Here you can explore online psychology degree programs and compare schools to help you consider what you might do after graduating with a degree in psychology.
If you’ve ever considered a career in psychology but don’t have time to commute to college for years, why not work toward an online psychology degree in the comfort of your own home?
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There are plenty of online and traditional universities all over the U.S. now offering degrees in this popular field. You will find programs offering on-campus and online associates in psychology, as well as bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctorates.
What Are the Best Online Psychology Degrees?
There are several types of online programs in psychology-related fields. Click on an area that you’re interested in to jump to that part of the page.
- Psychology – General
- Addictions and Recovery
- Behavioral Psychology
- Child & Adolescent Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Mental Health Counseling
- Organizational Psychology
The key is finding the specialty that suits your interests.
Psychology – General
Earning a degree in general psychology can help you develop a broad understanding of the field of psychology in general. Instead of focusing on one specific area, general psychology programs give an overview of things related to the human mind and how it works.
Depending on whether or not you’d like to attend medical school one day, you can potentially use a bachelor’s degree in psychology to work towards a job as a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
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Either job, like most psychology-related jobs, 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. Depression, anxiety, phobias, addiction are studies in general psychology.
Addictions and Recovery
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. However, 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.
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Being empathetic can be a very beneficial trait for addiction and recovery specialists. Many addicts have had horrible trauma in their pasts and have often degraded themselves in pursuit of feeding their addictions.
Most need to feel safe and understood—not judged—in order to trust someone enough to talk about these instances.
Behavioral Psychology
Behavioral psychologists are psychologists who specialize in changing a person’s behavior, particularly those behaviors 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, scab picking, etc.
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 some type of medication.
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People who have degrees in behavioral psychology often go on to become behavioral specialists or case managers in hospitals or public schools. If you’re hoping to become a behavioral psychologist, a curious mind, 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.
Child & Adolescent Development
In addition to all the qualities we’ve listed above, a love of children is a beneficial trait for psychologists who work in the child and adolescent development field. It takes a certain type of person to comfortably spend his or her entire workday surrounded by kids. If you can’t do that, this probably isn’t the field for you.
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, depression, and anxiety, that require regular therapy sessions.
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Whatever the kids’ problems, child and adolescent development specialists help them work through and overcome them. If their problems cannot be overcome, child psychologists use a combination of therapy, routines, and sometimes medication to help children manage their problems instead, with the ultimate goal of living as normal lives as possible.
Educational Psychology
Simply put, educational psychologists help people learn how to learn. Many people, children and adults both, 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, there are some that specialize in working with adults with cognitive disabilities.
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Educational psychologists’ potential job duties are numerous. They give patients diagnostic tests and psycho-educational assessments to determine what type of learning disabilities the patients have.
After initial assessments, psychologists then work closely with the patients and their parents, teachers, and other relevant adults to develop educational plans for them. These plans include special learning accommodations, therapy, specially-tailored study skills, and more. Many educational psychologists work inside schools.
Forensic Psychology
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Mindhunter or seen Dr. Lance Sweets questioning suspects in Bones, you likely have an idea of what a forensic psychologist does. These psychologists are also known as “criminal psychologists.”
These psychologists question and study the responses and behaviors of criminals, especially violent criminals, such as murderers, sexual offenders, and terrorists.
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In addition to helping investigators interrogate potential suspects, forensic psychologists do other things too, including:
- Preparing witnesses to take the stand
- Examining crime scenes
- Helping compile criminal suspect profiles
- Recommending sentencing to prosecutors (e.g. jail vs. psychiatric hospital)
- Providing counseling to inmates
If you wish to pursue a career in forensic psychology, being shrewd, intelligent, and good with puzzles can be helpful. You may also need quite a bit of fortitude to be able to sit across from hardened criminals and listen to some of their stories.
Mental Health Counseling
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.
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There are other numerous topics that counselors work with patients to overcome, including:
- Fear of aging
- Anger management
- Managing stress and anxiety
- Parenting and relationship skills
- Self and body image issues
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
Organizational psychology is one of the lesser-known fields of psychology, 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 employees could handle the stress of a challenging promotion, and even which employees just aren’t working out in the company.
However, this isn’t all organizational psychologists do. 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.
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They may listen to employee complaints, grievances, and praise of the company and suggest policies to management that could potentially improve overall company 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.
Courses for an Online Psychology Degree
Depending on which specific sub-discipline of psychology you’re most interested in pursuing, your psychology courses may be a little different than those taken by someone else majoring in psychology.
The online program you choose will also help determine your specific classes, but since many courses are similar, we can give you a basic overview of some of the types of online classes you may be required to take.
Here’s a sampling of required courses from Arizona State University’s online psychology degree program. Wherever you choose to attend school, you’re probably going to be expected to take similar classes as these.
Keep in mind that while this is a pretty good sample of classes you might be required to take, it certainly isn’t an exhaustive list.
Core Education Courses: Most degrees require basic core classes. These often include English, math, and science. These are basic college classes that most students take.
Psych 101: Basic psychology is another common class psychology students take and is an overview of psychology-related topics.
Intro to Statistics: This course covers basic statistical concepts, particularly as they can be applied to psychology.
Research Methods: Research skills are critical to any good psychologist. The field of psychology is constantly evolving, and new theories are being proven and disproved all the time. Being able to do extensive research can help you stay relevant in the field. This class is designed to teach that skill.
Reasoning and Critical Thinking: This class can help you improve your ability to think and reason out complex problems, which can be very beneficial skills for psychologists to have.
Various Upper-Level Classes: Other classes commonly included are courses on human development, common and rare psychological and neurological diseases, social development, neuroscience, memory and cognition, abnormal psychology, and careers in psychology.
Together, these classes can help you become a well-rounded student, knowledgeable in various areas of psychology and related disciplines.
Bachelor’s of Psychology Degree Salary
The annual salary range for different psychology-related jobs is pretty varied, ranging from an average salary to quite high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for community and social service occupations is $47,520 per year. Licensed psychologists, in general, have an average salary of $82,180 per year. Some positions have salaries as high as $137,590.
Here are some career opportunities you could potentially get with a psychology degree:
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Psychiatrists | $208,000 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $105,780 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $96,270 |
| Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | $79,820 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $55,690 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $48,720 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $47,660 |
These are only some of the jobs for which you could apply after receiving your bachelor’s degree in psychology. Some of these, such as the psychiatry career, would require you to continue past the bachelor’s level degree, though.
Professional Organizations for Those with a Psychology Degree
Earning your psychology degree and becoming a licensed psychologist also allows you to apply for membership with several different psychological organizations. These include the following:
American Mental Health Counselors Association
Founded in 1976, the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is a group of mental health counselors from all across the U.S. It pretty much sets the bar when it comes to mental health counseling.
Its members initially wrote, sometimes revise, and constantly enforce the standards and code of ethics for all U.S. mental health counselors. The association also educates new counselors and is responsible for licensing. It publishes the Journal of Mental Health Counseling as well.
American Psychological Association
The American Psychological Association (APA) states that it acts as “the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States.” The group has over 121,000 members consisting of students, clinicians, educators, consultants, and researchers.
The APA works tirelessly to better educate the general public about new advances in psychology. Its researchers are constantly working to ensure the APA stays at the forefront of the psychological field, and one of the association’s main goals is to prepare the world of psychology for the future.
Association for Psychological Science
Also known as the APS, the Association for Psychological Science was founded in 1988. It was founded by psychologists and researchers who weren’t happy with the job the APA was doing.
It’s a non-profit group and now has over 33,000 members whose goal is to advance psychology research and education for the ultimate improvement of humanity.
The APS provides research findings to the general public, holds an annual meeting, and publishes many psychology-related journals. There are practicing psychologists in the APS, but at its core, the APS is all about advancing research in the field of psychology and protecting the field of psychology’s integrity.
Certification and Licensure Following a Psychology Degree
Once you’ve earned your psychology 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 needed 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.
Accreditation for a Psychology Degree Online
In short, regional accreditation helps to ensure that the bachelor’s degree in psychology 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.
If your program doesn’t have regional accreditation, you may not be able to transfer your credits to another university.
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education certifies programs that teach practices for couples therapy, marriage therapy, and family counseling. This accreditation is only given to higher-degree programs, like an online master’s in psychology program or an online Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program.
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, more commonly called CACREP, is often considered the gold standard in psychology accreditation. Psychology programs pursue CACREP accreditation to prove their quality.
CACREP evaluates every program hoping for accreditation from them, holding each program to the highest standards. CACREP is so well-respected that receiving a degree accredited by them can potentially lead to receiving your license in a multitude of states across the U.S.
National Association of School Psychologists
Also known as NASP, the National Association of School Psychologists accredits programs that uphold the high standards of excellence required for getting psychologists ready to work in elementary and secondary schools.
The self-defined goal of NASP accreditation is to “promote comprehensive and integrated services” not only for the students served by their licensed psychologists but also those students’ families, school systems, and teachers.
Financial Aid for Online Psychology Degrees
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.
Scholarships are another form of financial aid and are typically the best kind of financial aid because they normally don’t need to be repaid. There are all kinds of scholarships out there ready to be awarded to deserving students, but the following three may be particularly beneficial for you to check out.
AP-LS Award for Best Undergraduate Paper
The APA awards some great scholarships and grants each year, but the AP-LS Award for Best Undergraduate Paper is one of the most coveted by psychology students. This scholarship is given to one student each year who writes an exemplary research paper focused on the joint studies of law and psychology.
If you’ve contributed to a project recently that centered around those two disciplines, you could potentially be eligible for this award.
NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program
The NHI Undergraduate Scholarship Program pays up to $20,000 each year to eligible students in need. This scholarship is granted to students on the basis of financial need. If selected to receive this scholarship, you’ll be committed to two things:
- Participating in a 10-week long paid internship through NIH’s summer lab
- Serving one year of employment with NIH for each year you’re awarded the scholarship after you graduate
Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarship
The Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarship pays $3,000 to eight lucky students each year. To qualify, you must be an undergraduate Psi Chi member majoring in either psychology or a psychology-related field.
Questions Related to Earning a Psychology Bachelor Degree Online
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about online bachelor’s degree programs in psychology to help clear up any lingering hesitation you might have.
Can I Get My Bachelors in Psychology Online?
Yes, there are online programs for bachelor’s degrees in psychology. It is important to check whether the online university has regional accreditation and if the degree program has programmatic accreditation, such as CACREP accreditation.
Is an Online Psychology Degree Any Good?
Yes, accredited online psychology degree programs are usually just as good as their on-campus equivalents. As long as the school and the degree program you choose have regional accreditation, then your online psychology degree should be viewed the same as a degree earned at an on-campus institution.
Many people in many different fields of study are now choosing to earn their degrees online.
How Much Does an Online Psychology Degree Cost?
Prices for online psychology degree programs will vary depending on the university you choose. In-state vs. out-of-state tuition will also influence your total costs. Out of the most affordable online psychology degrees in the past year, the annual tuition rates ranged from $4,200 to $8,500.
Tuition costs are only part of your total costs. When figuring your total estimated costs, don’t forget about the other requirements you must meet. There’ll be fees, of course, and you’ll need books.
Still, many online bachelor’s degree programs are very reasonably priced these days, which can make it easier to find one that fits your needs.
What Is the Cheapest Online Psychology Degree?
Prices vary from school to school and from year to year, but psychology programs have been found with tuition rates as low as $4,200. This doesn’t include fees, books, or anything other than tuition. Since tuition is typically the largest cost with online universities, though, this can help give you an idea of the least you might pay without grants or scholarships.
What Is the Best Online College for Psychology?
Many alumni from various schools like to proclaim how their universities are the best, but the truth is, there is no “best” online college for psychology. There’s only what’s best for you.
Considering relevant factors can help you determine whether a school is the best one for you. Some things you may want to consider are tuition costs and your budget, whether you will be required to travel to campus, how far away the school is, and whether or not the program offers the specific specializations you desire.
Universities Offering a Bachelor Degree in Psychology Online
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 online learning. The emphasis of these programs is on developing research and evaluation skills to better understand psychological concepts.
- BA in Psychology
- BS in Psychology
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 the north of 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 online psychology programs for a BA and a BS, 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 in psychology entirely online.
- BA in Psychology
- BS in Psychology
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 students from anywhere around the world can opt to study the program online.
This bachelor’s degree in psychology is flexible and can be customized to focus on students’ interests and career goals.
- BS in Psychology
CMU 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. Prior to 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 program at Chatham University is focused on research and contemporary theory. The university is a member of the prestigious National Honor Society of Psychology Studies and has a vast online library of over 50 databases of articles that can be accessed globally.
- BA in Psychology
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. It boasts over 33,000 students, 5,000 of which are enrolled in online programs.
The online BS in Psychology degree offered by Colorado State University is designed to provide a well-rounded curriculum that encourages critical thinking, research, and communication. Despite being an online learning program, student interaction is supported through video conferencing and chat forums.
- BS in Psychology
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 degree 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.
- BA in Psychology
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 psychology methods. The program encourages investigative research and conceptual thinking.
- BA in Psychology
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 abnormal psychology, theories of learning and cognition, health psychology, and stress management. The programs also offer optional internship opportunities.
- BA in Psychology
- BS in Psychology
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 online 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.
- BS in Psychology
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.
- BS in Psychology
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 online BA in Psychology program from Florida International University is able to be completed entirely online, with guidance and one-on-one instruction from renowned faculty members.
Psychology students are expected to study cognitive processes, statistics, human biology, and theories of personality and behavioral problems, among other topics.
- BA in Psychology
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 degree at Houghton College is available through flexible online courses and can be taken either full-time or part-time.
This bachelor’s degree in psychology 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.
- BA in Psychology
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 psychology degree that approaches study from a religious perspective. Human behavior and psychology principles are studied from a faith-based angle with the purpose of giving students a deeper understanding of the topics.
The program aims to prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities, with a focus on understanding people and what motivates them.
- BS in Psychology
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 several psychology courses via distance learning to give students complete flexibility. The school encourages students to plan and conduct their own research, gaining organizational, analytical, and communication skills relevant to the course curriculum.
- BA in Psychology
- BS in Psychology
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. Its main campus is based in West Palm Beach, Florida, though it also has a vast number of online 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.
- BA in Psychology
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. It boasts over 100,000 students, with around 90% of those enrolled as online students.
This evangelical Christian institution is involved in Republican politics and operates a conservative honor code. Liberty University offers an online psychology degree 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, military resilience, and developmental psychology.
- BS in Psychology
- BS in Psychology – Addiction and Recovery
- BS in Psychology – Criminal Psychology
- BS in Psychology – Crisis Counseling
- BS in Psychology – Developmental Psychology
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, which provides studies in the importance of psychology within a business. This bachelor’s degree in psychology is designed for students wanting to pursue career opportunities in management, coaching, leadership, and employee relations.
The program can be completed entirely online or as a combination of online and on-campus courses.
- BA in Applied Psychology
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.
The university is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and is home to the only corps of cadets composed solely of females in the world.
MBU offers an online psychology program that is 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, and mental health.
- BA in Psychology
- BS in Psychology
MBU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
This 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. The online psychology program from Maryville University is based on contemporary psychology theory. The curriculum covers general psychology, social sciences, human development, abnormal psychology, and statistics.
- BA in Psychology
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.
- BS in Psychology
Mercer University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
MTSU 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 degrees programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program 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 electives students can choose include sports psychology, child psychology, the psychology of happiness and well-being, and psychosexual adjustment.
- BS in Psychology
Middle Tennessee State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College 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.
- BS in Psychology
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 rate of 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 number of topics, including creativity, relationships, compassion, sexuality, and neuroscience, from a psychological standpoint. There are also opportunities to partake in fieldwork and internships.
- BS in Psychology
Northern Arizona University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Ohio University is a research university operating out of Athens, Ohio, where it overlooks the 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 program. Despite studying online, students are encouraged to develop relationships with faculty and with each other.
The program is designed to provide opportunities for practical study to deepen understanding of theory and allow students to gain valuable experience.
- BA in Psychology
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 runs an online psychology degree program that was ranked as one of the Best Online Bachelors’ 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 are able to choose coursework topics from a wide range of psychology subject matters to fit with their own interests.
- BS in Psychology
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 provided by the university’s College of Liberal Arts. The OSU College of Liberal Arts was ranked as one of the Best Online Liberal Arts Colleges by College Factual. Ecampus students receive the same degree as those who attend the physical campus.
- BA in Psychology
- BS in Psychology
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. It is the oldest institution in Nebraska and offers a highly successful and extensive program of online education. 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 path. The program boasts flexibility and affordability.
- Bachelor’s in Psychology
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 online 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, including a BS in Psychology, a BS in Psychology – Clinical & Counseling Psychology, and a BS in Professional Studies – Psychology.
The programs approach studies from a Christian standpoint, covering topics such as social development, human behavior, and relationships.
- BPS in Psychology
- BS in Psychology
- BS in Psychology – Clinical & Counseling Psychology
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.
There are almost 20,000 students enrolled at the university, including those studying on campus and online.
Rowan University runs a BA in Psychology online program that aims to provide a well-rounded curriculum of studies. Some of the course modules available are Health Psychology, Social Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Developmental Psychopathology, Statistics in Psychology, the Psychology of Scientific Thinking, and Psychology as a Profession and Practice.
- BA in Psychology
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 20,00 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, and social research.
Students in the program have the opportunity to get involved with research projects run by faculty members.
- BS in Psychology
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 in excess of 12,000, it is both the oldest and the largest university in South Dakota.
SDSU offers a BS in Psychology that can be earned entirely online. The program covers a broad topic range to help 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 typically required for careers in clinical psychology.
- BS in 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 concentrations in the following three areas: General Psychology, Pre-Clinical Psychology, and Educational Psychology.
These bachelor’s degree in psychology programs investigate human behavior and how it is affected by environment and biology. The disciplines of psychology studied in this program include forensic and health, clinical and counseling, developmental and cognitive, and human factor engineering.
- BS in Psychology – Educational Psychology
- BS in Psychology – General
- BS in Psychology – Pre-Clinical
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 online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program from the UAB can be completed entirely online, allowing students from anywhere in the world to participate.
The program includes virtual classroom lectures, online discussion boards, chat rooms, and multimedia. Students have opportunities to connect with peers from other states and countries, developing a more diverse network and broad mind.
- BS in Psychology
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, which 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 program 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 university placed 8th in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs” nationwide ranking.
The award-winning faculty provides courses in social psychology, health psychology, and cognitive neuroscience with the purpose of helping students develop a broad skill set.
- BA in Psychology
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning 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 US News & World Report.
The UCF BS in Psychology online program provides studies on the foundation of psychology. This bachelor’s degree in psychology offers six pathways to choose from, allowing students to customize their experience to suit their interests within psychology. The options are General Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Human Factors, Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
- BS in 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 6th Best Public University in the country by US News & World Report.
The online psychology degree program from UF is run by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. It approaches the study of psychology from both scientific and natural standpoints, exploring mental processes, cognition, developmental changes throughout life, and sociocultural influences.
- BA in Psychology
The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Houston offers 282 degree programs at its 667-acre campus in Houston, Texas. It was founded in 1927 and is the third-largest university in Texas in terms of student enrollment. The total student population exceeds 46,000, and the school is recognized as one of the best value schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
UH offers two online psychology degree programs, a BA that aims to equip students with skills needed for future careers in social services and other service-based fields and a BS that takes a more technical perspective for careers in medicine and similar industries.
- BA in Psychology
- BS in Psychology
The University of Houston is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Idaho is a primary research university based in Moscow, Idaho. It was established in 1889 and has the largest campus in Idaho, standing 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 BS in Psychology from this university. Psychology majors can benefit from participation in research projects, course flexibility, and expert faculty tutelage. This is a very popular program, with over 500 students enrolled in the undergraduate psychology degree programs.
- BA in Psychology
- BS in Psychology
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 Bachelor of General Studies in Psychology from the University of Kansas can be studied via completely online classes. Courses and electives in the program include a broad range of topics, including statistics in psychology, child development, social psychology, cognitive neuroscience, human sexuality, eating and weight disorders, and psychology and the law.
The online degree follows the same format as the on-campus degree and has the same requirements.
- Bachelor of General Studies – Psychology
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 out of Louisville, Kentucky, and has over 21,000 enrolled students.
The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program from the University of Louisville is geared towards 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, service-based industries, and a wide range of other fields.
The online program is taught by the same faculty as the campus-based program and is 100% online.
- BA in Psychology
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 among a total of five for the University of Massachusetts system. It enrolls over 20,000 students each year.
At the University of Massachusetts—Amherst, students can work toward obtaining a BA in Applied Psychology 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.
- BA in Applied Psychology
- BA in Psychology
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 from the University of Memphis can be completed online from anywhere in the world. Studies are based on natural and social sciences, with coursework aimed to develop a student’s critical thinking and quantitative analysis skills.
The objective of this bachelor’s degree in psychology is to give students a broad understanding of human behavior and how it is affected by the natural and cultural world.
- BA in Psychology
The University of Memphis is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of New Mexico was founded in 1889. It is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has several campus branches throughout the area, in Rio Rancho, Gallup, Los Lunas, Los Alamos, and Taos. Enrolled students total over 26,000. UNM’s online programs have an intake of students five times per year to provide flexible start dates.
UNM offers an online program to complete a BA in Psychology and an accelerated BA in Psychology online program. Courses are developed and taught by on-campus, experienced faculty. Topics studied include brain and behavior, human neuropsychology, the psychology of emotion, and psychological research techniques.
- BA in Psychology
The University of New Mexico is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of North Dakota is a research university based 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.
A BA in Psychology program is offered by UND in an online format that can be taken either part-time or full-time to work around a student’s schedule. Degrees can be customized with a chosen specialty. Options include Behavioral Health, Forensic Psychology, and Cyberpsychology.
- BA in Psychology
- BS in Psychology
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.
Online teaching is carried out by on-campus faculty members and can be started at the beginning of any term. This bachelor’s degree in psychology program is designed for adult learners who need flexible study schedules.
- BA in Psychology
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 undergoing rapid growth. U.S. News & World Report ranked UTPB #32 for Top Public Schools in the country.
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology online program from UTPB offers students the opportunity to study human behavior in a flexible and affordable way. The program is designed to teach research methods and critical thinking skills and help students develop a foundation for their pursuit of various careers.
Core courses include Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Drugs and Behavior, Physiological Psychology, and Lifespan Psychology.
- BA in Psychology
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 degree programs to both undergraduates and graduates and has over 33,000 enrolled students. The campus is based on 1,534 acres of land.
The university offers a BS in Psychology program that can be completed entirely online, incorporating interactive learning with solo home study. The program encourages interaction with peers and faculty members through discussion boards, email, and group assignments. Recorded videos of the lectures can be viewed online at any time.
- BS in Psychology
The University of Utah is accredited by 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 have the opportunity to complete a work experience apprenticeship as part of their degree.
- BS in Psychology
Utah State University is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Walden University was established in 1970 and is an entirely online university. The academic offices are situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the administrative offices are in Baltimore, Maryland. The university has almost 50,000 online students.
Walden University offers an online BS in Psychology program. Students in this program can choose from various concentrations to align with their interests and career goals. Concentration 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.
- BS in Psychology
Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Washington State University was founded in 1890. The main campus is in Pullman, Washington, with other campuses in Spokane, Vancouver, Tri-cities, and Everett. Enrolled students total over 30,000, with more than 3,000 of these accounting for online students.
WSU offers students the opportunity to complete a BS in Psychology program online. This program consistently ranks among the top online bachelor’s degree programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report and is designed to offer an engaging, flexible, and fully online experience taught by renowned professors.
Numerous resources and networking opportunities can also be accessed online to encourage peer interaction.
- BS in Psychology
Washington State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Is a Bachelor’s of Psychology Degree Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor of Psychology degree is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in life, physical, and social science occupations 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 towards your degree is more convenient than ever before. The option of earning your psychology degree online can allow you to take classes around your work and life schedules. You can start looking now for the perfect psychology online bachelor’s degree programs for you and take the first steps towards your new career!
