Best Psychology Masters Programs in Virginia (2026 Guide)
Ready to boost your career with a psychology master’s degree in Virginia? The state’s educational landscape offers exciting possibilities with 15 colleges providing 41 different postgraduate degree programs.
Virginia’s institutions have specialized paths that match your professional goals, whether you want to focus on clinical psychology, forensics, or experimental research. Programs vary in their requirements. Ferrum College’s MS in Clinical and Counseling Psychology needs 60 credit hours, while Virginia State University offers more focused clinical programs with 45 credit hours. Students often present their research at national and international conferences, which shows these programs’ commitment to excellence.
We created this page about the best psychology master’s programs in Virginia for 2026. You’ll find details about program specializations, admission requirements, and ways to fund your education. This guide will help you pick a program that matches your career goals and academic interests.
1. Ferrum College – MS in Clinical and Counseling Psychology
Ferrum College’s new MS in Clinical and Counseling Psychology is well-known among Virginia’s psychology masters programs. This program blends psychological and counseling theories to give students a complete clinical training experience.
Program overview
The MS in Clinical and Counseling Psychology at Ferrum is a 60-credit hour program that prepares students to become licensed professional counselors or psychological associates. The curriculum follows a practitioner-scholar model and trains culturally responsive, science-informed clinicians. Students learn from psychology, counseling, and social work disciplines to work in various clinical settings.
Students take 21 foundational courses and work with the Program Director to pick electives that meet their state’s licensure requirements. Two required practica experiences conclude the program and provide hands-on training. The program currently holds regional accreditation through SACSCOC and plans to get specialized accreditation from CACREP, MPCAC, or APA.
The program’s unique feature is its steadfast dedication to keeping Ferrum’s community spirit alive in its online, mostly asynchronous learning environment. Many online programs focus on solo study with little interaction, but Ferrum builds an engaging community that helps students learn clinical skills like psychological evaluation and psychotherapy.
Specializations
The curriculum has three main components:
- Foundational Psychology (21 credits) – Core courses include:
- Ethics and Professional Issues
- Research Methods in Social Sciences
- Applied Statistics
- Techniques of Counseling
- Psychometrics
- Advanced Abnormal Psychology
- Personality Theory
- Electives (33 credits) – Students choose from many specialized courses such as:
- Multicultural Psychology
- Group Counseling & Psychotherapy
- Addictions Assessment & Counseling
- Marriage and Family Systems
- Forensic Psychology
- Career Assessment & Counseling
- Applied Graduate Project (6 credits) – Has Graduate Research and Practicum in Clinical & Counseling Psychology
Admission requirements
Students need to meet these requirements:
- Minimum 2.75 GPA on all undergraduate work
- At least 12 credits in undergraduate psychology or related coursework
- Official transcripts from previous academic work
- Three references (at least two from professors familiar with academic abilities)
- Academic writing sample with APA formatting
- APA-style entrance essay about goals, work-life balance, and potential research questions
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Formal admissions interview
Students can apply at least 15 days before any term starts through rolling admissions. GRE scores are welcome but not required. International students must submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, EPE, or IELTS) and financial information.
Tuition and financial aid
Ferrum College’s tuition rates compete well with other top Virginia psychology programs:
- $475 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Technology fee of $75 per term
- One-time graduation fee of $125
Almost all Ferrum College students (99%) get some form of financial aid. The college gives over $18 million in scholarships and aid each year. Students should complete their FAFSA (school code 003711) by October 1, 2026.
Students can access loans, scholarships, grants, federal work-study positions, and military benefits. Ferrum College’s United Methodist Church affiliation gives students access to extra denominational scholarship and loan options.
2. Old Dominion University – MS in Psychology
Old Dominion University stands among Virginia’s top psychology masters programs with its research-focused approach. The MS in Psychology program gives students a path to doctoral studies or professional development through personalized mentorship.
Program overview
Old Dominion University’s Master of Science in Psychology puts research excellence first through one-on-one mentorship. Faculty mentors work closely with students to shape their research focus, study design, data collection, and interpretation. Students must complete a major research project that leads to a master’s thesis, and they often present their work at national and international conferences.
The program doesn’t lead to licensing or practice, but it creates competent researchers who can understand and interpret psychological science. Graduates become versatile professionals with strong foundations in statistics, research methods, and general psychology. This opens up many career paths for future growth.
Specializations
Students focus their studies in areas that match their mentor’s research expertise. These areas include:
- Applied Cognitive Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental and Family Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Quantitative and Assessment Psychology
The university also offers doctoral programs in Clinical Psychology (APA-accredited), Health Psychology, and Human Factors Psychology for students who want to pursue further education.
Admission requirements
The program starts reviewing applications in late March, with submissions due by March 15. You’ll need to submit:
- Official GRE scores (general aptitude section)
- Complete transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
- A statement about your personal goals, academic objectives, and research interests
- Three letters of reference (at least two from college/university faculty)
You must have taken undergraduate courses in statistics and experimental psychology, plus nine more hours in psychology. Students who get accepted usually have research interests that line up with potential faculty mentors.
Tuition and financial aid
Old Dominion University lists its attendance costs clearly, though tuition rates for 2025-26 might change. Anyone who isn’t a Virginia resident, including international students, pays non-resident rates.
ODU gives out about $200 million in financial aid packages each year. Students can work as teaching assistants, research assistants through faculty grants, or find other campus jobs. Most graduate student stipends won’t cover all living expenses, so you’ll likely need additional income.
Students must keep up satisfactory academic progress to get financial aid. This means meeting PACE requirements (credits earned versus attempted), GPA standards, and finishing their degree on time. The deadline to apply for priority financial aid is March 1.
3. Virginia State University – MS in Psychology
Virginia State University’s MS in Psychology program is notable among psychology masters programs in Virginia. Students can choose between two concentrations that focus on real-world applications.
Program overview
The Psychology Department at Virginia State University offers an MS degree with two distinct paths: general psychology and clinical psychology. Students who choose the general psychology track can prepare themselves for teaching at community colleges, research positions, or doctoral studies. The clinical psychology track helps graduates work in counseling or assessment services. They often find roles in mental health agencies, prisons, and hospitals. Many clinical psychology students go on to become Licensed Professional Counselors after graduating. Each student gets an advisor who helps create an academic path based on their career goals. The general concentration needs 30 semester hours with a thesis. The clinical program takes 45 semester hours, which includes practical experience (9 hours) and thesis (3 hours).
Specializations
Students can pick from two specialized tracks:
- General Psychology – This track works best for people who want to:
- Teach at community colleges
- Take research positions
- Get ready for doctoral programs
- Study educational psychology (if planning doctoral work in school psychology)
- Clinical Psychology – This track prepares practitioners to:
- Provide therapy services
- Conduct assessments
- Work in public mental health
- Create positive social change
Both paths give students marketable skills. The clinical track usually takes longer to finish than the general track.
Admission requirements
The university takes applications only for fall semester. Application screening starts April 1 each year. Applicants should provide:
- GRE scores (required for Clinical Psychology, not for General Psychology)
- A supplemental department application
- At least 15 semester hours in psychology, including courses in social/personality/cognitive/developmental psychology, research methods, and physiological psychology
- Abnormal psychology course (clinical concentration applicants only)
- A 3.00 GPA in psychology or major area
- A 2.8 overall undergraduate GPA
- Three recommendation letters (two from professors or psychologists)
- A personal statement
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate students at Virginia State University can get financial help through several options. Students should fill out the FAFSA using school code 003764 and submit Virginia State University’s Application for Assistance. While loans are the main funding source through Student Financial Aid, graduate students might also qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
Students must meet these requirements to keep their aid:
- Take at least 6 hours of graduate courses
- Keep a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
- Have no more than two C grades
- Get positive reviews from department graduate faculty
Federal loans come in two payments. Students must complete an online entrance interview.
4. James Madison University – MA in Psychological Sciences
JMU’s MA in Psychological Sciences program uses a research-apprenticeship model that prepares students for doctoral studies. This model sets it apart from other psychology masters programs in Virginia institutions.
Program overview
The Psychological Sciences program at JMU helps students improve their research skills and prepares them for doctoral education. Students work side by side with faculty mentors who support their progress and professional growth. The program’s culture resembles doctoral programs, and students build portfolios of scholarly work including publications and conference presentations.
Students take courses in multiple content areas, advanced statistics, measurement, and research design. The program includes a research apprenticeship and thesis requirement. Students also participate in program-wide roundtable discussions and attend meetings specific to their concentration. Faculty members carefully advise each student. The program accepts students only when their interests match well with an experienced mentor.
Specializations
The program features four distinct concentrations:
- Applied Behavior Analysis – For students interested in behavioral psychology applications
- Applied Research – Focusing on practical research applications
- Experimental Psychology – Emphasizing laboratory and experimental methods
- Quantitative Psychology – Concentrating on statistical and measurement approaches
Students become experts in their specialty through selected coursework and mentored experiences with faculty advisers.
Admission requirements
Applications open October 15 each year. January 10 marks the deadline to guarantee consideration. The program invites promising applicants to visit campus in late February after their review.
Required application materials include:
- Undergraduate coursework in statistics and research methods
- Three recommendation letters from faculty members
- Personal statement detailing research interests and goals
- Curriculum vitae
The GRE remains optional for the Quantitative, Applied Research, and Experimental Psychology concentrations.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate assistantships offer significant benefits with tuition support covering 9 credit hours per semester and stipends. These 20-hour weekly positions come in several forms:
- Teaching Assistants serving as instructors
- Graduate Assistants supporting instruction or administration
- Doctoral Assistants with varying assignments
Academic departments assign many assistantships. Additional positions exist in campus offices like Student Affairs and Athletics. Students should complete a FAFSA application to check their qualification for financial support.
5. Marymount University – MA in Forensic and Legal Psychology
Marymount University leads the Washington, DC area as the first institution to offer a Master of Arts in Forensic and Legal Psychology. Students get exceptional access to agencies that shape the field. The program connects psychological theory with real-world applications in the legal system.
Program overview
The Forensic and Legal Psychology program at Marymount blends psychological insights with legal contexts through a comprehensive approach. Students learn criminal justice, law, public policy, and psychology subfields. The university’s prime location near the FBI, NCIS, ATF, U.S. Department of Justice, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children creates unique opportunities. Students can participate in site visits, observe courtroom proceedings, conduct field research, complete internships, and learn from guest speakers. The program needs 39 credit hours with sessions starting in May and September.
Specializations
The program features an Intelligence Studies concentration – a 5-course track that prepares graduates for careers in intelligence and private sector roles. Students explore how to achieve fairness in the American legal system while studying criminal behavior, eyewitness testimony challenges, threat evaluation, and terrorism origins. Ethics remains central to each course, helping students handle complex forensic psychology challenges.
Admission requirements
The program accepts applications for fall enrollment. Priority deadline falls on December 18, with a final deadline of February 15. Students must submit:
- Graduate application with $50 fee
- Professional résumé
- Official transcripts
- Two professional recommendations (at least one academic)
- Personal statement (one page)
- Writing sample (2-3 pages minimum)
Tuition and financial aid
The program costs $1,340 per credit hour across all semesters, bringing the total to about $52,260. Students can access various funding options through scholarships, grants, assistantships, jobs, and loans. The 2026-27 FAFSA priority deadline is March 1, with school code 003724. The university’s Office of Financial Aid guides students through available options and coordinates financial awards.
6. Shenandoah University – MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Shenandoah University’s fully online MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program is a chance for working professionals to influence behavioral change in a variety of settings. This 16-month program helps graduates work with different populations while earning credentials respected in the field.
Program overview
The online Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Shenandoah University has 33 credit hours that build expertise in analyzing and improving human performance. The curriculum has 21 credit hours in the ABAI-verified course sequence, six credit hours of electives, and six credit hours for a capstone project. Students connect meaningfully with instructors and peers using Canvas and Zoom, as each course blends both synchronous and asynchronous components. Students can complete their studies in just four semesters with the program’s cohort model and fall-only admission.
Specializations
The curriculum has seven core courses approved by the Board Analyst Certification Board (BACB):
- Legal, Ethical, and Professional Conduct
- Foundations in Concepts and Principles
- Research Methods
- Special Populations
- Classroom Management
- Organizational Context for ABA
- Advanced Concepts and Principles
Students learn to design and assess behavioral interventions, implement behavior change systems, and apply ethical considerations through these courses. Graduates can work with clients of all types, from individuals with autism spectrum disorders to employees in large corporations.
Admission requirements
The program needs applicants to meet several requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Three recommendation letters from professors, supervisors, or human services professionals
- Essay outlining reasons for applying and professional goals
- Applicants with non-U.S. credentials must submit course-by-course evaluations
A background in psychology, education, or related field helps but isn’t mandatory.
Tuition and financial aid
Shenandoah’s graduate students can access several financial aid options. The university provides assistantships that may cover full or partial tuition, stipends, or housing. Virginia residents who enroll in graduate health programs for at least nine credit hours per semester can apply for the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program. Board Certified Behavior Analysts typically earn starting salaries between $50,000 and $100,000 annually.
7. Norfolk State University – MS in CyberPsychology
Norfolk State University has launched a groundbreaking MS in CyberPsychology program that connects human behavior with digital technologies. This innovative addition to psychology masters programs Virginia leads the nation by showing how our digital world shapes human psychology.
Program overview
The MS in CyberPsychology program lets students complete their degree online in just 14 months. Students become social science researchers with expertise in cyberpsychology and learn what it means to be human in today’s digital world. The program started in 2020 and grew faster from 12 to nearly 50 students. Students participate in both synchronous and asynchronous instruction. They develop skills to analyze how technology increases human communication and decision-making.
Specializations
The curriculum spans 42 credit hours split equally between core and electives. Students learn about:
- Cyberactivism, cyberbullying, and cybercrime
- Digital health and gaming
- Human-computer interaction
Students develop unique conceptual understandings of cyberpsychology through a guided research sequence. A capstone project concludes the program and shows mastery of cyberpsychological research.
Admission requirements
Students need to submit:
- Completed application through NSU School of Graduate Studies
- Official transcripts showing undergraduate degree completion
- Personal statement about their interest in cyberpsychology
- Current resume or CV
The program prefers an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, but applicants with lower GPAs might qualify if they show compelling evidence. Students can apply anytime with six start dates each year.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate tuition for 2025-26 costs $13,768 for residents and $27,254 for non-residents. The online MS CyberPsychology program charges $464 per credit hour, which adds up to $19,488 for the complete program. Full-time students can apply for limited tuition assistance or graduate assistantships.
8. Regent University – MS in General Psychology
Regent University’s MS in General Psychology blends faith principles with psychological science. The program earned the #5 spot in Fortune’s Best Online Masters in Psychology Programs in 2022. Students can complete this program entirely online while developing their expertise in psychological science through a Christian perspective.
Program overview
The MS in Psychology program teaches students how to use psychological principles effectively in academic, scientific, healthcare, and business environments. This non-licensure academic program gives students a strong foundation to pursue doctoral training. Many graduates receive advanced standing in doctoral programs, though transfer acceptance isn’t guaranteed. The program covers essential psychological science topics from cognitive neuroscience to human social dynamics. Students learn from experienced faculty who also teach in Regent’s doctoral and undergraduate psychology programs.
Specializations
Students can specialize in six different areas:
- Addictions: Students learn assessment methods, treatment planning, and faith-based interventions
- Cyberpsychology: Students study online behavior and how humans interact with technology
- Doctoral Preparation: Students conduct and defend a psychology thesis
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Students study workplace behavior and ways to boost productivity
- Leadership Coaching: Students develop coaching relationships and intervention techniques
- Marriage & Family: Students learn about healthy relationships and family dynamics
Admission requirements
Students need to complete three steps to apply:
- Submit an online application
- Submit unofficial transcripts (official ones needed later)
- Submit a government-issued ID
Tuition and financial aid
Students pay $695 per credit hour. Semester tuition ranges from $4,170 (part-time) to $6,255 (full-time). The university’s donor-funded scholarships can cover up to 100% of tuition and provide book stipends. The Church Matching Grant Program matches church contributions up to $750 each semester. Military students with full Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility can use Yellow Ribbon Program benefits to cover all their tuition and fees.
9. Divine Mercy University – MS in Psychology
Divine Mercy University stands out among Virginia’s psychology master’s programs by integrating Catholic-Christian principles with psychological science. Students learn to promote well-being in various settings while following a faith-based approach.
Program overview
The MS in Psychology program requires 33 credit hours and can be completed fully online. Students learn to blend Catholic-Christian vision with psychological theory, research, and intervention. The program teaches students to identify mental health challenges and develop leadership abilities that help them become transformational leaders. Students worldwide can benefit from the asynchronous format that fits their ministry, work, and personal schedules.
Specializations
The program offers three distinct concentrations:
- Organizational Leadership: Students develop skills in program management, transformational leadership, and conflict management
- Pastoral and Spiritual Care: The focus centers on spiritual growth, Catholic-Christian marriage, and grief counseling
- Bioethics: Students take courses through the National Catholic Bioethics Center
Admission requirements
Students need to submit these requirements:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Two letters of recommendation
- A resume showing employment and volunteer history
- A statement of intent that matches personal goals with program objectives
- International applicants must submit TOEFL/IELTS scores
Tuition and financial aid
Each credit hour costs $900 plus a $50 technology fee per course. First-year students taking 15 credits can expect to pay around $14,000, which includes a $250 residency fee. U.S. citizens and permanent residents who qualify can access federal financial aid options.
10. Liberty University – MA in Applied Psychology
Liberty University’s fully online MA in Applied Psychology completes our list of top psychology masters programs that Virginia students should think over. The program offers a Christian view on psychological practice and research.
Program overview
Liberty’s Master of Arts in Applied Psychology gives you the tools to tackle ground challenges through psychological research and principles from a biblical worldview. The program connects theoretical knowledge with practical skills and prepares graduates for careers in medical research, human services, mental health support, and human resources. Students learn to assess and apply psychological research with a scientific view while studying advanced concepts in social and cognitive psychology.
Specializations
The program has four distinct specializations:
- General Psychology: Has test construction/validation and psychology of learning courses, plus five elective psychology courses students can choose
- Developmental Psychology: Gets into human development throughout the lifespan and covers physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology: Deals with workplace dynamics, test construction, organizational behavior, and human resource development
- Public Mental Health: Covers intervention, behavioral support, substance abuse, and developmental psychopathology
Admission requirements
The admission process is straightforward:
- A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree
- 5 minimum GPA ensures good standing admission
- The MA in Applied Psychology stands out from other programs on our list as it doesn’t require GRE scores
Tuition and financial aid
Liberty’s rates are competitive among Virginia’s best psychology programs:
- Full-time students pay $580 per credit hour while part-time students pay $645 per credit hour
- Military members get a special rate of $290 per credit hour
- Federal loans through FAFSA can provide $20,500 to most graduate students
- A remarkable 95% of Liberty’s students receive some form of financial aid
Get Started
You need to think about your professional goals, financial situation, and priorities when picking the right psychology master’s program. This piece highlights 11 outstanding psychology master’s programs in Virginia. Each program offers unique specializations and ways to advance your graduate education. Your career can take many paths – from clinical practice and research to forensics or new fields like cyberpsychology.
Virginia’s psychology graduate programs stand out because of their diversity. You’ll find options that range from Ferrum College’s complete 60-credit hour clinical program to specialized tracks like Norfolk State’s groundbreaking CyberPsychology degree. Many programs give you hands-on experience through internships and practica. Others focus on research excellence and prepare you for doctoral studies.
Money plays a vital role in your decision without doubt. Program costs vary by a lot between schools. Most programs offer financial aid packages, assistantships, scholarships, and military benefits. Learning about all funding options is a great way to get the most affordable program.
Programs have different application requirements. Some schools want GRE scores, personal statements, and extensive prerequisite coursework. Others have more flexible admission rules. You should start preparing your application materials early, especially when applying to competitive programs with limited spots.
Your career goals ended up being the main factor in program selection. Clinical tracks help you prepare for counseling roles and potential licensure. Research-focused programs might work better if you plan to pursue doctoral studies. Specialized degrees like Marymount’s Forensic Psychology or Shenandoah’s Applied Behavior Analysis target specific career paths.
Now that you know about these top Virginia psychology master’s programs, you can make an informed decision about your educational future. Contact program admissions offices, visit campuses when possible, and connect with current students or alumni. These steps will help you learn things program websites can’t tell you and find the perfect match for your graduate psychology education.