25 Best Online Psychology Degree Programs [2025 Accredited Psychology Online Program Guide]
By Joy Miller
Edited by Tania Staley & Briana Sukert
Updated on January 24, 2025
Online psychology degree programs open doors to understanding the mind and unlocking career opportunities. These programs offer flexible learning tailored to your schedule, letting you explore human behavior and develop skills for impactful roles.
Are you ready to dive into the science of the mind while managing life’s demands? These programs connect personal growth with professional aspirations, blending convenience with comprehensive education. Whether you’re starting fresh or advancing a career, they guide you toward a meaningful future in psychology.
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Central Michigan University offers a Bachelor’s in Psychology with concentrations in Business Psychology, General Psychology, and Mental Health. The program can be completed online or on-campus.
Hands-on research is offered across five active labs, providing studies in areas like clinical psychology, neuroscience, and industrial-organizational psychology. An accelerated 5-year program combining bachelor’s and master’s degrees is also available.
Central Michigan University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology requiring 120 credits.
The program blends training in communication, critical thinking, and scientific methodology. Opportunities to engage with core psychology concepts are offered through lectures and lab pairings, covering areas like cognitive psychology, social psychology, and neuroscience.
Colorado State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
DePaul University offers on-campus and online Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Psychology programs. The programs focus on psychological theories, research methodologies, and hands-on experience.
The BS program has three concentrations available: General, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Healthcare. The BA has six concentrations: Community, Comprehensive Evening Program, Human Development, Human Services, Industrial-Organizational, and Standard.
Combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are available, allowing completion of both in 5 years.
DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University offers a fully online BS in Psychology consisting of 180 quarter credits. The program explores psychology from multiple angles, emphasizing research methodology and statistics. Students can transfer up to 135 quarter credits.
The curriculum prepares graduates for careers or advanced studies in fields like business, neuroscience, forensics, and health sciences.
Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Florida International University offers a fully online BA in Psychology requiring 120 credits. The program covers five key areas: experimental, social, applied, personality-abnormal, and developmental psychology.
The curriculum reflects current trends in psychology. It emphasizes the science of psychology through a research sequence and offers0 a solid foundation in scientific research, human behavior, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Loyola University Chicago offers a BA in Applied Psychology that is available fully online or on-campus. This 120-credit program offers 8-week courses and two track options: Organizational or Counseling.
Focusing on evidence-based solutions for individuals and organizations, the curriculum emphasizes scientific research, human behavior, and problem-solving skills.
Loyola University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northern Arizona University offers a BS in Psychological Sciences requiring 120 credits, with 37 units in major requirements. The program focuses on human behavior, critical thinking, and research methods.
Students can choose from various psychological domains and have optional fieldwork and research opportunities. An accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program is available for eligible students.
Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ohio University offers a fully online BS in Psychology requiring 120 credits. Transfer credits are accepted.
The program offers flexible scheduling and asynchronous coursework. The curriculum includes courses in child psychology, clinical counseling, and sport psychology. It can prepare graduates for careers in human services, business, and health services, or further studies.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Old Dominion University offers a fully online BS in Psychology requiring 120 credits. Qualifying transfer credits are accepted.
The program provides a well-rounded education, starting with general psychology and including courses in quantitative methods and experimental design. The curriculum offers preparation for advanced studies in clinical or industrial-organizational psychology.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Oregon State University offers a fully online program for a BA or BS in Psychology, requiring 180 quarter credits (equivalent to 120 semester credits). Transfer credits are accepted.
This science-based program covers human behavior, research methods, and problem-solving and teaches skills in communication, critical thinking, and data analysis. The curriculum includes courses on brain and behavior, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.
Oregon State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Regent University offers a BS in Psychology that can be completed online or on campus in Virginia. This 120-credit program explores human behavior, critical thinking, and research methods from a Christian worldview.
The curriculum offers studies in psychological theories, personality, and scientific research interpretation, preparing graduates for careers in counseling, social work, or advanced studies. Transfer credits are accepted.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Rowan University offers a fully online BA in Psychology requiring 120 credits, with 33 credits in major coursework. It can be completed in 4 to 5 semesters, and qualifying transfer credits are accepted.
The program follows APA guidelines and covers scientific research, human behavior, and critical thinking. The curriculum prepares graduates for careers in human services, marketing, or advanced studies.
Rowan University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education, a unit of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an online BS in Psychology. This 120-credit program is a flexible, self-paced option.
Courses cover diverse areas of psychology, preparing graduates for careers in business, government, education, research, or healthcare. The online curriculum has the same requirements as the on-campus program. Qualifying transfer credits are accepted.
The University of Alabama—Birmingham is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Arizona offers a fully online, 120-credit BA in Psychology. The program explores the complexities of mind and brain, covering topics from developmental psychology to brain disorders.
The curriculum teaches skills in critical thinking, research, and understanding human behavior, preparing graduates for careers in psychology, medicine, law, business, or education.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
The University of Central Florida offers a fully online BS in Psychology. This 120-credit program offers six tracks: Clinical, Experimental, General, Human Factors, Industrial-Organizational, and Neuroscience.
The curriculum emphasizes real-world application through research, fieldwork, and internships, offering studies in psychology foundations, research methods, and statistics. A capstone project is available for in-depth exploration. Qualifying transfer credits are accepted.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Florida offers an online BA in Psychology through UF Online. The program covers five specialization areas: Behavior Analysis, Counseling Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, and Social Psychology.
Courses are taught by expert professors at the top of their fields, offering preparation for graduate studies or diverse careers. The online curriculum maintains the same rigor as the on-campus program. Qualifying transfer credits are accepted.
The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Houston offers a BA and a BS in Psychology. These online programs are designed for students who have completed Texas Core Curriculum courses.
The BA prepares students for careers in social services and service-oriented industries, while the BS focuses on combining psychology with computer technology, medicine, and industry.
The University of Houston is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Kansas offers a fully online program that can be completed for a BA or BGS in Psychology. This degree-completion program is designed for students with prior college credits.
The curriculum explores human behavior, mind-brain relationships, and modern applications. Teaching skills in research methodology, critical analysis, and data interpretation, the program provides flexibility for working professionals and equips graduates for diverse careers or advanced studies.
The University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Louisville offers a fully online, self-paced, asynchronous BS in Psychology that requires 121 credit hours.
The curriculum covers core psychological concepts, research methods, and data analysis. The program emphasizes critical thinking and understanding human behavior.
The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers an online Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a focus in Applied Psychology. This flexible program allows students to design their own concentration through 100% online courses. The curriculum covers various psychology areas, preparing graduates for diverse careers or graduate studies.
Up to 105 credits may be offered from prior coursework and experience.
The University of Massachusetts—Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Memphis Global offers a fully online BA in Psychology requiring 120 credit hours. Qualifying transfer credits are accepted.
This interdisciplinary program combines insights from humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, providing training in communication, quantitative analysis, and critical reasoning. The curriculum offers preparation for careers in social work, education, research, and mental health services.
The University of Memphis is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Northern Colorado Extended Campus offers an online degree completion program for a BA in Psychology that is designed for adult learners with prior college credits. Flexible start dates and accelerated options are available.
The program’s 120-credit curriculum includes 43 credits in psychology and helps develop skills in understanding human behavior, research design, and critical thinking.
The University of Northern Colorado is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Utah offers an online BA in Psychology requiring 53 major credits (41 psychology, 12 allied).
The program covers diverse areas, including developmental, social, clinical, cognitive, and behavioral neuroscience. Engaging, interactive learning is provided through group assignments and discussions. Flexible scheduling and part-time options are available.
The University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Utah State University offers an online Bachelor’s in Psychology requiring 60 major credits. The program explores human behavior and mental processes. Hands-on experience can be gained through research opportunities and apprenticeships.
Faculty expertise is reflected in numerous publications and substantial external funding. Flexible scheduling options are available for working professionals.
Utah State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Washington State University offers an online BS in Psychology requiring 120 credits, with 35 credits in psychology coursework.
The program explores human behavior, research methods, and statistical analysis. Courses cover addiction studies, organizational psychology, developmental psychology, and more. Flexible start dates are available in spring, summer, and fall.
Washington State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
There are many areas of psychology you can specialize in. These are some of the most popular.
Click on the area of specialization that interests you to jump to that section of the guide.
The key is finding the specialty that suits your interests.
Earning a degree in general psychology can help you develop a broad understanding of the field. Instead of focusing on one specific area, general psychology programs give an overview of the human mind and how it works.
Depending on your interest and future intent in attending graduate or medical school, a bachelor’s degree in this field could pave the way for a career as either a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
Either job is typically well-suited for someone who likes to listen to others, is empathetic, and wants to help people cope with the stresses of their daily lives.
Addiction is a disease, and those with it need treatment, like with other diseases. There are all kinds of addictions, including drug, alcohol, and smoking addictions, but those are only the tip of the iceberg.
People can become addicted to all types of things, including gambling, shopping, the internet, food, and more. Psychologists specializing in addiction work with addicts to treat the underlying causes of their addictions, not just the addictions themselves.
Psychologists help people overcome their addictions by helping them identify the causes of their addictions.
Being empathetic can be a very beneficial trait for addiction and recovery specialists. Many addicts have had horrible trauma in their past and have often degraded themselves in pursuit of feeding their addictions.
Most need to feel safe and understood—not judged—to trust someone enough to talk about these instances.
Behavioral psychologists specialize in changing behaviors, particularly those considered negative or harmful. Negative behaviors may include things like addictions and anxiety-related behaviors, but the field encompasses more than just those.
For example, behavioral psychologists work with patients with OCD tendencies, ADHD, and other behavioral disorders. They also work to treat various compulsions, such as binge eating, self-harm, hair pulling, or scab picking.
Behavioral psychologists almost always go on to get their higher-level degrees because most of these behaviors must be treated with a combination of one-on-one communication, therapy, and medication.
Graduates in this field typically become behavioral specialists or case managers in hospitals or public schools.
If you’re hoping to become a behavioral psychologist, curiosity, the ability to listen without judgment, and patience can be beneficial traits to develop. Dealing with some behaviors may quickly become irritating if you don’t have ample patience.
In addition to all the qualities we have already listed for previous specializations, a love of children is a beneficial trait for child and adolescent psychologists.
Child psychologists work with adolescents of all ages and help them overcome a vast array of problems. Some of these kids come from broken, abusive homes and need counseling. Others have conditions, such as ADHD, OCD, ODD, a history of depression, or anxiety, that require regular therapy sessions.
Whatever the kids’ problems, child and adolescent specialists help them work through and overcome them. If their problems cannot be overcome, they use a combination of therapy, routines, and sometimes medication to help them manage them instead, with the ultimate goal of living as normally as possible.
Simply put, educational psychologists help people learn how to learn. Many people, children and adults alike, are born with or suffer injuries that result in impairments to their cognitive functions. For whatever reason, they’re unable to learn new information in normal ways.
While most educational psychologists work with children and teens, some specialize in working with adults with cognitive disabilities.
Educational psychologists’ potential job duties are numerous. They give patients diagnostic tests and psycho-educational assessments to determine what type of learning disabilities they have.
After initial assessments, psychologists work closely with the patients and their parents, teachers, and other relevant adults to develop educational plans. These plans include special learning accommodations, therapy, specially tailored study skills, and more. Many educational psychologists work inside schools.
Forensic psychologists apply their expertise to the legal and criminal justice system.
Many individuals, including both offenders and victims, encounter psychological challenges that influence their behavior and interactions within the legal system. Forensic psychologists play a crucial role in understanding these psychological aspects.
While a significant number of forensic psychologists work with law enforcement and legal professionals, some specialize in working with specific populations, such as juvenile offenders or victims of crime.
Forensic psychologists’ potential job duties are diverse. They conduct psychological evaluations to assess the mental state of individuals involved in the legal system, determining their competency to stand trial or their mental state at the time of an offense.
Mental health counselors often have similar job duties as general psychologists. They usually work one-on-one with patients on a variety of psychological issues, such as addiction or substance abuse, depression, overcoming trauma or grief, and unhealthy relationships.
There are numerous other topics that counselors work with patients to overcome, including:
In addition to working with individuals, professional counselors sometimes hold group sessions. These can be group therapy sessions, couples or family sessions, or larger group sessions for people with similar problems, such as substance abuse groups or domestic violence victims groups.
Organizational psychology is one of the lesser-known fields in this discipline, but it’s a very important one. Organizational psychologists work for businesses, companies, and other organizations. They assess employees and see how they fit with the overall company dynamic.
Organizational psychologists usually report directly to management. They give them insight into which employees might do well in upper-level management, which could handle the stress of a challenging promotion, and even which ones aren’t working out in the company.
They also, at management’s request, work directly with a company’s employees. They often implement team-building exercises and strategies to help the company function more cohesively as a unit.
They may listen to employee complaints, grievances, and praise of the company and suggest policies to management that could potentially improve overall morale and retention. Sometimes they’re also called in to help mediate workplace disputes, so a calm disposition and good mediation skills are helpful in this job.
The program you choose will help determine your specific classes, but since many programs are similar, we can give you a basic overview of the types of classes you will likely be required to take.
These are some common classes found in psychology programs. While this is a pretty good sample, it isn’t an exhaustive list.
These classes can help you become a well-rounded student, knowledgeable in various areas and related disciplines.
The annual salary range for different psychology-related jobs can vary greatly, ranging from an average salary to quite high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for community and social service occupations is $52,000.
Licensed psychologists, in general, have an average salary of $92,740 per year. Some positions have salaries as high as $147,420.
According to the BLS, these are some psychology-related careers and their annual median salaries.
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Psychiatrists | $239,200+ |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $147,420 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $117,750 |
| Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | $78,200 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $61,800 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $55,960 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $53,710 |
It’s important to keep in mind that some of these careers will require a master’s degree in psychology, certification, or experience to obtain, but a bachelor’s in psychology can be a stepping stone toward them.
Once you’ve earned your degree, the next important step you’ll likely need to take is becoming a certified or licensed psychologist, counselor, therapist, etc. Getting a license is a requirement to become a clinical psychologist.
Clinical Psychologist: Becoming a licensed clinical psychologist can allow you to pursue opportunities to work as a mental health professional or even open your own practice. Clinical psychologists are licensed professionals, highly trained in diagnosing and subsequently treating various emotional, psychological, and behavioral problems.
Regional accreditation helps to ensure that the bachelor’s degree you are pursuing is worthwhile. If your college or program doesn’t have regional accreditation, then there is no guarantee that it will be seen as a viable degree.
Accreditation matters when choosing an online bachelor’s in psychology program because it ensures quality education and credibility. A program’s accreditation impacts your ability to transfer credits, qualify for certifications, and pursue advanced degrees.
Would you invest time in a degree that might not open future doors? Without proper accreditation, you risk limiting options for master’s or doctoral programs in psychology, as many institutions only accept graduates from accredited schools. Accreditation isn’t just a box to check—it’s your key to unlocking higher academic and career achievements.
As part of the admissions process, when looking for financial aid options, the first place most students look is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is your gateway to possible Pell Grants and government loans with decent interest rates and repayment options.
Financial aid calculators can help you determine how much financial aid you will need when calculating tuition fee schedules.
Scholarships are the best financial aid because they don’t have to be repaid. Scholarships are awarded by both for-profit and nonprofit schools, as well as via some employers. There are all kinds of scholarships out there ready to be awarded to deserving students.
Yes, a Bachelor of Psychology is worth it for many students.
According to the BLS, job growth in life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow faster than average over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include mental health counselors, substance abuse social workers, school psychologists, and forensic psychologists.
Unlike some jobs that allow you to work your way up, becoming a psychologist requires formal education and licensure, which makes a bachelor’s degree in psychology necessary for would-be psychologists.
In today’s technological world, working toward your degree is more convenient than ever. Much like earning an associate’s in psychology degree online, earning your bachelor’s in psychology degree online can allow you to take classes around your busy schedule.
So, are you ready to take the next step toward your dream career? You can start today by researching accredited programs and schools with our helpful program finder!