2027 Accredited Online Social Psychology Degree Programs With No GRE or GMAT Requirements

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Which Accredited Online Social Psychology Degree Programs Do Not Require the GRE or GMAT?

Direct online degrees titled "social psychology" are less common than broader online psychology degrees that include social psychology courses, research methods, applied behavior, group dynamics, persuasion, prejudice, decision-making, and quantitative analysis. For that reason, students should compare both named social psychology specializations and accredited online psychology programs that let them build a social psychology focus through electives, research projects, or capstone work.

The table below shows examples of accredited online options that commonly fit the no-GRE or no-GMAT search intent. Admissions policies can change, so always confirm the current requirement with the school before applying.

InstitutionOnline program typeSocial psychology fitGRE or GMAT statusAccreditation to verify
Arizona State University OnlineBS in Psychology; MS in PsychologyBehavior, cognition, research methods, statistics, and social-behavioral topicsGRE and GMAT generally not required for these online psychology pathwaysInstitutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission
Penn State World CampusBA or BS in PsychologyUndergraduate psychology curriculum with social psychology and research foundationsGRE and GMAT not required for undergraduate admissionInstitutional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Southern New Hampshire UniversityBA in PsychologyBroad psychology major with courses relevant to social behavior, development, and research literacyGRE and GMAT not required for undergraduate admissionInstitutional accreditation through the New England Commission of Higher Education
Walden UniversityMS in Psychology with social psychology-related specialization options where availableApplied study of behavior, groups, culture, motivation, and social influenceGRE and GMAT generally not required for admissionInstitutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission
National UniversityOnline psychology or human behavior-related graduate pathwaysApplied behavioral science, research, and human behavior courseworkGRE and GMAT commonly not required for many psychology-related programsInstitutional accreditation through WASC Senior College and University Commission

A practical way to read this list is to separate degree title from degree function. If your goal is doctoral study in social psychology, research design and statistics matter heavily. If your goal is applied work in HR, user research, marketing, or community programs, look for applied projects, data tools, internship options, and portfolio-building assignments.

Also distinguish test-free from test-optional. A test-free program does not use GRE or GMAT scores in admissions. A test-optional program lets you submit scores if they strengthen your file. A test-waiver policy may apply only if you meet a GPA, prior degree, work experience, or graduate-credit threshold.

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Why Have Accredited Online Social Psychology Degree Programs Eliminated GRE and GMAT Requirements?

Many online psychology programs have moved away from standardized test requirements because GRE and GMAT scores are not always the best evidence of success in applied, research-based, or part-time adult-learning environments. Schools increasingly evaluate whether applicants can write clearly, handle statistics, manage online coursework, and connect psychology training to a realistic goal.

Cost is another reason. The GRE General Test costs $220 in the U.S., not counting preparation materials, score reports beyond the included allotment, or retake costs. Removing the test can reduce friction for working adults, first-generation students, military-affiliated learners, and applicants returning to school after several years away.

Programs have also learned that online applicants often bring evidence that standardized tests do not capture well. Admissions committees may see stronger signals in undergraduate performance, professional experience, writing samples, research exposure, supervisor recommendations, or a focused statement of purpose.

For social psychology specifically, the shift makes sense because the field depends on interpretation, research literacy, ethics, social context, and data reasoning. A strong applicant can demonstrate those qualities through coursework, projects, publications, professional responsibilities, or community-based experience rather than a single exam score.

What Admissions Criteria Matter Most Without GRE or GMAT Scores?

When GRE or GMAT scores disappear, admissions do not become empty. They become more holistic. Schools need other evidence that you can succeed in psychology coursework, especially statistics, research methods, academic writing, and independent online learning.

The following application materials usually matter most because they help admissions reviewers judge preparation, fit, and persistence.

  • GPA and transcript pattern: A strong cumulative GPA helps, but schools also look at psychology, statistics, research methods, and upper-division coursework. An upward grade trend can help applicants who had a weak start.
  • Statement of purpose: This should explain why social psychology fits your goals, what questions or populations interest you, and how the program's curriculum supports your next step.
  • Recommendations: Academic or professional references should describe writing ability, analytical thinking, reliability, research potential, or applied behavioral science experience.
  • Résumé or CV: Relevant experience can include research assistance, data analysis, HR work, UX research, behavioral health administration, nonprofit work, marketing research, teaching, or community programming.
  • Writing sample or capstone proposal: Some programs use this to assess whether you can build an argument, use evidence, and write at the level expected in upper-division or graduate study.
  • Prerequisites: Graduate programs may expect prior coursework in psychology, statistics, research methods, or social science. If you lack these, ask whether bridge courses are available.

If scores are optional, submit them only when they clearly strengthen your application. A high quantitative score may help if your transcript is light on statistics. A strong verbal or analytical writing score may help if you have been out of school for a long time. If scores are average or unrelated to the program's priorities, your time may be better spent improving the statement, résumé, and recommendations.

How Should Students Compare Accredited Online Social Psychology Degree Programs Without GRE or GMAT Requirements?

The best program is not simply the one with the easiest application. It is the one that matches your academic background, budget, schedule, and intended outcome while maintaining credible accreditation and enough methodological depth to support your next move.

Use this step-by-step process before applying.

  1. Confirm accreditation first: Verify institutional accreditation through a recognized accreditor and check whether your target graduate school, employer, or licensing board has additional expectations.
  2. Identify the degree level you actually need: A bachelor's may support entry-level roles or graduate preparation, a master's may support applied research and analysis roles, and a doctorate is usually needed for university research careers.
  3. Read the curriculum closely: Prioritize programs with social psychology, research methods, statistics, ethics, data analysis, and a capstone or thesis option if you plan to pursue research-heavy roles.
  4. Ask how online courses are delivered: Compare asynchronous classes, live sessions, cohort models, part-time pacing, exam proctoring, and faculty access.
  5. Check transfer and prerequisite policies: Transfer credits, bridge courses, and prior graduate credits can materially change time and cost.
  6. Compare total cost, not just tuition: Request a full cost estimate that includes fees, books, residency requirements, and expected time to completion.
  7. Evaluate career support: Look for research opportunities, portfolio projects, alumni outcomes, internship guidance, career coaching, and access to faculty mentors.
  8. Decide whether optional scores help: Submit GRE scores only if they add clear evidence that is missing elsewhere in your application.

Students comparing adjacent online graduate fields should use the same logic: admissions convenience should support, not replace, career fit. For example, applicants interested in health behavior, wellness research, or public health communication may compare social psychology with an online masters nutrition program if their long-term goal is tied to food systems, health education, or nutrition-focused interventions.

Other Things You Should Know About Social Psychology

Is social psychology the same as clinical psychology?

No. Social psychology studies how people think, feel, and behave in social contexts, including groups, attitudes, identity, persuasion, bias, and decision-making. Clinical psychology focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions.

Can I become a licensed therapist with a social psychology degree?

Usually no. Therapist licensure typically requires a counseling, clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, or social work pathway that meets state-specific supervised practice and exam requirements. Always check your state licensing board before enrolling.

What courses are most important in an online social psychology program?

Prioritize social psychology, research methods, statistics, ethics, cognitive psychology, personality, group behavior, data analysis, and a capstone or thesis. These courses build the strongest foundation for research and applied behavioral science roles.

Do employers know whether my program required the GRE or GMAT?

Generally, no. Transcripts and diplomas do not usually show whether admissions tests were required. Employers are more likely to evaluate the institution, degree level, relevant experience, portfolio projects, writing ability, and data skills.