Considering a psychology degree in Massachusetts? This field is ideal for those intrigued by cognitive, emotional, and social processes, as well as human behavior. Students learn to observe, interpret, and record interactions between people and their environments, with opportunities to apply findings to drive improvements in the field.

Prospective psychology students should consider Massachusetts-based accredited programs, as local institutions are familiar with state licensing requirements. While degrees from other states are acceptable, they may complicate the licensing process and delay career progress. Massachusetts schools may also have established connections with local employers, offering additional job opportunities.

As of 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the following employment growth rates for psychology-related professions:

  • Psychologists: An estimated 5% increase in employment between 2023 and 2033, equating to approximately 2,900 job openings annually.

  • Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: A projected 19% growth from 2023 to 2033, resulting in about 48,900 job openings each year.

  • Marriage and Family Therapists: While specific growth rates are not detailed in the provided sources, this profession is generally expected to experience growth in line with the overall demand for mental health services.

These projections highlight the increasing demand for mental health professionals, underscoring the importance of pursuing relevant education and training in the field.

Featured Online Programs

Top Ranked Campus & Online Psychology Programs in Massachusetts


1

Harvard University

Score: 93.27

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $59,076
    • Out-of-State:$59,076
  • Net Price: $19,491
  • Acceptance Rate: 3%
  • Retention Rate: 98%
  • Graduation Rate: 98%
  • Total Enrollment: 30,631
  • Undergrad Students: 9,368
  • Graduate Students: 21,263
  • Grads Salary: $96,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 7:1
  • Harvard University
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2

Amherst College

Score: 88.92

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $67,280
    • Out-of-State:$67,280
  • Net Price: $21,367
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 92%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,898
  • Undergrad Students: 1,898
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $92,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 7:1
  • Amherst College
3

Williams College

Score: 87.98

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,860
    • Out-of-State:$64,860
  • Net Price: $20,965
  • Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 95%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,222
  • Undergrad Students: 2,169
  • Graduate Students: 53
  • Grads Salary: $86,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 6:1
  • Williams College
4

Wellesley College

Score: 85.25

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,320
    • Out-of-State:$64,320
  • Net Price: $21,362
  • Acceptance Rate: 14%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 90%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,447
  • Undergrad Students: 2,447
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 7:1
  • Wellesley College
5

Tufts University

Score: 82.81

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $67,844
    • Out-of-State:$67,844
  • Net Price: $30,479
  • Acceptance Rate: 10%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 94%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,431
  • Undergrad Students: 6,815
  • Graduate Students: 6,616
  • Grads Salary: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Tufts University
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6

Boston University

Score: 80.94

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $65,168
    • Out-of-State:$65,168
  • Net Price: $27,829
  • Acceptance Rate: 14%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 89%
  • Total Enrollment: 36,714
  • Undergrad Students: 18,459
  • Graduate Students: 18,255
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Boston University
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7

Boston College

Score: 79.99

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $67,680
    • Out-of-State:$67,680
  • Net Price: $30,559
  • Acceptance Rate: 17%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 15,287
  • Undergrad Students: 9,982
  • Graduate Students: 5,305
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Boston College
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8
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $63,141
    • Out-of-State:$63,141
  • Net Price: $35,827
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 30,013
  • Undergrad Students: 16,302
  • Graduate Students: 13,711
  • Grads Salary: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Northeastern University
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9

Smith College

Score: 76.61

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $61,568
    • Out-of-State:$61,568
  • Net Price: $30,790
  • Acceptance Rate: 23%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 89%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,873
  • Undergrad Students: 2,523
  • Graduate Students: 350
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Smith College
10

Regis College

Score: 75.57

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $47,770
    • Out-of-State:$47,770
  • Net Price: $30,014
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,230
  • Undergrad Students: 1,121
  • Graduate Students: 2,109
  • Grads Salary: $100,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Regis College
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11

College of the Holy Cross

Score: 75.43

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $60,850
    • Out-of-State:$60,850
  • Net Price: $34,679
  • Acceptance Rate: 36%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,083
  • Undergrad Students: 3,083
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • College of the Holy Cross
12
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $17,357
    • Out-of-State:$39,293
  • Net Price: $22,291
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 32,229
  • Undergrad Students: 24,391
  • Graduate Students: 7,838
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Massachusetts-Amherst
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13
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $59,070
    • Out-of-State:$59,070
  • Net Price: $46,876
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 89%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,308
  • Undergrad Students: 5,246
  • Graduate Students: 2,062
  • Grads Salary: $95,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute
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14
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $16,570
    • Out-of-State:$35,396
  • Net Price: $17,240
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 17,153
  • Undergrad Students: 12,389
  • Graduate Students: 4,764
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of Massachusetts-Lowell
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15

Assumption University

Score: 71.97

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $49,414
    • Out-of-State:$49,414
  • Net Price: $28,911
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,059
  • Undergrad Students: 1,704
  • Graduate Students: 355
  • Grads Salary: $86,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Assumption University
16

Mount Holyoke College

Score: 71.46

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,142
    • Out-of-State:$64,142
  • Net Price: $35,765
  • Acceptance Rate: 40%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,392
  • Undergrad Students: 2,193
  • Graduate Students: 199
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Mount Holyoke College
17

Simmons University

Score: 71.4

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $45,538
    • Out-of-State:$45,538
  • Net Price: $24,423
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,710
  • Undergrad Students: 1,788
  • Graduate Students: 3,922
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 7:1
  • Simmons University
18

Stonehill College

Score: 70.85

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $54,500
    • Out-of-State:$54,500
  • Net Price: $31,021
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 79%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,543
  • Undergrad Students: 2,500
  • Graduate Students: 43
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Stonehill College
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19

Brandeis University

Score: 70.68

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,946
    • Out-of-State:$64,946
  • Net Price: $45,565
  • Acceptance Rate: 39%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
  • Graduation Rate: 87%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,581
  • Undergrad Students: 3,687
  • Graduate Students: 1,894
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Brandeis University
20

Clark University

Score: 69.54

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $55,160
    • Out-of-State:$55,160
  • Net Price: $32,053
  • Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,770
  • Undergrad Students: 2,389
  • Graduate Students: 1,381
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Clark University
21

Western New England University

Score: 68.58

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $46,430
    • Out-of-State:$46,430
  • Net Price: $30,214
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,430
  • Undergrad Students: 2,406
  • Graduate Students: 1,024
  • Grads Salary: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Western New England University
22

Wheaton College (Massachusetts)

Score: 68.08

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $62,080
    • Out-of-State:$62,080
  • Net Price: $32,863
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 80%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,667
  • Undergrad Students: 1,667
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Wheaton College (Massachusetts)
23

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Score: 68.07

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,884
    • Out-of-State:$20,559
  • Net Price: $15,377
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • Retention Rate: 64%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 938
  • Undergrad Students: 838
  • Graduate Students: 100
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
24

Springfield College

Score: 67.3

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $43,707
    • Out-of-State:$43,707
  • Net Price: $27,930
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,921
  • Undergrad Students: 2,005
  • Graduate Students: 916
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Springfield College
25
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,286
    • Out-of-State:$17,366
  • Net Price: $14,435
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,311
  • Undergrad Students: 4,478
  • Graduate Students: 833
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Worcester State University
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Online Psychology Education in Massachusetts


In Massachusetts, educational services, healthcare, and social assistance make up the third-largest industry, generating $69.7 billion annually. As of May 2020, the state employed 4,330 clinical, counseling, and school psychologists, with an average annual wage of $89,170.

Earning a psychology degree opens doors to diverse career paths in Massachusetts. Professionals apply psychological knowledge to address issues like mental health treatment, education, and research. Many work alongside scientists at top universities to conduct psychological research.

Psychologists in Massachusetts typically specialize in three main areas: applied, research, and mental health psychology. Applied psychologists use psychological principles to solve real-world problems, while research psychologists conduct studies to advance the field. Mental health psychologists focus on helping individuals with mental disorders or psychological distress. Each specialization offers unique career opportunities.

Psychologists conduct studies on behavior and brain function, observe individuals, identify emotional patterns, and discuss treatment plans with clients. They also write research papers, share findings, and supervise interns and other professionals as part of licensure requirements.

While many graduates choose to pursue employment as psychologists and counselors, other job opportunities are available. Depending on the level of degree attained, graduates may qualify for positions as social workers, human resource specialists, therapists, and more.

Counselors and therapists often specialize in areas like addiction, family, trauma, or specific populations such as children or the elderly. They assist with emotional, mental health, and social issues but cannot prescribe medication. Most are focused on helping others lead healthier, happier lives.

Licensed psychologists and counselors in Massachusetts require, at minimum, master’s degrees. In some cases, however, a doctoral degree will be necessary. There are, however, also employment opportunities available to graduates with associate and bachelor’s degrees in psychology. Your ultimate career goals should dictate the level of formal psychology education you seek.

Find Your Online Psychology Program

 

Online Associate (AS)

Online associate degrees in counseling generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework. For full-time students, graduation requirements can generally be met within two years. Every curriculum is different, but most programs are designed to provide students with a basic introduction to the field.

Major courses often include:

  • Child Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Psychology of Aging
  • Counseling

Prospective students should know that most careers in this field require more than an associate degree, especially in a competitive job market. While an associate degree provides a foundation for further education, it’s rarely enough for licensure or most employers. However, graduates may find entry-level jobs in social services, management, or customer service and often transfer credits to bachelor’s degree programs.

National Online Rankings for associates in psychology

Online Bachelors (BS)

Online bachelor’s degrees in psychology typically consist of 120 credit hours of coursework and take full-time students approximately four years to complete. Part-time students will require additional time to meet graduation requirements. Program specifics vary, but often combine general education, psychology coursework, labs, and electives.

Common instructional topics include:

  • Social Psychology
  • Biological Psychology
  • Sensation and Perception
  • Criminal Psychology and Behavior
  • Introduction to Addiction Theories

Many colleges and universities also offer opportunities to select a concentration, or specialty.

Some of the most common specialties in this field are:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
  • Counseling Psychology
  • Addiction Counseling
  • Engineering Psychology
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Research / Experimental Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology

Psychology degrees at the undergraduate level are highly popular in the United States. This is because graduates are able to pursue a wide variety of careers, as well as enroll in master’s degree programs. Individuals who majored in psychology also tend to do well in seemingly unrelated fields, such as management and business, because the knowledge and skills acquired can be applied across many industries.

National Online Rankings for bachelors in psychology

Online Masters (MS)

Most master’s degrees in psychology consist of 60 credit hours of coursework and take full-time students approximately two years to complete. Curriculums are designed to provide more thorough instruction in key areas such as social psychology, cognitive process, and theories of personality. Students can expect a combination of classroom learning, research, and practical applications, with some programs tending towards research, theory, or clinical work than others.

Some common courses include:

  • Social Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Research Methods
  • Theories of Personality

Again, many colleges and universities offer graduate students opportunities to specialize their academic experiences by selecting concentrations.

Some of the most common options at this level include:

  • Educational Psychology
  • Research
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychology

While it’s not uncommon for master’s graduates to find employment, many choose to continue their education. half of people who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology continue their education to earn advanced degrees. This is because Massachusetts requires licensed psychologists and most licensed counselors to have doctoral degrees.

National Online Rankings for masters in psychology

Online Doctorate (PhD)

Most online doctoral degrees in psychology consist of between 60 to 90 credit hours and take full-time students five to seven years to complete. Every institution is different, but some of the most common course subjects are behavioral assessments, professional ethics, research methods, cognitive development, and neuroscience. It’s also important to realize that students will need to write and defend dissertations prior to graduating.

Prospective students will need to choose between the doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree and the doctor of philosophy in psychology (PhD) degree. The PsyD degree is best suited for those interested in clinical work, while the PhD tends to be more appropriate for professionals pursuing careers in research.

Earning a doctorate degree in psychology can lead to many exciting, personally rewarding, and lucrative career opportunities. Not only is it required for those pursuing careers as licensed psychologists, but it can also help professionals in other areas build the clinical and research skills necessary to be successful.

Read our doctorate in psychology degree guide

Become a Psychology Professional in Massachusetts


If you want to become a psychology professional, the first step is identifying your ultimate career goals in the field. Because there are many different types of jobs available to graduates at all levels, knowing the specific type of work you want to perform is essential. Once you determine your ideal profession, it becomes much easier to select an applicable degree type and academic program.

Those seeking to become licensed counselors in Massachusetts require comprehensive and highly regulated training. Students matriculating after July 1, 2017 must have a master’s degree in mental health counseling with a minimum of 60 graduate-level semester hours.

These hours have to include the following subject areas:

  • Counseling Theory
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Psychopathology
  • Social and Cultural Foundations
  • Clinical Skills
  • Group Work
  • Special Treatment Issues
  • Appraisal
  • Research and Evaluation
  • Professional Orientation

Students must also pass the following elective courses:

  • Consultation Skills
  • Outreach and Prevention Strategies
  • Diagnosis and Treatment Issues
  • Mental Health Regulations and Policy
  • Management of Community Mental Health Programs

Alternatively, candidates can earn doctoral degrees with the same course requirements. In both cases, prospective licensed counselors in Massachusetts also need to complete a practicum and an internship. Practicums must be seven weeks long and consist of 65 practicum hours. The internship consists of 285 hours of supervision.

After meeting all academic requirements, those seeking licensure will need to complete two years of clinical supervised experience, consisting of 3,360 hours of experience requirements and at least 130 hours of supervision. Applicants are also required to achieve a passing score on the National Counselors Examination of the National Board for Certified Counselors and the State Law Test.

Those seeking to become licensed psychologists in Massachusetts must obtain doctoral degrees in psychology or a closely related field. Doctoral programs must be accredited by the American Psychological Association.

The curriculum must demonstrate competence in the following core areas:

  • Biological Basis of Behavior
  • Cognitive-Affective Basis of Behavior
  • Racial/Ethnic Basis of Behavior
  • Social Basis of Behavior
  • Individual Differences
  • History of Psychology
  • Psychometrics and Statistics
  • Research Design and Methodology
  • Professional and Scientific Standards

It’s important to note that individuals pursuing careers in school psychology only need master’s degrees with advanced practicums of at least 1,200 hours.

After earning a doctoral degree in psychology, licensure candidates will need to complete at least two years of supervised experience. Internships are acceptable forms of experience and can range from assisting professional psychologists to teaching. Additionally, licensure candidates must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and the State Jurisprudence Examination. Permission to take these two tests can only be granted by the licensing board after reviewing application packets.

Potential Careers for Psychology Graduates


  • Substance Abuse/Addiction Counselor
    Substance abuse and addiction counselors provide counseling and support to patients diagnosed with alcohol and/or drug addictions. This job often entails creating treatment plans, implementing therapeutic treatments, and evaluating patient progress. These professionals also often provide individual and group counseling services. Additionally, substance abuse and addiction counselors must maintain accurate patient documentation as observations are made. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors make an average base salary of $53,710 per year.
  • Residential Counselor
    Residential counselors provide counseling services to residents of live-in patient facilities. This job often entails overseeing treatments for a variety of patient types including people with disabilities or addictions, as well as troubled youth and the elderly. Some facilities also require these professionals to assist with crucial situations and/or resolve conflicts between residents by providing individual and group counseling. According to BLS, counselors (all other) make an average base income of $52,360 per year.
  • Mental Health Counselor
    Mental health counselors diagnose and treat patients suffering from various mental health problems and illnesses. These professionals are often given opportunities to specialize in a particular area of care such as eating disorders, addiction, and young adult development. The job often entails utilizing one-on-one and group counseling sessions to help patients work through and/or resolve diagnosed conditions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors make an average base salary of $53,710 per year.
  • Grief Counselor
    Grief counselors, sometimes called bereavement counselors, assist their clients in working through the emotions commonly associated with the deaths of loved ones. This job often entails guiding patients through the various stages of grief, as well as promoting healthy coping mechanisms. According to BLS, counselors (all other) make an average base income of $52,360 per year.
  • School Counselor
    School and guidance counselors meet with and assist students in achieving their personal, academic, social, and development goals. This job often entails providing college preparation support, but may also include helping students acclimate to new schools and resolving conflicts. These professionals commonly consult with parents, intervene during challenging situations, refer support services, and help students overcome various obstacles. According to BLS, school and career counselors and advisors make an average base salary of $61,710 per year.
  • Clinical Social Worker
    Clinical social workers offer therapy services to individuals requiring mental and/or emotional support. This job often entails performing a variety of tasks including coordinating patient care interactions, negotiating with third party groups, communicating with patients, and conducting psychosocial evaluations. Clinical social workers can work in many settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, residential nursing facilities, home healthcare companies, or substance abuse treatment centers. According to BLS, social workers make an average base salary of $58,380 per year.
  • Psychiatrist
    Psychiatrists determine whether or not patients have mental disorders and what treatments are necessary if they do. This job often entails evaluating patient symptoms, behaviors, and past medical histories in order to identify any currently present conditions. These professionals then offer guidance and recovery assistance. Psychiatrists use various treatments and/or medications to assist patients in managing, easing, or healing diagnosed patient disorders. According to the BLS, psychiatrists make an average base salary of $256,930 per year.

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