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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology for 2024

An online bachelor’s in psychology can open doors to a wide range of careers and educational paths both inside and outside of the field. Learn what earning the degree entails and which schools offer this foundational credential today.

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When you begin your search for an online bachelor’s degree in psychology, you have a number of school options from which to choose. It can be tough to compare all the differences when it comes to flexibility, affordability, and accreditation. To help, we’ve profiled three of today’s best online psychology programs at the bachelor’s level, which includes detailed information on the information you need to make a decision: courses offered, costs encountered, and career prospects once you graduate. See which schools are making a difference in 2024.

or
About the ranking

X

Base Methodology for EduMed’s Best Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.

One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.

Two: Assign Weighting

After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS. 

The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted. 

Online Programs – Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.

Online Student % – Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.

Tuition – The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.

Institutional Aid – Percent of full-time undergraduate students who are awarded institutional grant aid, as self-reported by the school.

Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.

Career Placement Services – Existence of this service on campus or online.

Student/Faculty Ratio

About Our DataEduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2023

# School Name Type Tuition Online Programs More Details School Information Online Students Academic Counseling Career Placement Students w/Institutional Aid Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry Accreditation
1 Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo, MI Public $$ 8

Western Michigan University's Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree gives students the knowledge, skills, and expertise they need to go on to a successful career in the field of psychology. The program can be completed either fully online or on-campus; both offer the opportunity to complete a field study, participate in practicum opportunities, or work in a lab setting. Additionally, the Department of Psychology students and faculty work with the Kalamazoo Autism Center to help provide evidence-based treatment and therapy to individuals and their families.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

  • Credits: 32
  • Length: Four years
  • Cost: $603.92/credit
  • Mode: In-person, online
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
Online
Student %
72%
2 The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA Private not-for-profit $$$$ 14

The Chicago's School's Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program offers a flexible and uniquely designed program to fit each student's career interests. Students can enroll in the four-year full-time program or the eight-year part-time program and also enroll in accompanying master's level courses. The program offers minors in Applied Behavior Analysis, Health Sciences, and Addiction Studies for more specialized skills within the field of psychology. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in various roles in organizational training and development, medical and health services management, human resources, and more.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Arts Psychology

  • Credits: 45
  • Length: Four years (full-time) or eight years (part-time)
  • Cost: $516/credit
  • Mode: In-person and online
  • Accreditation: WSCUCli>
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
5/1
Online
Student %
91%
3 Regent UniversityVirginia Beach, VA Private not-for-profit $$$ 5

Regent University has been ranked one of the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report and has offered one of the best online bachelor's programs in Virginia for 10 years in a row. Students can pursue their Bachelor of Science in Psychology in-person at its Virginia Beach location or online. The curriculum is centered around a Christian worldview, with skills and values emphasizing Christian principles. Courses include Theories of Personality, Research Methods, Data Analysis, and more.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: Four years
  • Cost: $393-$630/credit
  • Mode: On campus, online
  • Accreditation: CACREP
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
21/1
Online
Student %
92%
4 Alliant International University-San DiegoSan Diego, CA Private for-profit $$$ 6 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
5/1
Online
Student %
100%
5 Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State, MS Public $ 6 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
42%
6 Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater, OK Public $ 4 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
Online
Student %
52%
7 University of Nevada-Las VegasLas Vegas, NV Public $ 5 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
Online
Student %
59%
8 Mid-America Christian UniversityOklahoma City, OK Private not-for-profit $$$ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
11/1
Online
Student %
96%
9 Fayetteville State UniversityFayetteville, NC Public $ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
Online
Student %
91%
10 University of North DakotaGrand Forks, ND Public $$ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
70%
11 Park UniversityParkville, MO Private not-for-profit $ 5 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
14/1
Online
Student %
90%
12 Colorado Christian UniversityLakewood, CO Private not-for-profit $$$$ 5 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
Online
Student %
56%
13 University of Houston-VictoriaVictoria, TX Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
Online
Student %
92%
14 University of Illinois SpringfieldSpringfield, IL Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
12/1
Online
Student %
92%
15 Carolina UniversityWinston-Salem, NC Private not-for-profit $ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
10/1
Online
Student %
98%
16 The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa, TX Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
Online
Student %
81%
17 Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA Private not-for-profit $ 6 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
91%
18 Maryville University of Saint LouisSaint Louis, MO Private not-for-profit $$$$ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
Online
Student %
84%
19 Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion, IN Private not-for-profit $ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
93%
20 Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield, MO Public $ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
Online
Student %
54%
21 Columbia CollegeColumbia, SC Private not-for-profit $$$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
11/1
Online
Student %
79%
22 Faulkner UniversityMontgomery, AL Private not-for-profit $$$$ 4 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
Online
Student %
54%
23 Norfolk State UniversityNorfolk, VA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
Online
Student %
97%
24 Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro, AK Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
14/1
Online
Student %
69%
25 Idaho State UniversityPocatello, ID Public $ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
Online
Student %
59%
26 Kentucky State UniversityFrankfort, KY Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
Online
Student %
85%
27 McNeese State UniversityLake Charles, LA Public $ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
Online
Student %
86%
or
About the ranking

X

Base Methodology for EduMed’s Best Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.

One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.

Two: Assign Weighting

After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS. 

The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted. 

Online Programs – Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.

Online Student % – Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.

Tuition – The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.

Institutional Aid – Percent of full-time undergraduate students who are awarded institutional grant aid, as self-reported by the school.

Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.

Career Placement Services – Existence of this service on campus or online.

Student/Faculty Ratio

About Our DataEduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2023

# School Name Type Tuition Online Programs More Details School Information Online Students Academic Counseling Career Placement Students w/Institutional Aid Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry Accreditation
1 Ellsworth Community CollegeIowa Falls, IA Public $ 1

Students enrolled at Ellsworth Community College's Psychology Associate of Arts (AA) program will learn the skills needed seek to understand human thoughts and behaviors and help others. Coursework will include experience-based training that will prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution to obtain a credentialed undergraduate degree. Additionally, ECC Psychology students can tailor their coursework to Psychology, Human Services, or Social Work. Completion of the program can lead to careers within health and human services, management, education, law, and sports.

Program Highlights:

Psychology Associate of Arts (AA)

  • Credits: 64
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $221/credit
  • Mode: On-campus
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
79%
2 Santa Rosa Junior CollegeSanta Rosa, CA Public $ 1

Students enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College's associate degree program in psychology will learn the skills needed to pursue a career in psychology across a global, multicultural, and comparative context. Students will take an average of 19 on-campus courses, spanning psychological research methods, human sexuality, behavioral sciences statistics, interpersonal communication, and more. Courses are taken in-person. Completion of the program will allow students to further pursue education and skills at the university level within the field of psychology.

Program Highlights:

Associate of Psychology (AA)

  • Credits: 21
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $42/credit
  • Mode: On-campus
  • Accreditation: ACCJC/WASC
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
85%
3 Redlands Community CollegeEl Reno, OK Public $ 1

The Associate in Arts in Psychology program at Redlands Community College educates students on early and contemporary theories of behavior. The program gives a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and thinking, allowing students to seek an entry level position in a human services agency or continue their education at a four-year university. Redlands Community College offers a 13% lower tuition rate than the state average for public universities. Students have access to over 70 faculty members with master's degrees or higher subject-specific education.

Program Highlights:

Associate in Arts in Psychology

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $154.84/credit
  • Mode: On-campus
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
Online
Student %
87%
4 Napa Valley CollegeNapa, CA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
Online
Student %
83%
5 Barton County Community CollegeGreat Bend, KS Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
Online
Student %
69%
6 Cerritos CollegeNorwalk, CA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
26/1
Online
Student %
78%
7 Pasadena City CollegePasadena, CA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
21/1
Online
Student %
88%
8 Houston Community CollegeHouston, TX Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
Online
Student %
77%
9 Marshalltown Community CollegeMarshalltown, IA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
Online
Student %
66%
10 Monroe Community CollegeRochester, NY Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
Online
Student %
82%
11 San Joaquin Delta CollegeStockton, CA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
35/1
Online
Student %
97%
12 Butler Community CollegeEl Dorado, KS Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
66%
13 San Bernardino Valley CollegeSan Bernardino, CA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
Online
Student %
91%
14 Community College of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia, PA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
12/1
Online
Student %
97%
15 College of the RedwoodsEureka, CA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
14/1
Online
Student %
66%
16 Central New Mexico Community CollegeAlbuquerque, NM Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
Online
Student %
74%
17 Lansing Community CollegeLansing, MI Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
12/1
Online
Student %
90%
18 College of San MateoSan Mateo, CA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
Online
Student %
76%
19 Cerro Coso Community CollegeRidgecrest, CA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
22/1
Online
Student %
80%
20 Holmes Community CollegeGoodman, MS Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
63%
21 Mesa Community CollegeMesa, AZ Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
Online
Student %
60%
22 Merced CollegeMerced, CA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
23/1
Online
Student %
89%
23 Bucks County Community CollegeNewtown, PA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
Online
Student %
81%
24 Hawkeye Community CollegeWaterloo, IA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
Online
Student %
45%
25 Copiah-Lincoln Community CollegeWesson, MS Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
20/1
Online
Student %
66%
26 Butte CollegeOroville, CA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
21/1
Online
Student %
81%
27 Macomb Community CollegeWarren, MI Public $ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
25/1
Online
Student %
89%
28 Cape Cod Community CollegeWest Barnstable, MA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
10/1
Online
Student %
53%
29 Temple CollegeTemple, TX Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
Online
Student %
64%
30 Casper CollegeCasper, WY Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
14/1
Online
Student %
54%
31 Northeast Community CollegeNorfolk, NE Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
38%
32 Montgomery County Community CollegeBlue Bell, PA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
Online
Student %
75%
33 Iowa Central Community CollegeFort Dodge, IA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
26%
34 Iowa Lakes Community CollegeEstherville, IA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
12/1
Online
Student %
44%
35 Southeastern Community CollegeWest Burlington, IA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
Online
Student %
55%
36 El Paso Community CollegeEl Paso, TX Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
24/1
Online
Student %
59%
37 Compton CollegeCompton, CA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
Online
Student %
56%
38 Navarro CollegeCorsicana, TX Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
21/1
Online
Student %
56%
39 Palo Alto CollegeSan Antonio, TX Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
32/1
Online
Student %
70%
40 Mt Hood Community CollegeGresham, OR Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
40%
41 San Antonio CollegeSan Antonio, TX Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
25/1
Online
Student %
53%
42 Ivy Tech Community CollegeIndianapolis, IN Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
21/1
Online
Student %
33%
43 Niagara County Community CollegeSanborn, NY Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
Online
Student %
42%
44 Finger Lakes Community CollegeCanandaigua, NY Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
Online
Student %
46%
45 Reading Area Community CollegeReading, PA Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
22/1
Online
Student %
51%
46 Alvin Community CollegeAlvin, TX Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
11/1
Online
Student %
33%
47 Oklahoma City Community CollegeOklahoma City, OK Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
21/1
Online
Student %
6%

Drexel University Online

Drexel University Online

The online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology program at Drexel University focuses on rigorous, evidence-based methodologies to prepare graduates to move directly into the field of their choice that requires a strong background in understanding human thought and behavior. This Bachelor of Science research-based degree organizes the 180 required quarter credits into four 10-week quarters, thus allowing students to take more courses in a shorter period of time. The result can be completing the program in much less time; how much less depends upon the credits transferred in from other work. Students can transfer up to 135 quarter credits (the equivalent of 90 credit hours) into the program, mostly in general education requirements.

Drexel University makes it easy to apply with a simple application, requiring only standardized test scores and transcripts. Rates for online courses are $530 per credit for the 2020-2021 school year, which is a substantial savings from the usual $883 per credit.

Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program through Penn State World Campus requires 123 credits, with the core courses focused on the broad principles of psychology, preparing students for work in business, education, rehabilitation therapy, and more. Of those 123 credits, 39 are in general education, 13 are in electives, and 50 are required for the major (with three internship credits optional). Basic research methods are driven home in this program, and a capstone is required to complete the degree.

Once admitted to the school, students begin work on their Entrance-to-Major (ETM) requirements, which includes certain prerequisite courses that prepare them to declare psychology as their major. For transfer students or those who already have some college under their belt, their work will be assessed; some might meet the ETM requirements immediately, and move directly into the major. Rates for Fall 2020 admission are $576 per credit (please note this is a discounted rate due to the financial strain of COVID-19 on many students).

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers numerous degrees through the ECampus, including the choice of a B.A. or B.S. in Psychology. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, students learn the core of psychology study, theory and research, including the finer points of personality, abnormal psychology, human development throughout the lifespan, cognition, behavior modification, health psychology, and the relation of brain to behavior.

Each program requires 180 credits at a rate of $318 per credit, making for an affordable option. Students have a choice in delivery; they can take the program fully online or opt for a hybrid or in-person delivery. With four start dates each year, asynchronous classes, and the potential for additional internships, OSU ECampus intends to make their program flexible for those who are working or otherwise engaged in life outside of their education.

Inside the Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

Before diving into a psychology program at the bachelor’s level, you want to understand what you’re getting into. Learning outcomes, common courses, and concentration options can help you determine your direction. Let’s take a look at everything from the starting curriculum to what you can expect to make when you graduate and move into your chosen position in the field.

What you learn in an online psychology program at the bachelor’s level

Though each program is different, many of the topics and courses may be very similar; those who study psychology need a certain base of knowledge and skills to successfully perform their jobs or move into a higher educational level. Here are five core learning outcomes you’ll encounter in many four-year psychology programs.

  • A Strong Base of Knowledge and Skills: Students should be familiar with the major concepts of psychology, as well as theory, important research findings, and the historical trends in psychology overall. They should have the ability to look at evidence from an objective point of view, reflect on values that are inherent to psychology as a discipline, and be open to exploring the questions we still have about the brain and human behavior.
  • Critical Thinking and Application: Students hone their critical thinking and creative thinking skills, learn the art of skeptical inquiry, learn how the scientific approach can be used to find solutions to problems relating to behavior and mental health, and apply what they’ve learned to personal, social, and organizational issues.
  • Communication Skills: Students develop solid communication skills, including the art of writing, public speaking, talking to groups, handling tense situations, and crafting everything from patient reports to public statements. They also demonstrate significant confidence and competence in the use of technology for communication purposes.
  • Broader View of Values and Ethics: Students understand and embody the ethical principles of the field, as well as learn to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, uphold legal standards and best practices, and appreciate that not all cultures are the same in their boundaries of ethics and law. They should also be able to look objectively at differences as they examine sociocultural and international diversity.
  • An Understanding of Influences: Throughout their degree pursuit, students learn about the various influences on human behavior, including sensation and perception, consciousness, sexuality, gender and diversity, intelligence, memory, stress and health, traumas, disorders, treatments and their outcomes, and social considerations, among others.

Popular Courses in Psychology

Advanced Research Methods in Psychology

Students learn to design research programs, understand research purposes, evaluate the data that comes from that research, and learn about the proper ways to collect that data. They perform data analysis as they master the various formats in which to deliver the results to peers, clients, and the public.

Psychology: Science and Profession

This course look sat psychology from a scientific standpoint, including the history of it, how we came to understand the human mind and behavior as we do now, and how the scientific method fits in with solving problems in counseling. This course also looks at psychology as a profession, including the application of solutions and treatments, and ethical and legal issues in the field.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

This course dives into the world of business, organizations, government, and more – anywhere that a group of people work together. Students examine the act of selecting, training, supervising, and motivating individuals within an organization, all within the framework of psychological theories and research.

Advanced Statistics

Students perform group and individual work on experimentation, collection of data, analyzing their findings, and understanding the parametric and nonparametric statistical topics that they encounter during their work in the psychology field. They also learn how to convey the statistics for both peers and those who are not in the field.

Abnormal Psychology in Children and Adolescents

This course looks at the abnormal psychology of young people as it develops, including the theoretical perspectives – including psychodynamic, humanistic, physiological, sociocultural, and behavioral. Students learn about the etiology, classification, treatment, and assessment of mental health and disorders in young people.

What concentrations are available for a psychology bachelor’s?

At the bachelor’s level, there are numerous paths toward specializations presented to you. These concentrations allow you to better tailor your educational experience to earn the knowledge and skills you need to steer your career in the direction you choose. Here are some of the common ones:

Clinical Psychology

Those who intend to move forward with their education and earn the doctorate in order to become a psychologist should consider this concentration, which focuses on the mental health professions, counseling, client-therapist interactions, assessment and diagnosis, interventions, treatments, and how these can be different for each individual based not only on their personal needs, but on their cultural beliefs as well.

Learn more about online psychology degrees specializing in clinical psychology.

Addiction Counseling

This program prepares students to work with those who have substance and other addictions, various treatment settings that are designed to keep those addictions in check, methods to teach individuals to stay on track with recovery, and a deep understanding of addictive behavior and behavioral training. In some states, this concentration might prepare students to work as addition counselors.

Industrial/Organizational

Students study workplaces, organizations, and businesses, including the individuals who keep those institutions moving. They learn about hiring and firing, training employees, theories on how to keep employees happy, employee motivation, health and well-being, organizational leadership and that leadership’s relationship to the employees, and much more. This is an ideal concentration for those who intend to go into human resources.

Learn more about online degrees in industrial organizational psychology and see if this specialization is right for you.

Human Services

This concentration focuses on working with groups, rather than individuals, and seeing how people interact in those group settings; the give-and-take of interactions, the hierarchy that naturally emerges, and how these things can affect the mental health of a person and the collective health of a group. These students often work in healthcare, criminal justice, community centers, and the like.

Child and Adolescent Psychology

This focuses on the unique ways that behavior emerges and changes during childhood and adolescence, while looking at the wide-ranging ways different experiences, environments, traumas, and the like affect the mental health of children as they age. There might be a special emphasis on special needs children, childhood traumas, terror-related traumas, issues with abandonment and parenting problems, and more.

Learn more about child psychology degree programs available through online or blended study.

School Psychology

Students in this concentration learn about the various behaviors to expect from students in a school setting, including the basis of the issues and solutions that can lead to better mental health, for the student and for the school population as a whole. Even within this concentration, students can drill down further to work with elementary, secondary, or special needs education, or focus on certain points, such as bullying, mental health crisis, peer influence, and the like.

Learn more about online school psychology programs and find top colleges offering them.

How long does it take to earn an online bachelor’s degree in psychology?

Earning the bachelor’s in psychology typically takes four years of full-time study; however, the time can be longer or shorter, depending upon certain factors. Those who choose to study part-time could see the degree pursuit last longer than four years. Those who take an accelerated program, however, could finish within a matter of three years. Those who have already earned an associate degree in psychology or a different field can complete their bachelor’s degree in a year or less, given transfer credits and an accelerated schedule. Check with your potential school to learn what options are available to you.

Can I get into an online psychology bachelor’s program?

Getting into the bachelor’s program in psychology can vary from one school to another, but all will have some admissions criteria that remain the same. What you’ll need depends greatly upon whether you already have an associate degree, and if your college has an articulation agreement with the school you intend to earn your bachelor’s degree from; if that’s the case, then you might be able to simply present a transcript and an application to earn a smooth transition into the bachelor’s program.

If you’re approaching the bachelor’s program without an associate degree under your belt, you’ll need the following:

  • Official transcripts from high school and any college courses
  • A minimum GPA (usually 2.0)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • A personal statement or essay (if required)
  • Standardized test scores, such as those from the ACT or SAT
  • A completed application

Some programs might require other items; check with the school to be sure before you begin the application process.

How much does an online bachelor’s degree in psychology cost?

The costs of a program will vary depending upon a variety of factors. How long the program will take – and how many credits you bring to the table – can make a difference. There’s also the question of where you live, as even online schools can sometimes base their tuition on in-state versus out-of-state. There’s also the question of how much funding you have to cover the costs. Here are a few schools and their tuition costs, to give you an idea of what you’re looking at in terms of that all-important bottom line.

Ashworth College

Ashworth
College

Bachelor’s Degree, Psychology

Total Credits: 120

$93/credit

Walden University

Walden
University

BS in Psychology

Total Credits: 181 quarter credit hours

$325/quarter credit hour

University of Missouri

University of
Missouri

Psychology: Online Bachelor’s Degree

Total Credits: 120

$299/credit

Paying for Your Online Psychology Degree

Before moving into any sort of degree program, it’s important to figure out how you’re going to pay for it. Tuition can be a meaningful expense no matter where you go, but the good news is that financial aid can help you meet that need. Here are some ways to fund your online bachelor’s degree in psychology:

1 Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants are the most popular among financial aid options, mostly because they don’t have to be paid back. This free money for school can come from a variety of places, from federal and state government to schools to local organizations. To get started finding scholarships and grants for your psychology degree, check out our scholarships and resources guide for psychology students.

2 Student Loans

Scholarships and grants might not cover the total cost of tuition, fees, and any additional costs. Student loans are a good option to cover the shortfall. In many cases, student loans come along with low interest rates that don’t accrue as long as you’re in school, as well as delayed repayment for up to six months after graduation. To learn more about loan options, visit our student loan guide.

3 Other Options

There are other options that can help you pay for the bachelor’s in psychology degree. For instance, an employer might offer to pay your tuition in exchange for your agreement to work for their company for a certain period of time. Or you might snag a work study program that allows you to put your paycheck toward tuition. Internships are also a potential option. Check with your school for a few more out-of-the-box ideas.

Learn more about securing financial aid for your bachelor’s in psychology degree

What’s After Your Bachelor’s Degree in Psych?

When you move into the working world, some careers in psychology require a license or certification. The bachelor’s degree opens doors to some of those, so it’s important to understand exactly what you can do with your degree – and which careers might require you to go a bit further with your education.

What can you do with an online bachelor’s in psychology?

An online bachelor’s degree in psychology can open doors to careers in human resources, counseling, corrections, social work, human services, and much more. In fact, a psychology degree can serve as the basis for any number of jobs, as it provides such a broad understanding of human behavior and how to communicate with others. Some of the careers available to those with a psychology degree pay a higher than average wage, and have a higher than average expected job growth; for instance, jobs for substance abuse counselors are expected to grow by 22% between 2018 and 2028, while jobs for community service workers should increase by 12%. Let’s take a look at the variety of jobs and their potential pay.

bachelor’s in psychology
bachelor-psychology-mobile

How much can you earn with an online bachelor’s in psychology?

What you can earn after graduation with an online bachelor’s in psychology depends upon a number of factors, including your geographical location, which career path you choose, the availability of jobs in the profession, and much more. However, it’s important to remember that those who earn their bachelor’s degree historically make more than those who hold an associate degree. Let’s take a look at some of the common career options after the bachelor’s and the pay you might expect from each.

Career Median National Annual Salary (2019) 10th Percentile 90th Percentile
Training and Development Specialists $61,210 $32,680 $104,200
Addiction and Substance Abuse Counselors $44,630 $28,240 $72,990
Correctional Treatment Specialists $54,290 $36,370 $94,860

Continuing Education & Related Degrees

Once you’ve earned the psychology bachelor’s degree, you might be considering moving forward with your education. The bachelor’s is a great start in psychology, but if you want to work as a therapist or a psychologist, most states require you to obtain further education and training. In addition, take a look at related degree programs, such as those in sociology or social work, that might suit your career goals just as well as the bachelor’s degree in psychology. Let’s take a look at the options.

Continuing Education Opportunities

Master’s Degree in Psychology

Those with a master’s degree can move into areas that might require a license or certification, such as work as a marriage and family counselor. Supervisory roles could open up as well, in areas like human resources, human services, higher education, market researcher, project coordinator, and the like. It can also prepare students to continue on to earn their PhD while working in the field, as many master’s degrees in psychology are delivered entirely online.

PhD in Clinical Psychology

Those who want to become fully licensed and earn the right to be called a “psychologist” must first earn their doctoral degree. The PhD opens up doors to research in private organizations, colleges and universities, government programs, and more. But it can also allow graduates to work directly with clients in clinical settings. This degree often takes between four and seven years to complete if coming into the program with a bachelor’s degree.

Related Degrees to Consider

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

This degree offers students a foundation in broad social work practice. The degree pursuit will focus on policies, research, theories, and the hands-on work involved in social work positions with clinics, agencies, private organizations, and more. This degree is great for those who want to get started in social work as they gradually work their way through the master’s program and gain more responsibility.

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services

The degree in human services contains elements of psychology, sociology, criminal justice, and social work – and opens doors to work in any of those four fields, among others. Those in human services might work as case managers, social workers, assistants to those in counseling services, corrections, and more. This degree can be what drives a person to their dream career, and can also serve as the basis of numerous directions a person can take with a master’s degree.