Best Masters in Psychology Programs in Nevada for 2026
Want to pursue a Masters in Psychology in Nevada? The field offers great career prospects. Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists will see an 11% employment growth from 2023-2033. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $92,740 in 2023.
Nevada’s psychology graduate landscape is small but rich in options. The state has two universities offering ten higher education psychology degree programs. Students can choose specialized tracks like clinical psychology, educational psychology, and school psychology. To name just one example, see Nevada State’s Ed.S. School Psychology program. This 63-credit program prepares qualified practitioners to work with students in educational settings. The state also offers UNLV psychology and masters of clinical psychology programs that open up various career paths.
This guide breaks down the seven best psychology masters programs in Nevada for 2026. You’ll find details about curricula, admission requirements, accreditation status, and program costs. These programs are a great way to get started in careers like mental health counseling, which expects 16% job growth. Marriage and family therapists, who earn a median annual wage of $58,510, also benefit from these educational pathways.
1. University of Nevada, Reno – M.S. in Psychology
The University of Nevada, Reno is a top choice for Psychology Masters Programs in Nevada. Students can choose from various specializations while pursuing research-focused education. The university’s program structure meets different career goals and research interests.
Program Overview
The Department of Psychology offers several specialized M.S. degree programs. These include Behavior Analysis, Cognitive and Brain Sciences, and Integrative Neuroscience (Interdisciplinary). The Cognitive and Brain Sciences Program uses a unique mentor model for research training. Students work directly in their faculty advisor’s laboratory on specific research projects right from admission. This hands-on approach helps students build their research portfolio and lays the groundwork for dissertation work and future research careers.
The program creates a vibrant intellectual and social environment. Each year, about five new students join a supportive community. Students run various clubs and outreach programs. This shared environment makes learning more engaging and builds professional networks.
Admission Requirements
UNR’s psychology master’s programs need these qualifications:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- 75 minimum undergraduate GPA for master’s programs
- Starting Fall 2025, GPA calculations will use your last 60 undergraduate credits
Your application should include:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- GRE scores (some programs make this optional)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
International students need a TOEFL score of at least 500. Scores above 600 exempt students from extra language tests.
Curriculum Highlights
UNR’s psychology master’s programs build strong foundations in modern theory and methods. Students can specialize in various research areas. The Cognitive and Brain Sciences Program lets you study cognitive neuroscience, memory, perception, attention, and other specialized fields.
Students take foundation courses in their first two years. These include statistics, perception, cognition, comparative psychology, neuroimaging techniques, and physiological psychology. A comprehensive exam follows at the second year’s end. Students then choose from various seminars and independent study options.
Most students complete their M.S. degree by year three. Ph.D. candidates continue with specialized work. The program builds research skills through hands-on laboratory work and research projects.
Accreditation Status
The university’s psychology programs hold prestigious accreditations. The Behavior Analysis Program has accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board. The clinical psychology program earned American Psychological Association accreditation in 1972. It’s also a charter member of the Academy of Clinical Science.
Program Costs
Graduate tuition at UNR will be $353.50 per credit for 2025-2026. Total costs change based on residency and assistantship status.
Graduate students can get financial support through:
- Research assistantships for graduate research
- Teaching assistantships in undergraduate courses
- Graduate assistantships (10-hour, 15-hour, or 20-hour) with different tuition support levels
College Factual reports average tuition and fees of $21,971 for psychology graduate students. In-state students paid $297 per credit hour while out-of-state students paid $624 per credit hour in 2019-2020.
Career Outcomes
Psychology graduates find opportunities in many fields. The subject connects with almost every human activity, creating diverse career paths. Advanced degrees open more doors, but master’s graduates have plenty of options.
UNR psychology graduates earn competitive salaries. Human Resources Specialists make about $73,080 yearly, while Clinical Research Associates earn around $57,760. Psychologist jobs should grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, creating 13,000 annual openings.
The program shows its commitment to diversity. UNR awarded 44 master’s degrees in psychology during 2019-2020. Women received 72.7% of these degrees, and racial-ethnic minorities earned 43.2%.
2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas – M.A. in Clinical Psychology
UNLV’s Clinical Psychology program is highly regarded among Nevada’s Masters in Psychology Programs through its focus on the scientist-practitioner tradition. Students learn to tackle psychological challenges through research and hands-on application of psychological principles.
Program Overview
The Clinical Psychology program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas shapes students into psychological scientist-practitioners with strong psychological knowledge foundations. Psychology thrives as an empirical science here, and students must develop a deep grasp of current psychological knowledge and methods.
UNLV students base their academic and professional work on psychology’s scientific foundations while paying special attention to human diversity. The program creates well-rounded professionals who can conduct ethical scientific research and clinical interventions with people from various backgrounds in our multicultural society.
Students benefit from a unique blend of classroom learning, supervised clinical work, and guided research. The department creates a supportive environment where faculty and students work closely together.
Admission Requirements
The clinical psychology program accepts only five to eight students each fall due to its selective nature. Students must have:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent master’s degree)
- At least 18 hours of undergraduate psychology courses including Statistics, Abnormal Psychology, and Research Methods
- Basic knowledge in Cognitive, Developmental, Physiological, and Social Psychology
- Three recommendation letters that assess doctoral study potential
- A letter of intent outlining clinical/research interests and goals
- Current curriculum vitae
- Personal interview (for finalists)
The program evaluates candidates based on their undergraduate GPA, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, interpersonal skills, program fit, and diverse backgrounds. Most admitted students have a GPA around 3.7.
Curriculum Highlights
Students need 93 credits to earn their doctoral degree in clinical psychology. They complete 48 credits toward a master’s degree in psychology during their first two years while working toward doctoral candidacy.
First-year students build their knowledge in psychopathology, psychological assessment, diversity, ethics, and psychotherapy theories. Evidence-based techniques with cognitive behavioral orientation form the program’s core.
The university’s outpatient mental health clinic serves Las Vegas residents while giving students practical experience. Students end their training with a year-long APA-approved clinical internship.
Accreditation Status
The Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association has accredited UNLV’s Clinical Psychology Doctoral program since October 7, 2005. This verification shows the program’s dedication to excellence in training health service psychologists.
Program Costs
UNLV’s graduate tuition and fees for 2024-2025 cost $7,413 for Nevada residents and $25,555 for out-of-state students. Credit hours cost $344 for Nevada residents and $723 for non-residents.
Students also pay:
- Online course fee: $34 per credit
- Technology and iNtegrate fee: $18 per credit
- Student health fee: $113.50 per semester
- Student union fee: $223 per semester for students taking 4+ credits
UNLV offers strong financial support despite these costs. First and second-year graduate students usually receive graduate assistantships, while senior students often work as teaching assistants. These roles cover tuition and provide stipends for up to 20 hours of weekly faculty support work. Health insurance comes with assistantships.
Career Outcomes
UNLV’s clinical psychology graduates work in various settings. Many choose private practice, hospitals, mental health agencies, or academia. Their work involves assessment, treatment, consultation, program development, clinical supervision, and research.
The program shows strong diversity numbers. Women earned 77% of clinical psychology master’s degrees in 2021-2022, while men earned 23%. Graduate demographics included 46% White, 38% Hispanic/Latino, 8% Asian, and 8% other races.
Psychology professionals enjoy strong job prospects with competitive pay. Las Vegas Human Resources Specialists earn about $73,080 yearly, while Clinical Research Associates make around $57,760.
3. Nevada State University – Ed.S. in School Psychology
Nevada State University is well-known among Masters in Psychology Programs in Nevada with its Ed.S. in School Psychology. The program tackles the critical shortage of school psychologists statewide and helps graduates support children, youth, and families in educational settings.
Program Overview
Nevada State University’s Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Psychology runs as a three-year, full-time program that works well for professionals. Students can expect a practical approach that creates highly-qualified practitioners for school settings. The first two years involve evening coursework, followed by a one-year internship. The training combines in-person, hybrid, synchronous, and asynchronous learning. Evening classes make it easier for working professionals to attend.
Students get hands-on practice throughout their studies. The program guarantees practicum and internship placements in Las Vegas area schools through Clark County School District partnerships. Students also gain field practice at Nevada State University’s Early Childhood Education Center and Psychoeducational Mental Health Clinic.
Admission Requirements
Qualified candidates need to:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (in any field)
- Keep a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Show interest in making a difference in children’s lives
- Write a thoughtful personal statement
- List three references for recommendation letters
- Send undergraduate transcripts
A $35 non-refundable fee comes with the application. The program doesn’t require GRE scores for admission.
Curriculum Highlights
Students must complete 63 semester credit hours with supervised school setting practice. The curriculum matches the National Association of School Psychologists’ 10 Practice Domains. Key areas include:
- Data-based decision making
- Consultation and collaboration
- Academic interventions
- Mental and behavioral health services
- School-wide practices
- Family, school, and community collaboration
Students take classes for six semesters plus a year-long internship. First-year subjects cover Methods of Research, Cultural Ecological Model, Systems of Psychology, and Family-School Partnerships. The third year features a 1200-hour internship with full-time, in-person learning in PreK-12 schools.
Accreditation Status
The program meets all National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) criteria as a Certified NASP Approved Program. It also satisfies Nevada’s training requirements for School Psychologist licensure (NAC 391.316-391.319). Graduates can apply to become Nationally Certified School Psychologists.
Program Costs
Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) membership lets Nevada State University offer lower tuition to students from western states and territories. These students pay 150% of in-state fees—nowhere near non-resident tuition.
The program becomes more affordable through a five-year, $1.2 million Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Students in the first four groups can get scholarships through 2027. These benefits include internship stipends and coverage for fingerprinting and state licensing costs.
Nevada State Career Outcomes
The program prepares students to become licensed School Psychologists in Nevada. School psychologists serve as vital team members who help students learn and teachers teach. Their expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior helps children succeed in academic, social, behavioral, and emotional areas.
The program tackles today’s growing youth mental health crisis. Nevada State’s ARTERY Pipeline Framework creates many paths for students to start their Ed.S. degree without educational barriers. After graduating, students might seek extra training, endorsements, or degrees to work as program administrators, behavior specialists, or college professors.
4. Regent University – M.S. in General Psychology (Online)
Regent University has a fully online M.S. in General Psychology program. This program gives students a flexible way to get their master’s degree without moving to Virginia. The program blends psychological science with Christian principles and prepares graduates to work in psychology-related fields.
Program Overview
The M.S. in Psychology is a 39-credit hour program that students can finish online in just 18 months. Since its launch in Fall 2015, the program has helped both traditional and adult learners grow in human services careers. Students learn about key areas of psychological science, from cognitive neuroscience to how people interact socially.
The program combines a Christian worldview with modern psychology. Fortune noticed this balanced approach and ranked Regent #5 among Best Online Master’s in Psychology Programs nationwide in 2022. Students can pick from several focus areas like Addictions, Cyberpsychology, Doctoral Preparation, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Leadership Coaching, and Marriage & Family.
Admission Requirements
Students need to complete three main steps to join the program:
- Submit an application through Regent’s online portal
- Provide unofficial transcripts (Regent will get the official ones)
- Submit a government-issued ID to ensure academic integrity
The program doesn’t ask for GRE scores, which makes it easier for working professionals to apply. Regent also helps applicants who need special accommodations to complete their application.
Curriculum Highlights
The core curriculum teaches basic psychological concepts and research skills. Key courses are:
- Contemporary Psychology (3 credits): The history and new trends in psychology
- Research Methods (3 credits): Different research methods with a focus on numbers
- Biological Bases of Behavior (3 credits): How biology affects psychological function
- Life Span Psychology (3 credits): Human development through life
Students in the Doctoral Preparation track must keep a 3.5 GPA and score B or higher in all courses. They take extra classes in statistics and psychopathology, and can write and defend a thesis.
Accreditation Status
Regent’s School of Psychology & Counseling runs this M.S. in Psychology program. While the M.S. program doesn’t lead to licensure, the school is one of few Christian institutions with both APA and CACREP accreditation for its other programs.
Program Costs
Each credit hour costs $695. Part-time students taking 6 credits pay about $4,170 per semester. Full-time students with 9 credits pay around $6,255. Everyone pays a $750 university services fee.
Regent costs less than many private schools. U.S. News & World Report (2019-20) shows it’s about $20,000 cheaper per year than other private institutions. The university ranks in the top 5% of affordable private Christian universities for bachelor’s programs.
Career Outcomes
Graduates work in many fields:
- Organizational consulting
- Research positions
- Industrial-organizational psychology
- Leadership coaching
The program helps students prepare for doctoral studies too. Companies value the quantitative and translational science skills in fields like human services, retail, research, and consulting. About 69% of Regent graduate students find jobs after graduating, and 2% continue their education.
5. Touro University Nevada – M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Touro University Nevada stands out among Masters in Psychology Programs in Nevada with its M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program. The program prepares future therapists to meet the growing need for qualified mental health practitioners who can help couples and families.
Program Overview
The School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences offers three distinct educational paths in the Marriage and Family Therapy program:
- MFT Clinical Track (COAMFTE-Accredited): 72 credit hours (54 course credits plus 18 practicum credits) with 300 required client contact hours
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Track (LPCC): 82 credit hours with additional specialized coursework
- Non-Clinical Track: 54 credit hours with no practicum requirement
Students learn through a scientist-practitioner model that helps them make unique contributions to the marriage and family therapy field. The program teaches students to review, diagnose, and treat various populations of individuals, couples, and families while focusing on relationship dynamics and systems-oriented approaches.
Admission Requirements
You’ll need these qualifications to join the program:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA
- $25 application fee for the MFT program
- Official transcripts submitted by the end of your second session (16 weeks)
Students from foreign universities must get their transcripts evaluated by a NACES member organization. The university offers conditional admission that lets students take up to 2 courses in one 8-week session while meeting GPA requirements.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum covers key areas such as:
- Human development and psychotherapy techniques
- Ethical and legal issues in counseling
- Assessment and treatment methodologies for relationship conflicts
- Cultural competence for working with diverse populations
Students in the clinical track must complete 300 practicum client contact hours, though some states require additional hours for licensure. The LPCC track includes four extra courses beyond the clinical track.
Accreditation Status
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) has accredited the MFT Clinical Track from May 2020 through May 2026. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences has approved the program, and it meets educational requirements for licensing across all 50 states, though some states ask for additional courses.
Program Costs
The 2026 program uses a locked-in tuition model that keeps your rates stable throughout:
| Track | Per Credit | Total Program Cost |
| Non-Clinical | $525 | $28,350 |
| Clinical | $525 | $37,800 |
| LPCC | $525 | $43,050 |
You’ll also pay a one-time $25 application fee and a $116 material fee during the Capstone course.
Career Outcomes
The program opens doors to careers as:
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Couples/Family Therapists
- Child and Adolescent Therapists
- Addiction Counselors
- Community Mental Health Counselors
Marriage and family therapists earn a median annual salary of $58,510, and the field expects 16% job growth over the next decade. The program creates competent, ethical, and culturally aware practitioners ready to provide integrated mental health care.
6. University of Phoenix – M.S. in Psychology (Online)
University of Phoenix offers a fully online Master’s in Psychology program that works well with busy professionals’ schedules in Nevada. Students can gain foundational knowledge without relocating or disrupting their careers.
Program Overview
The University of Phoenix M.S. in Psychology program uses a competency-based learning approach. Students need to complete 36 units by showing they’ve mastered core skills. The program teaches cognitive and affective processes that drive human experiences and behavior in settings of all types. Students get critical thinking and problem-solving abilities they can use to help others in their careers. This program does not prepare students to become licensed psychologists or get professional certification.
Admission Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. The application process has been streamlined with no application fee, essay requirement, or GRE scores needed. The university will also request your previous transcripts without charging you when possible.
Curriculum Highlights
Students must complete 13 courses that add up to 39 credits. A mandatory communication skills course (COM 505) starts the program before students move into psychology-focused coursework. Core courses include:
- Life-Span Development
- Personality Theories
- Advanced Abnormal Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
Accreditation Status
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has accredited the University of Phoenix since 1978. This long-standing accreditation confirms the program meets academic standards.
Program Costs
Each 12-week term costs $2,749. Students can take 2, 3, or 4 courses per term. Taking 3 courses each term means you could finish your degree in less than a year and spend under $11,000.
Career Outcomes
The program develops your skills in psychology, ethical and social responsibility, communication, and scientific thinking. Graduates can work as Psychology Instructors, Compliance Managers, and Regulatory Affairs Managers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects management jobs to grow by 4% between 2024 and 2034.
7. Northcentral University – M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Northcentral University offers a fully online M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology to complete our review of Masters in Psychology Programs in Nevada. The program gives students the tools to apply psychological theories to workplace challenges. Graduates can pursue various careers without clinical training requirements.
Program Overview
Students can earn their 30-credit Master of Science degree while preparing for careers in industry, government, and nonprofit organizations. The program follows a scientist-practitioner model that ends with either a capstone project or a 100-hour non-clinical internship. Students develop professional competencies through knowledge, critical thinking, and ethical awareness during their studies.
Admission Requirements
Students need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution. The university lets students transfer up to 12 semester credits of graduate coursework completed with a “B” average or better. Every student must take PSY-5403 (Personnel Selection and Recruitment) at NCU, regardless of transfer credits.
Curriculum Highlights
The program follows this course sequence:
- Foundations in I/O Psychology
- Organizational Development
- Personnel Selection and Recruitment
- Research Design
- Applied Statistics in I/O Psychology
- Tests and Measurements
Students can choose electives like Psychology of Leadership, Work Motivation, Training and Evaluation, and Small Group Theory.
Accreditation Status
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has accredited Northcentral University since 1978.
Program Costs
The program’s financial breakdown includes:
| Item | Cost |
| Cost Per Course | $2,430 |
| Course Materials Fee (per course) | $95 |
| Learning Management Fee (one-time) | $450 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $30,310 |
Career Outcomes
Graduates find opportunities in organizational consulting, research positions, and leadership coaching. The skills learned prove valuable in human resources, retail, and consulting roles of all sizes. I/O psychologists or specialists earn a median annual salary of $80,900. Specialized roles can command $90,000-$110,000+ based on responsibilities and sector.
Get Started
Your path to a professional career in psychology starts with picking the right master’s program. Seven schools in Nevada offer different ways to advance your psychology career. You’ll find unique strengths and specializations at each institution. The University of Nevada, Reno focuses on research, UNLV follows a scientist-practitioner model, and Nevada State University excels in school psychology training. These options help match your career goals.
You don’t need to uproot your life or quit your job to earn your degree. Schools like Regent University, Touro University, University of Phoenix, and Northcentral University let you study online or on campus. This flexibility works great for busy professionals.
Money plays a big role in your choice. Tuition varies by a lot across these schools. You might pay around $11,000 for a quick online program or over $40,000 for specialized clinical tracks. Many programs help with costs through assistantships, scholarships, and special tuition rates if you qualify.
The job market looks bright for psychology graduates. Growth rates range from 7-16% across specialties over the next decade. Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earn about $93,000 yearly. Marriage and family therapists and industrial-organizational psychologists also earn competitive salaries.
Your program’s accreditation matters, especially if you want to get licensed. Look for specialized accreditations from APA, COAMFTE, or NASP. These credentials show that your education meets industry standards.
Take time to match each program’s curriculum with your career plans. Research-heavy programs work best if you’re headed toward a doctorate. Programs that focus on hands-on practice lead straight to clinical work.
Pick a program that fits your interests, goals, and learning style. The application process might seem tough, but investing in your education pays off. You’ll build a rewarding career while helping meet Nevada’s growing mental health needs and beyond.