Explore Flexible Graduate Programs That Apply Social Psychology in Real-World Contexts
Social psychology—the scientific study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations—offers powerful insights into everything from group behavior to decision-making and persuasion. Its principles are used across fields like marketing, human resources, public policy, and user experience design, making it a versatile area of graduate study.
In recent years, more prospective students have shown interest in social psychology online master’s programs, drawn by the flexibility of online learning and the wide range of career applications. Whether you’re aiming to advance in a current role or pivot to a new one, graduate study in this area can help you understand and influence human behavior on a deeper level.
This guide highlights 20 master’s programs with strong social psychology content or relevance, chosen for their academic quality, online format, and career flexibility.
What Is a Master’s in Social Psychology? (And Why You Might Not Find One by That Name)
Social psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on how individuals are influenced by their social environment. It explores topics such as group behavior, identity formation, persuasion, prejudice, conformity, interpersonal relationships, and cultural norms. It’s a foundational subfield within psychology—bridging individual cognition with broader social dynamics.
Despite its significance, master’s degrees specifically titled “social psychology” are uncommon. Most professionals known as social psychologists—particularly those in academic or research settings—hold a PhD in social psychology. This level of training is typically required for conducting original research or teaching at the university level.
That said, many online master’s programs include social psychology coursework or related applications, even if the degree is labeled differently. Common titles for relevant programs include:
- MS or MA in General Psychology – Often includes electives in social or cultural psychology.
- MS in Applied Psychology – May focus on real-world problem-solving, including group behavior and persuasion.
- MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology – Applies social psychological principles to workplace settings.
- MA in Behavioral Science – Emphasizes decision-making, group influence, and behavior change.
- MS in Experimental Psychology – Offers strong research training, often with room to explore social topics.
These programs can be ideal for students interested in how social forces shape behavior—even if they don’t confer the title of “social psychologist.” Whether you’re pursuing work in human services, organizational consulting, UX research, or preparing for future doctoral study, these degrees offer a meaningful way to apply social psychology in professional contexts.
What to Look for in a Social-Psychology-Relevant Master’s Program
Because social psychology master’s programs are often embedded within broader degrees, it’s important to evaluate each option carefully to ensure it aligns with your academic and career goals. Whether you’re aiming to pursue applied work or eventually earn a doctorate, several key factors can help you identify a high-quality and relevant program.
Institutional Accreditation
First and foremost, confirm that the school is regionally accredited. Accreditation ensures academic credibility, eligibility for financial aid, and smoother transitions if you plan to pursue additional graduate education.
Program Type and Focus Area
Since “social psychology” is rarely a standalone degree at the master’s level, you’ll likely be considering broader program titles. You can explore various types of psychology master’s degrees that may include relevant coursework, such as:
- General Psychology – Often offers electives in social psychology or cultural studies.
- Applied Psychology – Focuses on solving real-world problems using psychological principles.
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology – Applies group behavior and motivation theories to workplace settings.
- Behavioral Science or Experimental Psychology – Strong options for students interested in research-heavy programs.
Review course catalogs to ensure offerings include topics like social cognition, group dynamics, attitude formation, and cultural psychology.
Curriculum and Faculty Expertise
Look for programs that include:
- Courses in social psychology, research methods, and statistics
- Faculty with active research or publications in social or cultural psychology
- Opportunities for capstone projects or thesis work that lets you focus on social behavior
Online Format and Flexibility
Most programs offer asynchronous or hybrid online formats to accommodate working professionals. Check for:
- Asynchronous vs. synchronous delivery
- Full-time or part-time enrollment options
- Tech support and student advising for online learners
Understanding the length of a master’s in psychology program is also important—programs typically range from 18 months to 3 years depending on format and pacing.
Admissions Requirements
While specific requirements vary, most programs expect:
- A bachelor’s degree (not always in psychology)
- Coursework in psychology, statistics, or research methods
- Letters of recommendation and a personal statement
You can get a detailed overview of common psychology grad school requirements to help you prepare your application materials.
Tuition and Financial Considerations
The cost of graduate education can vary significantly. Tuition for online psychology master’s programs may range from $15,000 to $50,000+, depending on the institution and program length. Reviewing how much a master’s in psychology costs can help you set realistic financial expectations and compare program value.
Finally, be sure to evaluate the long-term return on investment. While salaries vary by role and sector, the master’s in psychology salary guide can offer insight into potential earnings across applied and research-focused careers.
20 of the Top Online Master’s Programs with Social Psychology Relevance
While standalone master’s degrees in social psychology are uncommon, many online programs offer substantial coursework or concentrations that cover social cognition, group behavior, interpersonal influence, and cultural psychology. These programs are ideal for students seeking flexible, graduate-level training that draws from social psychological principles—even if the degree name doesn’t explicitly say “social psychology.”
The following programs were selected for their academic quality, online accessibility, and curriculum relevance. Each offers an opportunity to explore human behavior in social contexts and prepare for a range of applied or research-focused careers.
While this list highlights notable options, the best program for any student is the one that aligns most closely with their individual goals, career plans, and personal circumstances. We encourage prospective students to use this list as a starting point and to visit program websites for the most current details and a broader view of available offerings.
1. Adler University
Online Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Program Highlights
- Offers three tailored concentrations: Data Science, Training and Development, and Human Resources Management.
- Emphasizes socially responsible practice through a required 200-hour Social Justice Practicum with community engagement.
- Designed for flexibility with a fully online, asynchronous format that can be completed in as few as 12 months.
- Prepares graduates for a wide range of roles in fields like HR, organizational change, leadership development, and employee relations.
- Includes real-world application through curriculum focused on current organizational issues such as workplace diversity, change management, and team dynamics.
- Offers a capstone or thesis track, allowing students to choose the format that best suits their professional goals.
- Human Resources Management concentration prepares students for SHRM certification.
- Curriculum combines foundational I/O psychology theory with applied skills in research methods, talent management, and group dynamics.
- Supported by faculty with expertise in socially responsible leadership and practical workplace applications.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Explores how individuals and groups interact within organizations, with emphasis on team dynamics, workplace diversity, and the social impact of organizational culture.
2. Albizu University
Online Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Program Highlights
- Offers both online and on-campus options through the Miami campus.
- Emphasizes applied training to prepare students for real-world workplace problem-solving.
- 48-credit program designed to be completed in approximately 2 years.
- Courses are taught by active I/O professionals who integrate theory with field-based expertise.
- Small student-to-faculty ratio encourages individualized support and skill development.
- Faculty mentoring is integrated to support students’ long-term career goals.
- Opportunities for participation in applied research and practical projects.
- Curriculum focuses on key areas such as selection and placement, performance measurement, and quality of work life.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Focuses on how psychological principles influence behavior in diverse workplace settings, with training in organizational development and improving quality of work life.
3. ASU Online
Online Master of Science in Psychology
Program Highlights
- 36-credit program consisting of 12 courses, each 7.5 weeks long.
- Delivered fully online with no distinction on the diploma between online and on-campus formats.
- Emphasizes research-based understanding of human behavior, cognition, emotion, and attitudes.
- Core coursework includes advanced study in cognitive, developmental, social, cross-cultural, and positive psychology.
- Includes training in research methods and quantitative analysis.
- Offers elective flexibility to tailor the program to specific interests and career goals.
- Designed for non-clinical roles in fields like human resources, market research, program management, and social services.
- Does not lead to licensure for clinical or counseling psychology practice.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Features a dedicated course in advanced social psychology and explores how attitudes, emotions, and interpersonal dynamics shape human behavior.
4. Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM)
Online Master of Science in Psychology: Industrial-Organizational Track
Program Highlights
- Fully online, asynchronous format designed to be completed in 16 months.
- 30-credit program made up of 10 courses focused on practical, workplace-relevant applications of psychology.
- Covers topics such as workforce training, personnel selection, motivation, and cognitive neuroscience.
- Curriculum aligns with 26 core competencies outlined by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
- Emphasizes data-driven research and application of soft skills in organizational settings.
- No GRE required for qualifying applicants.
- Offers access to academic advising, tutoring, and career services through AUM’s online student support network.
- Taught by faculty with active research agendas and field expertise, including a director with a PhD from a top-ranked I/O psychology program.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Includes coursework in social psychology and focuses on applying psychological principles to improve interpersonal dynamics and workplace culture.
5. Austin Peay State University
Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Program Highlights
- 34-credit program delivered entirely online in 15-week semesters.
- Designed to be completed in approximately two years.
- Follows the latest education and training guidelines from the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP).
- Built around a scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing both research and applied skills.
- Focuses on core topics such as recruitment, performance, leadership, motivation, job satisfaction, and occupational health.
- Maintains a small average class size of 11 and a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Prepares students for both immediate workforce entry and further doctoral-level study.
- Offers a flexible schedule suited for working professionals.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Explores the psychological foundations of workplace behavior, including leadership, motivation, and the work-life interface—all central concerns in social psychology.
6. Bellevue University
Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Program Highlights
- 36-credit program delivered fully online, with an option to move through as part of a cohort.
- Courses cover a broad range of topics including social psychology, applied organizational psychology, performance appraisal, and research methods.
- Includes both a practicum and an applied research capstone to reinforce real-world learning.
- Aligns with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) education and training standards at the master’s level.
- Designed for working professionals, with one course at a time and built-in peer collaboration.
- Taught by faculty with professional experience in both private and public sectors.
- No GRE or GMAT required for admission.
- Tuition set at $660–$680 per credit for the 2024–2026 academic years.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Features a dedicated course in social psychology and emphasizes understanding human behavior within organizational systems, including team dynamics and workplace culture.
7. California Southern University
Master of Science in Psychology
Program Highlights
- 42-credit program designed for completion in 2–3 years of full-time study.
- Delivered fully online with flexible pacing to accommodate working professionals.
- Emphasizes theoretical and research foundations for application in non-clinical settings.
- Offers a concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, among others like addiction studies and sport psychology.
- Includes a master’s thesis and customizable electives to support diverse career interests.
- Courses focus on critical thinking, ethical practice, research design, and data interpretation.
- Does not lead to licensure but is suited for roles in consultation, administration, or advancement in related fields.
- Allows up to 6 transfer credits and charges $645 per credit.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Applies psychological theory to group and organizational contexts, with an emphasis on interpersonal dynamics, communication, and workplace behavior.
8. Capella University
Online Master of Science in Psychology
Program Highlights
- Fully online program offering flexible pacing and five specialization options, including Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
- Designed to equip students with applied psychological science knowledge across individual, group, and organizational contexts.
- Developed in consultation with the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board to ensure real-world relevance.
- Includes access to academic coaches and a supportive online community.
- Focuses on practical skill development for careers that involve understanding and influencing human behavior.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Emphasizes how individuals think and behave within groups and organizations, with a specialization that addresses workplace dynamics and interpersonal effectiveness.
9. Harvard Extension School
Psychology Master’s Degree Program
Program Highlights
- 12-course program with 11 courses available online and one required in-person experience (two weekends or a three-week summer session).
- Offers flexibility in pacing and course selection, with both synchronous and asynchronous formats.
- Curriculum covers topics like social psychology, cognitive neuroscience, positive psychology, and human development.
- Includes a choice between a thesis (9-month independent research project) or capstone project track.
- Stackable with graduate certificates such as the Topics in Human Behavior certificate.
- Courses taught by faculty from Harvard and peer institutions, with high student satisfaction ratings.
- Tuition is $3,340 per course, totaling approximately $40,080.
- Degree awarded is a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Psychology.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Includes direct study of social psychology and explores how emotional, cognitive, and behavioral factors influence individual and group dynamics.
10. Liberty University
Master of Arts in Applied Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Program Highlights
- 100% online format with 8-week courses and no required login times.
- 36-credit program (based on standard MA credit loads) that allows up to 50% transfer credit.
- Courses integrate psychology with a Christian worldview and focus on real-world application.
- Curriculum covers topics such as social and cognitive psychology, leadership, personnel management, and organizational behavior.
- Designed to prepare students for roles in program development, human services, research, and organizational leadership.
- Taught by faculty with field experience and a commitment to mentorship.
- No standardized testing required for admission.
- Tuition is $565 per credit for full-time students; $275 per credit for military students.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Includes advanced coursework in social psychology and emphasizes how human behavior and interpersonal dynamics affect organizational structure and workplace effectiveness.
11. Lynn University
Master of Science in Psychology
Program Highlights
- 36-credit fully online program designed for working professionals.
- Offers two tracks: General Psychology or Industrial/Organizational Psychology (changing to Coaching and Consulting Psychology in Fall 2025).
- Covers topics like advanced social psychology, program evaluation, leadership, and organizational management.
- Taught by faculty with research backgrounds in social, cognitive, personality, and developmental psychology.
- Tuition is $650 per credit, totaling approximately $23,400.
- Flexible format allows students to balance academics with personal and professional responsibilities.
- Includes access to career preparation services and personalized advising.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Curriculum emphasizes social and cultural foundations, including how interpersonal dynamics influence organizational behavior and leadership practices.
12. National Louis University
Master of Arts in Psychology
Program Highlights
- 36-semester-hour program available fully online or in a blended on-campus/online format.
- Can be completed in as little as 18 months.
- Offers three concentrations: General Psychology, Community Psychology, and Teaching of Psychology.
- Curriculum includes core courses in social, abnormal, cognitive, developmental, and personality psychology, as well as psychological assessment and research methods.
- Concludes with a thesis or comprehensive exam seminar.
- Designed for career flexibility, supporting roles in business, education, social services, and further graduate study.
- Courses are taught by experienced faculty with academic and real-world credentials.
- Offers a standalone graduate certificate in General Psychology for non-degree-seeking students.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Includes a dedicated course in advanced social psychology and explores how cultural, cognitive, and group dynamics influence behavior and interpersonal interactions.
13. National University
Master of Arts in Psychology
Program Highlights
- 30-credit program that can be completed in approximately 18 months.
- Fully online format with new classes starting every Monday.
- Offers three specializations: General Psychology, Gender and Sexual Fluidity, and Research and Teaching of Psychology.
- Includes a capstone or internship (depending on specialization) as the culminating experience.
- Emphasizes flexibility with one-on-one course structure and personalized support.
- FastForward pathway available for students interested in advancing to a PhD while reducing time and cost.
- No application fee, entrance exam, or essay required for admission.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Features advanced coursework on the social bases of behavior, including how culture, relationships, and perception influence interactions in both personal and professional contexts.
14. Purdue Global
Online Master’s Degree in Psychology
Program Highlights
- 60–75 quarter-credit program (equivalent to 40–50 semester credits), typically completed in about one year.
- Offered fully online with multiple start dates and flexible scheduling.
- Includes a choice of capstone or thesis as the culminating experience.
- Offers four concentrations: Industrial/Organizational Psychology, General Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Addictions.
- Curriculum emphasizes practical application, with courses in applied statistics, testing and assessment, and life span development.
- Taught by psychology practitioners with advanced degrees and real-world experience.
- Career support includes academic advising, career coaching, and access to professional networks like Psi Chi.
- Tuition is $420 per credit; various tuition reduction options are available for military and partner organization employees.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Explores social, organizational, and developmental factors that shape human behavior in the workplace, emphasizing interpersonal dynamics and group processes in professional environments.
15. Regent University
M.S. in Psychology
Program Highlights
- 39+ credit program offered fully online with a Christian worldview integration.
- Multiple concentrations available, including Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Addictions, Cyberpsychology, Leadership Coaching, Marriage & Family, and Doctoral Preparation.
- Courses cover research methods, biological bases of behavior, lifespan psychology, and integrative psychology.
- Designed to prepare students for doctoral study or professional careers in academic, clinical, or organizational settings.
- No GRE required for admission.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Focuses on human interaction and group dynamics within organizations, emphasizing prevention, training, and multicultural perspectives in leadership and employee development.
16. Saint Leo University
Online Master of Science in Psychology
Program Highlights
- 36-credit, fully online program completed in approximately 18–24 months.
- Courses are delivered in 8-week terms with a flexible cohort model and asynchronous learning.
- Offers four concentrations: Industrial/Organizational Psychology, General Psychology, Health Psychology, and Teaching of Psychology.
- Students complete either an empirical thesis or a capstone project as a culminating experience.
- Emphasizes practical skills in research, data analysis, ethics, and teaching.
- Encourages student participation in professional organizations such as APA, SEPA, SIOP, and Psi Chi.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Covers the psychological dynamics of human behavior in group and organizational settings, with particular attention to diversity, leadership, and team development within the workplace.
17. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master’s in Psychology MS Degree
Program Highlights
- 36-credit, fully online program delivered in 10-week terms.
- Offers three concentrations: Child and Development Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Industrial Organizational Psychology.
- Designed with a focus on practical application of psychological research in real-world settings.
- Emphasizes critical thinking, ethical practice, and the integration of research methods and theory.
- Taught by faculty with extensive field experience in psychology and related industries.
- No GRE or application fee required for admission; transfer in up to 12 credits.
Relevance to Social Psychology
The program incorporates key social psychology concepts through coursework in personality, social cognition, and human behavior. Students explore the application of psychological theory in diverse settings, enhancing understanding of interpersonal dynamics, ethical decision-making, and cultural context in professional environments.
18. Tiffin University
M.S. in Psychology
Program Highlights
- 41-credit, fully online program completed in approximately 18 months.
- Courses emphasize scientific psychology, research design and analysis, and advanced theories of personality.
- Faculty bring extensive real-world and practitioner experience to the virtual classroom.
- Learning is designed to be experiential and applied, connecting theory with real-world scenarios.
- Program offers multiple start dates each year for maximum scheduling flexibility.
- Delivered in a format that supports students balancing work, life, and academic goals.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Coursework addresses core psychological principles, including personality and behavior, offering a foundation applicable to social group dynamics and interpersonal understanding.
19. University of Louisiana at Monroe
Master of Science in Psychology
Program Highlights
- 36-credit program with a flexible structure for students with or without a concentration.
- Offers a general track or a forensic psychology concentration.
- Core curriculum includes courses in quantitative methods, research methods, neuropsychology, and personality/social psychology.
- Forensic concentration includes advanced coursework in forensic psychology, psychopathology, criminal justice, and counseling.
- Designed for students with undergraduate preparation in psychology and statistics.
- Recognized as one of the most affordable online master’s in psychology programs.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Includes foundational coursework in personality and social psychology, offering insight into interpersonal behavior and the psychological influences on social dynamics — especially relevant in both general and forensic contexts.
20. Walden University
MS in Psychology – Social Psychology Specialization
Program Highlights
- 48-quarter-credit online program designed to be completed in approximately 15 months.
- Specialization in Social Psychology explores how individuals construct thoughts, attitudes, and feelings in social contexts.
- Curriculum includes core studies in social psychological theory, group behavior, and individual welfare in societal systems.
- Offers a Doctoral Preparation track for students intending to pursue a PhD.
- Streamlined admissions process with no application fee, no essay, and easy credit transfer.
- Course-based format with tuition savings available through the Believe & Achieve Scholarship®.
- Walden may accept up to 24 transfer credits, potentially reducing time and cost.
Relevance to Social Psychology
Focuses directly on the principles of social psychology, with applications to individual and group behavior in diverse settings such as healthcare, education, industry, and public health.
What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Social Psychology?
Although a master’s degree alone won’t qualify you to work as a licensed social psychologist, it can open doors to a variety of rewarding careers that apply social psychological principles in real-world settings. These roles are typically found in business, government, education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors—where understanding human behavior in social contexts is key.
Common Career Paths
Graduates of social-psychology-relevant master’s programs often pursue careers such as:
- Market Research Analyst
Use social behavior insights to study consumer trends, test product messaging, and guide strategic marketing decisions. - Human Resources Specialist
Apply principles of group dynamics and attitude formation to improve employee relations, organizational culture, and hiring practices. - Behavioral Insights Consultant
Work with governments or businesses to design interventions that promote healthier, more effective behaviors. - Policy or Program Evaluator
Assess the impact of public or nonprofit initiatives, especially those focused on community engagement, equity, or education. - Community Outreach Coordinator
Develop and manage programs aimed at increasing public participation or awareness in health, education, or advocacy settings. - User Experience (UX) Researcher
Conduct behavioral studies to improve how users interact with digital products or services.
These roles typically require strong research, communication, and data analysis skills—core competencies built into many online master’s programs in psychology with a social focus.
If you’re interested in academic research or teaching at the university level, a master’s degree may also serve as a valuable stepping stone to a PhD or PsyD program in psychology.
FAQ: Online Master’s in Social Psychology
Can I become a social psychologist with a master’s?
No. In most cases, becoming a social psychologist—especially in research or academic settings—requires a PhD in social psychology. A master’s degree may help you build foundational knowledge or prepare for doctoral study, but it does not qualify you for the job title or responsibilities typically associated with licensed or academic social psychologists.
What are some real-world applications of social psychology?
Social psychology principles are applied across industries to influence behavior, improve communication, and understand group dynamics. Applications include:
- Designing public health campaigns
- Improving workplace collaboration
- Conducting market or political research
- Enhancing user experiences in tech
- Shaping policy through behavioral insights
Are these programs good preparation for a PhD in psychology?
Yes—especially those that emphasize research methods, statistics, and theoretical foundations. If you’re considering a doctoral path, look for programs that offer a thesis or capstone project and opportunities to work closely with faculty on relevant research.
Is online study respected in this field?
Increasingly, yes. Reputable online psychology master’s programs from regionally accredited institutions are widely recognized by employers and doctoral programs—especially when they maintain academic rigor and offer student support comparable to in-person options. Just be sure to verify accreditation and review program outcomes before applying.
Finding the Right Fit
Pursuing an online master’s degree with a focus on social psychology can be a smart step toward careers that involve understanding and influencing human behavior. While these programs won’t lead directly to becoming a licensed social psychologist, they can prepare you for impactful roles in research, business, public policy, and beyond.
To choose the right program, consider your career goals, preferred learning format, time commitment, and budget. Review each program’s curriculum closely, and don’t hesitate to reach out to admissions advisors to ask about electives, faculty expertise, and opportunities to focus on social psychology.
With the right fit, you can gain the skills and insight to apply social psychology in meaningful, real-world ways.
