Most Affordable Counseling Social Psychology Degree Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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As demand for mental health professionals grows, finding an affordable program becomes a key concern. The job market looks stable; for example, experts project psychologist employment to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033. This shows a steady need for graduates.

Our team, with over a decade in career planning, researched and compiled this guide using only credible sources. This article helps you find the most affordable counseling and/or social psychology programs for 2025. You can then make smart choices for your education and future career.  

What are the benefits of getting a counseling social psychology degree? 

• Opens doors to roles such as counselor, therapist, school counselor, human resources specialist, market research analyst, and positions in mental health support, education, and business management.
• Median annual salary for counseling psychologists is $83,804, with related roles like school counselors earning $60,409 and social psychologists earning $68,642.
• Equips you with advanced communication, empathy, and analytical skills, enabling personal growth, deeper self-understanding, and the ability to make a positive impact on individuals and communities.

What can I expect from a counseling social psychology degree?

Many psychology programs offer advanced study in social psychology, which can be directly applied to counseling. You'll delve into a core psychology curriculum, often including research methods, statistical analysis, and ethical practices. Beyond this foundation, expect specialized coursework in areas like social cognition, group dynamics, and interpersonal influence. These programs might also incorporate elements like psychological assessment and intervention strategies.

A capstone project or dissertation is often required, demonstrating your research capabilities. While extensive internship hours are crucial for those pursuing licensure in counseling, psychology programs will provide valuable practical experience through research labs or field placements. Tuition costs vary significantly, from affordable public universities to more expensive private ones. In-state and online programs often provide more budget-friendly options. 

Where can I work with a counseling social psychology degree? 

The skills developed in psychology programs with a strong social psychology foundation are highly transferable, opening doors across many sectors, including counseling. Graduates often find roles in corporate settings, applying insights into group behavior and consumer psychology within human resources, organizational development, or marketing. Others pursue careers in education, healthcare, technology, or creative industries, directly or indirectly utilizing their understanding of human interaction and well-being.

In 2023, psychologists held approximately 207,500 jobs, with clinical and counseling psychologists accounting for 76,800 of those positions. The problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking abilities gained allow graduates to adapt to diverse workplaces, making this a versatile degree for a wide range of career paths.

How much can I make with a counseling social psychology degree? 

The median annual salary for counseling psychologists is reported at $83,804. Related roles also show competitive wages, with school counselors typically earning around $60,409 and social psychologists averaging $68,642 annually.

These figures, however, are significantly influenced by factors such as industry and location. For instance, counseling psychologists in California can see significantly higher averages, with annual salaries reaching $96,717. While entry-level professionals will generally start at a lower range, those with extensive experience, particularly with advanced degrees like a PhD or PsyD, can command higher salaries, especially in clinical or supervisory positions.

Table of Contents 

1. List of the Best Counseling Social Psychology Programs for 2025
2. How long does it take to complete a counseling social psychology program?
3. What is the average cost of a counseling social psychology program?
4. What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in a counseling social psychology program?
5. What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a counseling social psychology program?
6. What courses are typically in a counseling social psychology program?
7. What types of specializations are available in a counseling social psychology program?
8. What Challenges Might You Encounter in a Counseling Social Psychology Program?
9. Are Counseling Social Psychology Programs Accredited and Do They Ensure Licensure Readiness?
10. What is the Return on Investment of a Counseling Social Psychology Degree?
11. How to Choose the Best Counseling Social Psychology Program
12. What career paths are available for graduates of a counseling social psychology program?
13. What is the job market for graduates with a counseling social psychology program?
14. Other Things You Should Know About Counseling Social Psychology Programs

List of the Best Counseling Social Psychology Programs for 2025

How do we rank schools? 

Recognizing that paying for a degree is a significant investment, our ranking methodology ensures that students can make informed decisions based on comprehensive and transparent information. The ranking draws upon reliable sources such as the IPEDS database, Peterson's database, the College Scorecard database, and The National Center for Education Statistics.

These sources provide a robust foundation of data to evaluate and rank the best LPC programs in Oregon. For more details on our methodology, please visit Research.com's methodology page.

1. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University offers an online Master of Arts in Psychology, providing foundational knowledge of human social behavior. This broad program prepares diverse students for various careers, emphasizing practical insights applicable to counseling and other professional contexts.

• Required credits to graduate: 36 semester credit hours
• Cost: In-State: $ 189.63; Out-of-State: $ 370
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. American Public University

American Public University offers an online Master of Arts in Psychology, blending scientific theory, research, and applied skills. This program explores core human behaviors, including social and cultural diversity and human relations, which can relate to understanding social psychology and its application in counseling settings.

• Required credits to graduate: 39 credits 
• Cost: $455 per credit hour ($250 with Preferred Military Rate)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) 

3. Angelo State University

Angelo State University offers a comprehensive Counseling Psychology master's program, preparing students for licensure as professional counselors or psychological associates. The curriculum deeply explores counseling psychology theory, research, and evidence-based practices, including social psychology principles, to equip graduates for diverse mental health settings and effective client counseling.

• Required credits to graduate: 60 credit hours 
• Cost: Texas Resident: $7,508.90; Non-resident: $14,888.90
• Accreditation: Texas Education Agency (TEA) 

4. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online Master of Arts in Applied Psychology, integrating psychological insights with a Christian worldview. This program emphasizes how individual, social, and cultural factors influence behavior, with concentrations like Public Mental Health directly relating to social psychology and its application in counseling to improve lives.

• Required credits to graduate: 36 semester hours
• Cost: $565/credit (full-time graduate), $615/credit (part-time graduate), $275/credit (military graduate)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC 

5. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University's online or evening Master of Science in Psychology with a general emphasis develops critical thinking and leadership skills. This program explores human behavior and thought, including social and cultural psychology, providing insights valuable for a range of careers and understanding applications relevant to counseling.

• Required credits to graduate: 36 credits
• Cost: Approximately $600 per credit 
• Accreditation: HLC 

6. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia's online M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, Applied Cognition, and Development explores human cognitive, motivational, and developmental processes. This program offers insights into human behavior within social contexts, potentially informing individuals interested in applying psychological principles in non-clinical counseling or educational support roles.

• Required credits to graduate: 34 credit hours
• Cost: Approximately $21,930 in tuition 
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an online Master of Science in Psychology program that focuses on psychological theory and empirical research. This program encompasses cognitive, developmental, physiological, and social psychology, offering a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and thought that can be beneficial for non-clinical mental health roles and inform counseling approaches.

• Required credits to graduate: 36 credits
• Cost: Approximately $857 per credit (total program around $30,852).
• Accreditation: HLC 

8. University of Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts Boston's Mental Health Counseling MS program provides rigorous academic training and hands-on field experience, preparing individuals for licensure as mental health counselors. The curriculum includes "Sociocultural Considerations in Counseling," directly relating to social psychology and its application in understanding diverse client populations.

• Required credits to graduate: 60 credits
• Cost: Approximately $28,350 for the first year's tuition and fees
• Accreditation: NECHE 

9. Regent University

Regent University's online M.S. in Psychology prepares students to apply psychological principles across diverse fields, including academic, science, healthcare, and business. The program delves into core psychological science areas, from cognitive neuroscience to human social interactions, offering insights relevant to both social psychology and its application in non-licensure counseling roles.

• Required credits to graduate: 39+ credit hours
• Cost: $695 per credit hour for the M.S. in Psychology.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC 

10. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University's online M.S. in General Psychology provides a robust foundation in psychological theory and research, preparing professionals for diverse non-clinical careers or doctoral studies. The program's comprehensive coverage, including aspects of social psychology, enhances skills in relating to and collaborating with others, offering insights relevant to various non-clinical human-centered roles.

• Required credits to graduate: 30 credit hours
• Cost: $925.00

• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How long does it take to complete a counseling social psychology program?

While there isn't a specific counseling social psychology degree, the principles of social psychology are frequently woven into programs like counseling psychology or general psychology. The duration for completing these degrees generally follows typical academic timelines, though some institutions may offer fast track psychology degree online options:

• Bachelor's degree: Expect to spend about four years building foundational knowledge in psychology and human social behavior.
• Master's degree: This usually takes two to three years, with a deeper dive into counseling techniques and applied social psychology relevant to practice.

• Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD): A doctoral program can range from four to seven years, encompassing advanced research and extensive clinical training for counseling careers.

With a master's degree in counseling or social work, you can become a mental health therapist. If you are considering this career path, it helps to know the pros and cons of being a mental health therapist.

What is the average cost of a counseling social psychology program?

For those seeking the cheapest online counseling degree or a psychology program focusing on social behavior, costs vary by institution type and program length. 

• For public universities, tuition typically runs between $10,000 and $25,000 per year, with total program costs around $20,000 to $50,000 for a two-three or three-year master's program.
• Private universities tend to be more expensive, with annual tuition from $28,000 up to $60,000, resulting in total costs between $40,000 and over $100,000 for the entire program.
• More affordable options have estimated total costs around $19,560 for in-state students and $39,120 for out-of-state students.
• On average, master's programs in counseling or social psychology cost approximately $24,000-$36,000 for online degrees and $28,000-$42,000 for on-campus programs for two to three years. 

Below is a chart illustrating the annual cost of public colleges.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in a counseling social psychology program?

If you want to pursue a counseling social psychology degree, you have several financial aid options to help fund your education:

• Federal Financial Aid: To determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid provides over $120 billion annually to approximately 13 million students through various federal loans, including subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans, PLUS loans, and consolidation loans, which often feature lower interest rates and flexible repayment plans.

• Scholarships: Explore various scholarships offered by universities, professional associations, non-profits, and local organizations. These are specifically for psychology and counseling students and do not require repayment. They can be awarded based on merit or financial need.
• Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate students, particularly in counseling psychology programs, may qualify for research or teaching assistantships. These positions often provide a stipend and may include tuition waivers. Fellowships are competitive awards that can cover tuition and living expenses, supporting academic work and research.
• State Aid: Many states offer grants or scholarships for students who meet specific academic and residency requirements, which can help reduce tuition costs, especially at public institutions.
• Work-Study Programs: These programs offer part-time jobs, sometimes related to your field of study, to help you cover educational expenses.
• Private Loans: If other options are insufficient, you can consider private loans. However, these generally have higher interest rates and less favorable repayment terms compared to federal loans.

The chart below shows the number of proposed federal student aid awards for fiscal year 2025.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a counseling social psychology program?

To enroll in a master's level counseling or psychology program focusing on social behavior, applicants generally need to meet specific prerequisites. For those wondering how to become a counselor without a degree, it's crucial to understand that formal counseling psychology programs leading to licensure do require specific academic backgrounds.

While some related roles might exist outside of formal degree requirements, these programs are designed for a structured academic path. Here are the typical prerequisites for master's level programs:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is required; it does not always have to be in psychology, but related fields such as education, behavioral science, or social work are preferred. You can even start with the cheapest Christian leadership degree online and just take psychology courses.
• Psychology Coursework: Completion of foundational psychology courses is often required or strongly recommended. 
• Grade Point Average (GPA): Most programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA ranging from 2.5 to 3.0, with some preferring 3.0 or higher for full admission.

• Additional Requirements: Programs typically require three letters of recommendation evaluating your potential and interpersonal skills, a personal statement outlining your professional goals and alignment with counseling psychology, and a resume highlighting relevant experience. Some may also require an admissions test or interview.

What courses are typically in a counseling social psychology program?

Here are the typical courses in a counseling social psychology degree program:

• Foundations of Counseling Psychology: Covers historical roots, core values, and basic counseling skills.
• Counseling Theory and Techniques: Explores various counseling approaches and practical applications.
• Counseling and Interviewing Skills: Teaches effective communication and client engagement techniques.
• Human Development through the Lifespan: Examines psychological development across different life stages.
• Social and Cultural Diversity: Focuses on understanding cultural, social, and individual differences in counseling.
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling: Addresses professional ethics, laws, and standards relevant to counseling practice. 

What types of specializations are available in a counseling social psychology program?

You can tailor your education to your specific interests and career goals with these common specializations that focus on social behavior and counseling practice:

• Counseling Psychology: Focuses on helping individuals cope with life changes, stress, grief, and mental health challenges using culturally informed, strengths-based interventions in individual, group, family, and community settings.
• Clinical Psychology: Deals with the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, often requiring doctoral-level training.
• Social Psychology: Emphasizes understanding individuals within social, cultural, and community contexts, addressing issues like race, class, gender, and multicultural counseling.
• Addiction Psychology: Specializes in understanding and treating substance abuse and addictive behaviors.  If you are interested in this growing field, exploring the best online addiction counseling degree programs can provide you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to help individuals overcome addiction and lead healthier lives.
• School Counseling: Focuses on supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development within educational settings.
• Career and Vocational Counseling: Concentrates on career development and vocational behavior, helping clients with career choices and transitions.
• Family and Marriage Counseling: Addresses relational dynamics and family systems to improve interpersonal functioning. If you're wondering “what does an LMFT do?,” they are mental health professionals specializing in this area, trained to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals, couples, and families within the context of their relationships.
• Trauma and Crisis Intervention: Involves managing acute psychological distress and trauma recovery.

• Community and Public Policy Psychology: Applies psychological principles to community well-being and social justice advocacy.

What Challenges Might You Encounter in a Counseling Social Psychology Program?

Prospective students should prepare for demanding coursework that combines theoretical frameworks with rigorous practical applications. Balancing academic research, clinical or field practice, and internship requirements can be challenging, particularly when navigating differing institutional expectations and support structures. Evaluating program resources—including mentorship availability, lab facilities, and career counseling—ensures that you are ready to manage academic intensity and real-world demands. Additionally, for those interested in expanding their professional scope, consider exploring the best online forensic psychology master's programs as a complementary pathway.

Are Counseling Social Psychology Programs Accredited and Do They Ensure Licensure Readiness?

Accredited programs adhere to strict academic and clinical standards, ensuring that the curriculum meets professional and state licensing requirements. Prospective students should verify that the institution holds recognition from reputable accrediting bodies and offers practicum or internship components that satisfy licensure criteria. Additionally, evaluating individual program outcomes—such as graduate licensure rates and post-graduation employment statistics—provides insight into the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for professional practice. For those interested in expanding counseling credentials, consider supplementing your education with an affordable online MFT program to enhance career flexibility.

What is the Return on Investment of a Counseling Social Psychology Degree?

Evaluating the financial impact of a counseling social psychology degree involves analyzing both direct costs and long-term career benefits. Consider tuition fees, ancillary expenses, and potential opportunity costs against projected salary ranges and career growth in roles that emphasize counseling and social behavior. Prospective students should review institutional financial aid options, program duration, and the influence of geographic factors on earnings to identify economic advantages. It is essential to balance the immediate investment with expected professional outcomes and market demand, ensuring that the chosen program aligns with long-term career objectives; for related insights, see How long do you have to go to school to be a counselor?.

How to Choose the Best Counseling Social Psychology Program

Consider the following key factors when choosing the best programs related to a counseling social psychology degree:

• Accreditation and Program Quality: Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies.
• Curriculum and Specializations: Look for programs offering a comprehensive curriculum that balances foundational social psychology knowledge with counseling skills, including practicum and internship opportunities for hands-on experience.

• Faculty and Research Opportunities: Research the qualifications of faculty members to ensure mentorship and training in areas relevant to your interests in social behavior and counseling. Programs affiliated with research-intensive universities may provide more opportunities for involvement in cutting-edge social psychology research.

• Program Format and Duration: Decide between on-campus, online, or hybrid formats based on your learning style, schedule, and location.
• Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition and fees across programs, considering both in-state and out-of-state rates. Explore available financial aid options such as scholarships, assistantships, and federal aid to support your education.

• Licensure Preparation and Outcomes: Confirm that the program prepares graduates for licensure or certification if you plan to become a licensed counselor or mental health professional.

These tips are also very applicable when choosing other programs, be they in healthcare, business, arts, or education. You may even be looking for the best and most affordable online aerospace engineering degree, and these strategies would prove to be very helpful.

What career paths are available for graduates of a counseling social psychology program?

The fields of counseling and social psychology offer a wide array of career opportunities, which vary significantly based on your degree level and licensure status:

• Mental Health Counselor: Provides therapy for clients dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Typically requires a master’s degree and licensure. Median salary is around $83,804.
• Counseling Psychologist: Works to improve patients’ mental and emotional well-being, usually requiring a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD). The average salary is about $83,804.
• Social Psychologist: Conducts research on social behavior, group dynamics, and individual choices, often in academic or business settings. Most positions require a doctorate. Median salary is approximately $68,642.
• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist: Applies psychology to workplace issues like productivity and organizational behavior. Requires a master’s or doctorate. Median salary is about $120,524.
• School Counselor: Supports students’ academic, social, and emotional development within educational settings. Median salary is around $60,409. 

What is the job market for graduates with a counseling social psychology program?

The job market for graduates of counseling or social psychology programs is generally positive. Here’s an overview:

The field of psychology is projected to experience a faster-than-average growth rate of 7% from 2023 to 2033. This translates to an estimated 13,000 job openings for psychologists each year, on average, over the decade. Many of these opportunities will arise from the need to replace professionals who are leaving the workforce or transitioning to other occupations.

In 2023, psychologists held approximately 207,500 jobs, with the employment distributed among various specialties as follows:

• Clinical and counseling psychologists: 76,800 jobs
• School psychologists: 65,500 jobs
• Psychologists, all other: 56,600 jobs (this category includes various other specializations like forensic, developmental, cognitive, etc.)
• Industrial-organizational psychologists: 8,600 jobs

Are you looking for alternative careers that are just as in-demand? Try nursing. You can start with a bachelor's degree in nursing and move up the hierarchical ladder by earning your master's degree in nursing or even a doctorate or a PhD. You can check out the cheapest online BSN to PhD programs if you're planning ahead.

Meanwhile, the chart below shows the largest employers of psychologists:

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their Counseling Social Psychology Degree 

Studying social psychology has truly enhanced my counseling practice. I've gained a deeper understanding of how societal pressures and group dynamics impact individuals, which helps me empathize more effectively with clients struggling with external influences. It's rewarding to see clients recognize these forces and begin to navigate them with greater self-awareness. — Vera 

My social psychology background allows me to pinpoint the subtle ways interpersonal relationships shape a client's experiences and perceptions. Recognizing attribution biases or the power of social comparison in their narratives helps me tailor interventions that truly resonate. This insight has made my work feel more targeted and meaningful. — Daryl 

The concepts from social psychology, like conformity and persuasion, have been invaluable in my work with clients facing difficult social situations. Understanding how people's thoughts and behaviors are influenced by their environment gives me a framework to help them identify triggers and build resilience. I feel more equipped to support them in creating positive social change in their own lives. — Emily

Key Findings 

• Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
• Approximately 13,000 job openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
• In 2023, psychologists held about 207,500 jobs, with clinical and counseling psychologists accounting for the largest share at 76,800 jobs.
• The median annual salary for counseling psychologists is reported at $83,804, while social psychologists earn an average annual salary of $68,642.
• The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid provides over $120 billion annually in grants, work-study funds, and low-interest loans to approximately 13 million students.

Other Things You Should Know About Counseling Social Psychology Programs 

Is social psychology a counseling? 

Social psychology is not the same as counseling. Social psychology studies how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others, focusing on group dynamics, social perception, and social interaction.

Counseling, on the other hand, involves providing psychological support and therapy to individuals to address personal or emotional challenges. While social psychology can inform counseling practices, it is a distinct field primarily concerned with understanding social behavior rather than directly providing counseling services. 

What are the goals of social psychology?

The goals of social psychology are to observe and describe social behavior, understand cause-and-effect relationships in social contexts, propose new theories and models explaining social interactions, and apply research findings to improve real-world social issues.

It seeks to understand how individuals think, feel, and behave in social situations by examining factors like group dynamics, social influence, and cultural context. Ultimately, social psychology aims to explain, predict, and influence social behavior to foster positive societal change. 

What branch of psychology is counseling?

Counseling is a branch of psychology known as counseling psychology. This specialty focuses on helping individuals improve their well-being, resolve crises, prevent and alleviate distress, and enhance their ability to function better in life.

Counseling psychology emphasizes culturally informed and sensitive practices, addressing normative life-span development, mental health challenges, and work or career issues. It involves therapy, assessment, prevention, education, and advocacy across diverse populations and settings, including individuals, families, groups, and organizations. 

What is the highest degree in counseling? 

The highest degree in counseling is a doctoral degree, which can be a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology), or Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) in counseling psychology. These doctoral programs typically require four to six years of graduate study, including advanced coursework, supervised internships, and research or clinical projects.

References: 

• Counseling Psychologist salary. (2025). ZipRecruiter. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Counseling-Psychologist-Salary
• Counseling Psychologist Salary in California. (2025). ZipRecruiter. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Counseling-Psychologist-Salary--in-California
• Federal Student Aid (FSA). (n.d.). U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/fsa
• Hanson, M. (2025a, February 3). Financial Aid Statistics [2025]: Average aid per student. Education Data Initiative. https://educationdata.org/financial-aid-statistics
• Hanson, M. (2025b, March 9). Average Cost of College [2025]: Yearly tuition + expenses. Education Data Initiative. https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college
• Industrial Organizational Psychologist salary. (2023). ZipRecruiter. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Industrial-Organizational-Psychologist-Salary
• School counselor salary. (2025). ZipRecruiter. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/School-Counselor-Salary
• Social Psychologist salary. (2025). ZipRecruiter. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Social-Psychologist-Salary