Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Programs
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An online psychology degree provides many benefits, including accelerated degree plans and an increased familiarity with technology. When students complete online coursework, they gain valuable technological experience they can use throughout their career. Earning an online psychology degree offers flexibility in scheduling and time management, allowing students to complete coursework around other commitments.
Individuals with an online psychology degree can explore many traditional and nontraditional career paths. Analyst and technician careers provide lucrative pay and the opportunity for dynamic laboratory work. Middle school teaching positions offer personal rewards and satisfaction. Helping others and community engagement provide enrichment for online psychology degree holders. online bachelor’s degree in psychology is often the first step for those who wish to advance in their current careers or move onto different and more lucrative careers.
Featured Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
The Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Programs
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,982
- Out-of-state$14,590
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled6,854
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University-East
- Richmond, IN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,274
- Out-of-state$20,634
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled2,981
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
University of Hawaii-West Oahu
- Kapolei, HI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,344
- Out-of-state$20,304
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled3,008
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$10,056
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled1,618
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
University of Houston-Downtown
- Houston, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,433
- Out-of-state$19,673
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled14,185
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
- Alexandria, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,984
- Out-of-state$4,984
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled3,771
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Central Christian College of Kansas
- McPherson, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$19,600
- Out-of-state$19,600
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled570
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Fairbanks, AK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,235
- Out-of-state$25,215
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled6,687
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
Kentucky State University
- Frankfort, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,700
- Out-of-state$11,550
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled2,279
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maine at Presque Isle
- Presque Isle, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,350
- Out-of-state$11,760
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled1,590
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
California State University, Sacramento
- Sacramento, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled32,498
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
- Odessa, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,692
- Out-of-state$18,962
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled5,684
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Excelsior College
- Albany, NY
- 2 year
- Online
- In-State$0
- Out-of-state$0
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled14,584
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maine at Machias
- Machias, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,670
- Out-of-state$16,620
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled762
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationNo
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Natchitoches, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,180
- Out-of-state$15,968
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled9,270
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,147
- Out-of-state$13,185
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled6,454
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,788
- Out-of-state$17,888
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled8,718
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
- Fayette, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,240
- Out-of-state$6,240
- Retention Rate33%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled3,242
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
University of Houston-Victoria
- Victoria, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,111
- Out-of-state$14,903
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled4,189
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Bellevue University
- Bellevue, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,560
- Out-of-state$7,560
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled11,902
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Bachelor’s in Psychology
2023
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Program Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyThe Advantages of a Psychology Education
Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology online provides several advantages over an associate degreee. In an industry where advanced degrees are preferred and often required, a bachelor’s degree opens up more career opportunities. Jobs available to an associate degree holder include executive assistant, administrative coordinator, and administrative assistant. Individuals who pursue these careers typically work in assistant positions.
Bachelor’s degree graduates can work in entry-level roles while pursuing an advanced degree, which can often lead to a salary increase. Some employers offer programs to help offset tuition costs. Going beyond a bachelor’s degree demonstrates a willingness to gain more experience and skills in the field, making the multiple-degree holder more accomplished. While earning an advanced degree offers advantages, not everyone wants to pursue one. Graduates of a bachelor’s degree program can explore many appealing and rewarding career paths.
| Degree Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Psychology | $45,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology | $72,000 |
Source: PayScale
Choosing an Online Psychology Degree Program
Students who want to earn an online bachelor’s degree in psychology should research online programs and schools before choosing the best one for their needs. Research should include tuition costs, in-state and out-of-state rates, and admission requirements. In-state programs are often more affordable. Research can involve browsing course descriptions and specializations of interest. Degree seekers should also consider their current work schedule and financial means when choosing the best program. Institutional quality and value are significant factors in the selection process. Several online resources provide the necessary information to make the best decision.
- Program Cost:
- Tuition rates and fees are vital when considering program cost. Discounted military rates and lower costs for in-state tuition, even for an online program, are common. Individuals should look for schools with good reputations that deliver quality instruction coupled with competitive tuition rates.
- Transfer Policies:
- Transfer policy research is especially important for students who have completed core credits. For earned hours in the discipline, some schools accept those credits for their own lower-division psychology courses. Here, grades may be deciding factors for acceptance of those transfer credits. GPA standards are another transfer policy consideration.
- School Size and Type:
- Enrollment numbers for online bachelor’s degree courses vary. Ideally, the class size stays manageable for the instructor while not depriving students of the individual attention they may need. If class size is important, degree seekers can research individual degree programs and institutions. State funding is the major difference between private and public schools. Public schools receive state funding while private institutions are funded by tuition and private contributions. There is no measurable or distinct difference in education quality.
- Program Length:
- Earning an online bachelor’s degree in psychology is a four-year commitment for full-time students. Part-time students often require 6–6 years to graduate. Taking additional courses each term, including summers, can accelerate the process by 1–1.5 years.
- On-Campus Requirements:
- Most online bachelor’s degree in psychology programs do not have any on-campus requirements, though this varies by school and program. Potential students who live locally can take advantage of on-campus services, such as orientations.
Featured Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Accreditation for Online Psychology Degrees
Accreditation is an evaluation process for colleges and universities in which accrediting organizations independently assess education quality. Peer review boards often conduct these assessments. Seven regional accreditation organizations exist: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Commission of Higher Education, Higher Learning Commission, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Traditionally, accredited colleges and universities award degrees and are nonprofit institutions. Since it is a voluntary process, non-degree and for-profit institutions may seek accreditation.
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a body whose recognition asserts that the standards of the accreditation organizations meet CHEA standards. The United States Department of Education also reviews accreditation organizations. The American Psychological Association accreditation is limited to doctoral programs. Accreditation is an important factor when choosing where to pursue an online bachelor’s degree in psychology since it provides reassurance that the institution meets quality standards.
Psychology Concentrations
Earning an online bachelor’s degree in psychology encompasses a variety of concentrations. Students must consider which career path corresponds with their interest area. Some institutions offer individualized concentration services via consultation with an academic advisor for a specific career path or an academic plan to earn an advanced degree required by the chosen career path.
- Clinical and Counseling Psychology:
- This concentration focuses on the assessment and treatment of behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders. In counseling, the science of psychology is used for treatment to promote resilience for healthier individuals, helping them find their inner strengths. Clinical psychology is more intensely focused on helping people with a serious mental illness or psychosis.
- Careers this concentration prepares for:
- Clinical Social Worker
- Laboratory Assistant
- Case Manager
- Social Work Assistant
- Developmental Psychology:
- This concentration evaluates the psychological growth of individuals through behavioral changes which occur during the stages of human life. Developmental psychology examines, through biological, social, emotional, and cognitive theories, how one thinks and feels. The disciplinary focus of developmental psychology is childhood development, which is the period of human life when the most significant change takes place.
- Careers this concentration prepares for:
- Child Life Specialist
- Social Worker
- Early Childhood Education Consultant
- Special Education Paraprofessional
- Educational Psychology:
- This concentration examines learning and knowledge retainment among students. Educational psychology is the scientific study of learning, using analysis to identify behavior and social challenges which may impede emotional, social, and cognitive processes. This psychological field uses quantitative methodology such as measurement and testing to improve learning and retention.
- Careers this concentration prepares for:
- Elementary School Psychology Teacher
- Middle School Psychology Teacher
- High School Psychology Teacher
- Experimental Psychology:
- This concentration investigates the science of psychological processes such as learning, memory, and cognition in humans and animals. This psychological concentration undertakes tasks that apply to experimental study and its underlying processes, playing a significant role in the understanding of behavior and the human mind.
- Careers this concentration prepares for:
- Research Analyst
- Product Development Analyst
- Experimental Researcher
- Social Psychology:
- This concentration explores the origins of social interactions and their effects on humans. It is the study of how behaviors, feelings, and thoughts, which are measurable human variables, are influenced by the real or imagined presence of others. Empirical investigation via the scientific method explains human behavior as the interaction between social situations and mental states.
- Careers this concentration prepares for:
- Political Strategist
- Market Researcher
- Public Relations Specialist
Featured Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Psychology?
Earning an online bachelor’s degree in psychology allows for flexibility regarding the time required to graduate. Approximately 36 hours of psychology courses are required for graduation in addition to general education requirements and electives, totaling 120 hours. Undergraduate advisors consider student work schedules, the number of hours required to complete the coursework, and expect students to maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher. A three-hour class may require double or triple the hours devoted to coursework and study time.
Online learners should always budget time for taking online classes. They can explore accelerated programs, which add additional credits to each term. These programs are subject to advisor approval or recommendation and can reduce the degree from four years to 2.5–3 years.
While students might find the freedom to double credits in a term appealing, they should consider the course workload. It may divide focus and lessen knowledge retention, becoming a disadvantage.
Tuition is estimated on a yearly basis. Taking more or fewer classes impacts the tuition costs. Some institutions offer discounted tuition rates for hours beyond a full-time course load.
Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Program
- Introduction to Statistics:
- In an introduction to basic statistical techniques and principles in psychology, students explore probability distributions, hypothesis testing, correlation, variance analysis, sampling, research design, interpretation of research, and statistical inference. Hypothesis testing is emphasized in the examination of the core concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics.
- Research and Experimental Methods:
- This course instructs students in the psychological experimental method, providing philosophical background and introducing research strategies and designs in addition to descriptive statistics. Theoretical and methodological research approaches, presented in literature, with procedural instruments, are used in the planning, implementation, and reporting of experiments.
- Multicultural Psychology:
- The curriculum addresses relevant multicultural and psychological considerations in racial identity, discrimination, oppression, power and privilege, and racism as a means of articulating and comprehending human behavior. Through research and theories, students are prepared to work with diverse groups.
- Social Psychology:
- Human social behavior exhibited in conformity, aggression, persuasion, attraction, attribution, and the perception of others is addressed in the exploration of social psychology. Societal influence and interpersonal relationships are important factors in presenting a consistent definition of social psychology. The course is, at its core, a survey of social psychological research and theories.
- Health Psychology:
- Students learn about the promotion of good health, through behavior analysis and disease prevention, which are primary outcomes in health psychology. Students explore the influence of and relationships among social, psychological, and biological factors and their impact on health. Coursework addresses the psychology of disease prevention for chronic and acute illnesses.
Psychology Degree Salary Information
Online bachelor’s degree in psychology graduates can explore many rewarding career paths. Verbal communication, writing, and interpersonal skills are necessary qualities for most careers. An analytical thought process and scientific knowledge retention contribute to success as a technician and teacher. A superior work effort is needed for full-time employment. For some careers, earning an advanced degree is a requirement and is worth considering for a specialized job, in a concentration of preference, where advancement and financial growth are desired.
- Medical Science Liaison:
- A career as a medical science liaison is ideal for those who excel in communication and interpersonal skills. Liaisons are clinical research professionals who interpret data for presentation to healthcare providers and organizations. They assist in protocol development and research proposals, spending significant time traveling for meetings. This career requires an advanced degree and boasts significant earning potential.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $133,000
- Mid-Career: $147,000
- Experienced: $167,000
- Late Career: $172,000
- Biological Science Laboratory Technician:
- The work of a biological science laboratory technician depends upon the laboratory setting. A medical research lab is a common lab type. Here, lab technicians contribute to medicine development, rehabilitation techniques, and surgeries. They prepare reports through experiments and data analysis. Attention to detail and confidence in scientific method utilization make for a skilled lab technician. Employers often require a bachelor’s degree for this career.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $38,480
- Mid-Career: $41,000
- Experienced: $54,000
- Late Career: $57,000
- Middle School Science Teacher:
- Middle school science teachers develop and deliver lesson plans and assign and grade classwork. They’re also responsible for classroom management, communicating with parents, and preparing for standardized testing and schoolwide assessment. They work in public and private schools and often during weekends grading and preparing lesson plans. Teacher certification is required.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $42,000
- Mid-Career: $50,000
- Experienced: $57,000
- Late Career: $70,000
- Statistician:
- Statisticians design the acquisition of quantitative data and assess its results to determine probabilities and trends for their employers. A statistician’s work quality is determined by appropriate and current data acquisition methods and the reliability and accuracy of the results. An advanced degree is required for statisticians. A bachelor’s degree is an important step along this career path.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $72,000
- Mid-Career: $97,000
- Experienced: $110,000
- Late Career: $125,000
- Market Research Analyst:
- Market research analysts review data to determine which products are desirable, who the consumers of these products will be, and how much consumers would pay for the products. Analysts collect this data through surveys employing statistics and preparing final reports for their clientele to determine profit potential. A bachelor’s degree is the typical employment requirement.
- Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $52,000
- Mid-Career: $70,000
- Experienced: $80,000
- Late Career: $81,000
Source: PayScale
The Best Online Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Psychology Programs
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