A psychology degree offers a versatile career path, preparing students for various industries. Online interactions with fellow students provide valuable experience in diversity and collaboration, enhancing understanding of human psychological behavior. Skills in critical thinking, communication, research, and diversity are developed through psychological studies, making graduates strong candidates for various fields. An online psychology degree opens doors to a growing and potentially lucrative field, with a median annual wage of $31,410. We present 10 of the best US universities for online degree in psychology here.
With increasing stress and the socio-economic model of bigger, better, and more, psychology helps individuals rediscover themselves, heal wounds, and change unhealthy behaviors.
Psychology degrees teach students about the human mind and psyche, focusing on individual behavior and development stages. Graduates can pursue careers in counseling, psychotherapy, organizational psychology, special education, and advertising.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is a scientific study of the human psyche and its influence on society, culture, and contemporary challenges. It explores topics such as the mind’s role in brain processes, behavior learning, and the nature of the human subconscious.
Psychology students learn about various human behaviors and mental health problems through theoretical classes, practical work experience, and case studies.
Areas (Branches) of Psychology
- Psychology has various subfields, including
- Clinical Psychology,
- Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
- Behavioural Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- Depth Psychology
Career Options in Psychology
- Psychology degrees offer various career options, including
- psychotherapist
- psychology counselor
- occupational psychologist
- school counselor
- human resource officer
- play therapist
- forensic psychologist
- organizational psychologist
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Top 10 Universities in the US for Online Degree in Psychology
1. Touro University Worldwide
Touro University Worldwide is a nonprofit university founded by philanthropic visionaries to create a connected learning community for students. They offer affordable tuition and flexible online degree programs, designed for busy professionals. The university’s philosophy is based on social justice, intellectual pursuit, and philanthropic duty, derived from its Judaic foundation.
The university offers a deeper understanding of human behavior and interpersonal relationships, assisting professionals in various fields. Students can earn an accredited psychology degree all online while working full-time, with new technological advancements allowing courses to fit personal and work schedules.
The faculty is experienced professionals, therapists, and psychologists. The university also provides advanced research tools and cutting-edge courses, preparing graduates for the workforce or advancing their careers.
2. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) has been offering online bachelor’s degree programs since 1999-2000, offering flexibility in terms of scheduling and access to lectures. These programs are extensions of the on-campus academic experience, sharing policies, course expectations, faculty, and learning activities. Students can choose between campus and online classes, or only online classes with some fee savings.
The university is ranked No. 8 out of 358 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, offering popular majors in psychology, criminal justice/safety studies, political science and government, English language and literature, and health/healthcare administration/management. The university’s online programs are not distinguished by face-to-face or online credits, and students can attend campus activities, including commencement.
3. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) offers online bachelor’s degree programs since 2006-2007, with all classes recorded and archived for convenience. The university’s online programs are developed by the same faculty who teach on campus, aiming to engage students and professors in meaningful ways.
Students can access internationally recognized faculty, access to collections from eight award-winning libraries, an alumni network, and join a community of thousands of students pursuing their degrees.
4. CUNY School of Professional Studies
The online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (B.A.) program focuses on understanding human behavior and motivation, learning, social behavior, and development throughout life. Students learn research, survey design, and effective communication skills. The program covers four areas: Developmental Psychology, Socio-Cultural Approaches, Learning and Cognition, and Biological Bases of Behavior, and provides hands-on experience in psychologists’ behavioral methods.
Students can choose from three advanced tracks: Organizational Psychology, Psychological Development, or Psychopathology. A Senior Project is completed, and career planning is integrated throughout the program. The program aims to develop students’ knowledge, research methods, critical thinking skills, psychological principles, and values, while also enhancing their communication and career planning skills.
The program is suitable for various careers, including social service, management, business, marketing, healthcare, and government. It also prepares students for graduate programs in clinical psychology and research, as well as law, international development, and administration.
5. Ohio University
The Ohio State University offers a highly-ranked online Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, focusing on child and adolescent psychology, clinical and counseling, psychological disorders of childhood, and sport psychology. The program is ranked among the best in the world and tied for 34th in the nation by U.S. News.
Students will have access to quality instructors and courses to prepare for career advancement, exploring new fields, achieving university degrees, or improving understanding of people and behavior. Students can also transfer credits they have previously earned into the program.
6. Indiana University
The online B.S. in Psychology program at Indiana University offers courses in behavioral neuroscience, perception, evolutionary psychology, learning, personality, and abnormal psychology. Students gain skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.
The program is ranked in the top ten by U.S. News & World Report and offers flexible scheduling options. With personalized student services, over half of IU Online students advance in their careers before completing their degree.
7. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM)
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) offers online bachelor’s degree programs since 1999-2000, with all classes recorded and archived for convenience. The psychology major is ranked among the top online programs nationwide by External LinkBestCollegeReviews.org.
Distance learners can be adults juggling full-time work and family responsibilities or traditional-aged students who find online courses the best solution. The online format requires high self-motivation and better time management skills. Online courses operate on the same semester-based schedule as in-person classes, with fall classes starting in September and spring classes starting in January.
Online students take the same courses as traditional on-campus UWM students, and are taught by the same faculty and academic staff. The application process is the same as on-campus, with no distinction made between online and traditional students. UWM combines award-winning teaching, top-notch research, and flexible learning to help students meet their academic and career goals.
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8. Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers online bachelor’s degree programs since 1999-2000, providing students with the same faculty and degree as those on the Fort Collins campus. These programs are recorded and archived, allowing students to access lecture material at their convenience.
The deadline for online programs is rolling, and many programs offer internships and hands-on work experiences. Students can watch lectures and complete coursework at their own schedules.
9. Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University offers an online BA or BS in psychology, as well as a dual-degree program for a bachelor’s and master’s in experimental psychology. The university provides hands-on field experience through the Center for Children, Eye Tracking Lab, and Mr. Science Child Interviewing Laboratory. Distance learners don’t need out-of-state tuition. The school is public, has a $40 application fee, 120 credit requirements, full-time enrollment options, and no in-person requirements.
10. Upper Iowa University
The online psychology degree from Upper Iowa University focuses on biological foundations, social behavior, and development. It offers classes like conflict resolution, aging psychology, and disaster psychology, and an optional internship. Distance learners can add minors in communication studies, marketing, biology, or health services administration.
The program offers 120 credits and full-time enrollment options. Notable major-specific courses include biological psychology and developmental psychology.
Accreditation for Online Psychology Programs
To ensure quality online psychology programs, it is essential to choose from institutions accredited by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Accredited colleges are required for federal student aid and graduate school applications. Programmatic accreditation, however, is not applicable to online psychology bachelor’s degrees, as the American Psychological Association only provides accreditation to doctoral-level psychology programs.
How To Find the Right Online Psychology Program for You
In order to find the best online degree program in psychology, it is crucial you put the following into consideration:
Future Goals
- Online psychology degrees can equip individuals with skills for entry-level roles in business, education, and community services.
- For aspiring psychologists, a graduate degree is necessary, and most earn a master’s in psychology after undergraduate.
- For those entering the workforce, programs offering experiential learning and networking opportunities are recommended.
Expenses and Financing Options
- Tuition for online psychology degrees ranges from $220 to $510 per credit.
The average bachelor’s program requires 120 semester credits or 180 quarter credits, totaling around $26,400 to $91,800. - In-state tuition and fees for public school undergraduate degree cost $9,375 per year, or $37,500 for a four-year bachelor’s program.
- Out-of-state students pay around $108,400, and private university learners pay $131,300.
Federal student aid can be used to cover tuition costs. - Funding options may include student loans, grants, work-study programs, scholarships, private loans, and scholarships from non-government sources.
Conclusion
A psychology degree offers a versatile career path, preparing students for various industries. Online interactions enhance understanding of human psychological behavior, critical thinking, communication, research, and diversity. Top 10 US universities for online psychology degrees are listed in the blog post
