The exact length of time it takes to complete a master's degree in psychology can vary by student and school requirements. Generally speaking, a master's degree in psychology can be completed in about two years of full time study, or four semesters of around nine credits each. But some students, especially those who need to work or attend to family or other responsibilities, may opt for part-time study. In such cases, most universities require students to complete the master's degree program in no more than five years of study.
Although a master's degree won't allow you to practice as a psychologist, it may provide certain benefits for students whose time is limited and who want to directly enter the workforce after graduation. A Doctor of Psychology or Doctor of Philosophy in psychology can take five or more years of full-time study to complete. This may not be a feasible option for adult students returning to school, or for those who need to start working sooner in order to earn an income. According to Baron Perlman, professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, a master's offers the opportunity for students to obtain a psychology education and then pursue employment in less time than a doctoral program.
A bachelor's degree in psychology is not always required for entry to a master's degree program. But if you have not met certain prerequisite requirements, such as completing specific coursework in psychology, the length of time it will take for you to complete your study can be somewhat longer. The exact length of time varies based on your individual circumstances and the program in which you plan to enroll. For example, Pepperdine University's master's program information website states that students who have not completed recent coursework in psychology are required to take foundation courses in order to prepare for the master's curriculum. Depending on your school, foundation courses may be offered as a part of the master's degree program, or you may need to complete them prior to enrollment.
While the average master's degree program in psychology requires two years of full-time study, some universities offer accelerated degree programs for eligible students. The most common accelerated program is the combined Bachelor of Arts/Science and Master of Arts in psychology. Such programs are competitive and are usually limited to a certain number of applicants each year. The average length of time to complete accelerated combined degree programs is around five years of full-time study.