Best Online Psychology Degree Programs

Online psychology degrees can add a ton of value to your life. You can prepare for a rewarding career, graduate program or learn how to forge more impactful relationships in every area of your life. 

Quick Look: Best Online Psychology Degree Programs

• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of Florida
• Purdue University
• Washington State University
• Colorado State University
• Utah State University
• Drexel University
• Oregon State University
• Florida International University
• University of Arizona

Why Choose an Online Psychology Degree

Individuals who are captivated by the inner-workings of the mind will find an online psychology degree useful. However, there are many other viable reasons to choose an online psychology degree. 

Studying online means you can complete your coursework around your busy schedule. You won’t have to cut corners at work or miss your children’s events to tune into lectures. Most online degree programs allow you to access the learning portal 24/7 and watch lectures or complete assignments when it’s convenient for you.

Earning an online psychology degree can also make you more marketable to employers. You’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in many in-demand fields, like health services, human resources, public affairs, education and counseling. And knowing how to get inside the minds of others is a unique skill that not all job candidates possess.

Prefer to continue your studies in a graduate program? This is another valid reason to choose an online psychology degree. You’ll have an advantage over students who have taken an extended break from the classroom to focus on their careers. 

How to Choose an Online Psychology Degree

There are many online psychology degree programs to choose from. Not all are created equal, though. Some are worth considering and others are a waste of time and money.

How do you know which options are best? Consider programs that meet the following criteria. 

Solid Reputation 

Is the degree program accredited? How’s it perceived by industry professionals? Does it hold any awards or is it ranked? These are just a few questions to ask when evaluating the program’s reputation. 

Planning to continue your education in a graduate degree program? This is another reason to ensure your undergraduate degree program is reputable and meets the qualification criteria for acceptance. 

Support for Online Students 

The program should offer academic and technical support for online students. Academic advisors and admissions officers should be available to help you navigate enrollment, course selections and transfer requests. Virtual financial aid and technical support are also a must. 

Fair Tuition Rates 

The cost of attendance for online psychology degree programs varies by institution. Before choosing a program, review the rates for tuition and fees. If some charge far more than others, you may want to ax them from your list. 

Jobs Waiting for Your Psychology Degree

An online psychology degree paves the way for a variety of career opportunities. Here are a few to consider: 

Rehabilitation Counselor

If you want to assist others with developmental, emotional, physical and mental disabilities, a career as a rehabilitation counselor may be the perfect fit. You will play an integral role in helping these individuals adjust to their disability by developing a treatment plan and working with other psychologists, therapists and doctors to ensure it’s properly executed. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for rehabilitation specialists is $35,630. You can earn more with a master’s degree and relevant work experience. 

School Counselor 

These roles are available at the elementary, middle and high school levels. School counselors identify issues that impact their students’ ability to perform in the classroom. They also work with key decision-makers to devise solutions to get struggling students back on track. 

The median pay in 2018 for rehabilitation specialists was $56,310, according to BLS.gov. 

Social Worker

As a child, family or school social worker, you will provide assistance to children and families to help them navigate complicated social and psychological issues. You may also be tasked with locating foster homes or arranging options for children facing abuse or abandonment. 

The average starting salary for this role is $49,760, notes BLS.gov.

Best Online Colleges for a Psychology Degree

A quick search for online psychology degrees yields lots of options. But how do you know which are best? Benzinga is here to help you find the perfect fit for you. 

Below, you will find a list of the top programs. We’ve also included a detailed review of each program and the cost of attendance to help you make an informed decision. 

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the online Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Southern New Hampshire University dives into the intricacies of the human mind. Instructors employ case studies, experiential learning and internships to help students develop an advanced understanding of human behavior. 

The coursework will prepare you to compile, segment and analyze data, evaluate research methods, create in-depth reviews and presentations and share informed conclusions with other professionals. You will also learn how to address ethical issues in the field. 

Choose from the following concentrations: 

• Addictions
• Applied Psychology 
• Child and Adolescent Development 
• Forensic Psychology 
• Mental Health 
• Social Psychology 

Tuition is $320 per credit hour or $960 per course, and you need 120 credits to complete this SNHU program. If you’re an active duty service member, the cost per credit only drops to $225, or $675 per course. You can apply today without paying an application fee. However, a $150 graduation fee applies. 

Enroll now.

2. University of Florida

Prepare for an advanced professional program or a rewarding career with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UF Online. This program is ideal for students who seek a dynamic learning environment but need flexible course options that don’t conflict with their busy schedules. 

As you work through the program, you will explore the mind using an interdisciplinary approach. You will also develop an understanding of the biological bases of behavior, developmental changes during the human lifespan, mental processes, sociocultural influences and so much more. 

The faculty members are experts in behavioral analysis, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, counseling psychology, developmental psychology and social psychology. 

Alumni are human resources managers, industrial psychologists, mental health therapists, program evaluation consultants, rehabilitation specialists and social-behavioral scientists. Some have also completed graduate school and become behavior analysts and clinical psychologists. 

The cost per credit hour is only $129.18 and includes tuition and fees. 

Enroll now.

3. Washington State University 

Intrigued by the human mind and want to gain a better understanding of how it works? Consider the online bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Washington State University. Students learn the mechanics of psychological principles and vital ways scientific methods are leveraged in the field. 

Beyond coursework, you can conduct undergraduate research, work as a tutor or serve as a teacher’s assistant to get hands-on experience. WSU Global also offers online resources and features networking events to help you master critical concepts and connect with other students. 

When you complete the program, you will have the skills and knowledge to excel in health care, social work, business, management, marketing and administration, law and a host of other fields. 

The cost of attendance is $518 per credit hour for in-state students and $578 for nonresidents. You can use Open Education Resources (OER) to minimize the cost of textbooks. 

Enroll now.

4. Colorado State University

Discover how to leverage science to solve real-world problems with an online bachelor’s degree in psychology from Colorado State University. You will also learn vital skills to help you succeed in several professions or as a graduate student. 

Students use lectures and labs to master core concepts in:

• Biological psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Industrial psychology 
• Organizational psychology
• Psychological measurement and testing 
• Social psychology 

Worried you’ll be alone in your studies? Don’t be — the online platform features chat rooms, discussion forums and video conferencing to help you stay connected with your instructors and students. 

Tuition is $476 per credit hour and financial aid is available for those who qualify. 

Enroll now.

5. Utah State University 

Solve the many mysteries of the human mind and position yourself for a fulfilling career by studying psychology at the next level. If this sounds intriguing, consider an online Bachelor of Science in psychology from Utah State University.

You will gain hands-on experience and have the opportunity to participate in research studies. A professional apprenticeship is also required to complete the program. And you can join recent graduates who work as career counselors, probation officers, psychiatric technicians and rehabilitation specialists. Or you can enroll in a graduate degree program. 

The cost of attendance for 12 to 18 credit hours is $3,274 for Utah residents and $4,188 for nonresidents. Prefer to enroll part-time? The rate drops to $1,807 and $2,094. 

Enroll now.

6. Drexel University 

Drexel University offers an online Bachelor of Science in psychology. It caters to busy professionals with demanding schedules. 

The program is built around the scientist/practice model and combines psychological theory with practical applications. You will also master the fundamentals of research methodology and statistics to help you excel in the fields of health science, applied neuroscience, forensics, law and business. 

Tuition is $513 per credit hour, which is a 40% reduction from Drexel’s tuition rate for on-campus students. 

Enroll now.

7. Oregon State University 

Earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Oregon State University. Instructors and nationally-recognized researchers, innovators and subject-matter experts. Also, know that the institution is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. 

The courses address humanistic and scientific perspectives of psychology and explore why and how humans behave, think and feel the way they do. You will also learn about the empirical approach and how to use it to identify, understand and solve challenging issues. 

You need 180 credits to finish the program, and the cost per credit hour is $309. Upon completion, you will receive the same diploma and on-campus students.

Enroll now.

8. Florida International University

Florida International University’s online psychology degree helps position you for success in a variety of careers. You will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, human behavior and scientific research skills.

The program focuses on modern trends in psychology. You will also be introduced to 5 core areas in the field: 

• Applied psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Experimental psychology
• Personality/abnormal psychology 
• Social psychology

Join a diverse student body working toward their Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Tuition is $228.81 per credit hour for in-state students and $345.87 for out-of-state students. You need 120 credit hours to complete the program. 

Enroll now.

9. University of Arizona 

Unlock the secrets of the human mind with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona. 

The program delves into: 

• The evolution of the brain from infancy to old age
• Environmental and social factors that mold human behavior
• How Alzheimer’s disease, autism and other brain disorders affect the mind

By understanding human behavior, you can foster deeper connections and help the people around you lead more meaningful lives. You will also learn skills that serve you well in several careers. 

Tuition is $500 per credit hour. 

Enroll now.

Find the Best Online Psychology Degree for You

Instead of getting overwhelmed with your search, consider an online psychology degree program from our list of recommendations. Read the reviews and compare your options to find a degree that meets your needs and budget.