It is a well-known fact that getting a degree will open up worlds of career opportunities and put you in line for the higher salary. However, an on-campus degree is not possible for everyone. Jobs, families, and other commitments can prevent you from gaining a traditional on-campus education. However, obtaining a degree in psychology can happen online in the comfort of your home, and on your timetable.
With over a thousand online psychology degrees available, choosing the best online psychology degree can be difficult. This article explores the top fifteen online psych degrees available in the United States. We created this guide to assist you in your school search.
Our editors first reviewed online psychology degree programs in May 2016. This ranking was last updated in November 2023.
Some colleges provide online psychology degree programs at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. We understand that some students intend to pursue a master’s degree and find it beneficial and convenient to study at the same school for both degrees. We included some of these outstanding schools in our rankings.
#northeasternu #asu #universityoftheincarnateword #drexel #OregonState #uflorida #pennstate #postuniversity #purdueuniversity #umass #snhu #saintleo #libertyuniversity #letourneau #grandcanyonuniversity
What Are the Best Online Psychology Degree Programs?
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See Also: 10 Best Online Forensic Psychology Masters
Northeastern University
Northeastern University offers an accredited online BS in psychology through the College of Professional Studies. Students can choose from three distinct professional tracks including:
- Clinical Track
- Applied Behavioral Analysis Track
- MAT (Education) Track
Open electives allow students to further tailor the program to meet their educational goals. Students complete two advanced practicum experiences that provide the opportunity for hands on training. The program prepares students for a career in human services or further education in graduate studies.
The tuition costs for education at Northeastern University are quite high. However, over 70% of students receive financial aid. The investment is well worth the upfront cost as the median starting salary of alumni is $67,204 per year. Incredible pay projection is offered at this top university for a psychology degree, making this excellent institution our first-place choice.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research institution committed to excellence in education. ASU has one of the most respected online psychology programs in the state. They offer an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology taught by expert instructors. Their psychology program is not only accredited but also highly respected.
Courses are offered in short, seven-and-a-half-week sessions, allowing students to complete their degree quickly. Psychology major course offerings include:
- Research Methods
- Statistical Methods
- Careers in Psychology
Arizona State University also offers an online MS in psychology. Courses are taught by tenured and tenure-track faculty. Elective course offerings allow students to focus on areas of interest. The program does not prepare online students to work in clinical psychology, but it does prepare graduates to pursue a doctoral degree or career advancement opportunities.
The cost per credit hour is around $600, and graduates can expect to earn a median starting salary of about $44,456. Arizona State is more affordable than many other institutions without sacrificing rigor or projected annual salary. We like that ASU offers online degrees for undergrads as well as graduate students. Affordable tuition and flexible programming make Arizona State number two of the top 15 online psych programs.
The University of the Incarnate Word
The School of Professional Studies at the University of the Incarnate Word offers a comprehensive and accredited online bachelor’s in psychology at an incredibly affordable rate. Their tuition rates are just a bit above average at $500 per credit hour. They are committed to keep costs affordable through the “Brain Power” Program, which makes all school textbooks free and online for all currently enrolled students.
The core curriculum includes courses in:
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Biology and Behavior
- Developmental Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
A psychology major will complete a capstone project and internship in psychology. A minor is strongly encouraged. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of areas including:
- education
- business
- social service
Students graduating from The University of the Incarnate Word can expect to earn annual salaries on average of $43,200. Tuition costs and projected salaries for this school are already good, but the sheer amount of money saved in never having to purchase a textbook makes this school among the most affordable of all our listed programs. The affordability plus the fact that graduates of this best psychology bachelor’s program go on to strong careers and graduate programs put this respected school in 3rd place.
Drexel University
Drexel University features a research-focused bachelor’s degree in psychology online. Courses are delivered in a fully online format to accommodate the needs of diverse learners. The innovative curriculum emphasizes research methodology and statistics, giving students a strong foundation for a variety of career options. Course offerings include:
- Psychological Testing and Assessment
- Experimental Psychology
- Physiological Psychology
- Psychology of Learning
Drexel also offers a variety of programs at the master’s level including:
- EdS in School Psychology
- MS in Applied Behavior Analysis Online
- MS in Applied Behavior Analysis Hybrid
Their online undergraduate program costs roughly $459 per credit hour. Students may enroll on a full or part-time basis. This flexibility allows students to learn and pay for tuition at their own pace.
Graduates of Drexel University tend to have high incomes. The average annual salary of a Drexel University graduate runs around $65,794 on average. Recent graduates of Drexel’s psychology program have gone on to jobs at:
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Jefferson Health System
- Lihn Center for Psychology
Graduates are also successful in law and graduate programs. Not only is this school offering a solid education at a good price, but the projected salary is also high enough to earn this school 4th place out of our top 15 list.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University is an accredited public university that offers two of the best online psychology degrees including the BS and BA in psychology.
Each program option is about 180 credit hours long with intensive rigor which prepares students for careers that work heavily with the public. Courses are developed by world-class faculty so you can feel confident that the curriculum is relevant and meets the needs of the field. Sample course topics include:
- Health psychology
- Human lifespan development
- Cognitive psychology
- Brain and behavior
Annual tuition costs hover above the national average at $21,163, and graduates can expect to earn an above-average salary in their careers. Average annual salaries are expected to be around $43,364.
This affordable psychology program allows students to focus on the desired career outcome, at an average tuition cost with average expected pay. This online psychology program is ranked as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. These facts combined earn Oregon State University 5th place.
The University of Florida Online
The University of Florida Online is an accredited online university. Students are required to complete 120 credit hours which is roughly an average amount for a psychology degree.
The University of Florida Online requires online learners to complete courses in:
- mathematics
- psychology
- statistics
- biology
Psychology majors can also choose from a variety of elective courses to complete their degree. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in areas like:
- personnel management
- education
- health care
- counseling
The bachelor’s in psychology prepares graduates to continue their education in psychology or pursue a professional degree in an area like law.
Tuition for this school is below the national average cost, and students graduating from this school report a starting average of $50,850 annually, which is slightly below the national average.
As one of the most budget friendly online programs in psychology, UF Online provides students with a well-rounded online education with a decent projected annual salary. It is perfect for those with less previous education who want greater career opportunities. These features land this wonderful institution the 6th place out of our top 15 programs.
Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus offers two of the best online psychology degree programs. Both offered degrees are shorter than average sitting at around 123 credit hours priced at around $626 per credit hour.
The two accelerated degrees offered are meant to help students into the fields they wish to enter into after graduation. Their BS degree in science and psychology practice is research-focused. Students can choose to customize their degree by choosing a concentration in either life sciences or business.
The BA degree provides students with a broad education in areas like humanities and social sciences. Students will gain the skills needed to work in human service agencies or laboratories.
Penn State World Campus is a highly prestigious university and one of the best online schools for psychology degrees. Graduates from Penn State World Campus can expect to earn an average annual salary of $41,900 early in their careers after graduation.
The intensity of this degree makes it a great fit for students building upon an existing career. The expenses of tuition at this institution versus the pay increase expected earn this school the 7th place out of our top 15.
Post University
Post University is assuredly a highly accredited school guaranteed to provide an intense and thorough education. Their bachelor’s degree in psychology online is flexible to meet the needs of your busy schedule.
Post University requires all students to take and pass a senior seminar, and other intensive courses designed to prepare you for graduate school, or the professional world. Course offerings cover areas like:
- personality and psychopathology
- child and adolescent development
- societal and culture influence on human interaction
- relationship between psychology and the law
Students can customize their online psychology degree by choosing from three distinct concentration areas including:
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Human Development, Education, and Health
- Industrial Organizational Psychology
This top psychology degree online program boasts small class sizes to ensure each student gets the support needed for success in the program. Students work with a personal academic success counselor throughout their time at Post.
Tuition rates at Post University are about average for a private, for-profit institution. Graduates of Post University can expect an average starting salary that sits around $43,512 which is below the national average. This is an excellent program for those seeking more experience than just an online education. However, the pay increase after gaining the degree may not be enough to land this school a higher ranking. Thus, Post University is 8th in our top 15 available programs.
Purdue University Global
Purdue University offers several of the best online psychology degree programs in the country. Their online bachelor’s degree program includes a concentration in Business Foundations. Students can focus their studies in areas like:
- applied behavior analysis
- addictions
- I/O psychology
Students can expect to spend between 15 and 18 hours a week on their coursework and complete their degree in about four years.
Students can continue their studies with an online Master of Science in Psychology. Purdue Global’s online master’s in psychology is another of the best online psychology programs. Students can choose from four different concentration areas including:
- addictions
- forensic psychology
- general psychology
- industrial and organizational psychology
Master’s courses are offered in convenient 10-week terms. Students can choose to complete a thesis or pass a comprehensive exam to complete their degree. Most students can complete their master’s in two years of full-time study.
Purdue works with students to help make their tuition as affordable as possible such as:
- a tuition cap
- military discounts
- in-state tuition savings
- transferring credits
- credit for experience
This top school for psychology degrees offers multiple start dates, which makes this flexible program one that is sure to fit your schedule. We like that Purdue Global offers both an undergraduate and graduate online degree in psychology.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
The University of Massachusetts offers fully accredited, and entirely online Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. The 120-hour program focuses their courses on applied psychology to best prepare students for a variety of different psychology careers. U.S. News and World Report ranked UMass as a top school to earn a bachelor’s in psychology online.
Courses are taught by full-time faculty who provide students with real-world knowledge. The psychology core curriculum includes course offerings like:
- Abnormal Psychology
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Social Psychology
UMass Lowell offers a generous transfer policy. New students can transfer in up to 90 credit hours for approved courses. Depending on the number of transfer credits, students can complete their degree in just 12-36 months. A variety of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available.
UMass provides students with an excellent education. Tuition rates are right at the national average sitting at $17,240 a year which is well worth the investment. Students graduating from this fine institution can expect to bring home an average salary of $63,600 annually which is considerably above the national average salary.
This online psychology degree at UMass is offered at an affordable cost and has a decent projected annual salary. University of Massachusetts earns the 10th place on our list.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is one of the best online colleges for psychology. SNHU offers fully accredited, and fully online master’s and bachelor’s in psychology programs at a reasonable cost. Their low-cost online Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology is an average 120 credit hours long and delves deeply into many options of focuses.
Their program is tough enough to prepare psychology majors for a variety of exciting careers. Graduates are also well prepared to continue their education and earn an advanced degree. An online bachelor’s degree in psychology can be the foundation of a career in such jobs as:
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Public Relations
- Research
- Administration
SNHU also offers a great online master’s in psychology. Concentrations are offered in:
- Child and Developmental Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Industrial & Organizational Psychology
Master’s degree students can transfer in up to 12 graduate credits for previous coursework. Experiential learning opportunities allow online psychology degree students to gain valuable hands-on training. Courses are taught by experienced faculty who understand the demands of the field.
Tuition costs are an extremely affordable $330 per credit hour for undergrads and $637 per credit for graduate students.
Southern New Hampshire University gives you a good education that doesn’t cost too much. Graduates are able to start successful careers or pursue advanced studies. Because of this and their affordable tuition rates, their online psychology degree programs are ranked 11th among our top 15 schools.
Saint Leo University
St. Leo University offers one of the top bachelor’s degree programs online in the country. Their Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree includes four concentration options:
- General Psychology
- Cinical/Counseling
- Developmental
- Experimental
St. Leo strongly encourage online students to branch out beyond the bounds of technological learning and explore the world of psychology in a hands-on approach via internships and practicums. However, internships and practicums are not required for graduation. Their online degree program offers a broad spectrum of education for students interested in a career in psychology.
Saint Leo also offers an online master’s degree in psychology. Students can customize their degree with a concentration including:
- General Psychology
- Industrial/Organizational
- Health Psychology
- Teaching of Psychology
Students can participate in a variety of different professional development opportunities. Research opportunities are available for credit or in addition to coursework. Students can attend professional conferences to network and present their research.
Saint Leo graduates are successful working in top organizations like:
- Adler Institute
- Community Hospital of New Port Richey, Florida
- United States Military
This best online psychology degree program has fairly low costs. Undergraduate courses cost around $410/credit hour. Psychology graduate courses cost $760/credit hour. St Leo’s is a wonderful institution for those going into military service as discounts are provided on an already affordable school. However, the course is less intensive for those wishing to work in a psychology-based career which earns this school the 12th spot in our quest to find the top 15 online psychology degrees.
Liberty University
Liberty University is one of the best online schools for psychology. Liberty offers an affordable, accredited, Christian emphasized online Bachelors of Science in Psychology degree. Students of Liberty University are trained in many counseling oriented mediums. All students must complete an internship before graduation, leaving with valuable professional experience.
Liberty values affordable education. They have not increased tuition in nine years. Students receive free electronic textbooks, saving them even more money. Not only is the program affordable, but it is customizable too! Students can choose from eight specializations including:
- Addictions and Recovery
- Christian Counseling
- Criminal Psychology
- Crisis Counseling
- Developmental Psychology
- General Track
- Life Coaching
- Military Resilience
Liberty also offers an online master’s degree in applied psychology. This online master’s is a flexible program with eight-week courses. Online students can choose from four specializations including:
- General Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Public Mental Health
Liberty students can continue their education with a PhD in psychology! There are six specializations to choose from that prepare students for career opportunities in research and academia.
Online students at Liberty University can expect a good solid education, at a relatively affordable rate. We love that Liberty offers online degrees at each level that include specializations.
LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University has a strong Christian Faith emphasis in all of its programs including its online psychology program. They emphasize the use of faith in counseling and all other aspects of life.
Their 120-credit hour online bachelor’s programs are rigorous enough to prepare students for:
- graduate degrees
- missions
- the use of psychology in the workforce
LeTourneau offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in psychology.
LeTourneau also offers one of the best online psychology graduate programs with their MA in psychology. This Christ-centered program includes required courses and electives that can help you meet your career goals. A practicum experience provides face-to-face learning opportunities in a counseling setting. All courses are offered 100% online to meet the needs of diverse learners.
LeTourneau provides students with a relatively affordable psychology education. Students report that they bring in hearty salaries with their degrees. Tuition costs are slightly above average, but online students are projected to enjoy an overall above-average salary in their careers after graduation.
This program is designed more for success in religious missions and human resources positions than counseling. This means that there is more breadth of the field, and slightly less rigor in their coursework, earning LeTourneau the 14th spot in this top 15 list.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a Baptist focused school that incorporates the use of faith, and religion into their courses. They are focused on making people more employable and producing well-rounded students into the workforce. They offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs with a psychology focus all totally online.
Their 120 credit hour Bachelor of Science in Psychology includes three concentration areas:
- Forensic Psychology
- Performance and Sport Psychology
- General
This non-thesis degree is geared toward students who want to gain foundational knowledge. Graduates are successful in a variety of careers including social and community service managers and specialists. Students that want to pursue graduate study in psychology can continue their studies at GCU with a Master of Science in Psychology.
The Master of Science in Psychology online from GCU is a 36-credit hour program. There is no thesis requirement. Instead, online students complete a professional capstone and present their original research ideas. The master’s degree includes a variety of emphasis areas including:
- Forensic Psychology
- General Psychology
- GeroPsychology
- Health Psychology
- Human Factors Psychology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Life Coaching
The average annual cost of attending GCU is lower than the national average ($19,749/year in tuition and fees) as it sits around $11,500. However, graduates of Grand Canyon University can expect to earn salaries that are higher than the national average at roughly $58,862 starting salary. However, students who go on to earn their master’s or Ph.D. degrees can expect an even higher salary.
The rigor provided in this course is suitable to make online students more marketable in the workforce. We like GCU for its affordability and projected earnings. Since they offer online psychology degrees at all levels, GCU students don’t need to switch schools to earn an advanced degree. These reasons helped us grant this institution the rank of 15th place, in our top fifteen universities.
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