Top 9 Psychology Master’s Programs Arizona: A Practical Guide for 2025
Arizona has quickly become a hub for innovative and affordable psychology education. With its combination of large public universities, flexible online offerings, and growing interest in integrative health, the Grand Canyon State offers a wide range of options for graduate psychology students. Whether you're looking for a clinical counseling license or an alternative approach to mental health, this list will help you find a psychology master’s program in Arizona that fits your goals.
Here are 10 of the most notable psychology master’s programs in Arizona, including details on program type, cost, format, and links to each program’s site.
| University | Degree Program | Type | Format | Cost (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University (ASU) | MS in Psychology | Non-clinical, Research | Online or In-person | ~$12,000–$25,000 |
| Integrative Psychology Institute | MA in Integrative Psychology | Non-licensure, Coaching | Online + 2 Retreats | $27,100 |
| University of Arizona | MA in Psychology (PhD track) | Research-intensive | In-person | ~$13,000/year |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) | MA in Psychological Sciences | Research | In-person | ~$10,000/year |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Licensure-track (LPC) | Online or In-person | ~$35,000 |
| University of Phoenix | MS in Psychology | Non-clinical | Online | ~$28,000 |
| Prescott College | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Licensure-track (LPC) | Online + Intensives | ~$40,000 |
| Arizona Christian University | MA in Counseling (MFT) | Licensure-track (MFT) | In-person | ~$30,000–$35,000 |
| Ottawa University (AZ) | MA in Counseling | Licensure-track (LPC/MFT) | Hybrid | ~$35,000–$40,000 |
1. Arizona State University (ASU)
Program: Master of Science in Psychology
Type: Research-focused, non-clinical
Cost: ~$12,000 (in-state), ~$25,000 (out-of-state)
Format: Online or in-person
ASU’s MS in Psychology is a flexible, research-focused program ideal for students looking to pursue doctoral study or academic research. It does not lead to licensure but provides a strong theoretical foundation in psychological science, data analysis, and behavioral research.
Website: ASU MS Psychology
2. University of Arizona
Program: MA in Psychology (en route to PhD)
Type: Research-intensive
Cost: ~$13,000/year (in-state)
Format: In-person only
UA offers an MA as part of its PhD track in clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or social psychology. It is highly competitive and best suited for students committed to academic or research careers. This is not a terminal MA for clinical practice.
Website: UA Graduate Psychology
3. Integrative Psychology Institute
Program: MA in Integrative Psychology
Type: Licensure-track available (with additional coursework)
Cost: $27,100
Format: Online with 2 in-person retreats
Our innovative, 18 month program combines somatic psychology, trauma-informed practice, and functional medicine to prepare students for coaching-based careers in mental health. It is ideal for those who want to work in holistic private practice or community care without pursuing state licensure.
Website: Integrative Psychology MA
4. Northern Arizona University (NAU)
Program: MA in Psychological Sciences
Type: Research-focused
Cost: ~$10,000/year (in-state)
Format: In-person (Flagstaff campus)
NAU’s master’s program prepares students for PhD-level work or applied research roles. The curriculum focuses on statistical analysis, research design, and cognitive, developmental, and health psychology. It does not lead to licensure but is ideal for students pursuing academic pathways.
Website: NAU MA Psychological Sciences
5. Grand Canyon University (GCU)
Program: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Type: Licensure-track (LPC)
Cost: ~$35,000 total
Format: Online and in-person options
GCU’s program meets Arizona state requirements for LPC licensure and is a popular choice for adult learners and career changers. The curriculum includes clinical practicum, counseling techniques, and ethical practice, with flexible course delivery for working professionals.
Website: GCU MS Counseling
6. University of Phoenix
Program: MS in Psychology
Type: Non-clinical
Cost: ~$28,000 total
Format: 100% Online
Designed for professionals interested in applying psychology in business, education, or social services, this MS program does not lead to licensure but provides practical knowledge in theories of behavior and motivation, research methods, and applied psychology.
Website: University of Phoenix MS Psychology
7. Prescott College
Program: MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Type: Licensure-track (LPC)
Cost: ~$40,000 total
Format: Online with optional intensives
Prescott College emphasizes social justice and ecological integration in its counseling program. Students are trained in trauma-informed care, community wellness, and experiential learning. The program is well suited for future therapists with a holistic or community focus.
Link: Prescott College MA Counseling
8. Arizona Christian University (ACU)
Program: MA in Counseling (Marriage & Family Therapy emphasis)
Type: Licensure-track (MFT)
Cost: ~$30,000–$35,000
Format: In-person
ACU’s faith-based master’s program prepares students for marriage and family therapy licensure. The curriculum integrates Christian principles with evidence-based counseling techniques, and includes practicum and internship requirements.
Website: ACU Counseling MA
9. Ottawa University (Arizona Campus)
Program: MA in Counseling
Type: Licensure-track (LPC or MFT)
Cost: ~$35,000–$40,000
Format: Hybrid (online + in-person)
Ottawa’s program offers flexible pacing and multiple specializations, including substance abuse counseling, expressive arts therapy, and Christian counseling. It’s a good option for students who want licensure but value program flexibility.
Website: Ottawa University MA Counseling
Final Thoughts
Arizona offers a rich and diverse array of psychology master’s programs. Whether you’re seeking a licensure path, academic foundation, or holistic coaching framework, the state has an option for nearly every kind of future practitioner. Always consider your career goals, lifestyle needs, and learning preferences when choosing a program.
And if you’re interested in building a real-world, integrative mental health practice that doesn’t require licensure, consider the MA in Integrative Psychology as a powerful, practice-ready option.