Psychology is one of the most popular college majors, and for good reason. This versatile degree can lead to careers in therapy and counseling, while also equipping you with skills highly valued in fields such as marketing, human resources, and career counseling.
Online psychology degrees offer increased flexibility, and the best programs balance cost, accreditation, specializations, support, and reputation. This guide explains what to expect from online psychology programs, including degree requirements, costs, and potential career paths.
10 Best Online Schools for Psychology Bachelor's Programs
Why Get an Online Psychology Degree?
Earning a psychology degree online offers several significant benefits, including the flexibility to learn from anywhere on your own schedule. Plus, online psychology degrees cost less, on average, than traditional psychology degrees. Key benefits of earning a psychology degree online include:
Flexibility: With asynchronous delivery, you can study on your schedule from anywhere you can access the internet.
Affordability: Save money on tuition with more affordable online programs that avoid campus fees and commuting expenses.
Work-School Balance: Online programs usually allow you to more easily balance school and full-time employment.
Support Services: The best online psychology programs often provide robust support services, like academic advising and tutoring, to help you stay on track.
Graduate Preparation: A bachelor's in psychology prepares you for graduate school and, ultimately, a licensed career as a therapist or psychologist.
Choosing an Online Bachelor's in Psychology Program: 4 Key Factors
The best online schools for psychology offer academic advising, online tutoring, and various student support services. When researching online schools, consider factors like a school's reputation, cost, and available specializations to find the right online program for your needs.
For example, if you're planning to earn a graduate psychology degree, prioritize programs with a strong reputation for graduate placements.
Cost
Online programs offered at public schools with in-state tuition rates typically offer the most affordable options. However, many out-of-state public schools offer in-state or flat-rate tuition for online learners. Transfer credits can also save you time and money on your online psychology degree, especially if you attend community college.
Specializations and Degree Outcomes
While specializations are far more prevalent at the graduate level, some psychology bachelor's degrees allow you to focus your coursework in a specific area. If you have a specialization in mind, research each program's courses and prioritize schools with options that appeal to your personal and professional interests.
Common psychology concentrations include mental health psychology, social psychology, and school psychology. Many careers in these fields require a graduate degree. After completing an undergraduate psychology program, many graduates pursue master's-level psychology programs to open up more career opportunities.
Accreditation
Accreditation matters for online psychology degrees. Without it, you may not receive financial aid, transfer credits to other accredited schools, or meet certain licensing requirements. Many graduate programs only accept degrees from institutionally accredited schools.
Schools earn accreditation through voluntary review by approved agencies. These accreditors, such as the Higher Learning Commission, check faculty, graduation requirements, and student outcomes, among other criteria. While bachelor's and master's-level psychology programs are not individually accredited, the American Psychological Association accredits doctoral programs in the United States.
Dual Degree and Pathway Options
Most psychology careers require an advanced degree, and undergraduate psychology programs help you meet the prerequisites for a master's degree program.
If you know you want to pursue graduate study, consider 4+1 accelerated programs or dual degree options to save time and money, which allow you to earn degrees more quickly. Schools offering these options can make your path to a career in psychology more efficient.
Reality Check: Are online degrees really cheaper?
In many cases, yes. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition for an online bachelor's degree is $11,698 compared to $16,929 for a traditional, on-campus bachelor's degree.
What to Expect from an Online Psychology Program
A bachelor's in psychology provides a solid overview of human and animal behavior, focusing on the latest research and theories. As a psychology major, you can develop strong scientific and statistical skills to help you evaluate data, claims, and theories.
Bachelor's in psychology programs typically require 120 credits and take four years of full-time study to complete. However, earning your psychology degree online can offer greater flexibility as you work through your degree requirements.
In-Person Requirements for Online Psychology Degrees
Most online psychology bachelor's degrees don't require in-person components, but some may offer experiential learning experiences such as internships or lab work on campus or at local facilities. At the master's level, however, in-person requirements like internships, fieldwork, and supervised hours are typically part of the curriculum.
Accessing Your Psychology Courses Online
Some programs let you access course material anytime, while others stream virtual lectures and workshops at set times. You can expect to interact with professors and classmates through discussion boards and emails in asynchronous programs, for example.
As you would in an in-person psychology program, expect to conduct research and get hands-on experience with fieldwork.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's in Psychology?
Most psychology-related careers, including working as a therapist, psychologist, or counselor, require a graduate degree. However, many entry-level jobs in other fields are open to hiring psychology majors.
A psychology degree also opens doors to industries like business, social work, education, and healthcare. With a strong foundation in psychology, research, and statistics, you are well-prepared to succeed in roles in media, social services, human resources, and marketing. Check out the salary and projected job growth for specific career paths.
| Career Paths | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Projected Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Substance Use Counselors | $59,190 | 17% |
| Market Research Analysts | $76,950 | 7% |
| Public Relations Specialists | $69,780 | 5% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $78,240 | 6% |
| Training and Development Specialists | $65,850 | 11% |
| Human Resources Specialists | $72,910 | 6% |
| Technical Writer | $91,670 | 1% |
| Correctional Treatment Specialists | 64,520 | 3% |
Advice from a Psychology Graduate
Of all the advice available to prospective students, guidance from someone in the field may be the most beneficial. Our interview, conducted with a former psychology graduate, explores the required training, the profession in general, and key information that all students should be aware of.
Andréas Ruth B. Deolinda
Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc is an educator, writer, poet, and advocate for children with special needs, especially those on the autism spectrum. She also serves as an editorial assistant for Autism Parenting Magazine. Deolinda holds a BSc degree in psychology and biochemistry, plus two postgraduate BA honors degrees in drama therapy and psychology. Professionally, Deolinda has taught at two remedial/special needs education schools and run workshops for children in neurotypical schools in South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Psychology Degrees
The time it takes depends on the degree and your study pace. A bachelor's in psychology usually takes about four years of full-time study.
A master's generally takes two years, while a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) usually requires 4-5 years of graduate study, plus 1-2 years of supervised research and clinical training for licensure. Part-time study usually adds one to two years at each level.
