Guide to Earning an Online Psychology Degree
A growing number of the 1,400 US bachelor’s in psychology programs offer a track for an online psychology degree.1 This guide covers our ranking of the best online psychology programs, a comparison of traditional and online programs, information on how to determine whether distance learning is a good fit for your needs, and associated career options.
Table of Contents
- Online vs. Traditional Programs
- Top Schools with Online Psychology Degree Programs
- Profiles of Top Psychology Schools with Online Programs
- Frequently Asked Questions
Comparing Online vs. Traditional Programs
The pros and cons of online classes are similar to traditional classes and depend in large part on your educational background and preferred learning styles. Students who succeed in an online learning environment are typically self-motivated and able to meet deadlines for coursework without the structure of online class meetings. While many courses use real-time conferencing and discussion, not all do; face-to-face interaction with professors and peers is generally limited compared to the campus environment.
Additionally, on-campus programs may offer more concentration or specialization options, such as child psychology, school psychology, or forensic psychology. However, informal concentrations can sometimes be arranged depending on a given school’s selection of online psychology courses. Related to this, many online psychology degree programs require students to complete an internship or practicum experience. Those who are attending courses online from another state than that in which their school is based may need to arrange an appropriate internship in their own local area.
Benefits of Earning a Psychology Degree Online
There are advantages to taking online classes to earn your psychology degree. As campus-based schools extend their online offerings, students have access to an expanding list of course options. Another top benefit of earning an online psychology degree is the flexibility. Since many courses are asynchronous–that is, not requiring class attendance at specific times–students can “attend” classes on their own schedule. This makes online learning a good option for full-time workers, stay-at-home parents, and others who have responsibilities that make on-campus scheduling difficult.
Another benefit is the option of attending an out-of-state school without relocating. If you live in an area that is not within commuting distance to the top schools for psychology, distance learning may be an alternative. In addition, while some programs allow you to earn your psychology degree entirely online, others are degree completion programs that are geared towards students who already hold an associate’s degree or a certain number of college credits.
Finally, online courses can lower the total cost of earning your bachelor’s degree. Many schools offer in-state tuition rates to students attending courses online, even if those students are residents of another state.
You should also consider your career goals and understand the careers available with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in psychology can prepare you for employment in human resources, communication, marketing, and a host of other careers that deal with human decisions and behavior. However, don’t expect to land a position as a researcher or psychologist based on a four-year degree alone. These positions generally require graduate school; a master’s degree is appropriate for management specializations and some positions in research, while a doctoral degree is required to work as a psychologist or professor and in the majority of research positions.
Top Schools with Online Psychology Degree Programs
We have ranked the best psychology schools in the US using our unique methodology. All schools in this list are not-for-profit and hold regional accreditation from one of the six regional accreditation agencies in the US that are recognized by the US Department of Education. Regional accreditation is important because it is a marker of quality education and also a prerequisite for offering certain types of low-cost federal loans to students. Regionally accredited schools will also more readily accept transfer credits from other regionally accredited schools.
Major factors in our ranking methodology include the average tuition cost per online credit hour, the percentage of students enrolled only in distance education courses, the overall graduation rate of enrolled students, and schools’ rankings according to US News & World Report in the regional, national, and online categories. Some factors are weighted more heavily than others. Clicking on a linked school will lead you to additional data about that school and its programs, including tuition rates and faculty statistics.
| School | PD411 Rank | Avg. Online Tuition | % Students Only in Distance Ed | Grad Rate | % Tenured Faculty | US News Regional Rank | US News National Rank | US News Online Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | 1 | $131 | 3% | 88% | 47% | — | #30 tie | #3 |
| Indiana University Bloomington | 2 | $289 | 0% | 79% | 42% | — | #76 tie | #21 tie |
| University of Central Florida | 3 | $448 | 13% | 72% | 45% | — | #160 tie | #14 tie |
| Utah State University | 4 | $359 | 16% | 54% | 48% | — | #241 tie | #21 tie |
| Oregon State University | 5 | $331 | 23% | 67% | 36% | — | #153 tie | #4 tie |
| Regent University | 6 | $395 | 71% | 57% | 40% | — | #298-#389 | #53 tie |
| University of Arizona | 7 | $500 | 7% | 65% | 44% | — | #97 tie | #7 |
| University of Alabama Birmingham | 8 | $441 | 17% | 63% | 32% | — | #153 tie | #28 tie |
| University of Missouri | 9 | $349 | 4% | 52% | 33% | — | #124 tie | #14 tie |
| The University of West Florida | 10 | $281 | 20% | 46% | 44% | #36 tie (South) | — | #53 tie |
| Colorado State University | 11 | $476 | 100% | 70% | 0% | — | #153 tie | #10 tie |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | 12 | $380 | 15% | 66% | 26% | — | #176 tie | #31 tie |
| Central Michigan University | 13 | $417 | 9% | 61% | 41% | — | #249 tie | #107 tie |
| Washington State University | 14 | $573 | 9% | 60% | 39% | — | #176 tie | #28 tie |
| Old Dominion University | 15 | $384 | 21% | 53% | 46% | — | #258 tie | #86 tie |
| University of Louisville | 16 | $508 | 3% | 59% | 33% | — | #176 tie | #48 tie |
| Arizona State University Online | 17 | $575 | 97% | 4% | 37% | — | #103 tie | #6 |
| Fayetteville State University | 18 | $177 | 30% | 34% | 45% | #89 (South) | — | — |
| University of Memphis | 19 | $413 | 12% | 53% | 31% | — | #258 tie | #53 tie |
| University of Utah | 20 | $2,204 | 4% | 70% | 50% | — | #97 tie | #204 tie |
| Eastern Kentucky University | 21 | $409 | 17% | 45% | 29% | #51 tie (South) | — | #67 tie |
| University of North Dakota | 22 | $342 | 18% | 61% | 51% | — | #258 tie | — |
| Fort Hays State University | 23 | $219 | 34% | 43% | 20% | #112 tie (Midwest) | — | #107 tie |
| Eastern Oregon University | 24 | $265 | 48% | 27% | 35% | #88 tie (West) | — | #144 tie |
| Oregon Institute of Technology | 25 | $270 | 14% | 46% | 48% | #5 tie (West) | — | — |
| University of Illinois-Springfield | 26 | $477 | 33% | 54% | 35% | — | — | #34 tie |
| Central Washington University | 27 | $947 | 25% | 58% | 37% | #47 tie (West) | — | #122 tie |
| University of Houston | 28 | $640 | 3% | 61% | 48% | — | #176 tie | — |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth | 29 | $569 | 1% | 62% | 43% | #39 tie (Midwest) | — | — |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | 30 | $400 | 13% | 47% | 45% | — | #298-#389 | #246 tie |
| University of Maine-Presque Isle | 31 | $319 | 22% | 38% | 29% | #28 tie (North) | — | — |
| University of Nevada Las Vegas | 32 | $552 | 4% | 45% | 50% | — | #258 tie | #256-#337 |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | 33 | $572 | 38% | 35% | 31% | — | #298-#389 | #137 tie |
| University of Maine at Machias | 34 | $368 | 33% | 30% | 44% | NR | NR | — |
| Louisiana State University-Alexandria | 35 | $291 | 31% | 28% | 26% | NR | NR | — |
| University of Houston-Downtown | 36 | $443 | 20% | 29% | 23% | #95-#124 (West) | — | #86 tie |
| Northern Kentucky University | 37 | $448 | 14% | 46% | 48% | — | #298-#389 | — |
| Brescia University | 38 | $425 | 37% | 34% | 15% | #33 tie (South) | — | #234 tie |
| Kentucky State University | 39 | $450 | 26% | 25% | 40% | #36 tie (South) | — | — |
| Indiana University East | 40 | $289 | 59% | 40% | 8% | #119-#156 (Midwest) | — | — |
See Tables Notes and References at bottom of page.
Profiles of Top Psychology Schools with Online Programs
To help you make an informed decision in choosing a school, we have provided additional information for select schools that placed in our rankings of online bachelor’s degrees in psychology. Where possible, we have also noted schools that have master’s, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), and PhD degree programs in psychology. Clicking on the school name for each of the following profiles will provide an overlay with admissions, tuition, academic, and student support statistics.
University of Florida (#1)
The University of Florida (UF) offers an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology that is based in both science and the liberal arts. The online psychology program at UF differs from the on-campus program in that it is a BA, whereas the campus program is a Bachelor of Science (BS). Over 1,500 students at UF are psychology majors, making this one of the most popular programs offered by the school. The online program requires specific general education courses and an overall GPA of at least 2.75 for admissions consideration. Once enrolled, students explore the theory and application of psychology through both the natural and social science perspectives, preparing students for a broad variety of careers. The program requires 120 credit hours to complete, including 30 required credits in the psychology core curriculum. Core courses include General Psychology; Biological Bases of Behavior and Mental Processes; and Developmental Changes Across the Lifespan. Online students have opportunities to further explore areas of interest through electives. UF also offers on-campus graduate programs in several different areas of psychology, including APA-accredited programs in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology.
Admissions & Enrollment
Number of students in online programs: 3,3402
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 37%3
Typical ACT score of accepted students: 29-334
Tuition & Academics
In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $112/$1495
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $130/$5535
% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid: 40%3
Full-time online faculty: 2842
One-year new student retention rate: 97%1
University of Central Florida (#3)
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers an online degree completion program for its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology. With over 3,400 undergraduate majors in psychology and 180 graduate students, UCF has the largest psychology department in the Western Hemisphere and is the largest university in the US overall by student enrollment. To be admitted as a psychology major students must have completed at least two years of college, including prerequisite courses in foreign language, biology, statistics, and human sciences. Once admitted, students take courses such as Research Methods in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Cognitive Psychology. Online students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and professional networking. Graduates are prepared for entry-level work or for graduate study in psychology. The Psychology Department at UCF also offers on-campus master’s programs in Clinical Psychology and Industrial and Organizational Psychology as well as on-campus doctoral programs in Applied Experimental and Human Factors Psychology; Clinical Psychology; and Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
Admissions & Enrollment
Number of students in online programs: 12,5532
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 44%3
Typical ACT score of accepted students: 25-304
Tuition & Academics
In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $179/$7166
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $212/$7496
% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid: 57%4
Full-time online instructional faculty: 5192
One-year new student retention rate: 91%4
Oregon State University (#5)
The Oregon State University (OSU) Ecampus, founded in 2002, allows students to earn their undergraduate psychology degree online as either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA). Online students follow the same curriculum as on-campus students, learning the scientific approach to studying theories of human behavior while developing skills in research, statistics, and quantitative analysis. The curriculum includes courses such as Cognition Research, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Learning and Memory. Undergraduate students may elect to round out their study with an internship-based field experience in psychology in their local area. Extracurricular involvement in research through collaboration with faculty is offered to undergraduates, and students who are interested in pursuing graduate-level education in psychology are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. OSU does not currently offer graduate programs in psychology online, though it does maintain an on-campus PhD program with concentrations in Engineering Psychology, Health Psychology, and Applied Cognition.
Admissions & Enrollment
Number of students in online programs: 6,9482
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 84%2
Typical ACT score of accepted students: 22-284
Tuition & Academics
In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $331/$3317
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $277/$7357
% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid: 55%2
Full-time online faculty: 465; average 5 years online teaching experience2
One-year new student retention rate: 85%5
Colorado State University (#11)
Colorado State University (CSU) Online offers a research-oriented program of online study leading to the award of the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology. Courses are taken from both the liberal arts and the sciences, giving students well-rounded knowledge and skill sets as well as career flexibility. The online curriculum includes lecture as well as lab hours in topics such as Organizational Psychology, Psychological Measurement and Testing, and Industrial Psychology to prepare students for entry-level careers related to psychology as well as graduate-level study to prepare for professional psychology careers. Students have opportunities to tailor the curriculum to their personal interests by choosing to fulfill required courses from a wide selection of available study areas and electives. As the majority of courses offered through the online campus are asynchronous, students are able to complete coursework on a flexible schedule. CSU also offers an online master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational psychology as well as multiple on-campus graduate psychology degrees, including a master’s degree program in Addiction Counseling; an APA-accredited PhD program in Counseling Psychology; and PhD programs in Applied Social and Health Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Admissions & Enrollment
Number of students in online programs: 11,9452
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 81%3
Typical ACT score of accepted students: 23-294
Tuition & Academics
In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $476/$4768
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $1,036/$2,6428
% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid: 51%3
Full-time online faculty: 272
One-year new student retention rate: Not available
University of Massachusetts-Lowell (#12)
The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) offers an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology through its Division of Online and Continuing Education. Online psychology courses are designed for working professionals to allow a balance between work and study. The well-rounded curriculum develops students’ skills and knowledge in subfields of psychology and emphasizes the utilization of theoretical and applied knowledge and skills in practice. Students also take courses in various specialty areas and may choose additional electives to deepen their focus on experimental, developmental, community, clinical, social, or personality psychology. A professional specialization in Developmental Disabilities is offered. Students also have the option of pursuing a minor in a related area such as Gender Studies; Asian Studies; or Work, Labor, and Society. UML offers on-campus graduate programs for the Master of Arts (MA) in Community Social Psychology; the Master of Science in Autism Studies; the PhD in Applied Psychology and Prevention Science; and several graduate certificate programs.
Admissions & Enrollment
Number of students in online programs: 2,1862
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 73%3
Typical ACT score of accepted students: 24-294
Tuition & Academics
In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $380/$3809
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $654/$1,4019
% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid: 68%1
Full-time online faculty: 1402
One-year new student retention rate: 83%1
Fayetteville State University (#18)
Fayetteville State University offers an online degree completion program leading to the award of the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology, with an optional concentration in Biopsychology. As only 300 and 400 level courses are offered online, students must complete all 100 and 200 level courses for prerequisites as well as the school’s core curriculum either on-campus or through a transfer program. Students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in the core curriculum to gain admittance to the psychology program. At least 50% of the credits required to complete the BS in Psychology must be taken at Fayetteville State. Courses include such topics as Introduction to Clinical & Counseling Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Behavior Modification, and Psychology of Aging. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level careers in psychology and related liberal arts fields as well as for graduate study to prepare for professional psychology careers. Fayetteville State also offers an on-campus Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology degree program with tracks in either Counseling or Experimental Psychology.
Admissions & Enrollment
Number of students in online programs: Not available
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 69%3
Average ACT score of accepted students: 17-212
Tuition & Academics
In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $101/$25210
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $342/$82510
% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid: 85%3
Full-time online instructional faculty: Not available
One-year new student retention rate: 74%1
University of North Dakota (#22)
The University of North Dakota’s (UND) online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. The online courses mirror the courses for traditional on-campus students and follow a semester-based schedule. A select number of “enroll anytime” courses are offered for completing the university’s core general education curriculum. Students pay the same tuition rate regardless of their state of residency. Courses are designed for working adults and are largely asynchronous, allowing those pursuing a degree to study at their convenience. The online psychology degree program also allows students the opportunity to choose an area of emphasis or focus within the field of psychology. For students interested in graduate study, the Department of Psychology at the University of North Dakota offers online Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees in Forensic Psychology. In addition, the department offers Clinical and General-Experimental PhD programs, though these are currently not offered as distance programs.
Admissions & Enrollment
Number of students in online programs: 1,6502
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 81%3
Typical ACT score of accepted students: 21-264
Tuition & Academics
In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $342/$34211
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $442/$62611
% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid: 50%3
Full-time online instructional faculty: 1823
One-year new student retention rate: 78%1
Central Washington University (#27)
Central Washington University (CWU) offers an online degree completion program through which students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology. The course of study is designed to prepare transfer students or those who previously earned an associate’s degree for entry-level careers in fields related to psychology and behavioral sciences, as well as for graduate study. The major requires 45 credit hours to complete and includes elective courses in Multicultural Issues in Psychology, Theories of Personality, Psychology of Language, and Behavioral Neuroscience. All students complete an electronic portfolio of major assignments and activities related to their studies in the final year of the program. In order to be admitted, prospective students must live outside of the Ellensburg area and in a state in which CWU is authorized to offer degree programs. Those within the main campus’ metropolitan area may be interested in pursuing the on-campus program. In addition to their online psychology degree, CWU offers on-campus master’s programs in Experimental Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling as well as an Education Specialist in School Psychology program.
Admissions & Enrollment
Number of students in online programs: 1,7472
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 87%3
Typical ACT score of accepted students: 17-232
Tuition & Academics
In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $411/$1,48212
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $588/$1,69012
% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid: 67%2
Full-time online faculty: 1251
One-year new student retention rate: 71%1
University of Minnesota-Duluth (#29)
University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMN Duluth) maintains an online completion program for its Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Psychology. Candidates for the online completion program must have completed either an associate’s degree or the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MTC). Including transfer credits, the degree takes 120 credit hours to complete. The curriculum sequence begins each fall and is limited to 15 students per cohort, allowing small class sizes and personalized interactions with faculty and peers. Elective courses include a range of topics in Clinical/Counseling, Developmental, Experimental, and Industrial/Organizational psychology and in human services. Students also complete a research methods course that comprises the capstone of the undergraduate learning experience. Options for guided independent study are also available. Graduates are eligible to pursue paraprofessional positions in psychology or graduate study; the selection of electives can help students prepare for either of these options. The school also offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Psychological Science with tracks in Clinical-Counseling, Experimental, or Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
Admissions & Enrollment
Number of students in online programs: Not available
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 76%3
Typical ACT score of accepted students: 22-264
Tuition & Academics
In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $469/$66913
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $478/$68213
% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid: 55%1
Full-time online instructional faculty: Not available
One-year new student retention rate: 80%1
University of Maine at Presque Isle (#31)
The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology that can be completed entirely online. Online classes are taught by the same faculty who teach traditional on-campus courses. Aside from the method of delivery, the main difference between the two programs is that online students may only concentrate in General Psychology, whereas on-campus students may choose to concentrate in Biopsychology or Business Psychology. Elective courses include topical study in Principles of Counseling, History & Systems of Psychology, Drugs and Behavior, and Sex and Gender. In addition to the 45-credit hour psychology major, students also take courses in communication, intercultural and global awareness, and quantitative and scientific reasoning for a total of 120 credit hours to complete the degree. A psychology capstone in the senior year completes the learning experience. Students are encouraged to pursue independent research; past students have received co-author credit for faculty research and have presented at regional conferences. Students are also encouraged to take research and applied psychology courses to prepare for graduate school and professional psychology careers.
Admissions & Enrollment
Number of students in online programs: Not available
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 99%3
Typical ACT score of accepted students: 16-244
Tuition & Academics
In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $245/$39214
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $283/$43014
% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid: 74%1
Full-time online instructional faculty: Not available
One-year new student retention rate: 63%1
Brescia University (#38)
Brescia University offers an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology that takes a liberal arts foundation to prepare graduates for careers in psychology-related fields and for advanced study. The program requires 128 credit hours to complete and includes courses in language, literature, religion, philosophy, and the sciences to complement the psychology core curriculum. Students learn the principles of human and animal behavior and are exposed to topical studies in such areas as Health Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Environmental Psychology, and Psychology of Religion. First-year students are supported through the school’s First Year Experience program, which includes skills-based learning, consultation with an academic advisor, and peer engagement. Rolling admissions and flexible course scheduling allow students at Brescia to personalize their education. Brescia is a Catholic institution sharing the contemporary church mission and Ursuline tradition, which embraces academic and moral excellence as well as service to others. All programs at Brescia emphasize career preparation and skills development as well as lifelong learning.
Admissions & Enrollment
Number of students in online programs: 3952
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 42%3
Typical ACT score of accepted students: 20-263
Tuition & Academics
In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $425/$42515
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $600/$60015
% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid: 84%3
Full-time online instructional faculty: 222
One-year new student retention rate: 68%1
Indiana University East (#40)
Indiana University East’s (IUE) Department of Psychology offers an online degree completion program for the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology. Candidates should have at least 60 semester hours of college credit that satisfy the IUE core curriculum requirements and an overall GPA of 2.5 or above. Students who meet these guidelines can complete the psychology major in as little as two years. The psychology major requires 36 credit hours of psychology study and includes an advanced core of courses such as Sensation and Perception, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. All courses are centered on the department’s focus on research methodology and statistical analysis, which aim to provide program graduates with a broad understanding of human and social behavior. IUE is a regional campus that is part of the Indiana University system, which gives its students access to the resources typically available at large research universities within a small-college atmosphere. Average class sizes are small, with around 20 students each, facilitating faculty and student interaction.
Admissions & Enrollment
Number of students in online programs: Not available
Acceptance rate (campuswide): 63%3
Typical ACT score of accepted students: 18-244
Tuition & Academics
In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $236/$34116
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $652/$1,74416
% of undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid: 78%3
Full-time online instructional faculty: Not available
One-year new student retention rate: 63%1
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online degrees respected and accepted by employers?
As online bachelor’s and graduate degrees become more common, they are also becoming more respected. If you earn a degree from a regionally accredited school, in most cases there will be no indication on your transcript or the degree that you are awarded that you took courses online. The top thing to look out for is whether the individual schools that you are considering have a strong reputation and appropriate accreditation. These qualities are top considerations for employers as well as graduate schools.
What can you do with a psychology degree?
An undergraduate psychology degree can prepare you for a broad variety of careers in social services, marketing, communication, and education, as well as some entry-level careers in research. A master’s degree in psychology is suited for careers in management and leadership, such as industrial-organizational psychology or human resources. For academic careers in higher education and to become licensed as a psychologist you will typically need a doctoral degree.
How long does it take to get your bachelor’s degree?
Most bachelor’s degrees are designed to be completed in four years of full-time study. However, if you study part-time, you can typically earn your degree in five to six years. If you already have an associate’s degree or college credit from an accredited school, you may be able to transfer those credits to a four-year school to reduce the time that it takes to earn your bachelor’s in psychology.
What degree do you need to be a psychologist?
In most states, a doctoral degree is required to be licensed as a psychologist. Some states allow supervised psychology practice if you have a master’s degree. To learn more about licensing requirements for psychologists in your state, see our guide to becoming licensed as a psychologist.
If I already have a bachelor’s, can I earn a master’s in psychology online?
Although fewer schools currently offer online master’s degrees in psychology than online bachelor’s degrees due to limiting factors such as supervised internships and practicums, there is parallel growth in online master’s degree programs in psychology. If you are interested in psychology as a career, a master’s degree can open doors to careers in research and academia as well as prepare you to complete a doctoral program.
Table Notes:
— = Not Applicable.
N.Av. = Not Available.
NR = School did not place in rankings.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. US News & World Report Best Online Bachelor’s Programs: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/rankings
3. US News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges
4. The Princeton Review: https://www.princetonreview.com/college-search
5. University of Florida: https://www.ufl.edu/
6. University of Central Florida: https://www.ucf.edu/
7. Oregon State University: https://oregonstate.edu/
8. Colorado State University: https://www.colostate.edu/
9. University of Massachusetts Lowell: https://www.uml.edu/
10. Fayetteville State University: https://www.uncfsu.edu/
11. University of North Dakota: https://und.edu/
12. Central Washington University: http://www.cwu.edu/
13. University of Minnesota-Duluth: https://www.d.umn.edu/
14. University of Maine at Presque Isle: https://www.umpi.edu/
15. Brescia University: https://www.brescia.edu/
16. Indiana University East: https://www.iue.edu/index.html