Psychology is the most popular college major in the nation—and without a doubt, one of the best online bachelor’s in psychology is sure to be the perfect match for you, too.
Looking for the right college? You’ve come to the right place. Getting an online degree in psychology is a smart choice if you are looking for a program that offers the opportunity for extensive personal and professional growth.
What Are the Best Psychology Degrees?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
University of Florida
Current students and alumni of the University of Florida collectively have 126 Olympic medals under their belts—including 60 gold medals. Clearly, this university is one that produces champions—but you don’t have to be a star athlete to benefit from its reputation. This school has an outstanding academic reputation as well, which is why it’s one of the best places to earn an online bachelor’s in psychology.
Offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the online psychology degree prepares learners for a wide array of careers in fields like business, health care, and counseling, as well as for further graduate study. It requires 120 credit hours and emphasizes both the practical and technical applications of psychological knowledge. You’ll take classes in four core areas—comparative psychology, developmental psychology, behavior analysis, and abnormal psychology.
The degree can be pursued by itself or with the addition of a minor. There are plenty for you to choose from, including anthropology, linguistics, philosophy, and more. Faculty are highly skilled in their areas of instruction, and when you graduate, you’ll have the same elite degree that you would have received if you chose to study on campus.
Florida International University
Florida International University isn’t only the largest university in Greater Miami—it’s also the largest university in South Florida. Despite this school’s size, you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd when you pursue an online degree here.
A fully online degree program, the Bachelor of Arts in psychology can open the door to a wide range of careers. It’s convenient, fast, and flexible, preparing you with a solid understanding of human behavior and scientific research. As soon as you enroll, you will be paired with a 1:1 personal success coach who will instruct you on the best courses and steps you can take to advance your career.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get involved in ongoing research and to participate in the many active student organizations. It is a great foundation for earning an advanced degree in psychology, including a master’s, Ph.D., or Psy.D.
A total of 120 credit hours are required, including major prerequisites like Psychology of Infancy and Childhood and Personal Adjustment. You will also be able to take courses in five core areas: cognitive and neuroscience, social, applied, clinical/personality, and developmental psychology.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida first opened its doors in 1968 to support the growing space program at the Kennedy Space Center. Although the school still offers many aeronautical-focused programs, its 66,000 plus students today are enrolled in more than 200 other degrees as well.
One of the best—and most popular? The online bachelor’s in psychology. This degree is a Bachelor of Science that requires 120 credit hours, each of which is offered at the rock-bottom tuition rate of just $179.19 per credit hour. The degree is ranked as one of the best bachelor’s degrees by U.S. News & World Report.
This program’s curriculum will equip you with the skills necessary to make a difference in a clinical, academic, or another setting. You can personalize your program according to your career goals and interests with six different tracks to choose from: clinical, general, experimental, industrial/organizational, neuroscience, and human factors psychology.
Regardless of the path you pursue, you will be able to take part in vital research, internships, student organizations, and fieldwork as you deepen your understanding of psychology. You will be able to put your classroom learning into real-world practice via your coursework as well as through the completion of a capstone project. This capstone will enable you to dig deeper into your practice and to graduate with a viable sample of your work that can be taken with you as you explore career opportunities.
University of Utah
As the state of Utah’s oldest university, you might assume that the University of Utah is a bit antiquated. That’s far from the case. In fact, the University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City, offers some of the most forward-thinking programs of its kind.
And most inward-thinking, too, if you consider that this school’s online bachelor’s in psychology is one of the best in the nation. It’s offered by the Department of Psychology within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
The department offers more than 15 different online courses every fall and spring semester, along with a smaller online course offering each summer. You will not only develop your expertise in core essential classes like Professional Writing and Research, but you’ll also take classes in core areas like moral issues, diversity, physical health, and relationships.
Not only that, but you will be able to engage in a variety of engaging learning experiences. There are plenty of opportunities to engage with the local community through activities like research assistantships and internships at local organizations. You can become an academic peer advisor, a teaching assistant, or even a member of the local Psi Chi honor society chapter.
University of Houston
Home to more than 400 student organizations and 17 intercollegiate sports teams, there’s so much to do on campus at the University of Houston that it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. As an online student, you’ll have plenty of ways to get involved, too—plus, plenty of high-quality programs to choose from.
Ranked eighth in the country for its online psychology degrees, the University of Houston offers affordable tuition (just $339 per credit hour!) and an exceptional quality of instruction to its students. The Bachelor of Arts in psychology is designed for students who have already completed their core curriculum courses and are ready to finish their degrees.
You can take any of your upper-division courses online, with a total of 120 total hours required. You can transfer in up to 90 of your required credits from another university as you build your understanding of this social services field. You’ll be prepared for a wide variety of service-oriented positions upon graduation.
Ohio University
Become a Bobcat at Ohio University, and you’ll become part of a community that has been around since 1787. That legacy is nothing short of impressive, and it’s paired with an academic reputation that extends to all of this school’s online programs, too.
The Bachelor of Science in psychology is offered by the College of Arts and Sciences and prepares students for a variety of careers in human services, business, and health services. You’ll work closely with a diverse online student body and highly skilled faculty. You’ll get 1:1 advising from instructors who want nothing more than to see you succeed.
You will take a variety of core courses beyond your prerequisites. Core areas of study include cognitive psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and child and adolescent psychology, just to name a few. Thirty-five credit hours are required beyond the prerequisite level. All classes are offered in a flexible online format with zero face-to-face meetings required.
Washington State University
Located in rural eastern Washington, Washington State University is closely connected to the town, region, and landscape. The school has an intimate relationship with the local community—a relationship that you’ll benefit from regardless of whether you choose to study online or on-campus.
Ranked as one of the best online programs by the U.S. News & World Report, this degree is offered by the College of Arts and Sciences and has multiple start dates each year. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the core psychological principles and scientific methods used in the discipline, preparing you for work in a variety of industries.
As an online student, you will gain valuable experience by conducting research and acting as an instructional teacher’s assistant, grading teacher’s assistant, or even a tutor. You can access a wide array of resources and networking opportunities, including Psi Chi, the Psychology National Honor Society, the global campus chapter of MSU’s Psychology Club, and the online psychology student’s resource room.
Not only that, but most of the required online courses use open education resources, which are free online academic materials used instead of hard copy books. This can help to dramatically reduce your costs while earning a degree.
University of Massachusetts – Amherst
One Nobel Prize winner. Multiple Fulbright Scholars. Several Pulitzer prize winners. Clearly, the University of Massachusetts – Amherst has a reputation for producing star academics. Could you be the next one to join the ranks?
The Bachelor of Arts in psychology includes courses that are taught by full-time faculty who are renowned in their areas of instruction. They have a wealth of real-world experience that they bring each day to their teaching. Faculty members are committed to student success, with courses frequently enrolling fewer than 20 students at a time.
You’ll need 120 credit hours, with tuition starting at just $380 per credit hour. You can take classes entirely online or as a combination of online and on-campus courses. You can take courses five times per year, including in the fall, winter, spring, summer I, and summer II sessions. If you’ve already taken courses at another university, you can transfer in up to 90 credits and still receive the same UMass degree that you would receive if you were studying on-campus.
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas has a number of unique majors for students to choose from. In fact, its city management and urban policy program is ranked first in the nation. However, you’ll also find a multitude of more “mainstream” majors for you to choose from here, including the exceptional online bachelor’s in psychology.
The online psychology degree at the University of Kansas offers courses that are broken down into eight-week “minimester” terms. You’ll take core courses like Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Child Development, and more. You’ll take 120 total credit hours, with only 30 that must be taken at the University of Kansas.
When you study at this university, you’ll become a Jayhawk—a reputation that will serve you well as you build lifelong relationships and build a career. You’ll get all the support you need from dedicated faculty and staff who both respect and support your personal and career goals.
Utah State University
You don’t have to be from the Beehive State to study at Utah State University. In fact, this school has the highest percentage of out-of-state students of any public university in Utah—more than 23% of the student body, in fact. Many of these students choose to study online, and for good reason.
With two start dates per year, the online bachelor’s of psychology at Utah State University is one of the most flexible and career-oriented for motivated students. The curriculum is offered 100% online and includes 48 program credit hours, with 25 industry-relevant courses. You’ll pay only $6,931 per year for tuition, making this one of the most affordable programs, too.
You’ll gain extensive hands-on experience before you graduate, with opportunities for research, apprenticeships, and other professional experiences. In fact, the Department of Psychology has published more than 520 articles in scientific journals and received more than $20.4 million in external funding over the last five years. This degree is ranked as one of the best online programs by the U.S. News & World Report.
University of New Mexico
Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico was originally located in Albuquerque and chosen for its location simply because it was on a tract of “good high and dry land.” Despite this simplistic origin, the school today offers a variety of programs both on-campus (where it’s dry!) as well as online. You can benefit from this school’s research-focused programs from anywhere in the nation.
The online Bachelor of Arts in psychology is an accelerated program that is taught by the regular faculty who teach on campus. Many have more than a decade’s worth of experience when it comes to teaching online. All courses are offered in a flexible eight-week format and have undergone extensive peer review processes—so you can rest assured that you are getting the best of the best.
Not only that, but unlike many other online programs that are designed in a rather cookie-cutter fashion, the B.A. in psychology at the University of New Mexico was developed specifically for a diverse student population. It incorporates elements of cultural and ethnic diversity throughout all aspects of the curriculum. You’ll also love the low tuition rates and the fact that there are five start dates per year with this dynamic degree.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University is one of only four U.S. universities to have received joint designation as a sea-grant, sun-grant, and space-grant institution. As a result, it has one of the most impressive levels of research funding, having received more than $441 million in 2017 alone. What does this mean for you, as a psychology major? You’ll have access to some of the best hands-on learning opportunities around.
In Oregon State University’s undergraduate degree in psychology, you’ll take up to 180 credit hours and pay just $318 per credit hour. You can choose from four convenient start dates per year. In addition, you’ll also be able to choose between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science.
You’ll take rigorous coursework that will expose you to the hands-on skills you need to be successful in this field, such as problem-solving and critical thinking skills. You can combine your learning with in-person studies on campus in Portland, if you so choose, or you can simply study online.
Either way, you’ll benefit from classes that are developed by Oregon State’s world-class faculty, all of whom are known worldwide for their expertise and research skills. As an online student, you’ll benefit from the same resources you would receive if you were studying on campus, such as free online tutoring and career guidance.
Kennesaw State University
Choose to become a student at Kennesaw State University, and you could study on-campus, in Kennesaw, GA—or you could study at one of the university’s many other locations, such as the branch in Marietta or at satellite campuses at the Cobb Galleria Centre, Paulding County, or Dalton State College. Of course, you could always take classes online, too.
In the online Bachelor of Science in psychology at Kennesaw State University, you’ll complete a variety of courses that examine behavior and mental processes in an effort to improve the lives of humans everywhere. You will take an introductory psychology course, a careers in psychology course, and several laboratory-based classes, too. You’ll complete your studies with a senior capstone experience that synthesizes everything you’ve done in your program so far.
Not only that, but this degree includes a broad liberal arts curriculum that will serve you well as you pursue your career. Offered both face-to-face as well as entirely online, you’ll graduate from this program with strong research, critical thinking, and communication skills.
California State University – Sacramento
There are all kinds of reasons to visit the Sacramento campus of California State University. It is the site of two National Register of Historic Places—one of which is the terminus of the Pony Express. However, you don’t have to step foot on campus to benefit from the university’s impressive academic reputation. You can also study online.
The online Bachelor of Arts in psychology explores human emotion, cognition, and behavior. A broad-based discipline, it is offered online as well as in an accelerated format. You will be granted a dedicated financial aid coordinator and academic advisor to support you in the enrollment process, from the day you submit an application to the day you graduate. You’ll get a degree from California State University-Sacramento—a degree that is identical to the one you would receive if you chose to study on campus.
Designed specifically for adult learners, the program includes courses broken up into short six-to eight-week chunks. Tuition is incredibly affordable and starts at just $425 per credit hour.
Arizona State University – Skysong
Arizona State University has been ranked among the Most Innovative Schools by the U.S. News & World Report for several years in a row. It has a reputation for its research development, opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning, and programming for distance learners. Choose to enroll in the online bachelor’s in psychology, and you’ll see this firsthand.
The psychology degree at Arizona State University comes with numerous options that will help you meet your goals. You can pursue a stand-alone psychology major (either as a Bachelor of Science or as a Bachelor of Arts) or you can explore a concentration in forensic psychology. Typically, you will take a total of 39 classes, each of which lasts just seven and a half weeks. The program requires 120 total credit hours.
In this program, you’ll learn from nationally renowned faculty who do their best to provide you with plenty of practical hands-on experiences. Among these are various internships, service learning, and research experiences with individual faculty members. These will both complement as well as enhance the courses you are taking online, such as Social-Behavioral Sciences, Statistical Methods, and more.
Colorado State University – Fort Collins
Colorado State University-Fort Collins was first established in 1870 under the Morrill Act on just 30 acres of land. Today, this urban school is home to more than 28,000 on-campus students and more than 5,000 students online—it has grown to meet the rising demand for quality academic programs.
The online psychology degree explores the principles, theories, and scientific methods that are commonly used in psychological research. You’ll benefit from a well-rounded curriculum with a solid liberal arts and scientist foundation. Not only will you hone your skill in writing communication, critical thinking, and teamwork, but you’ll also learn core fundamental psychological concepts in areas of study like industrial, cognitive, and social psychology.
Pursue this program on its own, or pair it with one of nine minors, such as media studies, sociology, or agricultural business. You will take a minimum of 120 credits and pay just $476 per credit hour. Financial aid is available to students who qualify, too.
Thomas Edison State University
While most of the schools on this list have their roots in traditional on-campus education, Thomas Edison State University is unique in that it is actually the other way around. In fact, this majority online institution serves the state’s adult population, offering self-directed programs that are geared specifically toward the nontraditional learner.
The Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Thomas Edison prepares adult learners seeking a career change, as well as those who are interested in graduate education. It focuses on the core research methods and principles behind psychology while also training students in the traditional liberal arts disciplines.
As a student in this program, you will take core classes such as Social Psychology, Physiological Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. The program requires 120 total credit hours, along with a final capstone project that will allow you to bring together everything you’ve learned in your program in one cumulative, hands-on experience.
Missouri State University
Missouri State University has a diversified reputation that might surprise you. Founded as a normal school for teachers, it remains one of the top teacher training colleges in the state. It also had an active fruit research station in Mountain Grove, MO and a superior defense and strategic studies program in Fairfax, VA. However, it also has a variety of more traditional programs, too, like the online bachelor’s in psychology.
The bachelor’s degree in psychology at Missouri State University will prepare you with the skills you need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. You will pay just $3,500 per semester for tuition and can apply for both scholarships and other financial aid opportunities.
As a graduate of this program, you will have skills that are highly sought-after in today’s job market. Not only will you benefit from the same curriculum online that is taught on campus, but you’ll also enjoy the dedicated attention of full-time faculty with diverse areas of expertise.
Pennsylvania State University
With facilities throughout the entire state of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University (often referred to simply as “Penn State”) has been dubbed a “Public Ivy.” What does this mean? Despite being a state college, the university is considered to provide education that is at a comparable level to that of an Ivy League institution.
The psychology major at Pennsylvania State University can be pursued as a Bachelor of Arts or as a Bachelor of Science. By choosing a Bachelor of Arts, you will be able to pursue a more traditional liberal arts curriculum, while the Bachelor of Science is technically-focused. Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll have extensive flexibility in designing a curriculum that matches your career plans and goals.
You will pay only $576 per credit hour as you study in this nationally-renowned program. It’s ranked as one of the top ten for online bachelor’s degrees by U.S. News & World Report. You’ll have access to faculty who are active in research, service-related fields, and clinical practice and be able to participate in a wide array of interdisciplinary activities, too, such as the first fully online Psychology Club.
University of Illinois at Springfield
Offering only 27 different undergraduate degree programs, it would be easy to assume that the University of Illinois at Springfield isn’t a very prominent institution. That’s far from the case. In fact, this public liberal arts college is ranked as one of the best in the country and has been offering online programs since 1999. It isn’t a jack of all trades, but is instead a leader in its online offerings.
The online Bachelor of Arts in psychology is offered as an “individualized concentration,” which means you will be granted the greatest flexibility in pursuing your degree. You will be able to come up with a customized course plan, working in close collaboration with your instructors and advisors. You will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on their research projects as well as to propose and conduct research of your own.
You will have access to a wide array of resources, including a multipurpose psychology laboratory that’s equipped with all kinds of instruments to help you learn more about experimental studies in memory, learning, perception, and other areas, too.
University of Memphis
At the University of Memphis, the motto is “Driven by Doing.” Here, students learn not just from their textbooks, but from real-world learning opportunities. That’s true even of students who are studying fully online, such as in the online bachelor’s in psychology.
This program will not only enhance your knowledge of the natural and cultural worlds through great familiarity with the social and natural sciences (as well as the humanities), but it will also enhance your skills in communication, critical reasoning, and quantitative analysis. You’ll need to complete a minimum of 120 hours to graduate.
As an online student at the University of Memphis, you’ll benefit from the same quality of education that you would receive on campus. Your diploma will look exactly the same, and all of your courses will be designed to enhance the skill sets you need in your profession. Ranked the top online college in the state of Tennessee, the University of Memphis offers some of the most flexible and career-oriented programs around.
Rutgers University – Newark
According to U.S. News & World Report, Rutgers University-Newark is one of the most diverse universities in the United States. As a result, when you become a student here, you’ll become part of a community that is welcoming, accepting, and nurturing. Your learning opportunities don’t come just from your instructors, but from your peers.
The Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Rutgers is open to both on-campus and online students. Technically a degree completion program, it is perfect for transfer students and adult learners. You’ll benefit from attentive faculty who will guide you in your studies as you complete a minimum of 41 credits. Core classes are broken down into major themes like multicultural psychology and cognition and neuroscience.
You’ll also be able to explore areas of specialization and electives in topics like personality, psychology of emotions, developmental psychology, social psychology, and more. This degree is the perfect choice for students interested in education, social work, medicine, or even criminal justice.
Fort Hays State University
Founded in 1902, Fort Hays State University first opened its doors to meet the needs of the early settlers for educational facilities in the new region of Kansas. Today, the school continues to be a “pioneer” institution, offering dozens of high-quality, in-demand programs to on-campus and online learners alike.
The psychology department at Fort Hays State University offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in psychology. If you pursue the Bachelor of Arts, you will take a 20-hour sequence of out-of-department courses along with 10 hours of a foreign language. If you pursue the Bachelor of Science, you will complete 20 hours of coursework in mathematics or natural science. The latter is the perfect option for students who plan to attend graduate school.
Regardless of whether you choose to study on-campus or online with Fort Hays State, you will work closely with faculty mentors on research and other applied experiences to hone your clinical skills. You will also have access to a variety of student organizations and research resources that will further bolster your career readiness.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota has the only schools of medicine and law in the state of North Dakota—as well as one of the few programs in aerospace science and aeronautics. It’s also one of the best places to earn an online bachelor’s in psychology.
Available both as a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science, the psychology degree at the University of North Dakota takes most students just four years to complete. Consisting of 120 major credit hours (and 20 minor hours), the program explores a variety of psychological issues. You can also choose to customize your degree with a specialized certificate such as behavioral health or forensic psychology.
As a student in this program, you’ll be able to explore all kinds of hands-on experiences, even when studying from afar. You can earn course credit through community activities and teaching assistantships and take part in the Student Psychological Association and Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society. You can even take part in research projects with faculty who are experts in fields like law and psychology—all for course credit!
University of Houston – Downtown
With more than 40,000 alumni distributed all over the world, the University of Houston-Downtown offers both on-campus and online learners some of the best opportunities to get involved with their local communities. Here, you’ll benefit from instructors who want to get to know you well, along with plenty of hands-on learning opportunities.
That’s especially true in the online bachelor’s in psychology. This program offers flexible scheduling and an interactive learning experience. You’ll enjoy a quality curriculum that is identical to that of on-campus classes. Plus, you will benefit from online and on-campus student services, too, such as advising, library services, and disability services.
While earning this degree, you’ll learn how to better understand yourself and others as you examine the underlying animal and human mental and behavioral processes that guide everything we do. You will gain skills in project development, research, analysis, and more. Core courses include Research Methods in Psychology, Theories of Personality, Psychology and the Law, and more.
University of Louisville
As a “Preeminent Metropolitan Research University,” the University of Louisville enrolled students from almost every county in Kentucky, every U.S. state, and more than 116 countries around the world. While most students study on-campus, the university is also home to a vibrant online campus, too.
The online Bachelor of Arts in psychology is perfect for working professionals who want to understand how the many facets of human psychology impact the decisions we make every day. It’ ranked as one of the Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report and features classes that are delivered entirely online. The program requires 121 credit hours, with tuition starting at just $539 per credit hour (and with discounts available for military personnel, too).
You will earn a research-based psychology degree taught by the same research-focused faculty that teach on campus. The degree has multiple tracks, requiring core courses such as Brain and Behavior, Research Methods for Psychology, and Statistics for Psychology.
Eastern Washington University
The motto at Eastern Washington University is “Start Something Big.” Sounds pretty basic at its core—but when you really get down to it, Eastern Washington University offers students one of the best platforms for long term success. When you choose to study here, you’ll be starting something big—the career of a lifetime.
The psychology degree is offered as a stand-alone major, but can also be pursued as a major in health psychology or applied developmental psychology. There are also numerous minors available in this discipline, such as industrial/organizational psychology. All of these degrees are offered by the College of Health Science and Public Health.
In this program, you’ll gain a keen understanding of the ways that cultural, behavioral, and psychological factors affect our physical health. You can take electives in topics such as drugs and behavior, sexuality, interpersonal communication, and more. The program has four convenient start dates per year—one each in the summer, fall, winter, and spring quarters. Not only that, but this program is ranked in the top 25 as a Top Public School for Regional Universities West by U.S. News & World Report.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Although Northwestern State University of Louisiana is perhaps best known for its programs in nursing and business, that’s not all you’ll find when you choose to study here. In fact, this school, located in Natchitoches, LA, has a variety of programs in in-demand fields like aerospace science, biological sciences, and of course, psychology.
The Bachelor of Science in psychology at Northwestern State University of Louisiana provides learners with the flexibility necessary to gain an overall understanding of psychology—or to specialize in an area of interest. This in-demand program teaches students the communication and data collection skills they need to be successful in all aspects of the field.
This degree is the perfect prerequisite for students who are interested in the university’s Master of Science in clinical psychology, but it also provides a wonderful stand-alone training for undergraduates too. You may choose to earn an additional concentration as a prevention specialist or a substance abuse professional, too.
Wichita State University
Founded more than 125 years ago, Wichita State University has a rich, storied history that is just as interesting as the dozens of online programs you can pursue. From criminal justice to dental hygiene, homeland security to aging studies, you’ll have no shortage of choices when you enroll here. However, the online degree in psychology is one of the best.
The psychology major at Wichita State University is found within the online Bachelor of General Studies program. This degree is the perfect choice for students who wish to customize their degrees with well-defined career goals rather than pursuing an overly specialized degree. Psychology is just one concentration available, with others including in-demand majors like social work, criminal justice, aging studies, and more.
To graduate, you will be required to take 94 credits of general studies courses along with 33 credit hours in psychology. There is no foreign language requirement and while you will not receive any sort of licensure upon graduation, you will graduate with the skills and training you need to pursue continuing graduate-level education.
University of Idaho
The state of Idaho’s sole university for more than 71 years, instructors at the University of Idaho know a thing or two about how to deliver high-quality instruction to students in remote areas. That’s why it’s one of the best places to pursue an online bachelor’s in psychology.
The psychology major at the University of Idaho is available as both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree. The Department of Psychology and Communication Studies, in which this major is housed, offers one of the most popular bachelor’s degrees and is home to more than 500 students. You’ll learn from faculty members who remain actively engaged in leading psychological research.
This transfer-friendly program allows you to pay in-state tuition regardless of your residency. You can explore topics that interest you most as you engage with campus resources such as their state-of-the-art research laboratories. Scholarships, internships, and financial aid are available to students who qualify.
Central Washington University
Central Washington University has a name that is a bit of a misnomer. Although the school’s main campus is located in the center of the state, in Ellensburg, WA, it also has campuses all over, including in Lynnwood, Moses Lake, Sammamish, Yakima, Des Moines, and more. Plus, there’s the online campus to be considered, too.
Choose to study online with Central Washington University, and you’ll have plenty of degrees to choose from. The online psychology program consists of 45 credit hours and requires students to complete an in-depth overview of coursework in fields like business, family studies, social work, forensics, and more. You can complete this degree by itself or as a double major with another of the university’s in-demand programs.
In this program, you’ll take classes such as Analysis of Everyday Behavior, Theories of Personality, and Cognitive Psychology. Designed to serve as a degree-completion program, it is one of the most transfer-friendly you will find.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
As the largest employer in the state of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (or UAB, as it’s affectionately known) has dozens of high-quality programs in health science, including physical medicine and rehabilitation, radiology, internal medicine, neurology, and more. It also has one of the best online bachelor’s in psychology—but you don’t have to have designs on becoming a clinician in order to study here.
The online Bachelor of Science in psychology has zero on-campus requirements. You can take classes both synchronously and asynchronously, studying in the manner that makes the most sense for your schedule and career goals. You’ll learn from a large and prestigious faculty body composed of more than 75 instructors.
All course content is delivered and accessible through UAB’s learning management system, where you’ll be able to access virtual classroom lectures, chatrooms, multimedia activities, and discussion boards. As an online learner, you’ll have access to the same study abroad opportunities, student groups, and financial aid that you would if you were studying on campus, too.
South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a Research University with High Research Activity. As a result, you’ll benefit from some of the most career-focused programs around when you choose to study here, with plenty of opportunities for hands-on psychology research.
The online psychology undergraduate degree offers learners the background in mental and behavioral processes they need to pursue a multitude of careers, including social work, business, human resources, and healthcare. You can choose from two post-graduation career paths—graduate school or direct entry into the workforce.
Regardless of your path, 120 credit hours are required. You will take classes in major areas such as child psychology, learning and conditioning, the psychology of abnormal behavior, biopsychology, and more. Not sure which way you’re headed? Don’t worry. When you enroll, you’ll be paired with an advisor who can provide you with personally tailored guidance on the best choices for your goals and needs.
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is perhaps best known for its environmental sustainability emphasis. It’s had this focus since its inception and was, in fact, dubbed “Eco U” by Newsweek in the 1970s. Regardless of whether you choose to study online or on-campus, you’ll benefit from his school’s mindful approach to teaching and learning.
The online psychology major is identical to the one offered on-campus. Regardless of your intended career path, this program will help you improve and refine your analytical skills. There are two potential tracks you can follow—the general emphasis track and the development track. You will be able to participate in a variety of student organizations, such as Psi Chi and PsycHD, along with multiple internships and hands-on experiences.
As a student in this program, you will also be eligible for an array of scholarships, too. There are multiple awards reserved exclusively for psychology majors, such as the Leanne and Michael Haddad Scholarship for Human Development and the KaNisha Flemming Memorial Scholarship.
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University is one of the most diverse universities in the country, attracting more than 700 international students from 89 different countries. Whether you decide to study on-campus or online, you’ll benefit from a student body that is culturally aware, diverse, and close-knit.
The online Bachelor of Science in psychology is perfect for students who are entering with some college credits to begin with. However, you can also complete his degree as a start-to-finish curriculum. Either way, you’ll be expected to complete a total of 120 credit hours as you pursue this major in the College of Sciences.
You can select coursework from a broad range of topics as you develop the skills necessary to refine your analytical thinking. You can take advanced courses in topics like industrial/organizational psychology and clinical psychology, too, depending on your ultimate goals. The program requires 120 total credit hours.
Old Dominion University is unique in that it is part of a partnership with the Virginia Community College System and other select educational institutions. As a result, transferring to ODU is easy—and seamless.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 6% growth in jobs for psychologists through 2032, faster than the 3% average growth for all other occupations. This means about 12,800 new openings will result each year, on average, over the next decade. Graduates of psychology programs are finding jobs due to demand, making the degree worth it.
The average pay for psychologists is $85,330/year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% make less than $50,000/year, while the highest 10% make over $141,000/year. The average pay by psychologist type is as follows:
• Industrial-organizational psychologist: $139,280/year
• General psychologist: $106,420/year
• Clinical and counseling psychologist: $90,130/year
• School psychologist: $81,500/year
With a psychology degree, you can pursue various careers in fields such as clinical psychology, counseling, human resources, social work, education, research, and healthcare. Job options include clinical psychologist, counselor, human resources specialist, school psychologist, research assistant, and more.
A bachelor’s in psychology takes full-time students, on average, four years to complete. Most programs require 120 credits, which means you take between 12 and 15 credits each semester to graduate in four years. Online and accelerated programs are available and can reduce the length of time to 3 to 3.5 years.
There is a lot of reading and analysis in a psychology degree program, so it can be challenging. Some students have trouble with courses in advanced mathematics, research methods, and statistics, as they fulfill quantitative subject matter. But if you’re passionate about the field, and have good time management skills, you can improve your success rate.
At most schools, psychology is a STEM discipline because of its scientific and technological innovations. The American Psychological Association states that psychology’s indirect contributions to education and learning in science and technology make it a STEM degree.
Choosing to major in psychology is beneficial for those interested in understanding human behavior, mental processes, and societal dynamics. It provides a versatile foundation applicable in various fields, including counseling, healthcare, business, and education. Success depends on your interests and career goals, so it’s important to consider your passions when choosing psychology as a major.
The classification of a bachelor’s degree in psychology as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) can vary by universities. Both are common. A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology emphasizes a broader liberal arts education, including courses in the humanities, while a Bachelor of Science focuses more on scientific and research-oriented coursework.
The level of math required in psychology varies. While some areas involve minimal math, others, such as research methods and statistics, require a moderate level of quantitative skills. Proficiency in basic statistical concepts is beneficial for understanding and conducting research in psychology at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
You need a desire or interest in understanding and connecting with other people. Good psychologists are empathetic and able to relate to experiences outside their own. If this sounds like you, psychology might be a good fit.
Related Articles:
- Best Online Psychology Degree Programs
- Top Mental Health Counseling Programs (Graduate)
- Best Forensic Psychology Masters Programs
- Top Colleges for Forensic Psychology