A psychology degree can help you prepare for a variety of jobs: social worker, case manager, journalist, market researcher, or publicist.
If you’re an empathetic listener who enjoys making a difference in people’s lives, a psychology major might be right for you. A psychology degree teaches students about the human mind and behavior, covering various mental health issues and behavioral patterns.
Among the most popular college degrees, an online psychology degree prepares graduates for a variety of careers. To become a therapist or psychologist, students must earn a master’s degree in psychology or a doctorate in psychology. However, there are many career opportunities for those who pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Graduates can also enter competitive fields such as management and business.
Discover the best online psychology programs and learn more about what you can do with an online psychology degree.
What Can I Expect From an Online Psychology Degree?
For those who want to understand what makes people tick, an online psychology degree can be rewarding. Students enrolled in an online psychology degree learn skills that apply to many careers.
Most programs offer a combination of psychology courses, labs, and electives. The programs typically require 120 credits and last four years. When considering an online psychology degree, you need to consider your strengths and long-term goals.
Prospective students can sometimes choose between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. A Bachelor of Science in Psychology requires more math and science courses. Compulsory subjects are usually biology, chemistry and statistics. Students interested in careers in healthcare or psychological research may benefit from this path.
With a stronger focus on the humanities, a psychology degree can offer more flexibility. Students choose courses in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. Graduates can find jobs in social work or case management.
Some universities offer concentrations through an online psychology degree program. Popular areas of specialization include organizational psychology, behavioral psychology, addiction counseling, clinical psychology, and general psychology.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Psychology Degree?
Students pursuing an online psychology degree should expect to take both coursework and labs. An internship can also help students apply what they learn outside of the classroom and consider different careers in psychology. Students typically receive instruction in general psychology, human research and development.
Social Psychology
In this course, students will learn about common theories and concepts of social psychology. They identify similar tendencies and contrasting features between these concepts. With critical thinking skills, students learn to critique and analyze various theories. This course shows students how researchers use different methods to analyze empirical questions and create studies.
Human Development
This course covers concepts such as neural development, consciousness, emotions, and memory, and explores the interface between human biology and psychology. By studying brain structure and neural systems, students gain an understanding of how the brain facilitates emotion, behavior, and cognition.
Perception and Sensation
This course examines the relationship between sensations and human perception. By examining the five senses, students gain an understanding of how these sensory pathways affect how people interpret the world around them. This course examines sensation and perception from a physiological, psychophysical, and motivational perspective.
Criminal Psychology and Behavior
Students will encounter various theories of crime that explore the ideas behind criminal behavior, including psychopathy, violent crimes, and the intersection of mental disorders and crime. This course also covers risk factors for criminal behavior as well as crime prevention guidelines. Other topics include case study analysis and psychological profiles.
Introduction to Addiction Theories
In this course, students will learn how substances such as drugs and alcohol affect the brain. Students gain an understanding of the characteristics and complexities of addiction and how they inform society’s views of addiction and disease. Other topics include the history of drug policy and current changes in the law.
What Can I Do With an Online Psychology Degree?
You may be wondering what you can do with a psychology degree. Earning a psychology degree online can open the door to a variety of careers. Although nearly half of psychology students go on to graduate school, there are plenty of career options without a graduate degree.
In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that a large percentage of graduates with bachelor’s degrees in psychology worked in management, social service, education, and clerical and administrative positions. The median salary for those with a psychology degree was $48,000.
Case Manager
Case managers identify needs in specific populations, such as Veterans, the elderly, or the homeless. They work for social programs and non-profit organizations. They coordinate programs and oversee organizations that provide services to the public.
Average annual salary: $69,600
Advertising Officer
Advertising agents understand the psychology behind human behavior and create and sell effective advertisements for businesses or individuals. Advertising agents must demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills while meeting with different clients and working as part of a team. Many advertising agencies create and deliver presentations.
Average annual salary: $54,940
Social Worker
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology can find employment in entry-level social work positions. Social workers typically entertain a variety of clients and must assess each client’s unique needs and create a plan of action to help clients overcome adversity. Social workers often work with a specific population group, e.g. children or the elderly.
Average annual salary: $51,760
Market Researcher
Market researchers use market analysis and consumer behavior theories to study market conditions and determine the potential success of a particular service or product. In addition to understanding the market, market researchers must be able to collect and interpret market data.
Average annual salary: $65,810
Journalist
Journalists research potential stories, interview sources, and write compelling and informative stories. Effective journalists develop relationships with potential sources and experts and must be able to communicate well orally and in writing.
Average annual salary: $49,300
2022 Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
How We Rate Schools
We believe that a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. Our goal is to help you navigate the college selection process by providing transparent, comprehensive, and relevant school rankings for students online.
Our rankings are based on a few guiding principles and use the latest available statistical data from trusted sources. We hope that our approach will help you find the right school for you.
#1 Online College in Virginia
Liberty University
School Information
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Admission Rate: 51%
Graduation Rate: 47%
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 92%
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $390
Out of State | $390
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Liberty’s online psychology degree runs asynchronously with eight-week courses. Students can choose from several specializations. Options include general psychology, developmental psychology, and Christian counseling.
Transfer students can count up to 75% of the previously earned credits towards their degree. Online students receive free electronic textbooks. Liberty offers flexible payment options and discounts for first responders, military and small business owners.
#2 Online College in Kansas
Ottawa University
School Information
Location: Ottawa, Kansas
Admission Rate: 15%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 100%
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $499
Out of State | $499
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
OU’s full online psychology degree program offers courses in an accelerated 8-week format. The program focuses on human physiological, intellectual and social development. The specialization requires 35 hours, including a senior project or final exam.
The school accepts up to 80 credits. These may come from previous college courses, exam performance, military service, certifications, or professional or personal experiences.
#3 Online College in Connecticut
Charter Oak State College
School Information
Location: New Britain, Connecticut
Accreditation: Yes
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $319
Out of State | $419
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Charter Oak State is an online public institution serving non-traditional students. The school’s psychology degree has four concentrations, including lifespan and general psychology. Online students complete a minimum of 39 credits in their major, including a graduate course.
Applicants may be eligible for prior learning credits. Eligible students include those with prior work or study experience. Students on community college transfer scholarships may also be eligible. The program accepts up to 87 transfer credits and military credits as assessed by the American Council on Education.
#4 Online College in Florida
Florida International University
School Information
Location: Miami, Florida
Admission Rate: 58%
Graduation Rate: 63%
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 68%
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $229
Out of State | $346
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
The FIU psychology degree is entirely online. Registrants can choose from five concentrations, including experimental and developmental psychology. Students can complete internships and independent research work. Success coaches guide online students through the program.
The program accepts students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. First-year applicants are required to provide high school diplomas and SAT or ACT scores. Transfer students with fewer than 60 credits must submit high school and college transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.
#5 Online College in Florida
University of Florida-Online
School Information
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Admission Rate: 32%
Accreditation: Yes
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $129
Out of State | $553
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
UF Online’s psychology degree offers core courses and electives. Students take courses in psychology, biology, statistics and mathematics. Enrollers conduct independent research or complete a community service project in their senior year.
Online students must take 24 of the 30 credits required for a specialization at level 3000 or higher. High school graduates need a grade point average of 2.0. Transfer students require a 2.5 GPA and must complete 18 of the required 30 credits at UF Online.
#6 Online College in Massachusetts
Simmons University
School Information
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Admission Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 81%
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 55%
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $500
Out of State | $500
Credits to Graduate: 128
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Simmons offers non-traditional female students a variety of bachelor’s degrees, including an online bachelor’s degree in psychology. The program includes 20 credits in core psychology and 12 credits in concentration areas. These include fundamental processes, social and developmental psychology, clinical psychology and personality psychology. Students also complete 8 credits in Capstone courses.
Online students participate in live, face-to-face classes. Interactive courses involve small group discussions. Simmons offers life experience credits and accepts up to 96 transfer credits.
#7 Online College in Ohio
Union Institute & University
School Information
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Graduation Rate: 58%
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 99%
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $545
Out of State | $545
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Union Psychology’s online degree program is designed for non-traditional students. Students may focus on areas such as addiction studies, forensic psychology, and holistic studies.
Registrants may apply for up to 90 undergraduate credits. The program offers start dates every eight weeks. Students can enroll part-time or full-time. Qualified students may enroll in accelerated bridging programs. These programs allow them to complete graduate courses that count toward a master’s degree in organizational leadership, healthcare leadership, and clinical mental health counseling.
#8 Online College in Indiana
Trine University
School Information
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Admission Rate: 24%
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 98%
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $399
Out of State | $399
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Trine’s comprehensive online bachelor’s degree in psychology requires 48 hours of core coursework. Recruiters do a clinical internship or brief demo. Students choose to specialize in areas such as clinical and social psychology.
The school offers start dates every 8 weeks. Transfer students can claim up to 90 credits from previous learning experiences. This includes college courses already completed and military courses. Online students receive many student support services, including access to academic tutors 24/7.
#9 Online College in New York
Excelsior College
School Information
Location: Albany, New York
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Yes
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $510
Out of State | $510
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Excelsior’s 33-credit online psychology degree covers core and elective courses in psychology. Applicants also take intermediate and advanced courses in physiology and basic biology. Coursework includes social influences and developmental perspectives. Students complete 18 upper class credits, including a capstone course.
Distance learning students can transfer up to 113 credits toward their bachelor’s degree. They may qualify for prior skills credits based on their vocational and military training, health care credentials, and other job-related certifications.
#10 Online College in Florida
University of Central Florida
School Information
Location: Orlando, Florida
Admission Rate: 44%
Graduation Rate: 72%
Accreditation: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment: 59%
100% Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
In State | $179
Out of State | $716
Credits to Graduate: 120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
The psychology degree at UCF is conducted entirely online. Transfer students can graduate in two years. The program offers six tracks, including clinical, general, and organizational/occupational psychology. Online recruiters conduct independent research, field work, and internships. You may also complete an optional capstone project.
The program accepts transfer students with an associate’s degree or significant college credits.
FAQ About the Bachelor of Psychology
Is an Online Psychology Degree Worth It?
Yes. Although many positions graduates can fill are entry-level, professionals with this degree earned a median annual salary of $48,000 in 2018. Those interested in pursuing a graduate degree in this field will benefit from a degree in psychology.
What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?
Because a psychology degree focuses on understanding the human mind and behavior, graduates with an online psychology degree can excel in a variety of careers. Graduates can find employment in management, social work, and education.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Cost?
Average tuition for the 2020-2021 school year was $24,623. This average amount includes both public and private entities and does not distinguish between traditional in-person registration and online registration. Students can potentially earn a psychology degree online at a lower cost by attending a public, in-state school.
Is It Better to Have a BA or BS in Psychology?
Whether or not you want to pursue a bachelor’s of arts in psychology or a bachelor’s of science in psychology depends on your long-term professional goals and personal strengths. A bachelor’s degree in psychology focuses more on humanities courses, while a bachelor’s degree in psychology includes more math and science courses. Both require similar psychology courses.
Which Online Psychology Degree is the Best?
There are several online psychology colleges that offer degrees. The best online psychology program depends on whether you are pursuing a BS or a BA in psychology and what areas of concentration you are interested in. Therapists and counselors must have at least a master’s degree and psychologists must have a doctorate.
What are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Psychology Degree?
Graduates with a psychology degree who work in market research, advertising, and public relations have the highest earning potential. For instance, according to the BLS, public relations specialists earned a median annual salary of $62,810 in 2020.
What is the Salary of a Therapist?
Marriage and Family Therapists earned a median annual salary of $51,340 in 2020. Although a bachelor’s degree in psychology is not enough to become a therapist, this degree can help you pursue further studies in the field.