Masters in Psychology in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility, Scholarships & Career Scope
Masters in Psychology in USAMasters in Psychology in USA is a postgraduate course of 1 -2 years duration and is offered in many specialisations, such as Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Industrial-Organisational Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Forensic Psychology.
Admission to Masters in Psychology in USA requires a bachelor's degree in psychology, or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 4.0 and IELTS with 6.5 - 7.0.
Core subjects of Masters in Psychology are Abnormal Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Neuropsychology, Counselling Theories, Psychotherapy Techniques, Ethics in Psychology, Clinical Interventions, and Lifespan Development.
The average annual tuition fees for Masters in Psychology in USA range between $30,995 - $60,840, and the cost of living in USA is approximately $ 1,000 - $ 3,500 .
There are several opportunities for psychology professionals in USA, with an average salary of $83,600 - $118,700 being offered to psychology professionals. Top recruiting companies such as Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, Cleveland Clinic, National Institutes of Health (NIH), etc.
Masters in Psychology in USA: Quick Highlights
Here are the important details mentioned about Masters in Psychology in USA, which will give you a quick idea of the course in one shot.
Particulars | Details |
Masters in Psychology in USA level | Postgraduate |
Masters in Psychology in USA duration | 1 - 2 years |
Eligibility criteria | A bachelor's degree in psychology, or a related field |
Application mode | Online |
Entrance test required | IELTS /TOEFL / PTE |
Tuition fees | $30,995 (₹27,09,300) - $60,840 (₹53,18,000) |
Cost of living | $ 1,000 - $ 3,500 (₹1,57,340 - ₹3,06,000) |
Average Salary | $83,600 - $118,700 |
Top recruiters |
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Top colleges |
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Why Choose a Masters in Psychology in USA?
Masters in Psychology in USA has a vast scope in the market and is opted for by many international students in USA. There are many advantages to studying Masters in Psychology in USA.
- Quality Education: Provide standard quality education as the top universities are globally recognised, and offer students access to the latest technology.
- Best faculty: The faculty of US universities is equipped with in-depth knowledge and new techniques.
- Healthy and safe environment: It provides you with a healthy and safe environment; diversity helps in creating a multicultural environment comfortable for the students to continue their education smoothly.
- Quality of life: Renowned for the superior quality of life, which improves the living standard and helps make a successful life.
- Top Universities: USA has become home to many top universities across the world.
- Internship opportunities: Several of the top universities in the USA, offer job and internship opportunities to get practical knowledge.
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Other Popular Countries for Studying Masters in Psychology
Best Universities/Colleges for Masters in Psychology in USA
Here is the list of top colleges offering Masters in Psychology with QS World ranking and fee details.
University Name | QS Ranking by Subject 2025 - Psychology | Approximate Annual Tuition Fees (USD/INR) |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1st | $34,200 ( ₹29,90,000) |
Stanford University | 3rd | $60,840 (₹53,18,000) |
Harvard University | 5th | $59,320 (₹51,85,000) |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 17th | $34,200 (₹29,90,000) |
Yale University | 21st | $51,250 (₹44,79,800) |
Columbia University | 38th | $55,170 (₹48,22,500) |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 45th | $36,297 (₹31,72,800) |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 46th | $30,995 (₹27,09,300) |
Masters in Psychology in USA: Eligibility Criteria
The basic eligibility criteria for Masters in Psychology in USA are to have a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field and pass english proficiency tests like IELTS/TOEFL. All the details are mentioned below.
Particular | Details |
Academic Requirements | A bachelor's degree in psychology, or a related field |
IELTS/TOEFL | 6.5 - 7.0 |
GPA | 3.0 to 4.0 is generally required |
PTE | Some universities demand PTE - 58 - 65 (varies) |
LOR (Letter of Recommendation) | 2-3 minimum LORs are required |
Masters in Psychology in USA: Application Process
Application Process for Masters in Psychology in USA starts with eligibility criteria, candidates need to check the eligibility criteria of that particular university, and if they are deemed fit, they can proceed further by filling up the form and attaching the required documents and lastly by paying the fees.
Step 1: Students need to check the eligibility criteria, which require a four-year bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Step 2: Students must secure minimum marks specified by IELTS, that is, 6.5 - 7.0, and TOEFL.
Step 3: The required GPA score is 3.0, as many universities accept the GPA score. Many universities also require PTE with a minimum mark of 58 - 65.
Step 4: Students need to submit the required documents in the given format.
Step 6: To complete the process, the students are required to pay the application fee of the university within the specified time.
Documents Required
Here are the documents required at the time of admission in the top university offering Masters in Psychology in USA. It is recommended to collect all the documents before applying.
- A completed application form
- Official Transcripts
- English language proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
- GRE scores (may be optional)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume/CV
- Proof of financial support.
Masters in Psychology in USA: Important Dates & Events
The table presents all the information regarding important dates and events for pursuing a Masters in Finance in USA for 2025.
Events | Important Dates |
Application Deadline | November 2024 |
Semester Begins | September 2025 |
Masters in Finance in USA: Visa Application Timeline
The table presents all the information regarding the visa application timeline for pursuing a Masters in Finance in USA for 2025.
Events | Important Dates |
Application Deadline | February 2025 |
Top Entrance Exams for Masters in Psychology in USA
Few top exams that are mostly accepted by all the universities for admission in Masters in Psychology in USA, such as TOEFL, IELTS, and PRE. It may vary as per the university.
Exam | Details |
90-100 (iBT) | |
IELTS | 6.5 - 7.0 |
PTE | 58 - 65 |
Masters in Psychology in USA: Cutoff
Most of the top universities offering Masters in Psychology in USA require a GPA approx 3.0- 4.0 an IELTS score - 6.0 - 7.0. Check the university-specific cutoff requirement for the upcoming session.
University | GPA Requirement | GRE Requirement | IELTS Requirement |
MIT | 3.5+ (competitive PhD) | Not required | Minimum 7.0 |
Stanford University | 3.7–3.9 (coterm MA) | Optional | Minimum 7.0 |
Harvard University | 3.5+ recommended | Optional | Minimum 7.0 |
UC Berkeley (UCB) | 3.5–3.8 (PhD average) | Not required | Minimum 7.0 |
Yale University | 3.8+ (PhD average) | Optional | Minimum 7.0 |
Columbia University (MA track) | 3.0 minimum (3.5+ preferred) | Not required | Minimum 7.5 |
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor | 3.0 minimum (3.6+ typical) | Optional (varies by program) | Minimum 6.5–7.0 |
UCLA | 3.5+ (PhD entry) | Not required | Minimum 7.0 |
Masters in Psychology in USA: Syllabus
Core subjects for Masters in Psychology in USA are Abnormal Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Neuropsychology, counselling Theories, Psychotherapy Techniques, and Ethics in Psychology. Here are the core subjects and electives mentioned in the tabular format
Semester | Core Courses | Electives |
Year 1 – Semester 1 | Abnormal Psychology, Cognitive Psychology | Developmental Psychology, Personality Theories |
Year 1 – Semester 2 | Neuropsychology, counselling Theories | Cultural Psychology, Organizational Psychology |
Year 2 – Semester 1 | Psychotherapy Techniques, Ethics in Psychology | Trauma Studies, Industrial Psychology |
Year 2 – Semester 2 | Clinical Interventions, Lifespan Development | Family Therapy, Addiction Psychology |
Masters in Psychology in USA: Electives & Specializations
Master's in Psychology in the USA is being offered in many specialisations with specific focused areas, a few of them are Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Industrial-Organisational Psychology, Developmental Psychology, etc. Check the table below for detailed information.
Specialization | Focus Area |
Clinical Psychology |
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counselling Psychology |
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Cognitive Psychology |
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Industrial-Organizational Psychology |
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Developmental Psychology |
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Forensic Psychology | Apply Psychology to legal and criminal cases Assess individuals in forensic settings and provide expert testimony |
Masters in Psychology in USA: Scholarships
There are plenty of scholarships being offered to international students to cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance, and basically for Financial support for Psychology students based on academic excellence. The following are the scholarships offered to students.
Scholarship Name | Type | Benefits |
Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Merit-based | Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance |
American Psychological Association (APA) Scholarships | Merit-based/Field-specific | Financial support for Psychology students based on academic excellence |
International Student Scholarships at University of Michigan | Need-based | Partial tuition waiver for international graduate students |
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship | Merit-based | Up to $90,000 (INR 76.8L) for graduate study in the USA |
Cost of Living in USA
The cost of living in USA differs from city to city; some cities are expensive, and some are cheaper in comparison. Here are the estimated monthly expenses.
Location | Monthly Expenses USD ($) |
Cambridge | $ 1,800 - $ 3,000 (₹1,57,340 - ₹2,62,200) |
New York | $ 2,000 - $ 3,500 (₹1,75,000 - ₹3,06,000) |
Princeton | $ 1,000 - $ 1,500 (₹1,57,340 - ₹131,100) |
New York | $ 2,000 - $ 3,500 (₹1,75,000 - ₹3,06,000) |
Austin | $1,300 - $ 1,800 ( ₹1,13,600 - ₹1,57,340) |
Career Scope After Masters in Psychology in USA
Industries like Healthcare, Education, Corporate/Business, and Research Institutions have seen immense growth for psychology professionals. There are many options for students; here are some job roles mentioned below.
- Guidance Counsellor
- Research Analyst
- Mental Health Case Manager
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Social Science Research Assistant
- Social Worker
- School Psychologist
Masters in Psychology in USA: Salary Package
After completing Masters in Psychology, a good salary is offered to students, which indicates the high demand for professionals in the field of psychology. Check the job roles mentioned in the table with an average salary.
Job Role | Avg. Annual Salary $ | Avg. Annual Salary ₹ |
Clinical Psychologist | $118,709 | ₹1,.3,76,000 |
counselling Psychologist | $97,256 | ₹85,01,300 |
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $83,606 | ₹I,73,08,100 |
School Psychologist | $115,008 | ₹1,00,53,000 |
Research Psychologist | $117,533 | ₹1,02,73,700 |
Note: Salary can vary based on factors like as location, experience, and specific employer.
Masters in Psychology in USA: Top Recruiters
There are many top recruiting companies that hire professionals of psychology in different sectors like Healthcare, Education, Corporate/Business, and Research Institutions. Here are few top recruiting companies.
Industry | Top Recruiters |
Healthcare |
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Education |
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Corporate/Business |
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Research Institutions |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ques 1. What is the benefit of doing Masters in Psychology in USA?
Ans 1 Masters in Psychology in USA is in demand, offers you many job opportunities, and provides you with in-depth knowledge related to psychology.
Ques 2. What is the time frame for Masters in Psychology in USA?
Ans 2. The duration of the course is 1-2 years.
Ques 3. Is Masters in Psychology in USA worth it?
Ans 3. Yes, it is highly demanded course and skilled faculty with modern skills helps to gain more hands in psychology in USA universities.
Ques 4. What is the average annual fees for Master's in Psychology in USA?
Ans 4. The average annual fees for Master's in Psychology in USA is $30,995 (₹27,09,300) - $60,840 (₹53,18,000).
Ques 5. Name a few career opportunities after Masters in Psychology in USA?
Ans 5. There are many job roles offered to psychology professionals, including Clinical Psychologist, counselling Psychologist, Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, School Psychologist, and Research Psychologist.
Ques 6. Is it compulsory to give IELTS/TOEFL to get admission in Masters in Psychology in USA?
Ans 6. Yes, it is compulsory to pass IELTS/TOEFL to get admission in Masters in Psychology in USA.
Ques 7. What are the required documents while taking admission in USA in Master in Psychology?
Ans 7. Here is the list of required documents -
- A completed application form
- Official Transcripts
- English language proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
- GRE scores (may be optional)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume/CV
- Proof of financial support.