Top Psychology Degrees Online in 2025
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
University of Florida-Online
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
The bachelor's in psychology program at the University of Florida Online stands out for its competitive cost per credit of $129 for Florida residents. The school has expert faculty in five specializations: behavior analysis, counseling psychology, developmental psychology, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, and social psychology. As an online student, you can save 40% on costs compared to on-campus students.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Offers research opportunities that can help with entry to graduate school or other professional areas
- Provides customizable course loads to help you manage your time commitment as you work through your degree
- Allows you to pause enrollment for up to two terms in a row, giving you even greater flexibility
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition rates are almost four times higher for out-of-state students than Florida residents.
- UF Online is moderately selective, admitting 64% of people who apply.
N/A
$ 3,358
92%
$15,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 65%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,356
- Institution Type
- Public
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online bachelor's in psychology with five concentrations: addiction studies, child and adolescent development, forensic psychology, industrial organizational psychology, and mental health. You can transfer up to 90 credits into your degree program, and save up to 70% on the cost of your tuition.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Includes an embedded certificate in data literacy in psychology, giving you a competitive edge in your field
- Offers 24-7 online support, allowing you to work and receive assistance at any time of the day or night
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition rates are the same for in-state and out-of-state students at $330 per credit.
- SNHU has no GPA requirement for admissions.
97%
$15,000
62%
$15,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 96%
- Students Enrolled
- 164,091
- Institution Type
- Private
Valdosta State University
- Valdosta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Valdosta State University offers an online BS in psychology with unique courses in behavior modification and industrial and organizational psychology. All psychology majors can join and participate in the Psych Club, which offers guest lectures, research, and networking opportunities. Members can also present research at conferences.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Offers credits for prior learning and allows you to transfer up to 90 total semester hours
- Maintains flexible start dates, allowing you to start at any time throughout the year
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition rates are the same for in-state and out-of-state students at $299 per credit hour.
- ACT or SAT scores are required for admission unless your high school GPA is 3.2 or higher.
69%
$ 4,371
68%
$15,426
- Acceptance Rate
- 83%
- Students Enrolled
- 10,180
- Institution Type
- Public
The Pennsylvania State University
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Online BA and BS in psychology programs with the option to focus on business or life sciences are available from The Pennsylvania State University. The programs also offer unique introductory courses in well-being and positive psychology, abnormal psychology, and the psychology of gender.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 123
Things We Love:
- Offers the choice between a liberal arts or science-based education
- Maintains a chapter of the World Campus Psychology Club, one of the first online psychology clubs
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The tuition rates, $632-$678 per credit, are higher than those of most other schools on this list.
- The life sciences and business options are only available for students in the BS in psychology program.
54%
$15,400
87%
$25,084
- Acceptance Rate
- 92%
- Students Enrolled
- 88,914
- Institution Type
- Public
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Charter Oak State College offers an online BS in psychology. You can choose from four concentrations: life span, social/behavioral, cognitive and learning, and general psychology. Charter Oak offers six start dates throughout the year between January and October.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Offers strong metrics for student success — program graduates who are residents of Connecticut earn an average annual salary of $105,643.
- Provides five-, eight-, and 15-week terms to fit conveniently into your schedule
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Charter Oak has an open admission policy, meaning all students who meet the basic requirements are accepted.
- Only 50% of Charter Oak students receive some type of financial aid.
N/A
$ 7,656
100%
$10,056
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,602
- Institution Type
- Public
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Arizona State University offers a BA and BS in psychology entirely online. You can specialize in forensic, industrial-organizational, or positive psychology. Moreover, you can combine the major with an accelerated master's program. This pathway allows you to earn a master's degree just one year after completing your undergraduate degree.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- ASU is a globally recognized school known for its innovation and research.
- Offers competency-based admission pathways to make acceptance easier.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Sixty-eight percent of students receive some type of financial aid.
- Tuition costs are slightly higher for full-time out-of-state students, about $2,000 more per year, on average.
98%
$10,978
74%
$13,248
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 62,551
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Kansas
- Lawrence, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
The University of Kansas offers two types of fully online bachelor's in psychology degrees: a BA in psychology and a bachelor's of general studies in psychology. Both degrees feature fully asynchronous courses, meaning you complete your classes on your own time.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Provides extracurricular opportunities like research assistantships, faculty lab volunteering, and Psi Chi, a research-focused honors program
- Offers flat-rate tuition of $445 per credit for all online students, regardless of where you live
What to Know Before You Apply:
- This is a degree completion program; you need at least 24 credit hours, preferably 40, from KU, a community college, or another university to enroll.
- KU reports that the estimated annual salary for program alumni is around $50,000.
46%
$10,294
85%
$27,500
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 28,406
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
Florida International University offers an online BA in psychology with a competitive tuition rate of $236 per credit for in-state students. The program includes a track in applied behavior analysis, paving the way to a board certified assistant behavior analyst (BCaBA) certificate.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Offers multiple program start dates in the fall, spring, and summer, giving you options to begin your degree program when it's convenient for you
- Provides a personal academic success coach who provides one-on-one guidance to ensure you stay on track to graduate on time
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The cost per credit is significantly higher for out-of-state students than in-state students: $649 vs. $236.
- FIU requires all applicants to submit official SAT, ACT, and/or CLT scores.
67%
$ 6,168
92%
$18,566
- Acceptance Rate
- 59%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,085
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
You can pursue an online BA in psychology and a BS in psychological science at The University of Arizona. You can also double major in psychology and law or psychological science and neuroscience and cognitive science. These options enhance your education and skills, opening more career opportunities.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Features an optional Buddies Program that connects you with other online students in the program, fostering a more collaborative distance learning environment
- Ranks #1 in alumni earnings potential among Arizona's public universities, according to 2022 Payscale data
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The BA program requires a minor or double major, which can lengthen your time in school.
- The BS program may be the better choice if you're aiming for a Ph.D. in psychology.
60%
$11,210
88%
$35,628
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 53,187
- Institution Type
- Public
New Mexico State University
- Las Cruces, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What You'll Like:
New Mexico State University offers an online BA in psychology and a BS in counseling and community psychology. The BS program makes it easy to incorporate the coursework needed for licensure as a substance abuse associate. It is also designed to allow students to double major seamlessly.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
Things We Love:
- Covers up to 100% of tuition for New Mexico residents returning to college with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship
- Offer a significantly lower cost per credit for active military than the regular resident tuition rate: $250 vs. $395, respectively
What to Know Before You Apply:
- NMSU's graduation rate is 52%, lower than the national average of 62%.
- Almost all NMSU students receive some type of financial aid.
70%
$ 6,728
75%
$25,055
- Acceptance Rate
- 76%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,779
- Institution Type
- Public
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.
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
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 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.
