Best Online Psychology Degree Programs in Arizona (AZ)
Looking to build a career helping others understand human behavior? Then consider earning a psychology degree from a top program in Arizona, where mental health professionals are in high demand. Find the right program, explore degree options, and learn about the state’s fruitful job market.
Ever wonder what makes a person tick? If you’re curious about how the mind works, then earning a psychology degree at a top program in Arizona might be the right move for you.
Human relationships are the most essential element of our society, which is why psychology is such a vital field of practice. The study of psychology leads to a better understanding of how people think, behave, and develop. This growing field offers well-paying jobs, particularly in Arizona.
Our guide to the top psychology programs in Arizona outlines the various degrees you can earn, a breakdown of the various jobs available, how much each pays, what your education could cost, and more.
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Arizona
Online programs can be a great alternative to traditional on-campus study because they’re more affordable, flexible, and convenient—especially for working professionals. Most psychology degree programs in Arizona also offer accelerated courses that you can complete in 12 to 15 weeks.
Choose to take courses entirely online or in a hybrid format. Additionally, many online classes are offered asynchronously, meaning you can log in to your coursework at any time.
Here’s a look at some of the best online psychology programs in Arizona.
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Public
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Public
Ottawa University-Surprise
Surprise, Arizona
Private
Arizona Christian University
Glendale, Arizona
Private
Mesa Community College
Mesa, Arizona
Public
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix offers one of the most affordable online psychology programs in Arizona, with a fixed-rate tuition of $398 per credit for undergraduate programs and $698 per credit for a master’s degree.
This online program offers a bachelor’s in industrial-organizational psychology or in applied psychology with a concentration in media and technology. Both programs require 120 credit hours to complete. Options at the master’s level include a master of science in psychology or a master of science in industrial-organizational psychology. Both programs require 36 credit hours. The school also offers a 12-course direct assessment master of science in psychology program, which is an individualized learning experience in which you demonstrate what you’ve learned through knowledge checks and assessments.
To save time and money, you can receive credit for prior academic and professional experience. All programs can be completed entirely online. However, note that the coursework doesn’t qualify you to be licensed as a psychologist, counselor, or other mental health practitioner.
Grand Canyon University
No matter where you are in life, Grand Canyon University offers a wide range of psychology degree programs in Arizona to help you meet your career goals. The BS in Psychology, for instance, offers concentrations in forensic psychology and performance and sport psychology. Students learn about the biological basis for behavior, cognitive and perceptual processes, and developmental stages of human growth. They’ll also learn about abnormal psychology and research methods and statistics. The program requires 120 credit hours to complete. However, students can transfer up to 90 credits.
The MS in Psychology also offers an array of specializations, including forensic psychology; general psychology; geropsychology; health psychology, human factors psychology; industrial and organizational psychology; and life coaching. Additionally,Grand Canyon University offers 10 doctorate degrees and 17 graduate certificates related to psychology and counseling.
Tuition for online undergraduate programs is $485 per credit and for graduate programs is $575 per credit.
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Arizona
We’ve compiled a list of various types of psychology degrees you’ll find at top programs in Arizona. Scan the list to see which feels right for you.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Arizona
Associate Degrees in Psychology
An associate degree program is designed for students who plan on transferring credits they’ve earned from a two-year school to a four-year degree program. Earning an associate degree in psychology can serve as a gateway to related careers such as in social services, behavior health, education, and human resources.
Accredited Arizona Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- Arizona Western College (Hybrid)
- Phoenix College (Hybrid)
- Cochise College (On-Campus)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
A bachelor’s degree program establishes the framework for a career in psychology, and it prepares you to enter the workforce in a job that draws upon those skills, such as an advertising or marketing manager, sales representative, or human resources specialist, among other positions. You’ll learn to conduct research, tell a story with statistics, and gain a better understanding of current psychological theories and therapy techniques.
Accredited Arizona Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- Ottawa University (Online or On-Campus)
- The University of Arizona (Online or On-Campus)
- Arizona State University (Online or On-Campus)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Arizona
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
A master’s degree in psychology further prepares you for a career in psychology or a related field as an educator, clinical psychologist, or counselor. It also sets the foundation for a doctorate degree. Most students earn their master’s degree within two to three years.
Accredited Arizona Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees:
- Northern Arizona University (Online or On-Campus)
- University of Phoenix (Online or On-Campus)
- Grand Canyon University (Online or On-Campus)
PsyD Programs
You can earn a PsyD by enrolling in a doctoral-level degree program that emphasizes hands-on experience working with patients. This degree prepares you for a career as a licensed psychologist, which could lead you to positions as a counselor, therapist, or other mental health professional.
Accredited Arizona Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- Midwestern University (Online or On-Campus)
- Northern Arizona University (Online or On-Campus)
- The University of Arizona Global Campus (Online)
Psychology PhD Programs
A PhD in psychology focuses more on research and academia. It typically involves in-depth research in topics such as affective, cognitive, developmental, neuroscience, or social psychology. With a PhD in psychology, you could work as a health psychologist, a forensic psychologist, a professor, a school psychologist, or a neuropsychologist, among other roles.
Accredited Arizona Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- The University of Arizona (Online or On-Campus)
- Northern Arizona University (Online or On-Campus)
- Arizona State University (Online or On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates are meant for those who already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and want to expand their knowledge in a particular area of psychology.
These certificates are ideal for those who need to meet continuing education requirements, are entering emerging fields, or who want to acquire new skills to improve their career prospects.
Accredited Arizona Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- The University of Arizona (Online or On-Campus)
- Grand Canyon University (Online or On-Campus)
- Northern Arizona University (On-Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Arizona
More than likely, earning your psychology degree at a top program in Arizona will cost you thousands of dollars. However, there are ways to cut the cost.
Most schools offer scholarships, loans, and grants, among other forms of financial aid. Plus, some scholarships are specific to psychology students. For instance, the Roni Rogers Undergraduate Scholarship in Psychology awards up to $15,000 to students at The University of Arizona. Other scholarships include the Adrienne G. and Amy “Jace” Hurley Scholarship, which awards up to $2,500 twice a year.
ASU offers undergraduates seven scholarships specific to psychology majors. Graduate students qualify for loans such as the Grad PLUS Loan, which has a fixed interest rate currently at 8.05 percent. To apply, you’ll need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA.
For more information on ways to fund your psychology degree program in Arizona, visit STEPS financial aid guide and scholarships guide.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Arizona
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in mental health-related occupations has grown over the past decade — and it’s expected to continue growing for the next 10 years. Employment for those working with substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health issues is projected to grow the fastest, increasing by 18 percent through 2032.
Nationwide, the median annual wage for professionals in the mental health field ranges from $37,330 for psychiatric technicians and aides to $226,880 for psychiatrists. As you’ll see below, in Arizona psychiatrists, for example, make more than $20,000 over the national annual mean wage. Data collected by the BLS showed that employment related to psychology is most abundant in Tucson and Phoenix.
| Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Average Annual Openings (2022-2032) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist | 6% | 12,800 | $85,330 |
| Psychiatrists | 9% | 1,000 | $247,350 |
| Human Resources Specialist | 6% | 78,700 | $64,240 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 3% | 7,400 | $59,860 |
| School Psychologist | 6% | 12,800 | $85,330 |
Sources: Projections Central;BLS
Arizona Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- Arizona Association of School Psychologists (AASP)
If you’re interested in attending a conference focused on school psychology, then consider becoming a member of the AASP. This organization also offers various awards to professionals in the field and promotes networking, professional development, and advocacy. - Arizona Psychological Association (APA)
The APA is a nonprofit organization that works to advance the profession, preserve integrity within the field, and promote health. This organization is often involved in advocacy work, collegial relations, and professional education and support. - Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
If you want to work as a marriage and family therapist, counselor, social worker, or substance abuse counselor providing psychotherapy services, then you’ll need to obtain licensure through the state’s Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. - Mental Health America of Arizona (MHAAZ)
Through education and advocacy, MHA AZ works to eradicate the stigma that plagues mental health illness and treatment. This organization also offers referrals to other resources and training. It manages an annual conference that raises public awareness and brings accessible care statewide. - Southern Arizona Psychological Association
This organization strives to provide quality and evidence-based information during public crises such as mass shootings or the COVID-19 pandemic. The group provides education workshops and luncheons. Membership is open to psychologists, school psychologists, and students.