Selecting one of the leading online colleges for psychology degrees need not be an intimidating endeavor. Many individuals getting a psychology degree online are driven by a desire to make a positive impact on society, whether by becoming counselors, addiction specialists, school guidance counselors, or researchers. Whether they’re aiming for an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree, students may invest several years in their education and seek to learn from the industry’s finest.
Online psychology colleges offer unique advantages, particularly for adult learners juggling family and full-time employment. Online classes allow students to study from home and complete tasks during their free time, including nights and weekends.
Table of Contents
Online psychology degree programs offer flexibility in completion time. Accelerated programs condense a typical 16-week semester into 5, 8, or 10 weeks, while others prefer a more extended schedule with longer breaks.
Admission Requirements
Admission to online psychology colleges typically requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and completion of admission forms. Transfers from other institutions must provide transcripts from all previous programs attended.
Key Differences in Online Programs/flexibility
Online psychology degree programs differ significantly from traditional on-campus options. They allow remote learning, making location irrelevant for students.
Online courses offer flexibility, allowing students to access lectures and materials at their convenience, including evenings and weekends.
Students receive virtual counseling and advising services. Faculty interactions occur through Skype, phone, email, and video chat. Virtual platforms facilitate student-student interaction through chat rooms and virtual study groups.
Course Curriculum
Online psychology programs typically cover a curriculum similar to on-campus programs. Core subjects encompass English, history, math, and science, with elective options like philosophy, sociology, and anthropology.
Psychology coursework includes introductory courses, abnormal psychology, personality approaches, cognitive psychology, experimental psychology, and forensic psychology. Course selection depends on whether students are pursuing a BA or BS in psychology and their career goals.
The Versatility of a Psychology Degree
A psychology degree offers diverse career opportunities. Graduates can become researchers, social workers, counselors, therapists, child care workers, lawyers, professionals in sales or advertising, teachers, or writers.
An undergraduate psychology degree serves as a foundation for advanced degrees. A Master’s degree is essential for careers in psychology and counseling, while higher degrees are available for those interested in business and management.
Earning Potential
Salaries for psychology degree graduates vary, ranging from $31,000 to over $100,000. Salaries depend on the level of education and chosen career path.
If you’re interested in studying psychology but prefer a non-traditional approach, these leading online psychology colleges are worth considering.
1. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University, located in the heart of Kansas, stands out nationally for its affordable and high-quality online education. Through its esteemed virtual college, FHSU offers four online psychology degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Science in School Psychology, and Education Specialist in School Psychology. These online degree programs incorporate advanced learning technology and hold full accreditation.
Enrolling just under 7,000 students in the virtual college, FHSU welcomes learners from over 20 countries. Every online student benefits from the support of personal academic advisors who guide them through their educational journey. This commitment to personalized guidance solidifies its reputation as one of the leading online colleges for psychology.
2. University of Massachusetts
A staple in the New England towns of Boston, Amherst, Dartmouth, and Lowell, the University of Massachusetts is one of the world’s best-rated universities. Their online programs, dubbed UMassOnline, offer a fully accredited array of programs that lands it on the list of best online psychology colleges. With four bachelor’s and four master’s degrees in psychology and one graduate certificate in victim studies, UMassOnline has plenty for the potential psych student to choose from.
UMassOnline offers 24/7/365 access to coursework, continual technical support, and an award-winning faculty to accompany students on the road to learning. By attending the same classes and learning from the same faculty as on-campus students, UMassOnline students are exposed to a world-class education from the comfort of their own homes.
3. Ottawa University
Ottawa University, a nonprofit Christian liberal arts college situated in Ottawa, Kansas, provides a close-knit community with around 7,000 students, both on-campus and online. They offer online undergraduate degrees in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling.
For students seeking a psychology college online that integrates Christian values into education and encourages service-oriented learning, Ottawa University is a great choice. This college, with regional accreditation, emphasizes not only academics but also personal development, faith, and leadership. With outstanding faculty and a low student-to-faculty ratio, students can expect a personalized and guided educational experience.
4. Bellevue University
Bellevue University, a private nonprofit college founded in 1966 in Omaha, Nebraska, provides exceptional support for online learners. They offer a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, which helps students enhance their abilities to discuss and present psychological topics while also equipping them with analytical skills to comprehend human behavior better.
What makes Bellevue stand out among online psychology colleges is its Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program. Although all coursework for this degree can be completed online, students must complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of clinical internship under the supervision of a counseling professional.
5. Washington State University
Washington State University’s online learning program, known as the WSU Global Campus, combines modern technology with traditional values, earning it a spot among the top online colleges for psychology. In the psychology program, you’ll find instructors who are experts in clinical and experimental psychology, committed to delivering a rewarding online education.
WSU offers a Bachelor of Science in psychology program, tailored for students seeking a broader understanding of psychology within a liberal arts framework. This program is uniquely designed for those aiming to work in research and development or management, as well as those planning to pursue higher degrees in fields like social work, education, medicine, business, or law.
6. Drexel University
Drexel University is a globally recognized research university, consistently ranked among the top 100 colleges in the United States. Notably, it’s a pioneer in online education with one of the world’s oldest online programs. Their online offerings mirror the content and faculty expertise found in traditional on-campus courses, making it a standout choice among online psychology colleges.
Drexel provides an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program. This fully online program employs an interactive platform that’s engaging and user-friendly, making it ideal for individuals with full-time jobs. In these psychology courses, students learn both theory and practical applications to advance their careers or pursue graduate studies.
7. University of Florida
The University of Florida’s online learning program, UF Online, offers a highly sought-after Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, which is also popular among on-campus students. What’s noteworthy is that the same expert faculty teaching on campus, with expertise in areas like behavior analysis, developmental psychology, and social psychology, also instructs the online courses.
UF Online provides students interested in psychology colleges with flexible learning options and the advantages of a prominent research institution. Their goal is to eliminate the typical obstacles encountered in online learning environments and ensure that distance students receive the same top-tier education as those studying on campus.
8. Arizona State University
Arizona State University Online is a leader in innovation, boasting a faculty that includes Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Fulbright scholars. They are consistently ranked among the top online colleges for psychology and offer online Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology, as well as a master’s degree in social work.
ASU’s online platform is known for its interactivity and engagement, promoting communication and collaboration with both faculty and fellow students. Their online program extends ASU’s quality education worldwide. To support online students, success coaches, and advisors are readily available to help them stay on the right path.
9. Oregon State University
Oregon State University’s e-campus provides an engaging platform that encourages students to interact with both faculty and peers, making it a favored option among online psychology colleges. They offer fully online Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology. These programs aim to help students grasp the reasons behind human thoughts and emotions while fostering an appreciation for humanity and offering strategies for its betterment.
In addition to undergraduate programs, OSU also offers online graduate programs including a Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a Master of Counseling in School Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Counseling. These online graduate programs are complemented by on-campus classes held twice a term.
10. Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is the online part of Penn State University, a highly respected college. Their online programs are designed for ease of learning and are taught by experienced online instructors. This sets them apart from other online psychology colleges.
At Penn State World Campus, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in psychology, or pursue an online Master of Professional Studies in the psychology of leadership. Additionally, the World Campus is home to the world’s first online Psychology Club, connecting over 100 members worldwide through various online platforms.
These top online psychology colleges are great choices for adults who want to continue working or taking care of their families while pursuing higher education.
Can Consider:
Psychology Courses you should take
- General Psychology
- History of Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Career Options for Psychology Programs
- Forensic psychology
- Counseling psychology
- Industrial and organizational psychology
- Clinical psychologist
- Career counseling
- Experimental psychology
- Psychologist
- Psychotherapy
- Family therapy
- Mental health counselor
- School and Career Counselor
- Social Worker
- Teacher
- School psychology
- Health psychology
Conclusion: Your Journey Begins
Choosing the right online psychology college sets the stage for your journey into the fascinating world of psychology. Take your time to research, plan, and pursue your passion for understanding human behavior and making a meaningful impact on society.