Best Masters in Psychology Programs in New Hampshire (2026 Guide)

Want to revolutionize your career prospects with a Masters in Psychology Program in New Hampshire? You’re making a smart choice. The numbers back this up – 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU based on a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.

New Hampshire offers excellent options with promising career outcomes for students interested in masters in developmental psychology or online masters child psychology programs. The University of New Hampshire’s accelerated program lets you earn both your B.A. and M.A. degrees in just five years. Licensed psychologists in New Hampshire earn between $75,000 and $203,000, while school counselors can expect to take home anywhere from $46,000 to $97,000.

This guide will help you find the best psychology master’s programs in New Hampshire. You’ll learn about their curriculums, costs, and career outcomes to help you choose the right academic path. These programs offer specialized tracks in child and adolescent development and forensic psychology, creating various pathways to advance your psychology career.

1. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Southern New Hampshire University leads psychology graduate education in the Granite State. The university started in 1932 and launched its online programs in 1995. SNHU has grown into a leader for flexible, career-focused education options.

Program overview

SNHU’s Master of Science in Psychology delivers a fully online education designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers. The university, a nonprofit accredited institution, makes high-quality education available and affordable. Students can finish the program in 15 months by taking two courses per 10-week term, with five terms each year.

SNHU has a flexible education approach. Students can access their coursework anytime without fixed class times in the online MS in Psychology program. This setup helps you balance your studies with work and personal life. Your diploma carries equal weight whether you study online or on campus.

Students get comprehensive support through admissions counseling, academic advising, writing help, round-the-clock technical support, library services, career guidance, and tutoring. SNHUconnect, a virtual student union, lets you connect with classmates, professors, and alumni to build your professional network.

Curriculum highlights

The MS in Psychology program has 36 credits: 24 credits of major courses and 12 credits of electives or concentration courses. Students without a psychology background might need foundational courses in Psychology, Statistics, and Research Methods.

Core coursework includes:

• Research Methods in Psychology (I and II)
• Cognitive Processes
• Social Psychology
• Theories of Personality
• Measurement and Assessment
• Ethical Practice in Psychology
• Capstone in Psychology

The program offers three specialized concentrations:

1. Child and Developmental Psychology – Perfect for those who want to work with children. Students learn assessment, intervention, and consultation strategies for children’s needs. Courses cover Developmental Psychology, Intervention Strategies, Cognitive Neuropsychology, and a specialized seminar.
2. Forensic Psychology – This path gives you skills for criminal justice system work. Students study Forensic Psychology, Assessment for Forensic Psychology, Intersection of Law and Psychology, and Psychology in the Courtroom.
3. Industrial-Organizational Psychology – This concentration matches Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) standards and focuses on workplace behavior. Students take courses in Workplace Motivation, Psychology of Leadership, Organizational Consulting, and a specialized seminar.

The program concludes with a capstone course. Students complete a faculty and peer-reviewed project about a current psychology issue. The curriculum stresses practical application of psychological research, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Tuition and financial aid

SNHU offers some of the nation’s lowest online tuition rates. The MS in Psychology program costs $659 per credit hour. Total program cost reaches $23,724 for 36 credits. Students pay the same rate regardless of location, with no extra out-of-state fees.

Students can reduce costs through several options:

• Transfer Credits: Up to 12 graduate-level credits can transfer, potentially lowering tuition to $15,816.
• Military Discounts: Active-duty service members and their spouses pay $470 per credit hour.
• Employer Tuition Assistance: Many employers offer tuition benefits, and SNHU partners with hundreds of companies nationwide.
• Financial Aid: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps determine grant and loan eligibility.

Additional costs include course materials (varying by course) and a one-time $100 graduation fee for regalia, official transcripts, and diploma cover.

Career outcomes

An MS in Psychology from SNHU opens doors to various careers across multiple sectors. The program builds valuable skills for business, education, healthcare, criminal justice, and information technology, though it doesn’t lead directly to licensure or certification.

Social scientists and related workers earned a median annual wage of $91,840 as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Government psychologists earned $126,990, while those in ambulatory healthcare services made $96,960.

Key roles and their median annual salaries include:

• Industrial-organizational psychologists: $109,840
• Clinical and counseling psychologists: $95,830
• School psychologists: $86,930
• Training and development managers: $127,090
• Management analysts: $101,190

The program creates a strong foundation for doctoral studies. Students develop skills in statistical analysis, research methodology, and human behavior understanding that prove valuable across professional settings.

Each concentration targets specific career paths. Child and Developmental Psychology graduates often work in community centers, schools, and nonprofits. Forensic Psychology graduates pursue roles as crime analysts, forensic case managers, or jury consultants.

2. University of New Hampshire (UNH)

The University of New Hampshire is well-known with its research-focused psychology education. Students can choose a unique fast-track path and doctoral-level training options. UNH, the state’s main public research university, gives psychology students several ways to grow their careers through solid academic training.

Program overview

UNH’s psychology master’s program features a special accelerated BA/MA option that helps students finish both degrees in five years. The American Psychological Association recognized this breakthrough approach with an award for Graduate Education in Psychology. UNH doesn’t offer a separate master’s program. Instead, it blends master’s-level work into its broader doctoral psychology education system.

UNH’s psychology department aims to create behavioral scientists with wide-ranging psychology knowledge. These scientists should know how to teach well and do quality research. Students can specialize in three research areas:

• Brain, behavior, and cognition
• Developmental psychology
• Social psychology/personality

Unlike programs that focus on clinical work, UNH’s graduate psychology program suits students who want research and academic careers. You won’t find training in clinical or counseling psychology here. The department focuses on experimental psychology.

Students benefit from a low graduate student-to-faculty ratio of about 3:2. This means you’ll work closely with faculty mentors throughout your research experience. On top of that, it runs active research labs in all specialty areas. The university also partners with well-known programs like UNH’s Child Study and Development Center and the Family Research Laboratory.

Curriculum highlights

The fast-track BA/MA in experimental psychology needs at least 30 graduate credits. Students can count 12 credits toward both degrees. These shared credits work as electives and don’t count toward core undergraduate requirements.

Ph.D. students usually finish in four to five years. They complete master’s-level work first, then move on to doctoral research. Here’s how the program typically unfolds:

1. Complete master’s degree requirements
2. Pass specialist examination in one of the department’s three specialization areas
3. Identify doctoral research topic
4. Begin dissertation research (typically in fourth year)
5. Complete dissertation (usually in fifth year)

Teaching skills matter just as much as research at UNH. Every doctoral student teaches Introduction to Psychology and takes a year-long seminar about teaching psychology. Students also teach undergraduate courses in statistics or their specialty area. This complete teaching experience makes graduates ready for academic careers.

Students should master four main areas:

• Current theory and research
• Sound, independent ethical research
• Ethical scholarly and professional activities
• Teaching skills

Tuition and financial aid

Here’s what graduate students pay for 2025/2026:

Full-time means 9-16 credits per semester. Part-time students pay per credit hour plus a $20 registration fee. Doctoral Research (GRAD 999) costs $1,000 and counts as full-time.

Full-time students also pay about $2,498 yearly in mandatory fees. These cover health services, counseling, recreation facilities, and technology.

The good news? UNH helps psychology students with money. Every psychology doctoral student gets a stipend and free tuition for up to five years. This support removes a major barrier to graduate education.

Financial help comes in several forms:

• Teaching assistant jobs
• Summer teaching fellowships
• Dissertation fellowships with stipends and fee waivers
• Research assistant positions through grants
• Money for conference travel

Students working as assistants, fellows, or part-time lecturers don’t pay tuition. Full-time assistants pay only half the mandatory fees.

Career outcomes

UNH master’s graduates do well after school. Within a year of graduating, 89% have jobs and 8% continue their education. Among job seekers, 96% find work.

The class of 2022 earned an average of $68,557 in full-time positions. Most salaries fell between $60,000-$69,999—better than the previous three years. This shows UNH graduates’ job prospects keep improving.

Most graduates (83%) work in their field of study, while 11% work in somewhat related jobs. These numbers show how valuable a UNH degree is in the job market.

Psychology graduates start with different salaries based on their specialty. Research.com shows UNH psychology majors typically earn $32,967 in early career jobs. This number grows with advanced degrees and specialization.

Many graduates stay local—53% work in New Hampshire. The numbers differ for in-state and out-of-state students. About 72% of local students stay in New Hampshire, compared to 28% of out-of-state students.

The class of 2022 felt good about their education. About 87% liked their post-graduation plans, and 86% said UNH prepared them well. Nine out of ten graduates were happy with their UNH education, and 92% said their degree helped their career goals.

Ph.D. graduates in psychology land great jobs. About 75% work at colleges and universities across the country. This success comes from the program’s focus on training future teachers and researchers.

UNH creates well-rounded graduates by teaching both research and teaching skills. You’ll learn research methods, statistics, critical thinking, and human behavior—skills that help in many careers.

3. Rivier University

Rivier University in Nashua stands out with its clinical focus in psychology programs. This 100-year-old private institution in New Hampshire offers specialized doctoral pathways. The university’s APA-accredited Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program leads its offerings, and students can find valuable master’s-level psychology education options too.

Program overview

The Department of Counseling and Psychology runs psychology programs at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Students learn through hands-on experience that connects theory with ground application.

The APA-accredited Psy.D. in Counseling and School Psychology is the university’s flagship program. You won’t find many programs like this nationwide. The program brings together counseling and school psychology in a practitioner-scholar model. Students develop clinical skills while learning the discipline’s empirical foundations.

The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling follows New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification guidelines. Graduates can get licensed in New Hampshire. Students who want certification in other states should check their specific regional requirements.

Rivier’s facilities make it special. Benoit Hall got a major upgrade as part of Rivier’s 2025 initiative. This space now serves as a cutting-edge learning environment for psychology, counseling, and education students. Students practice in immersive simulation areas that create realistic counseling scenarios.

Curriculum highlights

The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program teaches both theory and practical skills. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Contemporary counseling techniques and best practices
• Clinical and group counseling methodologies
• Psychopathology concepts and applications
• Ethical frameworks for mental health practice

Students learn in classrooms and through hands-on experience. Skills develop through residency and internship hours. This approach helps you build practical abilities while understanding theory.

The Psy.D. program has these components:

• Foundation courses (48 credits)
• Doctoral core requirements (46 credits)
• Practicum requirements (6 credits)
• Doctoral elective requirements (9 credits)
• Dissertation research (minimum 5 credits)

Foundation courses cover essential topics like research methods, human development, assessment techniques, counseling theories, group counseling, and psychopathology. Core doctoral courses explore advanced topics such as biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases, social bases, psychometrics, and evidence-based treatments.

The doctoral curriculum’s tiered practicum experience sets it apart. Students progress through three tiers of clinical training. They start with basic practicum experiences and move up to doctoral and advanced clinical placements. This approach helps skills grow naturally throughout the program.

Tuition and financial aid

Here’s what you’ll pay for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Budget about $1,400 yearly for textbooks and supplies. Additional fees include:

• Graduation fee: $175.00
• Technology fee: $25.00 per course
• Transcript fee: $15.00
• Parking fee: $95.00 for commuters

Full-time graduate students taking nine credits per semester pay around $14,120.00 annually. Half-time students with five credits per semester pay about $7,243.00. Clinical program students need liability insurance for practicums or internships, with costs varying by placement.

Graduate programs don’t have application fees. Payment plans help spread educational expenses over time.

Rivier career outcomes

Rivier’s psychology program graduates find jobs in various fields based on their education level and specialty. Licensed psychologists in New Hampshire with doctoral degrees earn between $75,000 and $203,000.

Master’s-level counseling graduates can expect these salary ranges:

• School counselors: $46,000-$97,000
• Clinical mental health counselors: $48,000-$112,000
• Licensed alcohol and drug counselors: $40,000-$104,000

The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares you for the National Clinical Mental Health Licensing Exam. You’ll meet requirements to become a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) in New Hampshire.

Rivier’s psychology education meets critical workforce needs. Psychology and counseling fields need qualified professionals. New Hampshire’s professional psychology workforce is “graying,” creating opportunities for new practitioners.

Students learn practical skills alongside academic knowledge. Graduates work in private practice, multidisciplinary clinics, counseling centers, hospitals, schools, and community organizations.

Rivier maintains high standards in psychology education. OnlineMastersColleges.com ranks Rivier University’s online master’s programs as the best in New Hampshire.

4. Plymouth State University

Plymouth State University sits in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The campus offers specialized psychology graduate programs that focus on educational psychology and school-based practice. Students enjoy a peaceful setting perfect for graduate studies, with plenty of outdoor activities nearby.

Program overview

The university’s premier psychology graduate offering is the Education Specialist/Master of Education (EdS/MEd) in School Psychology. This 69-credit program has National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) accreditation. Students can earn both state and national certification in school psychology through this program.

The program uses a unique tiered system. Students with a master’s degree in related fields like general education, special education, or counseling can start at the EdS level. Other students begin at the EdS/MEd level and earn their MEd after completing 33 credits.

The program stands out for its team-based approach and its study of how brain development affects learning and behavior. Students learn to be school psychologists who understand their clients’ needs and help improve psychological well-being in young people through direct work and consultation.

Plymouth State also offers fast-track options for psychology undergraduates with GPAs above 3.5. These include:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling pathway: Students can start master’s courses in their fourth year to earn both degrees faster
• School Psychology pathway: Students finish their bachelor’s in three years before starting graduate work to earn both MEd and EdS degrees

Curriculum highlights

The EdS/MEd program meets NASP 2020 Professional Standards and New Hampshire Department of Education Certification requirements. Students build their skills through field experiences:

• Pre-practicum: Students shadow a school psychologist for 25 hours during the Foundations course
• Two practicum experiences: Each needs 150 hours before internship
• Full internship: 1,200 hours across K-12 grades (up to 600 hours possible in clinical settings)

Students develop expertise in assessment, intervention, consultation, and systemic change. Social and emotional growth matters as much as intellectual development.

All foundational and professional courses must be done before the internship. Weekly seminars happen during the internship, and students create an electronic portfolio based on NASP and NH Department of Education standards. Students must score 147 or higher on the Praxis School Psychologist test for certification.

Part-time students usually take 4-6 years to graduate with 1-2 classes each semester. Full-time students can finish in three years by taking 3 classes every semester including summers.

Tuition and financial aid

Here’s what students pay for 2025-2026:

New Hampshire residents pay about $47,265 for the full program, while out-of-state students pay around $58,374.

Students must pay in full by the billing date or when they register, plus a $30.00 enrollment fee that’s non-refundable. Books and supplies cost about $1,249 each year. Off-campus living costs average $9,170 yearly.

Money help comes in several forms:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans: Up to $20,500 yearly (total limit $138,500)
• Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans: Can cover remaining costs after other aid
• NASP scholarships: Just for School Psychology students
• Community Advisor jobs: Help with housing and meal costs
• Assistant Community Director positions: Free food and housing plus wages for managing Community Advisors

Students need a 3.0 GPA and must complete 67% of their credits to keep getting financial aid.

Career outcomes

Plymouth State psychology graduates do well in the job market. Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates who look for jobs find them 100% of the time, making around $50,000 yearly.

School Psychology graduates have excellent prospects. Good students often get multiple job offers before graduation. New school psychologists in New Hampshire start at $55,000-60,000 for nine months of work, with summers off.

Psychology graduates from Plymouth State earn about $40,257 median salary according to Research.com. This number grows with specialization and experience.

Students who use accelerated paths to finish their bachelor’s in three years save money and start their careers sooner. The university helps students succeed through career services like counseling, job interviews, resume help, and employer connections. A strong alumni network helps graduates advance their careers.

5. Franklin Pierce University

Franklin Pierce University runs an APA-compliant psychology program that combines scientific research with strong people skills. The university campus in Rindge blends serious academic work with hands-on experience to get students ready for psychology careers of all types.

Program overview

The university’s psychology program lines up with American Psychological Association standards and focuses on scientific methods. Students collaborate with faculty on research projects and field work in clinical, cognitive, forensic, and developmental psychology. You’ll start by learning core psychological concepts and critical thinking. Later, you’ll get chances to do research with faculty members and present your work at professional conferences.

Curriculum highlights

Students must complete four courses in sequence: Statistics for Behavioral Sciences, Research Methods, and two 300-level psychology lab courses. This takes at least four semesters. The well-laid-out program builds research skills step by step. You can also build experience through psychology club leadership, community assistant roles, and internships with organizations like Mental Health Association and Insight Counseling.

Franklin Pierce career outcomes

The program’s graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees in psychology, social work, and marriage/family counseling. The job market looks good – psychologist jobs should grow 8% from 2020 to 2030.

Begin Now

Your career goals should guide you when picking the right Masters in Psychology program. New Hampshire has five outstanding institutions that provide psychology graduate programs. Each school has its own strengths and unique focus areas.

SNHU is perfect for working professionals who want to advance their careers without moving. The school’s online format comes with three specialized concentrations. UNH has created an accelerated BA/MA pathway that helps students save money and time. Their program gives students strong research foundations.

Rivier University shines with its focus on clinical practice and modern simulation facilities. Students get the preparation they need for licensure paths. Plymouth State runs a NASP-accredited program in school psychology with extensive field work. Franklin Pierce provides APA-compliant training where students get hands-on research experience.

These programs lead to promising careers. New Hampshire’s licensed psychologists earn between $75,000 and $203,000. Industrial-organizational psychologists make around $109,840. School counselors and clinical mental health counselors can expect to earn between $46,000 and $112,000.

Money plays a big role in program selection. Each school has different tuition rates. SNHU charges $659 per credit while UNH’s out-of-state students pay $1,430 per credit. Students can get funding through assistantships, scholarships, employer partnerships and federal aid programs.

Your career goals, preferred way of learning, and personal situation will help you make the final choice. These five New Hampshire schools can help you turn your psychology education into a rewarding career. You’ll find options for clinical practice, research work, or school-based roles that match your interests.