Interested in a psychology degree online? Earning one can prepare you for a variety of jobs or for graduate study to become a clinical psychologist.
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Editor & Writer
Meg Embry is a writer at BestColleges covering all things career and education related. An award-winning journalist and editor, she has lived and worked in Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States....
Updated on May 23, 2024
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Editor & Writer
Lorraine Mumby is an editor for BestColleges who focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is passionate about equipping students with the tools to succeed and have meaningful, equitable educational experiences. Lorraine has a bachelor's degre...
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Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical and sport psychologist in private practice. She has also served as the training director for an APA-accredited internship program and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology. She special...
Learn more about our editorial process
By
Editor & Writer
Meg Embry is a writer at BestColleges covering all things career and education related. An award-winning journalist and editor, she has lived and worked in Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States....
Edited by
Editor & Writer
Lorraine Mumby is an editor for BestColleges who focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is passionate about equipping students with the tools to succeed and have meaningful, equitable educational experiences. Lorraine has a bachelor's degre...
•
Reviewed by
Reviewer & Writer
Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical and sport psychologist in private practice. She has also served as the training director for an APA-accredited internship program and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology. She special...
Updated on May 23, 2024
Learn more about our editorial process
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Psychology is one of the most popular majors in the United States. It's great to be passionate about the subject you want to study. But it's also smart to get a sense of how a degree in psychology from the right program can:
- Catapult you into a great job
- Prepare you for advanced degrees
- Help you develop widely marketable skills
Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you. Then check out the top-ranked online bachelor's in psychology programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
Popular Online Bachelor's in Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Programs of 2024
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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#1 Best Online Psychology Programs of 2024
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Florida's online psychology degree approaches psychology as a natural and social science. The curriculum includes statistics, mathematics, biology, and core psychology courses and electives.
First-time applicants need four years of English and mathematics, three years of science and social sciences, and two years of foreign language. The minimum GPA requirement is 2.5, but competitive GPAs start at 3.7. Standardized test scores are required for applicants who graduated within the last five years.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,358
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
5,168
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
#2 Best Online Psychology Programs of 2024
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $421
Out-of-State | $1,428
Credits to Graduate: 120
Enrollees can choose from two options for a bachelor's degree in psychology from George Mason University: a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS). Students learn about developmental, abnormal, and social psychology in both programs. However, a BA requires three credits of foreign language, while a BS focuses on general education in math and science.
Students can choose an optional forensic, industrial-organizational, applied, or developmental psychology concentration. A required career readiness course covers learners' options in the social sciences.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,510
Out-of-state
$32,970
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,035
Out-of-state
$34,347
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
38,628
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Accreditation
Yes
#3 Best Online Psychology Programs of 2024
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $260
Out-of-State | $260
Credits to Graduate: 122
The University of Utah's psychology degree online program offers two degree pathways: a fully online bachelor of science degree (BS) or a bachelor of arts degree (BA) that requires the completion of foreign language courses on campus. Students take four core psychology courses, then choose one course from five psychology specializations: behavioral/neuroscience, developmental, clinical, social, and cognitive psychology.
Students who live near campus can work as research assistants, interns, or peer advisors or participate in the local honor society.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,749
Out-of-state
$27,201
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,970
Out-of-state
$24,607
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
34,464
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Accreditation
Yes
#4 Best Online Psychology Programs of 2024
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $380
Out-of-State | $380
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell online psychology degree program includes general education, world languages and culture courses, and psychology core and elective courses.
With the instructor's approval, seniors can take a graduate-level course as their advanced psychology elective.
The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits, so students with enough existing credit can complete a bachelor's degree in psychology in one year. Additionally, all online students, including international students, pay the same tuition. Students pay a net price of $14,070 per year after financial aid.
All online students, including international students, pay the same tuition.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,078
Out-of-state
$33,004
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,590
Out-of-state
$26,370
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
17,597
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Accreditation
Yes
#5 Best Online Psychology Programs of 2024
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $617
Out-of-State | $734
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Missouri-Columbia's online psychology degree is a joint project with the University of Missouri-St. Louis. students can take courses from both schools. This psychology degree emphasizes research, including gathering data and reporting on findings.
Learners must complete a capstone project to graduate. Other requirements include 30 credits in psychology and three in statistics. Enrollees may also choose an optional concentration, such as clinical, social, or developmental psychology, or design their own concentration with their advisor.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,017
Out-of-state
$28,992
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,950
Out-of-state
$27,245
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
31,401
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Accreditation
Yes
#6 Best Online Psychology Programs of 2024
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $153
Out-of-State | $567
Credits to Graduate: 120
Florida International University's online psychology degree requirements include courses in math; biology; career development; a research sequence; and developmental, cognitive, and social psychology.
FIU guarantees admission to applicants who graduate from partner two-year degree programs within three years. Transfer students apply online with a $30 application fee and official college transcripts. Applicants with fewer than 60 college credits must provide official high school transcripts and SAT, ACT, or CLT scores.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Accreditation
Yes
#7 Best Online Psychology Programs of 2024
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $179
Out-of-State | $716
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Central Florida's online psychology degree offers five specialty tracks: clinical, experimental, human factors, industrial-organizational, or neuroscience and a general track. The program emphasizes psychology terms, statistics, and research skills. Students can deepen their psychology knowledge through research, an optional capstone project, fieldwork, or internships.
The program pairs students with success coaches who answer non-academic questions and connect them with resources. Students should direct academic questions to their instructors or advisors.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,916
Out-of-state
$25,759
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
70,310
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
9%
Accreditation
Yes
#8 Best Online Psychology Programs of 2024
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $315
Out-of-State | $315
Credits to Graduate: 120
John Brown University's online psychology degree offers a standard bachelor's degree in psychology or an accelerated program to finish their master's in counseling a year sooner. The private Christian university encourages students to integrate psychology, faith, and theology.
Learners must complete 43 hours of psychology courses and up to 20 hours of specialty coursework in natural sciences, foreign language, counseling, or a school-approved specialty unique to the student. Students must select a specialty area or create a new specialty approved by the school. Some required specialty courses are only available on campus.
Students are encouraged to submit their capstone project to the undergraduate psychology journal.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$27,662
Out-of-state
$27,662
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,920
Out-of-state
$13,920
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
2,459
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Accreditation
Yes
#9 Best Online Psychology Programs of 2024
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $350
Out-of-State | $350
Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter-credits
Oregon State University's online psychology degree program emphasizes the scientific aspects of psychology, including research methodology, problem-solving, statistics, data collection, and data analysis. Students who qualify for the honors program can collaborate with instructors on research projects.
The 180 credits required to graduate are the equivalent of 120 semester credits. Students with credits from previous college work can request a free, informal transcript evaluation to determine how their credits might transfer.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,065
Out-of-state
$29,456
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,446
Out-of-state
$27,297
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
33,193
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Accreditation
Yes
#10 Best Online Psychology Programs of 2024
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Stillwater, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $421
Out-of-State | $939
Credits to Graduate: 120
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus's online psychology degree enables students to minor or double major, often without the need to extend their program hours. Learners must complete U.S. history, international studies, diversity, math and statistics, natural sciences, and psychology core and elective courses. To declare a psychology major, students must pass core math and psychology courses with at least a 2.0 grade.
Active-duty military may qualify for resident tuition rates. The school does not require test scores for admission. However, some scholarships require test scores, so the school encourages submitting them.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,417
Out-of-state
$20,937
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,611
Out-of-state
$21,114
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
24,577
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Accreditation
Yes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Why Should I Get a Psychology Degree Online?
Earning your psychology degree online means you can complete coursework remotely and learn from anywhere. This flexibility makes an online psychology degree great for career changers or those who must balance work while going to school. In addition, you can have a fulfilling career with a psychology degree.
Reasons to Get a Degree in Psychology
The first reason is existential: Psychology is a science that can help you understand yourself and other people — which can enrich your life, your relationships, and your career.
The second reason is academic: Most high-paying jobs in the psychology field require an advanced degree. An online bachelor's program in psychology prepares you well for grad school.
The third reason is pragmatic: A degree in psychology can help you thrive in a variety of interesting jobs. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychology programs provide important skills that employers are looking for, including:
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Information management
- Judgment and decision-making
- Communication
- Collaboration
How Much Does an Online Psychology Degree Cost?
Tuition and fees for a bachelor's degree in psychology can vary depending on several factors. These include the cost per credit and whether you attend a public vs. private school, pay in-state or out-of-state tuition rates, and enroll full or part-time.
The costs of an online psychology degree extend beyond tuition and fees and can include class materials, a computer or laptop, and reliable internet. Online learners can save money on commuting and parking costs, and some programs may provide laptops and course resources.
You can also reduce educational costs through financial aid. Check into public and private scholarships and grants, especially those for psychology majors. Additional ways to cut your tuition bill include government and private loans, work study, and accelerated learning tracks that can decrease your time in school.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree, 2023-2023
Public Institution
$9,750
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$38,421
Read More: How Much Does Online College Cost?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Online?
It typically takes 3-4 years to complete an online bachelor's degree in psychology. However, some online programs offer accelerated degrees that speed up that timeline.
Part-time students typically earn their psychology degree in 5-6 years.
Required Course Credits
120 credits
Field Study Requirements*
Yes
*Depending on your program and specialization
How Much Money Can I Make With a Bachelor's in Psychology?
Annual earnings for the top 25% of earners with a bachelor's in psychology degree
$76,000
Source: APA, 2019
Salary varies by education level, industry, occupation, and location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the top-paying states for psychologists include Nevada, California, Oregon, and Virginia.
“The key to making good money with a bachelor's degree in psychology is planning. Know what career field you want to break into and pursue practical experience in that field while you're still in school: Work part-time, get internships, build a professional network.”
— Niyathi Sulkunte, BA, Psychology
Read More: Find Out How to Get Internships as a Psychology Major
What Jobs Can I Get With a Bachelor's in Psychology Degree?
What can you do with a psychology degree? A lot. The liberal arts and science courses that typically comprise the psychology major can help you gain entry-level positions in education, counseling, sales, social work, and business settings. Other psychology career paths include:
Job Title | Median Salary (2022) | Projected Job Growth (2022-2023) |
---|---|---|
Case Manager | $74,240 | +9% |
Advertising Agent | $58,450 | -7% |
Social Worker | $55,350 | +7% |
Market Researcher | $68,230 | +13% |
Training and Development Specialist | $63,080 | +6% |
Social and Community Services Manager | $74,240 | +9% |
Community Health Worker | $46,190 | +14% |
You can also pursue a master's degree or doctorate in psychology to expand your job prospects. Some careers in the field include:
Psychology Careers
- Clinical psychologist
- Counseling psychologist
- Health psychologist
- Rehabilitation psychologist
- School psychologist
- Engineering psychologist
- Environmental psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Industrial/organizational psychologist
Is a Bachelor's in Psychology Worth It?
If you're interested in understanding what makes people tick, a bachelor's in psychology program can be rewarding. Although almost half of undergraduates with a degree in psychology go on to earn an advanced degree, there are many career options without an advanced degree.
Here's what graduates have to say about their psychology degrees:
“I don't regret my major choice at all — if you have a passion for it, it's worth studying. So much of the foundational training I got from a bachelor's in psychology serves me well in my job: I am able to offer an extra degree of analysis and understanding that is very valuable.”
— Niyathi Sulkunte
“I would say my bachelor's degree in psychology was worth it — it gave me a good idea of the breadth of work in which I could apply what I was learning. My degree also prepared me very well for grad school.”
— Melissa Venable, Ph.D, Director of Professional Development and Principle Education Writer
“If I had to pay for a bachelor's degree in psychology today, I'm not sure I would do it — as much as I loved getting mine. If you want to go directly from your bachelor's degree to into the mental health field, you may do better getting a degree in counseling or social work.”
— Alison DeNisco Rayome, BA, Psychology
Everything Else to Know about an Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
Are online psychology degrees respected?
Online psychology degree programs offer the same curriculum and specialized faculty members as their on-campus counterparts. As with traditional study, distance learners should ensure that their college or university holds regional accreditation, which indicates that it meets academic standards.
Is an online psychology degree worth it?
Graduates of a bachelor's in psychology program earn an average annual salary of $69,000, according to Payscale data from December 2023. Psychology program graduates can pursue jobs in various industries, including business, community and social services, education, and healthcare. Bachelor's programs also prepare students for graduate study.
What's the fastest way to become a psychologist?
A bachelor's degree in psychology can qualify you for entry-level positions in social work, substance use, or mental health counseling. A traditional bachelor's degree takes four years to complete, but an online psychology degree may take less time. For licensed clinical psychology positions, you'll most likely need a doctoral-level psychology degree, which can take an additional four years to earn.
Is it easy to earn a psychology degree online?
Online psychology degree programs offer flexibility and convenience since you can learn from home. But online learning is just as rigorous as in-class instruction. For some, distance education may be even more challenging than in-person learning as it requires time management skills and discipline to complete the work on your own.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
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Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed November 29, 2023.