Degrees

Online Psychology Degree Maryland: Your Comprehensive Guide

Faisal Shourov12 seconds agoLast Updated: October 10, 2025

Why an Online Psychology Degree in Maryland?

Table of Contents

Key advantages of an online psychology degree in Maryland:

Flexibility: Attend classes when your schedule allows, ideal for working adults or those in remote areas.
Local relevance: Even though learning is online, many Maryland-based programs have state licensing alignment, local internships, or ties to Maryland agencies.
Quality institutions: Maryland hosts institutions recognized for psychology and counseling training, ensuring that your degree carries value.
Cost and savings: Online programs may reduce commuting, parking, housing, and other indirect costs.

However, online study has trade-offs: less in-person interaction, the need for strong self-discipline, and sometimes limited access to campus facilities. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to decide whether an online psychology degree in Maryland is right for you, and how to choose one wisely.

2. Understanding Psychology Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate

Before diving into specific Maryland programs, it helps to understand the different levels of psychology education, what they can achieve, and which ones are commonly offered online.

2.1 Bachelor’s in Psychology (BA / BS)

Purpose & outcomes

The bachelor’s degree is the foundational credential in psychology.
Many students use it as a stepping stone toward graduate education, since professional licensure (for clinical or counseling psychologists) almost always requires a graduate degree.
With a bachelor’s, you can work in fields such as human services, case management, behavioral health technician roles, market research, administrative roles in mental health agencies, or in educational or social service settings.

Typical structure

Around 120 credit hours.
Core psychology courses: Introductory psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, research methods and statistics.
General education courses (writing, math, humanities, natural sciences).
Electives and possibly a capstone or internship.

Online availability

Many online bachelor’s in psychology programs exist across the U.S.
In Maryland specifically, the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers a fully online BS in Psychology.
That program typically allows transfer of up to 90 credits, making it appealing for those with prior college or community college credits.

2.2 Master’s in Psychology / Counseling

Purpose & outcomes

A master’s degree is often the minimum for some counseling or therapy roles (depending on state laws), or for roles in research, human resources, organizational behavior, school psychology (in some states), or applied psychological settings.
Some masters serve as terminal degrees; others are stepping stones to doctoral training.

Types

MA / MS in Psychology — general psychology with specialization options (e.g. industrial-organizational, developmental, clinical).
MPC, MPS, or professional counseling degrees — more applied, involving practicum or internship components.
Clinical or Counseling Psychology (if offered) — prepares toward licensed practice, but often requires additional supervised hours and sometimes a doctorate for full licensure.

Online & Maryland context

UMGC offers an online Master’s in Clinical Professional Counseling, aligned with the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
Loyola University Maryland offers an MS in Clinical Professional Counseling requiring 60 credit hours and 600 supervised field experience hours.
Towson University’s Counseling concentration is accredited by MPCAC (through 2026) for its counseling psychology component.

2.3 Doctoral Degrees: PhD, PsyD

Purpose & outcomes

Doctoral degrees are necessary for independent practice as a licensed clinical psychologist in most states (with exceptions).
Also needed for teaching at universities, advanced research roles, and high-level leadership positions in psychology organizations.

Types

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) — often more research-focused, preparing for academic, research, or clinical work.
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) — more practice-oriented, focusing on clinical training, therapy, assessment, supervision.

Online/hybrid viability

Because of required in-person clinical training, internships, and practica, fully online doctoral psychology programs are rare or non-existent in many licensure jurisdictions.
Some hybrid or blended doctoral programs exist, but whether they meet state licensure requirements depends heavily on accreditation and in-state regulations.
Maryland’s state universities (like University of Maryland) host APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs — e.g. the Clinical Psychology doctoral program at UMD has been APA accredited since 1963.
But those are mostly campus-based or hybrid, not fully online.

3. Accreditation, Licensing, and Quality Considerations

When exploring online psychology degrees, one of the most critical things to check is accreditation and whether the program will qualify you for licensure or meet other professional goals. Here are the key points you must examine:

3.1 Institutional Accreditation

Ensure the university is regionally or nationally accredited by recognized accrediting agencies (e.g. Middle States Commission on Higher Education, etc.).
This matters for credit transfer, graduate school admissions, student aid eligibility, and general credibility.

3.2 Programmatic Accreditation & Professional Accreditation

For counseling or clinical training, look for MPCAC (Masters in Psychology & Counseling Accreditation Council), or CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) if counseling is involved.
For doctoral psychology programs, APA (American Psychological Association) accreditation is a gold standard for licensure across many states.
Also in clinical-science fields, the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) is emerging as a standard.

3.3 State Licensing Criteria

Psychology licensure is regulated at the state level. In Maryland, to become a licensed psychologist, you must meet Maryland’s Board of Examiners of Psychologists requirements.
Key requirements typically include: graduation from an APA-accredited doctoral program (or equivalent as defined by Maryland), a number of supervised clinical hours, passing the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology), and fulfilling continuing education.
If your program (especially an online or hybrid one) doesn’t meet Maryland’s standards, you might face restrictions in practicing in Maryland (or may need to do additional coursework or supervision).

3.4 Clinical Field Placements, Practica, and Internships

Even in online programs, clinical practice is mandatory for counseling, clinical psychology, and certain applied psychology tracks.
The program should have mechanisms or partnerships in Maryland (or near you) to arrange practicums or internships.
If the online provider has no local placement support, you may have to locate your own, which can be difficult.

3.5 Faculty Credentials & Research Opportunities

Check faculty backgrounds: Do they hold PhDs? Are they active in research or clinical practice? Are they experienced in supervising online students?
Research opportunities, lab access, conferences, mentorship—all of these enhance the degree’s value, particularly if you plan to continue to doctoral studies.

3.6 Transfer Credits, Prior Learning, and Flexibility

Good programs often allow you to transfer prior college credits (especially for adult learners).
Some also credit military or professional experience.
Make sure you know the maximum transferable credits, residency requirements, and limitations.

4. Top Schools & Programs Offering Online Psychology Degrees in Maryland

In this section, I provide detailed profiles of Maryland (or Maryland-serving) institutions that offer online or hybrid psychology / counseling programs. This is not exhaustive but covers representative and notable ones.

4.1 University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

UMGC is a leader in online higher education and has a widely recognized online infrastructure.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology (online)
• Fully online, 120 credits.
• Accepts up to 90 transfer credits, making it very transfer-friendly.
• Tuition for in-state is about $324 per credit; out-of-state around $499 per credit.
Master’s in Clinical Professional Counseling (online)
• Designed with alignment to MPCAC accreditation standards.
• Includes supervised field experience components.

UMGC’s online programs are deeply integrated and have supports like asynchronous classes, multiple start dates, and credit for prior experience.

4.2 Loyola University Maryland

Offers an MS in Clinical Professional Counseling (60 credits, 600 supervised field experience hours) designed to equip graduates to become licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPC) in Maryland.
While not fully online at the doctoral level, Loyola also offers an APA-accredited PsyD in Clinical Psychology (campus/hybrid).

4.3 Towson University

Towson offers a Counseling Psychology concentration that is currently accredited by MPCAC (through 2026).
Although not fully online, some hybrid or flexible options may exist, depending on the program’s offerings.

4.4 Other Institutions & Online Options Serving Maryland

Herzing University offers a 100% online BS in Psychology for Maryland residents.
Franklin University provides online psychology degree options and serves Maryland via distance education. Franklin is nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) offers some psychology courses online and has articulation agreements for students transferring to four-year programs.

4.5 Non-Maryland but Widely Available Online Programs

Because fully online doctoral or specialized psychology programs in Maryland are limited, many students consider reputable out-of-state online options (provided they meet licensure and accreditation requirements):

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers MS in Psychology fully online.
Other national online psychology, counseling, or hybrid doctoral programs exist; but caution: ensure their accreditation and licensure compatibility.

5. Program Structure, Curriculum, and Delivery Modes

Let’s look at how online psychology programs are structured, what courses are common, and how delivery modes differ.

5.1 Delivery Modes & Learning Formats

100% online (asynchronous): No required meeting times; students access lectures, assignments, and discussions on their own time within deadlines.
Synchronous online: Scheduled live classes or discussions; may require attendance at certain hours.
Hybrid / blended: Combines online coursework with in-person components (e.g. lab, practicum, intensives).
Low-residency: Primarily online but with occasional in-person residencies (weekend or week-long).

Doctoral or practicum-heavy programs may require local in-person clinical work, so even “online” programs may have field components you must do in Maryland or your local area.

5.2 Typical Curriculum Components

Here’s what you can expect to see in online psychology programs (especially at the bachelor’s and master’s levels):

Component	Typical Courses / Requirements	Purpose
Foundations	Introduction to Psychology, Lifespan Development, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Biological Psychology	Build foundational knowledge of psychology’s major domains
Research & Methods	Statistics, Experimental Methods, Qualitative Methods, Data Analysis	Teach how to design, analyze, and interpret psychological research
Core Subfields	Abnormal / Psychopathology, Personality, Social, Developmental Psychology	Provide deeper understanding of key theoretical and applied areas
Electives / Specializations	Health Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Neuropsychology	Allow students to tailor study to interests
Capstone / Thesis / Project	Senior seminar, Research project, Applied capstone	Demonstrate learning and conduct original work
Practicum / Internship (for counseling/clinical tracks)	Supervised counseling or clinical work, field experience placements	Provide hands-on, supervised practice critical for licensure or applied skills
Ethics, Culture, & Professional Issues	Ethics in Psychology, Diversity, Professional Standards	Prepare students for real-world challenges (especially for clinicians)

5.3 Pace & Time to Completion

Bachelor’s online degrees typically take 3–4 years, but with transfer credits or accelerated schedules, some students complete earlier.
Master’s programs vary, but many online counseling/psychology master’s can be completed in 1.5 to 3 years depending on part-time/full-time status and whether a thesis is required.
Doctoral programs are longer (often 4–7 years) due to required clinical internships, dissertation research, etc.

5.4 Support & Student Resources

A quality online program should include:

Virtual academic advising
Online library and research databases
Technical support (IT helpdesk)
Online forums, discussion boards, and virtual office hours
Support for practicum placement and supervision
Writing centers, tutoring, and peer supports

When evaluating Maryland-based online programs, check whether they extend these support services to online students and whether they facilitate local placement in Maryland.

6. Admission Requirements & Transfer Credits

Knowing what admissions criteria and credit policies apply helps you prepare and maximize your chance of acceptance.

6.1 Common Admission Requirements (Undergraduate & Graduate)

For bachelor’s-level entry:

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum GPA (varies, e.g. 2.5–3.0)
High school transcripts
Standardized test scores (though many online programs are test-optional)
Essays or personal statements
Possibly letters of recommendation

For master’s or professional counseling degrees:

Bachelor’s degree (often in psychology or related field)
Minimum undergraduate GPA (often 3.0 or higher)
Transcripts
Professional resume / CV
Statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation
Possibly GRE or other standardized testing (though many programs waive this)
Some programs require prior coursework in research methods or statistics
Background checks or certification for working in counseling settings

6.2 Transfer Credit & Prior Learning Assessment

Many online psychology programs allow transfer of general education credits or electives from accredited institutions.
Some allow credit for prior learning through Portfolio Assessment, CLEP, or experiential learning.
For Maryland’s UMGC psychology program, up to 90 transfer credits are allowed.
Be cautious: “residency” requirements may specify a minimum number of credits you must complete at the awarding institution (cannot transfer every credit).

6.3 Prerequisite Courses & Sequence

Some advanced or counseling-type programs require prerequisite courses (e.g. abnormal psychology, statistics, research methods) before full admission or as co-requisites.
Course sequences matter: you may need to take research/statistics early to support later courses.
Make sure your online program allows flexibility in sequencing (i.e. doesn’t force fixed linear progression unless that fits your schedule).

7. Costs, Financial Aid & Scholarships

Affordability is a central concern. Here’s what to know about costs and how to manage them.

7.1 Tuition & Fees

Online tuition often is charged per credit hour.
For UMGC’s BS in Psychology, in-state rate: ~$324 per credit; out-of-state: ~$499 per credit.
The average undergraduate online psychology program in the U.S. costs ~$11,059/year in tuition and fees (per NCES data) for comparable full-time load.
In Maryland, nonprofit colleges offering online psychology degrees average ~$9,577/year for online undergraduate psychology programs.

Other costs may include:

Technology fees
Course materials (e.g. textbooks, software, proctoring fees)
Travel for in-person residencies or required practicals
Supervision fees (for counseling practica)
Background checks, licensing exam fees, etc.

7.2 Financial Aid & Scholarships

Federal aid: If the institution is Title IV eligible, you may qualify for Pell grants, direct student loans, and work-study (if applicable).
State aid: Maryland may offer state scholarships or grants for residents. Check the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) for online student eligibility.
Institutional scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships or discounts for online learners, veterans, or high-achieving students.
Professional or psychology-related grants: Organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), Psi Chi (psychology honor society), and state psychological associations sometimes offer student grants or scholarships.
Employer tuition assistance: If you are employed in mental health or human services, your employer might reimburse or subsidize advanced degree training.

7.3 Return on Investment & Economic Considerations

Compare the cost per credit with anticipated salary gains.
For counseling and psychology roles requiring a master’s or doctorate, the additional cost may be justifiable given higher earning potential.
But be cautious: if your program does not align with licensure pathways, you may encounter extra costs later (additional coursework or supervision).

8. Career Paths & Job Market Outlook

What can you do with an online psychology degree in Maryland (or more broadly)? Let’s explore.

8.1 Entry-Level Positions with a Bachelor’s Degree

While a bachelor’s degree typically is not sufficient for licensing as a clinician, it opens doors to:

Behavioral health technician
Case manager or specialist
Community outreach coordinator
Research assistant
Human resources assistant
Market research analyst
Mental health or crisis hotline staff
Program coordinator in nonprofit or social services

These roles build experience and can help you determine which specialty (e.g. counseling, clinical, organizational) you want to pursue.

8.2 Roles with a Master’s / Counseling Degree

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) (depending on state rules)
Mental health counselor
Substance abuse counselor
School counselor (with appropriate certification)
Marriage and family therapist (if relevant credentials)
Behavior analyst (if combined with relevant certification)
Organizational behavior or HR specialist
Psychological assessment roles (depending on qualification)

These positions tend to offer higher pay and more responsibility than bachelor-level roles.

8.3 Doctoral-Level Careers

Licensed Clinical Psychologist
University faculty / professor
Research scientist or principal investigator
Clinical director or mental health services manager
Neuropsychologist, forensic psychologist, health psychologist, etc.
High-level consulting

8.4 Job Market Outlook & Salary Trends

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for mental health counselors and substance abuse, behavioral disorder counselors will grow faster than average (19% growth from 2022 to 2032).
Psychology roles in research, academia, organizational consulting, or forensic psychology may be competitive but lucrative in specialized niches.
Location matters: Maryland (and D.C. metropolitan area) offers many opportunities in government, nonprofit, and private mental health sectors.

8.5 State-Specific Opportunities in Maryland

Positions in state mental health agencies, Veterans Affairs, hospital systems in Baltimore or metro areas
School psychology or counseling jobs in Maryland public schools
Federal or policy positions (due to proximity to D.C.)
Clinical placements and internships within Maryland systems can increase local networking and job prospects

9. Challenges, Tips, and Best Practices for Online Learners

Online learning, especially in a rigorous field like psychology, has its hurdles. Here are common challenges and practical strategies to succeed.

9.1 Common Challenges

Self-discipline & time management: Without fixed class times, procrastination is easy.
Feeling isolated: Fewer in-person peer interactions.
Limited access to labs or research facilities: Some experiments or assessments may be harder to simulate online.
Arranging local practicums / internships: The burden may fall on the student to secure placements near their location.
Balancing life, work, and study: Online students often juggle multiple responsibilities.

9.2 Tips & Strategies for Success

Create a structured schedule: Block off regular study and meeting times just as you would for an in-person class.
Set goals & milestones: Weekly or module goals help maintain progress.
Engage actively: Participate in discussion boards, virtual office hours, group projects—don’t simply read and move on.
Stay connected: Form virtual study groups, attend webinars or online meetups, network with classmates and faculty.
Secure practicum early: Begin planning for your field placements well in advance, leveraging university resources, internship offices, or professional networks.
Use support services: Online writing centers, tutoring, counseling, library resources—they exist for a reason.
Stay organized: Use digital planners, reminders, and apps to track assignments, due dates, and progress.
Self-care & motivation: Because you often study alone, mental wellness practices (exercise, breaks, community) are essential.

10. Maryland-Specific Considerations: Licensing, State Laws & Opportunities

If your aim is to ultimately practice in Maryland, you must navigate state-specific rules, agencies, and opportunities.

10.1 Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Maryland Board oversees licensing of psychologists in the state.
To become a licensed psychologist, you must meet their criteria regarding education, supervised experience, examination, and ethics.
Always cross-check whether your online program satisfies Maryland’s educational requirements for licensure.

10.2 Counseling Licensure in Maryland

In Maryland, mental health counselors (e.g. LCPC) require specific education and supervised experience under state regulations.
Programs like Loyola’s MS in Clinical Professional Counseling are designed to meet LCPC educational requirements in Maryland.
Be sure your online counseling program includes supervised field work acceptable in Maryland.

10.3 Local Internships & Practicum Placement

One advantage of Maryland-based online programs is better ability to place students locally in agencies, hospitals, schools, or clinics.
Should your online provider be located elsewhere, verify whether they will help you secure in-state placements.

10.4 Partnerships With Maryland Institutions

Some Maryland online programs partner with local agencies, hospitals, or school systems to streamline placements or internships.
For example, UMGC may have networks in Maryland to facilitate field placements, although details should be confirmed with the program.

10.5 Regional Demand & Funding

Maryland, due to its population and proximity to national health systems, has significant demand for mental health professionals.
Local grants, state funding, or incentives for serving rural Maryland areas may exist (e.g. Maryland Mental Health Association, state health departments).
The Mental Health Association of Maryland is one advocacy and resource organization linking professionals and communities.

11. Comparing Online vs On-Campus Psychology Study

Here’s a side-by-side look at pros and cons, especially in the Maryland context.

Factor	Online Study (Maryland)	On-Campus Study
Flexibility	High – study anytime, anywhere	Fixed schedule, more structured
Access to Campus Facilities	Limited (labs, libraries, face-to-face interactions)	Full access to campus labs, offices, labs
Local networking	Requires proactive efforts; limited in-person	Easier to engage with faculty, peers, events
Cost	Lower ancillary costs (commuting, housing)	Additional commuting, parking, housing costs
Clinical placements	Must find local placements, possibly more challenging	Often easier through school’s partnerships
Community & peer interaction	Virtual; requires more effort	In-person, day-to-day interaction
Pacing control	More control over pace	Less flexibility; locked into semester schedules

In Maryland, the ideal online program is one that combines strong virtual infrastructure and local support for placements, helping mitigate some of the disadvantages.

12. Steps to Choosing the Best Online Psychology Program for You

To land on the right program, follow these strategic steps:

Clarify your goals
- Do you want to be a licensed clinical psychologist, counselor, school psychologist, researcher, or organizational consultant?
- Determine whether you need a master’s or doctoral degree for your goals.
Check state licensure alignment
- For Maryland, find out which educational credentials and requirements the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists or counseling boards require.
- Confirm whether your online program satisfies them.
Prioritize accreditation and reputation
- Is the institution accredited?
- Does the program have professional accreditation (e.g. MPCAC, APA)?
- What is faculty experience and supporting research output?
Evaluate online infrastructure & support
- Technical support, virtual library, advising, tutoring, writing center.
- How well does the program engage remote students?
Investigate practicum and internship support
- Does the program help arrange placements in Maryland or near you?
- Are supervision and site visits supported?
Compare costs and financial aid options
- Total cost (tuition, fees, travel, materials)
- Availability of scholarships, federal aid, employer assistance
Review curriculum & specialization options
- Does it offer the specific courses or specializations you want?
- Are research and thesis opportunities available?
Consider flexibility & pacing options
- Can you study part-time? Are there multiple start dates?
- Are courses asynchronous or synchronous?
Request information & speak with admissions / faculty
- Get clarifications on field placement, time to degree, alumni outcomes.
- Ask about Maryland-specific licensure compatibility.
Check student satisfaction & outcomes
- Graduation rate, retention rate, licensure success rates, job placements.
- Student reviews and alumni testimonies are useful (though take with caution).

By following these steps, you can narrow down from dozens of programs to a few tailored options that align with your career goals and lifestyle.

13. Conclusion: Planning Your Future in Psychology

Pursuing an online psychology degree in Maryland is a promising and increasingly viable path for many learners—especially those balancing work, family, or geographical constraints. The combination of Maryland-based institutions (like UMGC and Loyola) and reputable online programs gives you options to tailor your education to your needs.

Yet success in psychology, particularly in clinical, counseling, or licensed roles, depends not just on where you study but how well the degree aligns with professional standards, licensure requirements, and real-world experience. As you explore programs, pay close attention to: