15 Best Online Psychology Degrees

Best Online Psychology Degree

Psychology is an exciting and growing field that offers many career opportunities. It’s also a large field that includes many different areas. Psychology may consist mainly of four areas: clinical psychology, behavioral psychology, cognitive psychology, and biopsychology, but it branches out into many other subfields.

Earning a psychology degree requires a large commitment, but the benefits make it worth it. To make it easier and more convenient for individuals interested in pursuing a psychology degree, many often find online programs a great option. Many colleges and universities offer online psychology programs. This article will provide you with all the information you need about online psychology degrees and the psychology field in general.

What is a Psychology Degree?

A psychology degree is an academic degree chosen by individuals interested in working in some field of psychology. It generally comes as a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. A student who aspires to be a clinical psychologist must have a master’s degree. However, a bachelor’s degree can allow students to choose from a variety of specialties or careers.

  • School psychology
  • Clinical health psychology
  • Psychoanalysis psychology
  • Clinical psychology
  • Behavior and cognitive psychology
  • Counseling
  • Industrial-organizational psychology
  • Forensic psychology
  • Case worker
  • Probation officer
  • Police officer

Who Needs an Online Psychology Degree?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS) reports that psychologists in general should experience a 6% job growth from 2022-2032. Individuals who are interested in working in the psychology field are the perfect candidates for an online psychology degree. These aspiring students find the online option ideal.

  • Students who must continue working
  • Students who are unable to attend school every day
  • Students who want their choice of colleges regardless of location
  • Students living many miles from campuses
  • Students who need flexibility in their studies and courses
  • Students who need to earn the degree at their own pace

15 Best Online Psychology Degrees

Here’s a look at our picks for the top psychology degrees available right now. You can take a look at our more detailed methodology for how we came up with our list.

1. University of Florida – Online

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Located in Gainesville, FL, the University of Florida offers an online BA in psychology that can be completed in four years. The university has a 66% acceptance rate and boasts of a 91% retention rate. The online BA program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students must complete 120 credits to be successful in the program. Students complete courses in biology, mathematics, psychology, statistics, and several electives. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.5.

2. Aurora University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Aurora University offers a 120-credit-hour program that can be completed in four years or less. This online program has students completing courses like psychology, brain and behavior, research methods, psychological disorders, social psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and applied behavior analysis, among others.

This accredited program prepares students to step right into a graduate program after graduation or join the workforce. This school is known for its affordable tuition and generous credit transfer policy.

3. George Mason University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology or Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

George Mason University offers an online 4-year bachelor’s degree in psychology program that requires completion of 120 credits for graduation. Students can choose from a Bachelor of Science in Psychology or a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. GMA has a acceptance rate of 91% and a 84% retention rate.

The program also offers these areas of specialization: developmental psychology, applied psychology, forensic psychology, or industrial-organizational psychology. The BA program has students focusing on general education and liberal arts courses, while the students in the BS program focus on science and math as they relate to psychology.

4. University of Utah

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah has an online psychology program that offers students the option of pursuing a BS in psychology or a BA in psychology. Both options have the students completing psychology courses, BA students also complete foreign language courses. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same affordable $260 tuition rate.

Students must complete 122 credits to graduate. The program offers five areas of specialization: social, behavioral/neuroscience, cognitive, clinical, and developmental psychology. Students who happen to live near the campus can work at research assistant positions to help satisfy the internship requirements.

5. University of Massachusetts – Global

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The University of Massachusetts’s 4-year Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is an accredited four-year program that can be completed both online or on campus at the Lowell campus. The tuition is the same for in-state students, out-of-state students, and online students. Students who are approved to take graduate-level courses can complete the program in one year if they have up to 90 credits to transfer. With only 38% of the student body enrolled in online programs, students are ensured a better student to teacher ratio.

6. University of Missouri – Columbia

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The BA in Psychology at UM is a 100% online program that requires completing 120 credits. At least 30 of the credits must be psychology credits. The accredited program is offered in collaboration with the UM-St. Louis’s Department of Psychological Sciences. Students study various psychology subdisciplines, resulting in a more rounded education in this field. With full commitment, students can complete this program in four years or less. At least 63% of the students enrolled at UM-Columbia are online students.

7. Florida International University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The psychology Bachelor of Arts program at FLU teaches students not just the fundamentals of psychology but also the practice of psychology. This 120-credit program includes psychology core courses but also a core curriculum that covers five psychology sub-disciplines, including statistics, experimental, applied, and social psychology, and research methods. The B.A. degree can also be pursued as a liberal arts degree. Graduates of this program are prepared to enter additional training programs or seek immediate employment n social work, business, medicine, and education to name just a few.

8. University of Central Florida

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program at the University of Central Florida is a 100% online program that can be completed in four years or less. Graduates of this program are prepared to join the workforce right after graduation. Students learn about research and statistical methods, physiology, terminology, neuroscience, and human factors, among others. Students will take part in internships, fieldwork, and psychology-based research all of which goes towards the required 120 credits.

9. Purdue Global

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The online B.S in psychology allows students to learn about psychology while completing a concentration in business foundations. This program, which is offered both online and on campus. allows prepares students for entry into a master’s degree psychology program. Purdue Global also offers and accelerated master’s degree that helps students earn a counseling degree. To earn the B.S. degree, students must complete 120 credits and a capstone project. Tuition is the same for in-state or out-of-state students.

10. Oregon State University

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The online undergraduate program at Oregon State University requires completion of 180 credits. Students learn about both the humanistic and scientific aspects of psychology. It also provides them with the knowledge of how to solve complex psychological problems. The program has a rigorous course load that helps students obtain skill and knowledge in critical and creative thinking, scientific methodology, problem solving, and oral and written communication. This program can be completed in four years.

11. Oklahoma State University – Main Campus

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The BS in Psychology program is four-year program offered online or at the OSU’s campus in Stillwater. Like many of the psychology undergraduate programs, this BS in psychology requires students to complete 120 credits. Students must complete courses in math, statistics, U.S. History, natural sciences, and psychology. Students wishing to declare a major must complete some psychology and math courses. Test scores are not required for entrance into this program. Online military personnel can get resident tuition rates.

12. Fort Hays State University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Fort Hays University offers an online accredited BS in Psychology. This degree offers a curriculum that includes six hours of elective courses and 30 hours of psychology core courses. All the psychology courses must be completed. Students can choose their curriculum based on their area of interest. This curriculum results in completion of the 36 required hours. Students can also transfer in 45 credits to go towards the 120 hours required to successfully earn the degree. Depending on the student’s workload, the program can be completed in a little over three years.

13. John Brown University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

John Brown University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology through its distance learning program. This 20-credit program takes about four years to complete but can be completed in less time. Students can choose to specialize in a few different concentrations. Students who complete a research-based capstone can have their work published. Students learning research methods is a big component in this program. The school also offers students the opportunity to earn a second undergraduate degree while earning this degree.

14. Drexel University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Located in Pennsylvania, Drexel University offers an online Bachelor of Science program that students can complete in four years or less. It requires completion of 180 quarter credits. Students can also transfer in up to 90 credits or 135 quarter credits. The program’s curriculum includes many psychology courses but also offers courses to help students be successful in various careers.

15. Colorado State University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

CSU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program that can be completed all online. Students must complete 120 credits and can choose from different start dates, so they can enroll at the most convenient time. The focus of this program is to teach students how to use science to address real-world problems. They also develop critical thinking methods using scientific methodology. This program also prepares graduates for entry into a graduate program if they wish to advance their education.

Salary and Job Prospects for BA and BS in Psychology Degree Graduates

Individuals who earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology have many career opportunities available, whether it’s a BA in psychology or a BS in psychology. Below are the job prospects and potential salaries for graduates of bachelor’s in psychology degree programs as of May 2022. according to the

  • Education, career, and guidance counselor – $60,140
  • Psychologist – $85,330
  • Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager – $133,380
  • Police and detectives – $69,160
  • Forensic Psychologist – $75,000
  • Probation Officer – $60,250
  • Human Resources Specialist – $62,290
  • Substance abuse counselors – $49,710
  • Case manager – $74,240
  • Social worker – $55,350

Admission Requirements

In many cases, the admission requirements for online psychology programs are the same as with on-campus programs. In some cases, online psychology students will have few admission requirements to satisfy. Online psychology students are typically required to submit the following.

  • Online application to the school and the program
  • Official transcripts from any school attended
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement declaring the student’s carer goals
  • Must have a bachelor’s degree if pursuing a graduate degree
  • Proof of residency and citizenship

Why an Online Degree

Every year more students are discovering the benefits of an online degree. One of the most important features of an online psychology degrees is that you can study at your own pace and when it’s convenient for you. Other possible benefits might include:

  • You’ll spend less time traveling back and forth to school and back.
  • You may find that tuition fees are lower.
  • You don’t have to limit your schools to local schools but will be able to choose from many colleges.
  • You can work and earn the degree at the same time.
  • You may be able to complete the program in less time than if you were an on-campus student.
  • You’ll be able to save on lodging, fuel, and food costs.

Getting Started

If earning an online psychology degree appeals to you, you’re well on your way towards a good career choice. There are some important steps you’ll need to follow to make it as easy and beneficial as possible.

  • What field of psychology interests you the most? You’ll want to find a field and/or school that offers what you need.
  • Is the college academically accredited? Accreditation is extremely important and can make the difference when it comes to finding a job in your area of interest. Look for a school or program that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (APO-CoA).
  • What does the school have to offer in the way of student services? Research all schools that interest you.
  • What courses are offered in the program? You’ll want a program that includes courses related to your chosen area of psychology.