for 1 year at New York University.
Cost of Living in the USA
| Expense Category | Estimated Annual Expense |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | USD 18,450 |
| Food | USD 3,480 |
| Transport | USD 840 |
| Utilities | USD 2,160 |
| Books and Study Material | USD 900 to USD 2,000 |
| Internet | USD 1,080 |
| Miscellaneous | USD 3,500 |
Also Read: Tier 1 Universities in the USA
Career and Salary Scope After a Master’s in Psychology in the US
Pursuing a master’s in psychology opens the doors to wide-ranging, rewarding career opportunities. The field of psychology is experiencing steady growth, which is being driven by multiple factors, such as the rising awareness around mental health, expansions of school counselling programmes, increasing importance of workplace wellness, and greater acceptance of mental wellness as a part of healthcare. From 2024 to 2034, employment opportunities for psychologists are expected to grow, with around 12,900 new openings being projected for every year till 2034.
Career Avenues After a Master’s in Psychology in the US
| Jobs | Average Salary Per Year (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Family Therapist | ~50,800 |
| Mental Health Clinician | ~53,400 |
| School Psychologist | ~60,000 |
| Research Analyst | ~61,000 |
Pursuing a master’s in psychology in the US offers lucrative career opportunities and also provides a chance to make a difference to people’s lives as well as the community. Availing an education loan for students who want to pursue their higher education abroad has emerged as a viable solution in recent years.
At Avanse Financial Services, we offer a range of customised education loans to study abroad, which can be tailored to meet your specific requirements. With quick sanctions, 100% financing and flexible repayment options offered by Avanse Financial Services, you no longer need to put your dreams on hold. If you want to know more about education loan eligibility or have doubts about your academic journey, please connect with us.
