50 Best Online Psychology Degree Programs [2025 Accredited Psychology Online Program Guide]
By Joy Miller
Edited by Tania Staley & Briana Sukert
Updated on November 30, 2024
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.
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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.
The main campus for Bellevue University is based in Bellevue, Nebraska, where it has been educating students since opening its doors in 1966. The school has over 10,000 enrolled students. It focuses on outreach programs and education into adulthood.
This university is recognized for preparing students for lifelong career success by applying learning techniques to real-life situations.
Bellevue University offers two psychology programs, a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Both are available to be studied on campus or via distance learning. The emphasis of these programs is on developing research and evaluation skills to better understand psychological concepts.
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1919, Bemidji State University is based on the western coast of Lake Bemidji, in northern Minnesota.
Serving over 5,000 students each year, this university is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best providers of higher education in the Midwest. Its core values are centered around community and environmental responsibility.
Bemidji State University offers both a BA and a BS in Psychology, with no different entry requirements between the two. Bemidji State University is the only Minnesota State School allowing students to complete a bachelor’s degree entirely via distance education.
Bemidji State University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Based in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Central Michigan University was established in 1892. It has an excellent reputation as a public research center and boasts over 27,000 students worldwide, with over two-thirds of those based at the main campus.
Central Michigan University offers a BS in Psychology that is available to study at a variety of locations across Michigan or online through its distance learning program.
This bachelor’s degree is flexible and can be customized to focus on students’ interests and career goals.
Central Michigan University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Chatham University was founded in 1869 and is based in Pennsylvania, with its main campus operating out of Shadyside, in Pittsburgh. Before 2014, the university only accepted female students but has since become a co-ed center. It has a population of just over 2,000 students each year.
The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Chatham University is focused on research and contemporary theory.
Chatham University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Colorado State University is the flagship university of the Colorado State University System. It was established in 1870 and is based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The online psychology degree offered by Colorado State University is designed to provide a well-rounded curriculum that encourages critical thinking, research, and communication. Student interaction is supported through video conferencing and chat forums.
Colorado State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
Columbia College, founded in 1851, is an arts and sciences educational facility that has its main campus in Columbia, Missouri. It also boasts 40 other campuses throughout the United States, as well as one in Cuba.
Eighteen of the college campuses are situated on military bases, providing education to military students.
The online psychology bachelor’s at Columbia College can also be completed in part at one of its 19 compatible campuses. Topics covered by the program include neuroscience, personality theory, psychotherapy, and human development, as well as behavioral and social theories.
Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University is based in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was formed in 1893 and is a liberal arts institution that has an affiliation with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. It has around 5,000 enrolled students.
Concordia’s online BA in Psychology program is designed to prepare students for further graduate school education by giving them a solid foundation in the study of contemporary methods. The program encourages investigative research and conceptual thinking.
Concordia University—St. Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1898, DePaul University is a Roman Catholic institution based in Chicago, Illinois. Based on the number of students enrolled, it is the largest Catholic university in the US.
The university places importance on first-generation students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, which has resulted in a wide-ranging and diverse student community.
DePaul University’s psychology programs aim to develop students’ analytical and research skills. Topics covered include theories of learning and cognition, health, and stress management. The programs also offer optional internship opportunities.
DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University is a research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with enrolled students totaling over 26,000. It was founded in 1891 by namesake Anthony J. Drexel, who was a philanthropist and financier.
One major aspect of this university is its cooperative education program, which enables students to gain up to 18 months of paid work experience in a sector relevant to their degree.
The psychology degree offered by Drexel University is taught entirely online by distinguished department faculty, allowing students ultimate flexibility. Courses focus on emotion, cognition, and human behavior while developing research methodology.
Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Endicott College was formed in 1939 and sits on 235 acres on the North Shore of Massachusetts Bay. The picturesque college, in Beverly, Massachusetts, has over 5,000 enrolled students.
The psychology program at Endicott College focuses on the scientific study of behavior, behavioral disorders, and treatment analysis. It aims to prepare students for graduate school education in a related field or for future career opportunities in areas such as therapy, counseling, or research.
Students are expected to design research projects, analyze data, interpret findings, and evaluate outcomes.
Endicott College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Based in University Park, Florida International University is the largest university in southern Florida. With over 57,000 students, it also has the fourth-largest number of enrolled students in the United States.
Founded in 1965, this is one of the most rapidly expanding modern universities. The BA in Psychology program from Florida International University can be completed entirely online, with guidance and one-on-one instruction from renowned faculty members.
Students are expected to study cognitive processes, statistics, human biology, and theories of personality and behavioral problems, among other topics.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Based in Houghton, New York, Houghton College is a Christian college affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. Founded in 1883, this liberal arts college is home to around 1,000 students. The BA in Psychology at Houghton College is available through flexible online courses and can be taken either full-time or part-time.
This bachelor’s degree aims to equip students with a solid understanding of what motivates people and help them develop analytical, research, communication, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning skills.
Houghton College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Founded in 1919, John Brown University is a Christian liberal arts school based in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. It has over 2,500 students, most of which are campus-based undergraduates.
John Brown University offers an online bachelor’s degree in psychology that approaches study from a religious perspective. Human behavior principles are studied from a faith-based angle.
The program aims to prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities, with a focus on understanding people and what motivates them.
John Brown University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and School.
Judson College is a small women’s college located in Marion, Alabama. It is a Baptist college affiliated with and funded by the Alabama Baptist Convention. The college has over 200 students enrolled in a range of bachelor’s degrees and professional preparation programs.
Judson College offers both a BA and BS in Psychology via distance learning to give students complete flexibility. The school encourages students to plan and conduct research to help them gain organizational, analytical, and communication skills relevant to the course curriculum.
Judson College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Founded in 1977 as a career college, Keiser University now offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees to its 20,000 students.
The BA in Psychology degree program at Keiser University aims to give students a thorough understanding of mental processes, human behavior, principles of neuroscience, and ethics. Students in the program are expected to undertake research projects and learn to evaluate psychological cases.
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University has grown since its beginnings in 1971 to become one of the largest Christian universities in the world.
This evangelical Christian institution operates on a conservative honor code. Liberty University offers an online bachelor’s program that students can customize to fit their own interests or career path goals.
The school specializes in addictions and recovery, criminal psychology, Christian counseling, life coaching, crisis counseling, and military resilience.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Loyola University is a Roman Catholic research school based in Chicago, Illinois. It was established in 1870 and has six campuses across Chicago, as well as one in Rome, Italy. The university boasts over 17,000 students, making it one of the biggest Catholic universities in the US.
Loyola University offers a BA in Applied Psychology. This bachelor’s degree is designed for students wanting to pursue career opportunities in management, coaching, leadership, or employee relations. It can be completed entirely online.
Loyola University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Mary Baldwin University was founded in 1842. It is a liberal arts school based in Staunton, Virginia. The university incorporates a residential women’s college, as well as a co-ed residential program for undergraduates.
MBU offers bachelor’s in psychology programs based on critical thinking, analysis, and hands-on research. Students can choose to focus on specific areas of interest, such as forensic psychology, child psychology, elder care, or mental health.
Mary Baldwin University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Maryville University is based in Town and Country, Missouri. It was founded in 1872 as an all-girls school by members of the Catholic congregation the Society of the Sacred Heart. It has been a co-ed institution since 1968.
The school now has over 6,000 enrolled students. Maryville University’s bachelor’s program is based on contemporary psychology theory. The curriculum covers general psychology, social sciences, human development, abnormal psychology, and statistics.
Maryville University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Mercer University was founded in 1833 and has its primary campus in Macon, Georgia, though it also has a campus in Atlanta and another in Savannah. The historic university has over 8,000 enrolled students.
Mercer University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology program that can be taken on campus or entirely online. Students are admitted five times throughout the year. The program aims to help students develop comprehension of psychological theories, concepts, and principles.
The curriculum covers cognitive psychology, social psychology, the history of psychology, research projects, and psychopathology.
Mercer University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Middle Tennessee State University was founded in 1911. It is based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and has a student population exceeding 21,000. The campus is spread across a sprawling 500 acres, where over 35 departments offer more than 80 different degree programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology from MTSU can be completed entirely online. Students are required to study a range of core topics, including developmental psychology, statistics for behavioral science, and psychology of social behavior.
Some of the courses offered are Sports Psychology, Child Psychology, The Psychology of Happiness and Well-Being, and Psychosexual Adjustment.
Middle Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Missouri State University was founded in 1905 and is based in Springfield, Missouri. The school is the second biggest university in Missouri in terms of enrollment, with a student population of over 26,000.
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology is available from Missouri State University through online learning. The program is designed to prepare students for graduate school studies and careers in directly related fields, such as clinical psychology and counseling.
It aims to equip students with a deeper understanding of human behavior, which is useful in a wide range of jobs, including management and personnel roles.
Missouri State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1899, Northern Arizona University is a research university based in Flagstaff, Arizona. It has over 30,000 enrolled students, with just over two-thirds of them attending the main campus. It runs a Pledge Program, which promises students the same tuition for four years.
NAU offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology program that can be completed on campus or online with distance learning.
The program explores a variety of topics, including creativity, relationships, compassion, sexuality, and neuroscience, from a psychological standpoint. There are also opportunities to partake in fieldwork and internships.
Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ohio University is a research university operating out of Athens, Ohio, where it overlooks Hocking River. Opened to students in 1809, it is the oldest university in Ohio. The number of enrolled students currently exceeds 34,000.
The College of Arts and Sciences at OU offers an online BA in Psychology. Despite studying remotely, students are encouraged to develop relationships with faculty and each other.
The program is designed to provide opportunities for practical study to deepen understanding of theory and allow students to gain valuable experience.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Old Dominion University was established in 1930 in Norfolk, Virginia. The campus covers over 250 acres and is one of the largest universities in Virginia, with almost 25,000 enrolled students.
ODU is ranked as one of the Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program aims to refine analytical thought processes and has modules in general psychology, as well as specialized areas of study.
Students can choose coursework topics from a wide range of psychology subject matters to fit with their personal interests and goals.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Oregon State University is the largest university in Oregon, with over 31,000 enrolled students. It is a flagship research university with the status of “highest research activity” from the Carnegie Foundation. It was established in 1868 and is based on over 400 acres in Corvallis, Oregon.
Psychology students at OSU can opt for an online BA or BS in Psychology provided by the university’s College of Liberal Arts.
Oregon State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Peru State College is based in Peru, Nebraska, and was founded in 1865 by members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The student population is a little over 2,000. The institution is one of the best in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Peru State College offers an online BA in Psychology program that is designed to help prepare students for success in their chosen career paths. The program boasts flexibility and affordability.
Peru State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Regent University is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It has over 8,000 enrolled students who are split between traditional campus learning and distance learning. The school is a Christian University and is affiliated with the Interdenominational Evangelical Church. It was founded in 1977.
Regent University offers several online bachelor’s degree programs in psychology. The programs approach studies from a Christian standpoint, covering topics such as social development, human behavior, and relationships.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Rowan University was founded in 1923 on a 25-acre site, which has since expanded to cover 200 acres in New Jersey. There are campuses in Glassboro, Camden, and Stratford, in New Jersey.
Rowan University runs a BA in Psychology online program that aims to provide a well-rounded curriculum of studies. Some courses available are Social Psychology, Developmental Psychopathology, Statistics in Psychology, the Psychology of Scientific Thinking, and Psychology as a Profession and Practice.
Rowan University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education, a unit of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Sam Houston State University is based in Huntsville, Texas. It was founded in 1879 and has over 20,000 enrolled students. It is recognized as a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.
Sam Houston State University offers a BS in Psychology program that can be completed online or on campus. It aims to prepare students for graduate studies and the end goal of career opportunities in a psychology-related field, such as psychotherapy, mental care services, or social research.
Students in the program have opportunities to participate in research projects run by faculty members.
Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
South Dakota State University was founded in 1881 and is a research university based in Brookings, South Dakota. With a student population of over 12,000, it is both the oldest and largest university in South Dakota.
SDSU offers a BS in Psychology that can be earned entirely online. The program covers a broad range of topics to prepare students for a wide choice of possible career paths. It is also designed to serve as good preparation for a graduate program in psychology, which is required for careers in clinical psychology.
South Dakota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tarleton State University sits on the outskirts of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, in Stephenville, Texas. It was established in 1899 and has over 13,000 students.
Tarleton State University offers online students the opportunity to gain a BS in Psychology with a concentration in one of the following three areas: General Psychology, Pre-Clinical Psychology, or Educational Psychology. This program investigates human behavior and how it is affected by the environment and biology.
Tarleton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Established in 1969, the University of Alabama—Birmingham has over 20,000 enrolled students and offers over 120 different programs of study. UAB is Alabama’s biggest employer and boasts one of the largest academic health centers in the country.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the UAB can be completed entirely online, allowing students from anywhere in the world to participate.
The program includes virtual classroom lectures, discussion boards, chat rooms, and multimedia. Students have opportunities to connect with peers from other states and countries, allowing them to develop a diverse network and broad mindset.
The University of Alabama—Birmingham is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Based in Tucson, Arizona, this research university was founded in 1885 as the first university in the state. The sprawling campus is located on 380 acres and is home to 19 different schools of study. There are over 45,000 students enrolled at the University of Arizona.
The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Arizona is run by one of the top-ranked psychology departments in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. The award-winning faculty provides courses in social psychology, health psychology, and cognitive neuroscience.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
The University of Central Florida is a research university based in Orlando, Florida. With over 66,000 students, it has the largest on-campus student population of any university in the United States.
The university was established in 1963 and has been ranked the 16th Most Innovative School in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
The UCF BS in Psychology online program offers studies on the foundation of psychology. It has six pathways to choose from: General Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Human Factors, Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Dating back to 1853, the University of Florida is now based in Gainesville, Florida. It has a total student population of over 56,000, 3,000 of which are online students. UF has been ranked the 6th Best Public University in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
This program approaches the study of psychology from scientific and natural standpoints, exploring mental processes, cognition, developmental changes throughout life, and sociocultural influences.
The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Houston, founded in 1927, offers 282 degree programs at its 667-acre campus in Houston, Texas.
With a total student population exceeding 46,000, it is the third-largest university in Texas in terms of enrollment. The school is also recognized as one of the best-value schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
UH offers two bachelor’s in psychology programs. The BA equips students with the skills needed for future careers in social services and other service-based fields, while the BS takes a more technical perspective for careers in medicine and similar industries.
The University of Houston is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Idaho is a primary research university based in Moscow, Idaho. Established in 1889, it has the largest campus in Idaho, at 1,585 acres. Over 12,000 students are enrolled at the school, and 142 different programs of study are offered.
Online students can earn a BA or a BS in Psychology from this university. Psychology majors can benefit from participation in research projects, course flexibility, and expert faculty tutelage.
The University of Idaho is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
KU’s main campus is in Lawrence, Kansas, though it has several other satellite campuses and educational facilities throughout the state. It was founded in 1865 and now has over 28,000 enrolled students.
The school’s Bachelor of General Studies in Psychology can be earned completely via distance learning classes. Topics of study offered include statistics in psychology, child development, social psychology, cognitive neuroscience, human sexuality, eating and weight disorders, and psychology and the law.
The University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1798 and owned by the city, the University of Louisville was the first of its kind in the United States. It is based in Louisville, Kentucky, and has over 21,000 enrolled students.
The school’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is geared toward working professionals who want to develop a deeper understanding of human behavior. It is designed to help students become more effective in business, leadership, public relations, and service-based industries.
The same faculty as the campus-based program teaches the online program.
The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Massachusetts—Amherst is based in Amherst, Massachusetts. It was established in 1863 and is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system. It enrolls over 20,000 students each year.
The school’s BA in Applied Psychology can be earned entirely online. The courses for the program are taught by faculty of the university’s College of Education, Psychology and Sociology departments, and School of Public Health and Health Sciences.
Course topics include abnormal psychology, substance abuse, family violence, social class inequality, and leadership behavior.
The University of Massachusetts—Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Memphis is based in Memphis, Tennessee. It was established in 1912 and now has a student enrollment of over 22,000.
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program can be completed online. Studies are based on natural and social sciences, with coursework designed to develop students’ critical thinking and quantitative analysis skills.
The program seeks to give students a broad understanding of human behavior and how it is affected by the natural and cultural world.
The University of Memphis is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of New Mexico was founded in 1889. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a student population of over 26,000, it has several campus branches throughout the area, in Rio Rancho, Gallup, Los Lunas, Los Alamos, and Taos.
UNM offers an online program to complete a BA in Psychology and an accelerated BA in Psychology program. The school’s online classes are taught by the same experienced instructors who teach the school’s on-campus classes.
Topics studied include brain and behavior, human neuropsychology, the psychology of emotion, and psychological research techniques.
The University of New Mexico is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of North Dakota is a research-based university in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Established in 1883, it is the state’s oldest university. It was formed with a foundation in liberal arts but grew to encompass scientific research. The school has over 13,000 enrolled students.
UND’s BA in Psychology can be taken part-time or full-time online. Degrees can be customized with a chosen specialty. Options include Behavioral Health, Forensic Psychology, or Cyberpsychology.
The University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Northern Colorado is based in Greeley, Colorado, with three other campuses in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Loveland. This research university was established in 1889 and currently has a student population of over 12,000.
UNC offers an online Bachelor’s in Psychology degree completion program designed to give those who have yet to finish their degrees the opportunity to complete them by taking courses in psychology.
This bachelor’s degree in psychology program is designed for adult learners who need flexible study schedules.
The University of Northern Colorado is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Texas—Permian Basin was established in 1976 and is based in Odessa, Texas. With a current student population of over 7,000, the university is experiencing rapid growth. U.S. News & World Report ranked UTPB as one of the top public schools in the country.
UTPB’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offers a flexible and affordable opportunity to study human behavior. The program is designed to teach research methods and critical thinking skills and help students develop a solid foundation in psychology studies.
Core courses include Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Drugs and Behavior, Physiological Psychology, and Lifespan Psychology.
The University of Texas—Permian Basin is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Based in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah was established in 1882. It offers nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and has over 33,000 enrolled students. The campus is based on 1,534 acres of land.
The university offers a BS in Psychology that can be completed 100% online. The program encourages interaction with peers and faculty members through discussion boards, email, and group assignments. Recorded videos of the lectures can be viewed at any time.
The University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is located in Logan, Utah, on a 400-acre campus. With on-campus enrollment totaling over 20,000, the university is home to Utah’s largest residential student population. The total number of enrolled students, including those not living on campus, is over 27,000.
A BS in Psychology can be pursued online at Utah State University, while a BA in Psychology is also offered to students who gain proficiency in a foreign language. Psychology students can complete a work experience apprenticeship as part of their degree.
Utah State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Walden University was established in 1970. Its academic offices are in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and its administrative offices are in Baltimore, Maryland. The university has almost 50,000 students.
Walden University offers an online BS in Psychology. Students in this program can choose from various concentrations to align with their interests and career goals. Options include Addiction, Forensic Psychology, Workplace Psychology, Criminal Justice, General Psychology, and Human Services.
Courses are taught remotely by doctorate-level faculty with experience in the field.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Washington State University was founded in 1890. Its main campus is in Pullman, Washington, with other campuses in Spokane, Vancouver, Tri-cities, and Everett.
WSU’s BS in Psychology can be completed online. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks this program among the top online bachelor’s degree programs in the country. The program offers an engaging, flexible, and fully distance learning experience taught by renowned professors.
The school also offers numerous resources and networking opportunities to encourage peer interaction.
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!