Online Psychology Degrees: Comparing Top Programs

Getting Started

Psychology degrees and certificates prepare students for dozens of quality career opportunities in a wide range of psychology fields. Plus, psychology grads can work in non-subject-specific fields such as business, communications, law, and social work. But are you sure you’re ready? Before you take your first steps, ask yourself four simple questions:

• Do I have a career goal? Before starting your higher education journey, make sure you have your career goals firmly in mind. Without an idea of where you want to go, it’s hard to chart a proper path. You don’t need to have everything set in stone, but you should have at least a rough idea.
• Is online learning right for me? If you’re an online class veteran, you should be just fine. But if you’re new to an online program, it’s important to assess whether you have what it takes to succeed. For example, are you self-disciplined? Are you comfortable learning on your own or with a cohort that’s 100% remote? Are you ok with online platforms? If you answers yes to all of those, you’re ready.
• Can I afford a degree? Tuition and fees can add up. If you have your heart set on an online degree in psychology, line up your funding first. Start with free sources such as scholarships and then add financial aid as needed.
• Can you find balance? If you’re going to school, you’re likely working, too. And if you have a family or other personal responsibilities, you have more on your plate. Check yourself and your family to make sure everyone is comfortable with the extra workload you’ll be taking on.

Psychology Degrees by Level: Which Do You Need?

Psychology degree and certificate programs on both the undergraduate and graduate levels are extremely popular with students and widely available online. But which one is right for you? We’ve outlined each degree type to help you decide which will best meet your academic interests and career goals. We’ve also offered our top pick for each type of degree program.

Undergraduate Certificates

There are several compelling reasons to pursue an undergraduate certificate in psychology. One advantage is that these certificates offer in-depth knowledge of psychology while you work towards a bachelor’s degree in another field. Additionally, undergraduate certificates are beneficial for psychology majors whose programs do not include specialized concentrations for focused study. Finally, earning a psychology undergraduate certificate offers students the opportunity to “try out” several specialized areas of the larger psychology field before committing the time and finances to complete a full undergraduate psychology degree program. Completion times for these certificates vary from six months to one year.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Undergraduate Certificate Program

Thomas Edison State University’s Undergraduate Certificate in Psychology

This 18-credit, online program offers a solid introduction to the fundamentals of psychology and the workings of the mind. Course topics include the history and systems of psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, industrial psychology, organizational theory, and psychology of personality. Nondegree students may be able to transfer in up to 50% of the credits needed to earn the certificate.

Associate Degrees

Associate degrees in psychology offer a great point of entry to receive a college education leading to a variety of entry-level positions. Since credits earned in an associate program are typically transferrable, these degrees also provide an affordable option for students intending to continue their studies at a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree. Like most associate degree programs, psychology associate programs include both general education and major-specific coursework and typically require two years of full-time study to complete. Both online and hybrid programs are commonly available from public and private schools.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Associate Degree Program

New England College’s Associate of Arts in Psychology

The Associate of Arts in Psychology program at New England College provides a broad understanding of psychological principles and practice, laying a foundation to explore the many aspects of the psychology field. Students complete a combination of general education coursework in the creative arts, humanities, social sciences, natural and biological sciences, and more with major-specific courses in subjects such as social psychology, writing and research, mental health, and lifespan development.

Bachelor’s Degrees

The bachelor’s degree in psychology is suitable for individuals who are interested in the mechanizations of the human mind and putting that interest to work in a career helping others obtain and maintain their emotional well-being. It’s also a good choice for students who are uncertain about their post-graduation career path. For instance, students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in business, social work, or law can utilize a bachelor’s degree in psychology as a foundation. Additionally, for those aspiring to become psychologists, a bachelor’s degree is generally a prerequisite for admission into most masters- and doctoral-level psychology programs.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

Indiana University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The curriculum of IU Online’s 120-credit BS in Psychology program consists of general education, psychology, and elective courses, and it culminates in completion of a capstone project. Psychology course subjects include behavioral neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, the psychology of learning, sensation and perception, and more. Students can choose between 8-week and 16-week course lengths and have access to a range of personalized student services.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate level psychology certificates serve several purposes for students who possess a bachelor’s (or higher) degree. First and foremost, they allow current psychology professionals with a master’s or doctoral degree to expand their careers to include an additional specialized area of practice within the psychology field without committing the considerable time and money needed to earn an entire graduate degree. Second, they provide a path for those with an undergraduate or graduate degree in an entirely different field to gain the academic foundation needed to be accepted into a full psychology advanced degree program.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Graduate Certificate Program

University of Missouri’s Positive Psychology Graduate Certificate

The Positive Psychology Graduate Certificate program is ideal for current psychology and counseling professionals seeking to support clients in finding their place in the world through coursework that combines modern psychological theory with ancient philosophies. Program content is delivered entirely online in an asynchronous format that allows students to access and complete their studies at any time.

Master’s Degrees

As with graduate certificates, master’s degrees in psychology are all about specialization. That is, psychology master’s programs allow students to concentrate their studies on a particular subfield of psychology they wish to pursue as a working professional. And while a doctoral degree will be required for professional licensure in a number of specialized clinical practices, a master’s in psychology provides all of the formal academics needed to pursue lucrative non-psychologist careers in a full range specializations. Psychology master’s program lengths vary by specific specialization and chosen study pace, but most programs can be completed with two years of full-time study.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Master’s Degree Program

University of Oregon’s Online Master’s in Psychology

Coursework in the Online Master’s in Psychology program at the University of Oregon focuses on the neuroscience of trauma, adversity, and resilience, intervention science, and innovative approaches to program development. Designed to accommodate both working professionals and full-time students, the program is offered entirely online and completed with six semesters of part-time study.

Doctoral Degrees

There are two basic types of doctoral degrees in psychology. The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree provides students with the knowledge, skills, and in-person training for direct clinical treatment of patients and clients on the highest level. A PsyD degree qualifies holders for professional licensure for clinical practice in practically all U.S. states and jurisdictions. Most PsyD programs culminate with the completion of a capstone project, although some students will write and defend a doctoral dissertation. The PhD in Psychology, on the other hand, is designed primarily for individuals seeking top-tier careers in post-secondary education and advanced research. Practically all psychology PhD programs culminate with a dissertation and defense.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Doctoral Degree Program

University of Memphis Global’s PhD in Education Psychology and Research

UM Global’s Online PhD in Education Psychology and Research is designed to prepare students to conduct research for university-level teaching, applied research, and other professional roles through specialized training in the areas of human development, learning processes, program evaluation, and qualitative and quantitative research methods. Coursework is presented entirely online. However, students are required to complete a research-based residency project.

Program Q&A: Finding an Online Psychology Degree

Choosing the right school and degree or certificate program is critical not only for your academic success, but also for your career success. It’s important, therefore, to take the necessary time to carefully consider a number of factors in determining both the right credential type and specific program for you. Here are several questions to ask yourself as you peruse programs and schools.

Is this psychology program properly accredited?

You typically won’t find accreditation specifically for psychology programs—with the exception of doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology (which are accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation) and school psychology programs accredited by the NASP. Instead, you’ll want to confirm institutional accreditation of the schools offering the psychology programs you’re interested in. You can check current institutional accreditation status using this Department of Education’s search engine.

Does this curriculum satisfy my state’s requirements for licensure?

Plenty of satisfying non-psychologist careers don’t require state licensure. However, if you want to practice as a psychologist, you’ll need state licensure. So be sure to determine whether you’ll need a license for the psychology career you’re interested in, and if you do, verify that the program you’re considering will qualify you academically for that license.

Does the program offer internships, externships, or other fieldwork opportunities in my local area?

You may need to complete some form of in-person internship, externship, field experience, etc., as part of your degree or certificate requirements. So, before signing on to any online psychology program, make sure that you’ll be able to fulfill any such requirement with a program-approved facility or provider in your local area.

Is the degree program offered in a format that works for me?

When it comes to online psychology programs, “online” can mean a lot of different things, including fully online and partially online. And online delivery may be either synchronous (requiring logging on and attending classes via live stream at specifically scheduled times) or asynchronous (meaning students can log on and attend to their coursework at any time that suits their own schedules). So be sure you have a solid handle on how the online format works before you enroll.

Does the program accept transfer credits from other schools?

Transfer credits are a great way to cut the total time and cost of an online psychology degree or certificate program. Not all programs accept transfer credits, though. So, if you have previously earned credits that may apply, it’s worth checking around to find a program that will accept them.

Psychology Degree Tuition & Fees

Total costs for online psychology degree programs vary, often substantially, depending on several factors. These include the specific degree type (associate, bachelor’s master’s, doctoral), total number of credits, and chosen area of specialization (mostly for graduate degrees). Other major factors impacting cost include whether the school is public or private (private schools often charge higher tuition rates than public schools) and whether the student is an in-state or out-of-state resident (public schools sometimes charge higher tuition rates to out-of-state students).

Bearing all of this in mind, students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, for example, can expect to find total program costs of between the low-to-mid five figures to as much as the high five figures or even low six figures. And although graduate per-credit tuition rates are commonly higher than those for bachelor’s degree programs, total graduate program costs are, on average, lower than those for bachelor’s degrees. That’s because graduate psychology degrees typically require significantly fewer credits than bachelor’s degrees. Nevertheless, students can expect total costs for graduate psychology programs to range anywhere from the mid-to-upper five figures.

What you end up paying for your online psychology degree program, however, may be substantially less once you take advantage of any financial aid opportunities you’re eligible for. These may include loans, scholarships and grants, fellowships and assistantships (grad students), work-study programs, VA benefits (for military veterans), employer tuition reimbursement opportunities, and more.

Psychology Student Questions

What are some of the most common specialized areas within the psychology field?

We discussed many of the most popular psychology subfields above, but there are plenty of others we haven’t mentioned. To give you the clearest possible understanding of just how broad and encompassing the psychology field is, here’s a list of some of its additional psychology specializations:

• Abnormal psychology
• Biopsychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Counseling psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Education psychology
• Experimental psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Industrial/organizational psychology
• Neuropsychology
• School psychology
• Social psychology
• Sport psychology

What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Both psychologists and psychiatrists are focused on the practice of mental health, but their roles and responsibilities differ substantially. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with expertise in both medicine and psychology. They assess both the physical and mental facets of a patient’s psychological condition. As a licensed physician, the psychologist is authorized to prescribe medications and perform medical procedures related to a patient’s mental health. Psychiatrists are required to complete both medical school and a residency prior to obtaining their medical licenses.

In contrast, psychologists are non-physician professionals trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders through the application of various forms of psychological therapy. Becoming a psychologist almost always requires earning a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) to obtain licensure and practice professionally. Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medication but typically work closely with psychiatrists and other medical professionals who can.

What’s the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

Psychologist practice employs a clinical approach that emphasizes the utilization of psychological evaluations and psychotherapy in the assessment and treatment of patients’ mental health issues. And, as mentioned earlier, psychologists must possess a doctoral degree for professional licensure and practice.

Therapists, on the other hand, typically take a more holistic approach to treatment, with an emphasis on the use of talk therapy and other therapy techniques. Therapist licensure and practice typically requires only a master’s degree plus several years of hands-on clinical experience.

What are some of the skills needed to be successful as a psychology student and professional?

Skills in the following areas are essential for success in the psychology field:

• critical thinking and problem solving
• diversity awareness and cultural sensitivity
• empathy and understanding
• integrity and good ethical judgment and conduct
• observation, assessment and evaluation
• patience and resilience
• research and data analysis
• written and oral communication

Are psychology degrees from online programs respected?

Absolutely. Online psychology degree programs, including all of those mentioned in this guide, feature high-quality academics that command the same respect as on-campus ones.

Career Options for Psychology Students

The range of career options for psychology students is impressive, encompassing a large number of specialized areas of practice within the larger psychology field. Below are descriptions of five popular psychology subfields along with samples of job titles for each. These descriptions will help you in deciding which area of psychology you wish to pursue academically and in your career.

Discover More Psychology Resources From STEPS

Looking to read more about the psychology field? Whether you’re looking for advanced programs or wondering the steps to become a psychologist, the following STEPS resources will give you the information you’re looking for. These guides are designed to support your journey toward earning a psychology degree online and beyond.

Find Psychology Degrees in Your State

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Read Related Psychology Resources

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• Forensic Psychology Degrees
• How to Become a Psychologist
• Most Affordable Psychology Degrees
• Psychology Master’s Degrees
• Psychology PhD Degrees
• PsyD Degree Programs
• School Psychology Programs
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• What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?

Salary and Career Details

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Decision Time

Armed with insights from this comprehensive guide to psychology degrees, you’re now better equipped to answer those crucial questions: Is a psychology degree right for you, and which program best fits your goals? Whether you’re drawn to clinical practice, counseling, or organizational psychology, the field offers diverse and rewarding career paths.

We encourage you to take the next step by reaching out to schools that interest you and exploring their specific programs. Continue your research through our site’s resources, and remember that investing time in finding the right educational fit now will pay dividends throughout your career in psychology.

STEPS Best Online Psychology Degree Programs

Prospective students seeking an online psychology degree have a wealth of options to choose from. To help make your search easier, we’ve surveyed the current landscape of schools offering online psychology degree and certificate programs and ranked what we believe to be the best below. Our selections take into account important student-focused elements such as accreditation, affordability, academic quality, and access to academic and career support services. For more on our selection process, click the “About the Rankings” button.