Online Psychology Degree Programs

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Amanda Hillary
Written By - Amanda Hillary

Check MarkEdited By Lauren Monser

Check MarkReview & Contribution By Ava Clark

Psychology examines behavior, thought processes, and emotions, and is a study of the human mind. It dives into all aspects of the human psyche and seeks to understand how society, culture, and present-day difficulties affect people. The subject involves a deep examination of trauma, mental disorders, addiction, child development, and current therapy methods, among others. Individuals with a bachelor of psychology can excel in a variety of careers due to the broad scope and reach of the subject. Graduates of an online psychology degree will have a comprehensive understanding of psychology. They will be able to show critical and analytical thinking skills, along with problem-solving, planning, judgment, and decision-making abilities.

Online Psychology Degree Programs

An online bachelor’s degree in psychology is ideal for students with little or no college experience who want a solid foundation in psychology. The undergraduate degree in psychology provides an overview of psychological themes and specialties, allowing students to have a strong foundation to build a career on or pursue additional education.

This article highlights all the crucial aspects of an online bachelor’s degree in psychology, such as what to expect from the program, the best colleges to pursue the program, funding options, timelines, degree types, and more.

Southern New Hampshire University

PROGRAM: BA Psychology

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.

We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.

SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.

Best Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology Programs

A bachelor’s degree can arguably shape one’s future by influencing one’s career path, job prospects, and earning potential. Therefore, it is essential for students to find the best college to graduate from. To make the search for the best colleges for psychology easy, FBD’s team of experienced professionals has vetted many of them based on several factors, such as the institution’s reputation, the quality, and experience of faculty, infrastructure, student services, affordability, accreditation, etc., and created a list of the best universities for psychology in the United States.

Here are the best online psychology bachelors programs: *

Northeastern University is a private institution that was founded in 1898. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 15,156 (fall 2020), its setting is urban, and the campus size is 73 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
Univ Address Tuition Grad Rate
Northeastern University 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 $55,452 90%

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page

Find Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology

Where one resides is very important when pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. This is because colleges usually charge different tuition fees for in-state or out-of-state students. In most instances, however, an online bachelor’s degree in psychology program will cost the same irrespective of the student’s state of residence. Several teams at FBD have worked to make the find for the best and most affordable online psychology bachelor’s degree easier

Types Of Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology Programs

There are mainly two different types of degrees to study psychology. One is the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or BA Psychology, and the other is the Bachelor of Science in Psychology or BS Psychology.

Bachelor Of Arts In Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or BA in Psychology Online is based on multi-disciplinary coursework from the humanities and liberal arts. This degree type is best suited for those who wish to pursue their Master of Arts and then their Ph.D. or take up teaching, counseling, social work, and other professions.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology or BS in Psychology Online is based on science-related subjects and math. This degree type approaches psychology from a technical and scientific point of view and involves a fair amount of research and practice. Students who desire to further their education with a Master of Science and then a Ph.D., or take up research, counseling, clinical practice, etc., should consider this degree type.

What To Expect From The Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology Program?

The undergraduate degree in psychology requires between 120 and 160 credits to complete. Programs are delivered either entirely online, entirely in-person, or in a hybrid mode that mixes online and on-campus study. The structure of an online bachelor’s degree in psychology predominantly varies by school and program. Nevertheless, the program in most schools can be broken down into four large segments, comprising of:

General Curriculum

Include courses in English, Communications, Humanities, Fine Arts, Liberal Arts, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Math.

General Electives

Include courses that expand the field of study and provide depth in a particular discipline while providing the opportunity to customize the program and learning experience.

Psychology Program Requirements

Include online psychology courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Personality, Cognition, Abnormal, Social, Child, Research Methods, Statistics in Psychology, etc.

Psychology Program Electives

Include courses in Psychology such as Health Psychology, Biological Psychology, Maturity and Aging, and Lifespan Development.

As for skills gained from a bachelor’s degree in psychology, at the end of the program, graduates will be able to:

Describe psychology’s nature as a scientific discipline.

Demonstrate appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge and comprehension in specified areas of psychology.

Explain the major psychological viewpoints (example: behavioral, biological, cognitive, evolutionary, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural).

Employ various research methods and statistical analysis.

Use suitable research methodologies and statistical analysis, design and conduct basic studies to address psychological concerns.

Demonstrate good written and oral communication abilities in a variety of formats and situations.

Areas Of Specialization For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology

Within its enormous scope, psychology has many areas that can be studied in greater detail to seek specific jobs as psychologists. Although most psychology careers require a master’s or Ph.D., choosing a specialization at the undergraduate level sets one on a targeted path, making it easier to study further and become readily employable. Many specializations offer psychology classes online, some examples of which are:

Specialization Description Careers
Counseling Psychology
Degree Online – Counseling
Psychology
This specialization equips students with the skills to assist people with their well-being, development, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal well-being. The field focuses on problems and life pressures experienced by client populations by fostering adaptive techniques to cope with adversity. Counseling Psychologists can work in higher education institutions, rehabilitation centers, employee assistance programs, crisis centers, recovery centers, and social services agencies.
Child Psychology Degree
Online – Child Psychology
This specialization focuses on children’s mental, and their behavioral, and emotional development from infancy to adolescence. Students learn how to evaluate linguistic, cognitive processes, and motor skills in relatively healthy children at each stage of early childhood development.Child Psychologists can work in schools, social service agencies, government organizations, the juvenile justice system, and private practice.
Clinical Psychology Degree
Online – Clinical Psychology
This specialization emphasizes mental, behavioral, and emotional illnesses and their treatment. Students learn how to conduct interviews and counsel families and individuals and how to diagnose, assess and treat chronic disorders.Clinical Psychologists can work in healthcare, education, research, and training or provide consultation to other health professionals and organizations.
School Psychology Degree
Online – School Psychology
This specialization trains individuals how to apply their knowledge of psychological concepts to assist students in learning. Students are trained to help children with educational and developmental impairments, as well as behavioral problems.School Psychologists can work in K-12 educational settings, private companies, mental health agencies, educational organizations, school districts, or as independent consultants.
Educational Psychology
Degree Online – Educational
Psychology
This specialization teaches students to observe how children learn and interact with teachers and administrators and improve instructional methods by applying psychology’s tools, research, and methodology to learning and teaching.Educational Psychologists can work for school districts, local governments, private schools, and colleges or as independent consultants for schools.
Environmental Psychology
Degree Online –
Environmental Psychology
This specialization uses an interdisciplinary approach that uses sciences such as sociology, anthropology, environmental science, etc., to seek to understand the interactions between human beings and all the different systems that comprise the environment we live in.Environmental Psychologists can work in fields such as architecture, landscape architecture, planning & design, healthcare, governmental agencies, environmental agencies.
Criminal Psychology Degree
Online – Criminal Psychology
This specialization trains students to understand the inner workings of the human brain and psyche, study thoughts, behaviors, mental processes, and emotions, and use the accumulated knowledge to assess the mental and physical states of a person.Criminal Psychologists can work as criminalists, mental health workers, youth counselors, or in rehabilitation centers, remand homes, courts, and prisons.
Online Bachelor’s Degree
Industrial Organizational
Psychology – Industrial
Organizational Psychology
This specialization uses psychological theories and approaches in the workplace to improve employee performance, satisfaction, and safety. Students learn how to research, test, and assess employees and processes and provide insight on issues such as leadership development, team building, and workplace diversity.Industrial/Organizational Psychologists can work as trainers, coaches, development specialists, HR professionals, and research associates or consult, create workshops, and administer personality assessments.
Online Sports Psychology
Degree – Sports Psychology
This specialization focuses on assisting athletes in enhancing their communication skills, emotional control, motivation, and stress management. Students are trained to use their knowledge in cognition and behavior to help them overcome obstacles and improve their performance. Students can also concentrate on specific people in sports psychology, such as injured players or young athletes.Sports Psychologists can work in hospitals, gyms, clinics, rehabilitation centers, professional sports organizations, colleges and universities, larger K-12 school districts, and as independent consultants

Why Should I Pursue An Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology?

Individuals who have a natural talent to be patient listeners and observers and who can empathize and sympathize aptly are best suited to become psychologists. The many specializations available to choose from only make the subject interesting and present an opportunity to tailor one’s interests and professional goals.

While the most significant advantage of a psychology degree would be its rewarding learning experience and career, students should also be prepared to be exposed to the darker side of humanity – abuse, fear, stigma, phobias, and a host of mental ailments.

A common question prospective undergraduate students ask is, “is an online psychology degree any good”. Given the rise in the use of technology and the sheer convenience of studying from any location, the answer to that question is a resounding “yes”! Online bachelor’s in psychology degrees are just as good as their traditional counterparts.

Be it an offline or an online degree, graduates can also leverage their bachelor’s study to step up to a master’s program and even finish off with a Ph.D., opening a plethora of career options and potential for growth. Those who wish to take up a job immediately after graduation, they will find that even a bachelor’s degree makes them readily employable in business, social work, education, healthcare, and government, although many counseling roles may be elusive. Psychologists (in general) take home an annual median salary of $82,180 and have a job outlook of 8% between 2020 & 2030 (as fast as average), according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the type of job (specialization) and years of experience influence what one earns.

Free Online Courses giving Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

Online portals that claim to offer entirely free bachelor’s in psychology degrees leave much to be desired. Almost certainly, none will be accredited or offer a graduation certificate of value in the job market. There are, however, several free online courses and programs that can be used to supplement an online bachelor’s degree in psychology and help students deepen their understanding of the subject. Here are a few of the most well-known:

Course Description Offered by
Psychology & Psychology-
related Topics
MIT Open Courseware by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers free courses on a wide range of psychology topics.MIT Open Courseware
Psychology & Psychology-
related Topics
Alison offers free online courses in psychology that are designed to support a student’s professional development. These courses are developed and delivered by industry experts and cover topics from a personal well-being perspective.Alison
Psychology & Psychology-
related Topics
Coursera offers over a thousand free guided projects, courses, specializations, and professional certificates in psychology, from reputable universities such as Yale University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wesleyan University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and more.Coursera

How to get into the Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?

It is relatively easy to enroll in an online associate’s degree in psychology. Unlike a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, the requirements for entry are not many or demanding. While some colleges may have additional or specific requirements, the main associates in psychology requirements are generally:

Most colleges will expect students to have completed academic units in:

Most colleges will expect students to have completed academic units in:

How Long Does It Take To Complete The Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology?

How long a bachelor’s degree in psychology program would take to complete is primarily determined by criteria such as program format, availability of summer terms, and the chosen coursework. Another crucial factor is whether the program allows students to study at their own pace asynchronously, potentially leading to early graduation, or whether they use a cohort learning approach, in which students progress through their curriculum at the same time as their classmates, slowing down the rate at which they can earn credits. Additionally, students who take summer classes, test out of courses, or earn credits while still in high school may be able to graduate sooner. Here are some bachelor’s degree completion specifics:

  • Typical Length of a Full-Time Bachelor’s Program : 4 Years
  • Typical Length of a Part-Time Bachelor’s Program : 6 Years or more
  • Number of Required Credits : 120 to 160 (approximate)

Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology

Online portals that claim to offer entirely free bachelor’s in psychology degrees leave much to be desired. Almost certainly, none will be accredited or offer a graduation certificate of value in the job market. There are, however, several free online courses and programs that can be used to supplement an online bachelor’s degree in psychology and help students deepen their understanding of the subject. Here are a few of the most well-known:

King University

allows online transfers who have earned 45+ credits to complete in as little as 16 months.

California Baptist University

allows the online 47-unit degree to be completed in 16 months.

Brescia University

allows the degree to be completed in 24 months.

The University Of New Mexico

Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Psychology

Roberts Wesleyan College

Psychology Accelerated 3-Year Program

University Of Bridgeport

B.S. in Psychology Accelerated Program

Midway University

Bachelor’s in Psychology

Accreditation’s for Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

Accreditation is a designation earned by institutions that voluntarily go through a process to demonstrate that they satisfy predefined quality requirements. It ensures that a program or institution provides practical, high-quality education to its students. Graduating from an authorized psychology degree certifies that the student has a particular and desired level of psychological knowledge and expertise. Furthermore, to be considered and eligible for licensure, many licensing boards will expect the applicant to have completed an approved curriculum or would require them to demonstrate equivalency.

In the world of psychology, the American Psychological Association (APA) is the primary accrediting body within the United States. Where programmatic accredited online school psychology programs are unavailable, an equivalent alternative is a regional accreditation, provided by any one of the following authorized agencies:

The most convenient way to verify accreditation is to use the database provided by either the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education. Authorization and recognition for an accredited online social work degree are required from either CHEA or any one of the six regional commissions, which are:

  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
  • Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.

How To Pay For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology Programs?

Although online students are usually exempt from paying for transportation, course materials, childcare during class hours, or meals, they must still pay tuition. Students who attend online courses are only charged tuition, distance learning fees, and course materials/textbooks. The biggest advantage of online education is that it allows students to work while pursuing their degrees. Furthermore, most online students pay in-state tuition at colleges outside of their home states, a significant benefit. Still, most students ask, “how much does psychology school cost”? Depending on whether one is enrolling in a public or private college and several other factors, tuition for an online bachelor’s in psychology can range from around $10,000 to $37,000 per year. Fortunately, for those who are looking for ways to fund their bachelor’s degree in psychology, there are several funding options such as:

Scholarships

Scholarships are based on academic success and other factors like community service, cultural heritage, religious affiliation, etc. As a result, they are usually the first and best alternative for students to support their education. Scholarships are typically merit-based and may be privately provided, alumnae-funded, or awarded by cultural, religious, or commercial organizations. (Note: Read about Scholarship Scams to avoid being scammed.)

Grants

While scholarships are generally merit-based, grants are more need-based in that they are frequently awarded based on the family’s finances. However, it is not uncommon for universities that award these need-based grants to consider an applicant’s grades and test scores as well.

Graduate Assistantships

In a Teaching Assistantship, students are provided a fee waiver or stipend for working as assistants for professors – assisting them with instructional constraints, assisting in a lab or workshop, or teaching and demonstrating for undergraduates. Research Assistantships are also eligible for a fee waiver or stipend but differ by allowing students to help a professor with their research.

Student Loans

Students can look at raising a loan from federal agencies, banks, or private financial institutions. Loans are sanctioned against a payment of interest, which, if defaulted on, will increase student debt.

FAFSA

Students can fill in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to evaluate whether or not they are eligible for financial aid. More FAFSA-related information is available here.

Read the best Financial Guide to understand more about funding higher education.

Scholarships For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology

Students who have a good academic track record can explore the many undergraduate scholarships they would be eligible for. Scholarships may be provided by universities or by external organizations and associations. Here are a few examples:

Scholarship Description Amount/AwardDeadline
The NASP-ERT Minority
Scholarship Program
(NASP-ERT MSP)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) offers competitive scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. The program offers scholarship support, paid research training at the NIH during the summer, and paid employment and training at the NIH after graduation.$5,000 eachOctober 29, 2024
Psi Chi Undergraduate
Scholarships
The Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarships help defray the direct educational costs (e.g., tuition, institutional fees, required textbooks) of exceptional Psi Chi undergraduate students.8 scholarships of $3,000 eachJune 27, 2024 / June 26, 2024
Sharon Stephens Brehm
Undergraduate Psychology
Scholarships
The Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships recognize outstanding psychology undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. The Brehm Scholarships will help defray the students’ direct educational costs, such as tuition, institutional fees, required textbooks, etc.7 scholarships of $5,000 eachApplicants must be declared as a psychology major for the fall 2024 semester
The National Institutes of
Health (NIH) Undergraduate
Scholarship Program (UGSP)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) offers competitive scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. The program offers scholarship support, paid research training at the NIH during the summer, and paid employment and training at the NIH after graduation.Up to $20,000 per academic yearApplications for the 2024-2024 academic year will open in January 2024

 How to get a Criminal Justice degree?

An Online Criminal Justice Master’s will really jump start your career. The prerequisite for that is a GPA of at least 3.0 from the institution that awarded your Bachelor’s Degree. Prospective police officers also need police academy training. Lawyers need seven years of education from an undergraduate program and law school, plus a passing score on their state’s bar exam.

What college has the best Criminal Justice program?

How much is Criminal Justice college?

What can a master’s degree in criminal justice do?

Can you get a Criminal Justice degree online?

How long does it take to get a Criminal Justice degree?

Is Criminology and Criminal Justice the same?

Career Opportunities And Salaries After Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology


An education in psychology opens the doors to many career paths. However, the specialization that one chooses will determine job prospects, pay, and growth. Some of the many job options available after an online bachelor’s degree in psychology are:

Students should note that most jobs in counseling will require at least a master’s degree and/or some certification and licensure. Having said that, assisting roles are open to bachelor’s degree holders, which is a good stepping stone to further one’s education or career.

As for salaries, psychologists do earn well; the type of job and years of experience influence pay. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists (in general) take home an annual median salary of $82,180 and have a job outlook of 8% between 2020 & 2030 (as fast as average).

Here is a quick run-down of jobs bachelor degree psychology graduates can explore and their annual median salaries and growth potential, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

OccupationJob DescriptionMedian Annual SalaryJob Growth (up to 2030)
Substance Abuse, Behavioral
Disorder, and Mental Health
Counselor
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide treatment and advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, or other mental or behavioral problems.$47,66023% (much faster than average)
Training & Development
Specialist
Training and development specialists plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of their employees.$62,70011% (faster than average)
Social & Community Service
Manager
Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.$69,60015% (faster than average)
Probation Officers and
Correctional Treatment
Specialist
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitating law offenders in custody or on probation or parole.$55,6904% (slower than average)
Medical and Health Services
Manager
Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers.$104,28032% (much faster than average)

Certifications And Licensing For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology

In general – education, certification, and licensure are required to become a psychologist. To work in clinical and counseling positions, a psychologist often needs a Ph.D. degree, including years of college and graduate education. Getting to that point may seem like a lifetime away for a bachelor’s student. Fortunately, psychology students can acquire training and credentials in mental health that do not require licensing. These options may be appealing to students who wish to get experience and build their resumes before starting graduate school. Some certifications that can lead to immediate jobs as community workers, caseworkers, crisis counselors, etc., are:

  • Certified Alzheimer Caregiver (CAC) : by the National Certification Board for Alzheimer & Aging Care (NCBAC)
  • Certified in Thanatology (CT) : Death, Dying and Bereavement – by the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC)
  • Certified Co-occurring Disorder Professional (CCDP) : by the National Certification Board for Alzheimer & Aging Care (NCBAC)
Mental Health First Aider

by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Any person who provides psychology services to patients or clients must be certified and licensed. Psychologists and other psychology practitioners must be licensed in each state, and licenses are awarded by the state psychology board or other equivalent organizations. Although many jurisdictions provide a single, general psychology license for doctoral-level psychologists, others offer additional certification for specific areas of practice (such as school psychology) or for those with a master’s degree in psychology.

For licensure to practice psychology, candidates must typically:

  • complete an internship of at least 2,000 hours;
  • have at least one or two years of post-graduate experience;
  • have at least 2,000 hours of postdoctoral experience.

Candidates must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The EPPP is a standardized exam established by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) that state psychology licensing boards use to assess professional competency as part of the licensing process.

Additional Resources For Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology

Psychology is a vast subject that continues to evolve. The more one learns and connects with peers and mentors to stay up to date, amass more knowledge and acquire new skills, the better the job prospects and compensation will be. Furthermore, learning more about psychology can assist students in making educated decisions and shaping their personal and professional goals. To get started, here are a few resources for bachelor’s degree in psychology students:

Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS)

The Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS) provides a news hub, an annual conference, prizes, and much more for experts in the cognitive sciences.

European Association For Research On Learning And Instruction (EARLI) Junior Researchers

The European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction (EARLI) can help students extend their global perspective on psychology. The Junior Researcher network is dedicated to assisting students working in education and learning.

Federation Of Associations In Behavioral & Brain Sciences

The Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences consists of organizations that give advocacy and critical information to members in the domains of mind, brain, and behavior.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the principal federal agency for research on mental diseases. It provides crucial information to mental health professionals, such as psychologists, as well as the general public.

Social Psychology Network

The Social Psychology Network, maintained by Wesleyan University, is dedicated to psychological research and education. Students can learn practically any topic linked to psychology in this exhaustive resource.