Best Online Psychology Degree Programs in Ohio (OH)

Earning a psychology degree can lead to a lifelong career of helping others—whether that’s coaching someone through a significant traumatic experience or simply helping them gain a deeper understanding of themselves.

The country is currently experiencing a surge in mental health illnesses. In fact, nine out of 10 adults believe there’s a mental health crisis in the U.S., according to a recent CNN poll. Several studies identify the opioid epidemic, the COVID-19 pandemic, and social media addictions as contributing factors. Additionally, most Americans diagnosed with a mental health condition are unable to access treatment due to insurance gaps and a workforce shortage within the psychiatric field, according to a 2023 National Public Radio report.

With all of that in mind, it’s easy to see how earning a psychology degree can open doors to well-paying, in-demand jobs in related fields in Ohio. For instance, you can work as a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a sports psychologist, a human resources expert, or a market researcher.

This guide lists the top psychology programs in Ohio. We also offer a breakdown of the various degrees you can earn and provide a closer look at the job market in the state.

Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Ohio

Online programs are a great alternative that can save you time and money. Online classes also provide working professionals with the convenience of completing their coursework whenever or wherever they’d like. Some online programs offer weekly deadlines and asynchronous classes, while others have set class times and varied deadlines.

Here’s a look at the best online psychology degree programs in Ohio.

Franklin University

Students applying to an online psychology bachelor’s degree program at Franklin University can transfer up to 94 credits. You can also transfer up to 12 credits into a master’s degree program, 24 credits into a doctorate, and 44 credits into an associate degree. Military experience and training, professional work experience, or industry certifications can gain you credit, as well.

Franklin University also offers low tuition rates that are locked in through graduation. Current tuition is $398 per credit for a bachelor’s program and $670 per credit for a master’s program.

The online psychology degree programs offered include one bachelor’s-level program and two master’s-level programs. The master’s programs are accelerated and can be completed within 12 to 14 months.

Ohio Christian University

Ohio Christian University offers two undergraduate psychology degree programs that can be completed online or on campus — a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or a Bachelor of Arts in Substance Abuse Counseling.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides students with a broad foundation of knowledge in the field, all while integrating a biblical worldview. Students gain an understanding of human behavior and mental processes. They’ll know basic psychology terminology, statistical and research methods, physiological psychology, and the history and systems set up within the field. Online courses provide forum discussions and weekly assignment deadlines.

The Bachelor of Arts in Substance Abuse Counseling program is designed to help students meet the minimum hours required to work as licensed dependency counselors in the state. They’re also required to complete 40 hours of chemical dependency training in specific areas. Once they’ve completed the program, graduates can then take the licensure test administered by the state.

Both undergraduates and graduate students can also pursue a chemical dependency counselor assistant certificate. The university doesn’t offer a psychology degree at the master’s or doctorate level.

Types of Psychology DegreesYou Can Earn in Ohio

Ohio offers a variety of high-quality online or on-campus psychology degree programs that can help you reach your career goals, whether you’re just starting out or are looking to advance within the profession. We’ve provided a rundown of the various types of psychology degrees you can obtain and what each degree provides, as well as links to the quality schools that offer them.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Ohio

Don’t let the cost of tuition keep you from investing in your future. While the price tag for your degree at a top psychology program in Ohio may give you second thoughts, a good place to start is bysubmitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA.

Your next step is to look for school-based scholarships. The Ohio State University, for instance, offers an array of scholarships including the Akire Research Award, the Lawson Memorial Fund Scholarship, and Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research scholarships.

Ohio Universityalso provides financial support specific to psychology students. Learn more about the David A. Johnson Undergraduate Research Travel Award, the Margret Appel Honors Research Award, and several other scholarship opportunities.

Local organizations may also offer financial aid. The Foundation for Psychology in Ohio, for example, offers various scholarships including the Inez Beverly Prosser Scholarship for African American psychology students and the Michael Sullivan Diversity Scholarship. The Ohio Women in Psychology Grant funds research, training, and community service projects related to women’s issues.

For more details on how you can fund your psychology degree at a top program in Ohio, visit the STEPS financial aid guide and scholarships guide.

Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Ohio

Psychology is a growing field. This is especially true in Ohio, where state data shows strong job growth within the field of psychology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobs for psychologists are projected to jump 6 percent nationwide. In contrast, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services predicts an increase of 9.5 percent in psychology-related jobs.

Salaries in Ohio track closely to the national average. The national median annual wage for a psychologist is $85,330 as of May 2022. In Ohio, the annual mean wage is $105,710 — higher than the national average.

Sources: Projections Central,Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ohio Psychology Professional and Student Resources

• Early Career Psychologists of the Ohio Psychological Association
  This Facebook group is open to anyone interested in or working in the field of psychology. The public group has 302 members who often post about networking opportunities, job announcements, and psychology-related news.
• The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities
  This organization provides education, develops policies, and seeks support for initiatives that expand and improve mental health and substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery support services throughout the state. The group works with a variety of governmental agencies and individuals in recovery.
• Ohio Board of Psychology
  The Ohio Board of Psychology provides examinations and licensing to those who plan on working with patients. Additionally, it investigates complaints and maintains accountability among state psychologists, school psychologists, supervised providers, and licensure applicants.
• Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
  This organization oversees 50 county-based boards and hundreds of community agencies that provide addiction and mental health services statewide. It also publishes annual state reports, provides licensure and certification resources, and organizes training workshops.
• Ohio Psychological Association
  The Ohio Psychological Association is the seventh largest state psychological association in the country. The organization provides educational and professional resources such as live webinars, training workshops, and information on upcoming events and conferences.