Online Psychology Degrees

Online psychology degrees can give you the opportunity to learn why people act, think, or feel the way they do.

Are you always the person that someone leans on during a crisis? Do you have a knack for empathizing and finding solutions to a problem?

Some people are born with a passion for helping others, and if this sounds like you, then an online bachelor’s degree in psychology may be the perfect choice to make a difference in your future career.

Online Psychology Degrees

If you’re interested in human psychology, there are many different majors you could consider for your psych degree. These specialized areas of the field could be the primary focus of your degree program or a concentration within a general psychology major.

Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

• Online Bachelor’s in Addictions and Recovery
• Online Bachelor’s in Child & Adolescent Psychology
• Online Bachelor’s in Educational Psychology
• Online Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology
• Online Bachelor’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Online Bachelor’s in Mental Health Counseling

The program that’s best for you will depend on your personal interests and professional goals.

Bachelors in Addictions and Recovery

To pursue a career spent helping others break free from substance abuse and other addictive behaviors, you could major in addictions and recovery.

This degree typically involves studying the latest research on the science of addiction and learning about evidence-based treatment methods. This major usually explores ideas for prevention, community support, and public policy.

In some states, this degree may qualify you for certification as a drug and alcohol counselor. An internship or other experience hours might be required. As a drug counselor, you might work in a community organization or an inpatient or outpatient rehab facility.

Bachelors in Child & Adolescent Psychology

Childhood and adolescence are times of incredible growth and development. Because those are years of great change, there’s a branch of psychology specifically dedicated to understanding and supporting young people.

Human development is an important topic in this field of psychology. This major will likely include classes in educational psychology as well. Common topics of study in these classes are assessment techniques, counseling methods, and ideas for working with special needs kids.

With this degree, you may pursue work in a social or human services agency or as a classroom assistant. You may also continue on to a graduate program to become licensed as a child psychologist.

Bachelors in Educational Psychology

If you’re curious about how people acquire new information and incorporate it into their lives, then perhaps you’d like to study educational psychology in college.

The curriculum may include courses in cognition, motivation, and positive reinforcement. You will probably study learning disabilities and special education practices as well. With this degree, you might be able to work as an assistant to an educational psychology researcher or as a support staff member in a public school. With more education, you may work as an educational researcher or a school psychologist.

Bachelors in Forensic Psychology

There’s a close link between criminal justice and psychology, and studying forensic psychology can give you the opportunity to focus on that link.

Degree programs in this field typically introduce concepts within law enforcement and court and corrections systems. Common topics of study include criminology, victimology, abnormal psychology, violence, and addiction. The classes might also teach you how to testify as an expert witness.

With this degree, you may find work in an organization that supports victims or at-risk youth. Your time in this program may also prepare you for a successful career as a law enforcement officer, a correctional treatment specialist, or a probation officer.

Bachelors in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Perhaps you’re hoping to explore how the principles of psychology can make a difference in the workplace. If so, the field of industrial-organizational psychology might be a good fit.

In a program for industrial-organizational psychology, also known as I-O psychology, you will likely learn about talent recruitment, development, and retention. Common topics of study include methods of assessing employee performance and satisfaction, creating a healthy workplace culture, and building effective teams.

Jobs in human resources and employee training are often available to people with this degree. Getting a master’s degree or above could potentially qualify you to hold the title of I-O psychologist.

Bachelors in Mental Health Counseling

Whether your goal is to help people with everyday stress or serious mental health disorders, you may start your college studies with a degree in mental health counseling.

The curriculum for this degree is typically made up of several branches of psychology, including social and behavioral psychology, and courses on counseling methods. Personality theory and abnormal psychology will likely be important topics of study too.

This is a popular bachelor’s degree program for people who plan to pursue counseling or psychology graduate degrees. In fact, some colleges offer combined programs in which you can potentially earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years.

Psychology Careers and Salaries

Psychology is a unique field that offers a wide range of career opportunities. With any career, there is an ebb and flow to the demand of that specific field, and psychology is no different. Luckily, with the increase in technology and the development of new psychological career paths, the future is looking bright for many positions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for general psychologists is expected to grow 8% over the next 10 years. The increasing awareness of mental health concerns has created a greater need for mental health professionals in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies. Because of this, the demand for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is projected to grow.

These are some of the common careers you may pursue in the field of psychology along with their average salaries, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

The careers you can obtain and your specific salary will depend on a number of factors, including your location, work experience, and education.

Within the psychology field, often the more education you have, the better the outlook for a higher rate of pay, and some employers look for a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to be considered for a few of these positions. Some of these positions may require advanced degrees and work experience as well.

You can check out our comprehensive list of the Top 40 psychology careers and salaries to learn more.

Bachelor of Psychology Curriculum & Courses

Specific courses offered vary from program to program, but many have similarities. These are some common courses that may be found in a bachelor’s degree program in psychology and what they typically entail:

• Abnormal Psychology: The focus of this class is on mental health disorders, including their symptoms and treatment options.
• Assessments: This class teaches how to conduct psychological tests and evaluate the results.
• Child Psychology: This course explores the psychological needs of children and the changes that occur during their formative years.
• Fundamentals of Psychology: This introductory class aims to lay the foundation for future studies.
• Human Growth and Development: This class explores how people change, both mentally and physically, from birth through old age.
• Learning Processes: This course explores theories of human cognition.
• Personality Theory: This class discusses the prevailing theories about what shapes people’s personalities and provides opportunities to practice personality assessment techniques.
• Psychology Professions: This class is intended to help you make a plan for using your psychology degree.
• Psychology Statistics: This course teaches how to work with statistical data and analyze scientific research studies.
• Social Psychology: This branch of psychology focuses on interactions among people.

If you focus on a specific subfield of psychology, you will also have several courses focused on that area.

How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Program

While researching online psychology degree programs, there are many things to consider when choosing the best program for you.

These are some factors to consider when searching for online degrees:

• Accreditation: Regional accreditation can help ensure that the school you’ve chosen meets education standards. It can also be necessary for financial aid, transfer credits, getting into advanced degree programs, and obtaining some careers.
• Student-to-faculty: Smaller class sizes can give you a better opportunity to receive individualized support and attention from your professors.
• Academic advising and student services: Schools may provide a wide variety of services for online students, including online tutoring, peer mentorship, interactive online tools, career and academic counseling, and internship and residency placement.
• Programs and concentrations offered: Since psychology encompasses a wide variety of specialties, it’s important to make sure your chosen school offers the specific concentration you need for your specific career goals.
• Format and schedule: You may wish to take asynchronous courses, which can be taken on your own schedule, or synchronous courses that have specific meeting times. Schools may offer accelerated courses or more traditional semester-based courses. You may also be able to progress through your courses with a cohort.
• Travel needs: Some schools offer fully online programs, but some programs are a hybrid mix of on-campus and online courses. You will likely need to complete internships or residencies as well.

These are just some of the factors you may want to consider. The right program for you will be dependent on your personal needs and interests.

Psychology Degree Online Admissions Requirements

As you’re getting ready to begin your educational journey in pursuit of a psychology career, you will need to apply to one or more colleges.

Common college admissions requirements include:

• Application form with information about you
• Transcripts from high school and previously attended colleges
• ACT or SAT scores (not needed by all schools)
• Statement of purpose

Some colleges admit most students who apply, and others are more selective about how many students they take. In either case, it’s smart to put your best foot forward with a thorough application packet.

Psychology Ongoing Education

While you can pursue some careers in psychology with just a bachelor’s degree in psychology, many careers do require advanced degrees. An online master’s degree in psychology can give you the opportunity to build upon your previous education by specializing in a concentration that supports your future goals.

Possible concentrations include sports psychology, child and adolescent development, forensic psychology, and clinical counseling. Earning an online doctorate degree in psychology can help you maximize your career options and long-term salary potential. There are two general options for doctorate programs in psychology – a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD) and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).

If you have dreams of a research-based or an administration-based career, a PhD will likely be your best option. A PsyD focuses on treating clients in a clinical setting.

Bachelor in Psychology Degrees Online Accreditation

Accreditation is the process through which colleges and universities are reviewed for their academic quality and financial resources. Choosing a school that has regional accreditation can help ensure that you are attending a school that meets academic standards.

Regional accreditation is also a requirement for many forms of financial aid, including federal aid. Credits from regionally accredited universities are also more likely to transfer, and many advanced degree programs require applicants to have degrees from regionally accredited schools. Employers are more likely to recognize degrees from regionally accredited institutions as well.

You can research accredited schools by visiting the Department of Education’s website.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

To learn about your eligibility for financial aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Submitting this form can allow you to determine the types of state and federal aid you qualify for and how much you may receive. It is also used to determine your eligibility for some forms of private financial aid. Depending on your income, you might also be able to receive grant money. This is money that doesn’t have to be paid back as long as it is used appropriately.

If a college offers you scholarship money, that can significantly reduce how much you must pay. You might win scholarship awards from other sources as well. You may even qualify for some scholarships that are offered specifically to psychology students. Your employer may also be willing to help pay for your schooling, especially if it’s relevant to your job.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?

The first step to becoming a psychologist is earning a bachelor’s degree. If you take traditional, semester-based courses and a full course load, that typically takes 4 years to complete.

After that, it’s common to get a master’s degree. Many master’s degree programs take 2 years to complete. Earning a doctorate is usually a significant undertaking. A Doctor of Psychology often takes 4 to 6 years to complete. Psychology PhDs often require 5 to 7 years.

While it will certainly take time to become a psychologist, going to school online may speed up your education somewhat. Year-round online courses arranged in 8 week terms are often faster than traditional on-campus schedules.

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Psychologist?

In general, you’ll need a doctoral degree before you can work as a practicing psychologist. The first step is typically to earn your bachelor’s degree, and then you may need one or more graduate degrees.

Many people choose to earn a psychology master’s degree before enrolling in a doctoral program. Some schools, though, accept doctoral students straight from bachelor’s degree programs. There are two primary options for your doctoral studies. You may get a PhD in Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).

For some psychology roles, such as I-O psychologist or school psychologist, a master’s degree is usually enough.

Is an Online Degree in Psychology Right for Me?

Times have changed, and over the last several decades, online schooling has become a popular choice for pursuing higher education.

Earning a psychology degree through an online program has several benefits that may make it an attractive choice, including:

• Convenient scheduling options
• The ability to interact in unique ways with classmates and instructors
• Access to online psychology resources
• Potentially faster and easier advancement in your education

With the flexibility to work around your busy schedule, taking psychology classes online is often a great fit for working students or those with family obligations.

What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?

With an online bachelors degree in psychology, you could pursue a job as a psychology assistant or a psychiatry technician. The duties might include doing patient intakes or conducting assessments.

This degree can also help you pursue a job in social or human services. You might be a caseworker, a program coordinator, or a drug counselor. Some people work in the criminal justice system. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that correctional treatment specialists often hold bachelor’s degrees. In the business world, a background in psychology can be useful for a job in human resources.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology Online?

You might be able to earn your online psychology bachelor’s degree in about 4 years. That’s considered a standard timeframe for finishing an undergraduate program, especially one structured around traditional semesters.

Bachelor of Psychology online programs may be different, though. They often use 8 week terms instead of 16 week terms. The classes continue year-round instead of breaking for the summer. For that reason, you might be able to finish an online bachelor degree in psychology in 3 to 3.5 years.

If you bring in transfer credits, your program might be even shorter. Part-time studies, on the other hand, usually take more than 4 years.

What Jobs with a Bachelors in Psychology Can I Get?

Some psychology graduates work as probation officers. They supervise people who have been put on probation to help them succeed in society. Jobs are available with state and local government agencies.

Other graduates work as substance abuse counselors. The rules about what it takes to be a drug counselor vary from state to state, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that a bachelor’s degree is sufficient in some places. Many human service or community agencies are interested in hiring psychology graduates too. There may even be roles for managers or directors available.

What’s the Difference Between a Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist?

Both psychiatrists and psychologists are professionals who can make a difference in people’s mental health.

While online degrees in psychology can take many years, the training necessary for psychiatry can take even longer.

What’s the Difference Between a BA vs. BS in Psychology Online Degree?

Your college might offer psychology studies as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree or a Bachelor of Science (BS).

At some colleges, both options are available, so you may choose whether to earn a BS in Psychology or a BA in Psychology online degree.

What’s the Difference Between Sociology vs. Psychology Majors?

Sociology and psychology are both considered social sciences. If you are debating which to study in school, these are some of the differences between sociology and psychology majors:

You can potentially make a difference in the world with either degree, but you’ll likely go about it in different ways depending on which major you choose.

Is a Degree in Psychology Worth It?

Yes, a degree in psychology is worth it for many students. Psychology is a versatile field of study since it can help you understand individual people and group dynamics. After graduation, you may work in a people-focused field, like human resources, social services, or corrections.

A bachelor’s degree in psychology is also an important step toward a graduate psychologist degree, which you’ll need to become a psychologist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for psychologists are expected to grow by 6% over the next decade.

Universities Offering Online Bachelor in Psychology Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

A BA in Psychology is offered through Arizona State University. The fully online program requires 40 courses for a total of 120 credits. Courses are 7.5 weeks long, with several start dates throughout the year. Most courses are in an asynchronous format. Potential courses include Psychological Disorders and Personality Theory and Research.

Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Bellevue University offers a BA and a BS in Psychology, which are available fully online or on campus. Each degree requires 127 credits, including the Kirkpatrick Signature Series courses. Bellevue offers a generous transfer credit policy. Courses are offered in 10 or 11 week sessions, with 4 start dates each year.

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Cairn University offers a BA in Psychology. The program is entirely online and requires 121 credits. Courses are in an asynchronous learning format. Courses are in 7 week terms, and the program can typically be completed 4 years. There are several yearly start dates.

Cairn University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Charter Oak State College offers a BA in Psychology. The program is completely online and requires 39 credits within the major, including a capstone experience. A concentration is offered in Life Span, Cognition and Learning, or Social and Behavioral. Courses are in half-terms with 6 start dates each year.

Charter Oak is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Colorado State University offers a BS in Psychology through the school’s fully online program. The program requires 120 credits and offers an optional minor in fields like Anthropology and Media Studies. Courses follow a regular semester schedule, with start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

U.S. News & World Report named Drexel University as one of the top schools in the country for online psychology programs. Drexel offers a BS in Psychology, which can be completed online. Up to 135 of the 180 required credits may be transferred. Courses are offered in quarter semesters, with 4 yearly start dates.

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Affordable Colleges Online ranked Fayetteville State University as one of the most affordable online psychology programs in the country. The school offers an online BS in Psychology. The program is designed for degree completion, and applicants should meet general education requirements before applying. Courses are typically asynchronous and follow a semester schedule.

Fayetteville State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Florida International University offers a BA in Psychology. The program is entirely online and requires 120 credits. Courses follow a regular semester schedule, and there are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. Potential courses include Animal Cognition and Neuropsychology.

Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

George Mason University offers a BA and a BS in Psychology. Both programs are fully online and require 120 credits. Concentrations include Human Factors Psychology and Forensic Psychology. Courses have both synchronous and asynchronous components and follow a regular semester schedule.

George Mason University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Indiana University among the best colleges in the nation for online psychology degrees. The school offers an online BS in Psychology. The program requires 120 credits. Courses are in an asynchronous learning format and follow a regular semester schedule.

Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University offers a BS in Psychology. The program is entirely online, and courses are in an asynchronous format. Up to 75% of the required 120 credits may be transferred. Liberty also offers credit for prior learning. Courses are 8 weeks long with multiple start dates.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Maryville University offers a BA in Psychology through a fully online program. The school designs courses in line with the American Psychological Association. The program requires 128 credits. Courses follow a semester schedule with start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Niche named Northern Kentucky University one of the best online schools for psychology in the country. The school offers a BA in Psychology fully online. Courses are 7 weeks long, and there are 6 start dates each year. The program requires 120 credits and offers an optional study-abroad opportunity.

Northern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A BS in Psychology is offered through Northwest Missouri State University. The program is entirely online. Up to 90 of the required 120 credits may be transferred. Courses are offered in half-terms, and there are 6 start dates each year. The program requires a minor in Communication, Public Relations, or Business Management.

Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Ohio University offers an online BS in Psychology. Most courses are in an asynchronous format. The program requires 35 credits within the major and a year of a single foreign language. Courses follow a regular semester schedule with 3 yearly start dates.

Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Oregon State University as the best school in the country for an online psychology degree. The school offers an online program that can be completed for a BA or a BS in Psychology. The program requires 180 quarter credits. Courses are offered in quarter terms with 4 yearly start dates.

Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Park University offers a BA in Psychology, which is offered fully online, on campus, or at one of Park’s 41 nationwide campus centers. The program requires 122 credits. Courses have synchronous and asynchronous components. Many courses are in an accelerated format with start dates throughout the year.

Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A BS in Applied Psychology is offered through Regis University. The program can be completed fully online or on campus during evenings. Courses are 5 or 8 weeks long, and there are 6 start dates each year. The program requires 120 credits.

Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Southern New Hampshire University offers a BA in Psychology. The program is entirely online and offers several concentrations, including Addictions and Social Psychology. Courses are in an asynchronous format and are 8 weeks long with 6 start dates each year.

SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.

A BA and a BS in Psychology are offered through the University of Alaska – Fairbanks. Courses are fully online, and most are asynchronous with scheduled deadlines. Courses follow a regular semester schedule, and there are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.

UAF is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

U.S. News & World Report named the University of Central Florida as one of the best schools in the country for online psychology degrees. The school offers a BS in Psychology entirely online. The program requires 120 credits. The program offers 8 concentrations, including Experimental, Human Factors, and Industrial-Organizational.

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Florida as one of the best schools in the country for an online degree in psychology. The school offers a BA in Psychology through its fully online program. Specializations are available in areas like Behavior Analysis and Developmental Psychology. Most courses are in an asynchronous format.

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a BS in Psychology. The program is offered entirely online, with some hybrid options available. Up to 90 of the 120 required credits may be transferred. There are at least 3 accelerated sessions each semester. Potential courses include Biological Basis of Behavior and Theories of Personality.

UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

A BA in Psychology is offered through the University of Memphis’s Global online program. Coursework is available entirely online. The program requires 120 credits. Most courses are in an asynchronous learning format. Courses are in full- and half-terms.

The University of Memphis is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University offers a BS in Psychology. The program is fully online, and most courses are in an asynchronous format. Up to 125 of the 181 required credits may be transferred. Courses are taken in quarter terms, with 8 start dates per year. Applicants must be 21 years old.

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Getting Your Bachelors in Psychology Online

If your goal is to become a psychologist, then now might be the time to start pursuing your psychology education.

For this career, you will need a bachelor’s degree as well as one or more graduate degrees. While that much schooling certainly requires a commitment, online psychology programs can help. Both undergraduate and graduate courses are available online from accredited schools. You may get the education you need for a successful psychology career in a format that works for you.

If you are ready to get started, you can begin by exploring your options for accredited online psychology programs today.