Ohio University launches fully Online Master’s Program in Psychology

Ohio University is expanding access to graduate education in psychology with the launch of a new fully online Master of Science in Psychological Science, beginning Fall 2026. Designed for students and working professionals seeking flexibility, the program reflects a broader effort to meet growing demand for advanced, applied psychology training across Ohio and beyond.

Housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, the 30-credit, non-thesis degree can be completed in as few as four semesters. Delivered in an asynchronous format, the program is structured to allow students to balance coursework with careers, family responsibilities and other commitments, while still moving efficiently toward completion through seven-week course sessions.

“This program reflects our commitment to increasing access to high-quality graduate education while maintaining the academic excellence for which Ohio University is known,” said Kari Lehman, vice provost for OHIO Online. “By offering this degree fully online, we are able to reach a broader audience of learners ready to apply psychological science in meaningful, real-world contexts.”

According to Ann Rumble, director of Online Graduate Programs in General Psychology, the design of the program was intentional, shaped by both institutional experience and real-world need. 

“There was a clear and growing demand in the state of Ohio for a high-quality, general master’s program in psychology,” said Rumble. “We realized we could expand access without losing anything in terms of rigor or outcomes and actually strengthen what students are able to do with the degree.”

That perspective is informed in part by experiences on Ohio University’s regional campuses, where instructors worked closely with place-based students who often balance education with work and family responsibilities. That experience helped shape a program built not only for traditional graduate students, but also for learners needing more flexibility. 

The online M.S. in Psychological Science emphasizes three core areas: advanced psychological theory and application, strong analytical skills in statistics and research methods, and the ability to interpret human behavior across professional settings such as education, business, social services and leadership roles. In addition, the program prioritizes applied learning, with courses designed around projects that connect directly to students’ work environments and career goals.

A central focus is ensuring immediate real-world relevance. The curriculum will integrate widely used software and workplace-based applications, allowing students to engage with data analysis in practical settings. 

“We’re not just teaching theory,” Rumble explained. “We’re teaching students how to apply psychological science in ways that improve their workplaces, their communities and their own career trajectories.”

Rumble added that this program will prioritize the soft skills needed to advance students in their careers and that graduates will be prepared for roles such as program evaluators in education, healthcare and social services, positions that often serve as a step beyond the bachelor’s level and can lead to advancement into leadership or specialized analytical roles. The new program can also help high school teachers deepen their understanding of student behavior, motivation and learning while gaining practical skills they can apply directly in the classroom to better support student success and well-being. The graduate courses included in this program could be applied toward qualifying to teach dual-enrollment courses, such as College Credit Plus (CC+), in psychology.

Another distinguishing feature of the program is its emphasis on community and professional networking. Beyond coursework, students will be encouraged to build connections with peers, faculty and industry professionals through project-based learning and collaborative engagement. The goal is to ensure that students graduate not only with knowledge, but with a professional network that supports long-term career growth.

While the degree is not designed for clinical practice or as preparation for Ph.D. programs, the broad foundation in psychological science equips students with versatile skills that can support career advancement across a wide range of industries and professional settings.

The program will launch with 24 students accepted into its inaugural cohort. Applicants must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. The application deadline is August 3.

“This is about creating opportunity,” Rumble said. “Opportunity for students to advance their careers and opportunity for communities to benefit from people who understand behavior, data, and human systems in a deeper, more practical way.”

The launch of the online master’s program builds on Ohio University’s national recognition in psychology, including being ranked 90th nationally for best graduate clinical psychology programs and being ranked 19th nationally and top in the state of Ohio for online bachelor’s programs in psychology, according to U.S. News & World Report.

More information about the Online Master of Science in Psychological Science is available at https://www.ohio.edu/cas/psychology/graduate/online-ms-general-psychology.