Psychology provides insight into our behavior as individuals, family members, co-workers, and so much more. As a result, earning an online psychology degree can lead to a variety of careers where you can help others be their best. Whether you want to assist people struggling with mental health, help organizations leverage psychological principles to improve workplaces, or have a versatile college education that can lead to a range of other paths, earning an online psychology degree could be for you.
But with so many different online psychology degrees out there, how do you begin to narrow your choices? This guide is a great place to begin your search. We’ve listed the year’s best colleges offering online psychology degrees, broken down the types of degrees available, and taken a closer look at accreditation and financial aid. Keep reading to learn more about online psychology degrees, starting with a list of the top schools for online learning in the field for 2024.
Best Online Psychology Degrees for 2024
We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Mississippi State, MSPublic $$
Mississippi State University offers two online psychology programs. Both result in a bachelor of science degree, although one is in psychology while the other is in educational psychology. The former can serve as a general learning degree to prepare students for almost any career or to lay the foundation for later graduate training in psychology. The latter has a curriculum that complements a teacher certification program or works as a standalone degree for anyone who enjoys helping others, especially in an academic setting. No matter which pathway a student chooses, they can complete the majority of their coursework fully online and can shorten the time it takes to complete the program by applying up to 62 transfer credits.
Program Highlights:
BS in Psychology
- Credits: 124
- Length: About four years
- Cost: $385.50/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
BS in Educational Psychology
- Credits: 124
- Length: About four years
- Cost: $385.50/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
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University Park, PAPublic $$$$
Penn State University’s online degree programs are generally offered through PennState World Campus. For those interested in an online psychology degree, they can choose from a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Both degrees provide a solid education in human thinking and behavior, and prepare graduates for various future paths in human services, research, or graduate studies. One of the major differences between the programs is that the bachelor of arts in psychology program has an optional in-person internship while the bachelor of science in psychology program requires an in-person internship.
Program Highlights:
BA in Psychology
- Credits: 123
- Length: About four years
- Cost: $664.00/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
BS in Psychology
- Credits: 123
- Length: About four years
- Cost: $664.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
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Tuscaloosa, ALPublic $$$
Prospective graduate students can choose between two online psychology degrees from the University of Alabama. First up, there’s the Master of Arts in Educational Psychology, with a concentration in learning and assessment. It’s fully online, intended for teaching and non-teaching professionals and acts as an academic pathway for future educational research or graduate learning. Next up, there’s the educational psychology master’s degree in school psychometry or school psychology. This is a unique hybrid program with both on-campus and online components as well as two degree tracks to choose from.
Program Highlights:
MA in Educational Psychology
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $440.00/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
MA or EdS in Educational Psychology – School Psychometry/Educational Psychology
- Credits:30 or 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $440.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: NCATE
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
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Tucson, AZPublic $$$
By earning the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from the University of Arizona, students will gain the training and instruction they need for future careers in psychology or human services positions. It will also lay the academic groundwork for a graduate degree in psychology. The curriculum is mostly online, making it easier for students to continue working while in school. There’s also ample opportunity to customize their education, with psychology students being required to choose a second major or a minor in addition to their psychology coursework. Those entering the program from high school can expect to take about four years to earn their degree. But transfer students from one of the approved Arizona community colleges and universities can shave one or two years off their psychology degree pursuit.
Program Highlights:
BA in Psychology
- Credits: 120
- Length: About four years
- Cost: $525.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Muncie, INPublic $$
Future psychology graduate students can choose from three 100% online programs from Ball State University. First, there’s the Master of Arts in Educational Psychology. This degree is perfect for educators and psychology-based professionals who want to train teachers and other education professionals on the theories and concepts of learning and classroom assessment. Second, there’s the Master of Science in Quantitative Psychology. As its name implies, this degree is ideal for those who want to improve their research, analysis, and assessment skills for the business, social sciences, or education settings. Finally, there’s the Graduate Certificate in Neuropsychology, which covers topics relating how the brain functions.
Program Highlights:
MA in Educational Psychology
- Credits: 36
- Length: One to three years
- Cost: $438.00/credit (in-state); $656.00/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
MS in Quantitative Psychology
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $438.00/credit (in-state); $656.00/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Graduate Certificate in Neuropsychology for Teaching and Learning
- Credits: 15
- Length: Less than one year
- Cost: $438.00/credit (in-state); $656.00/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
5
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Stillwater, OKPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Vermillion, SDPublic $$
Online Programs
7
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
6
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Columbia, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Las Vegas, NVPublic $$
Online Programs
6
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Moscow, IDPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Fort Collins, COPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Rolla, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Lakewood, COPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
5
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Logan, UTPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Salt Lake City, UTPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
5
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Machias, MEPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Greeley, COPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Alva, OKPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Lawrence, KSPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Portland, MEPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Odessa, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Parkville, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Springfield, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Montgomery, ALPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
5
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Springfield, ILPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Fayetteville, NCPublic $
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Alamosa, COPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Dayton, TNPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Pocatello, IDPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Chadron, NEPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Hays, KSPublic $
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Highland Heights, KYPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Johnson, VTPublic $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Monroe, LAPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Silver City, NMPublic $
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Memphis, TNPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Durham, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Cincinnati, OHPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Maryville, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Birmingham, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Manhattan, KSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Kearney, NEPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Flagstaff, AZPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Frankfort, KYPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Nashville, TNPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Grand Forks, NDPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Troy, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Owensboro, KYPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Which Online Psychology Degree Fits You Best?
As you explore online degrees for psychology, your choices affect the jobs you’re qualified to pursue, the salary potential you’ll have, and the amount of job growth you can expect. Continue reading to learn about the different online psychology degrees that colleges offer.
Online Associate Degree in Psychology
An associate degree in psychology introduces the field and the basic concepts professionals need to know, such as theories related to social, abnormal, developmental, and counseling psychology. If you want to quickly train for an entry-level position, enrolling in a two-year associate degree in psychology online program gives you the foundation you need to enter the workforce. In addition, you’ll develop public speaking, writing, and mathematics skills through the program’s general education coursework, which typically includes classes in biology, English composition, and algebra. Also, if you want to ultimately earn a higher-level degree, an associate degree in psychology online familiarizes you with the field and gives you the groundwork to build on.
For more information about programs at this level, visit our online associate degree in psychology page.
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Bachelor’s degrees in psychology allow you to train for an entry-level position but provide more in-depth information than you’ll learn in an associate degree program. These online degrees for psychology help students develop vital communication, critical thinking, and reasoning skills while providing a look at topics such as addiction, organizational psychology, learning, and personality. In addition, you may be able to do a deep dive into a specific area of the field that interests you by concentrating on topics such as mental health, behavioral psychology, and lifespan development. Also, a bachelor’s degree is a good choice if you think you may want to continue your education in a graduate degree program.
Want to learn more about these four-year online degree programs for psychology? Visit our online bachelor’s degree in psychology page for more information.
Online Master’s in Psychology
Maybe you’ve just completed a bachelor’s degree and you immediately want to go on to the next step of your psychology education. Or maybe you’ve already been in the field for a while and want to go back to school to earn a higher-level online degree in psychology to move up the career ladder. An online master’s degree in psychology, which generally can be completed in about two years, will help you reach your goals. These degrees are designed to give you advanced knowledge of the concepts learned during your undergraduate studies while providing expertise on a specialization. Some of the concentrations you may be able to choose include forensic psychology, childhood development, industrial-organizational psychology, and health psychology.
Find more information about these degrees on our master’s degree in psychology page.
Online Psychology Doctoral Degree
An online doctoral degree in psychology is a terminal degree if you want to become a clinical psychologist, college professor, consultant, or researcher. PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) programs are designed for students specifically looking to become clinical psychologists. PhD doctoral programs, on the other hand, focus more on theory and research, and are suited for students looking to work in academics or research.
To help people get to the pinnacle of their careers, doctoral programs allow you to concentrate in subjects such as gerontology, behavioral health leadership, social psychology, and marital and family therapy. These degrees generally take four to six years to complete and, in addition to coursework, you’ll be expected to write a dissertation and pass a comprehensive examination.
More Ways You Can Study Psychology Online
In some cases, you may want to learn more about psychology without enrolling in a degree program that takes years to complete. By pursuing nondegree paths, you can quickly take undergraduate or graduate coursework to become an expert in a specific topic or to revisit subjects you learned previously. The following are some nondegree options for you to consider.
Online Undergraduate Certificates in Psychology
If you want an intensive psychology education that you can complete in six months to a year, then you may want to consider an online undergraduate certificate program. These programs can be dedicated to a specific area of psychology or they can be more general to build a foundation of knowledge.
For example, St. Joseph’s University offers an online undergraduate industrial-organizational psychology certificate, which is designed for those who want to learn how psychology is applied in workplace settings. On the other hand, California Coast University has an online undergraduate certificate in the fundamentals of psychology, which allows students to get an overview of more general topics.
Online Graduate Certificates in Psychology
Online graduate certificates in psychology are a good option if you want to advance your career but don’t want to enroll in an entire graduate program to gain the expertise you need. These niche programs focus on a specific area of psychology.
For example, Purdue University Global offers graduate certificate programs online that allow you to specialize in addictions or industrial-organizational psychology. Similarly, if you’ve already earned a master’s degree you can enroll in a post-master’s certificate program at a school like Northcentral University, where you can specialize in gerontology, psychology of gender and sexual fluidity, and trauma and disaster relief.
Online Psychology Courses
In some cases, psychology professionals want to quickly learn about a topic for professional or personal reasons without enrolling in a formal program at all. In that case, consider taking classes from colleges and universities that are delivered on third-party education platforms. For example, Coursera offers psychology courses from schools including Yale University, Wesleyan University, the University of Chicago, and Johns Hopkins University. Topics include social psychology, learning, emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and the history of mental illness. Similarly, edX offers classes covering the psychology of criminal justice, cognition, psychological research methods, and personality.
FAQs About Getting Your Psychology Degree Online
Now that your interest in online psychology degrees has been piqued, chances are you have questions about these programs. To help you make an informed decision, this section addresses some of the common questions prospective students ask when deciding whether or not to enroll in a psychology degree online program.
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Are online psychology degrees accredited?
To provide the quality education you deserve, online psychology degree programs are expected to be accredited. On the undergraduate level, schools are accredited by regional organizations such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Higher Learning Commission. On the graduate level, programs may be accredited by psychology-specific organizations, including the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, the American Psychological Association, and the National Association of School Psychologists.
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How much does an online psychology degree cost?
One of the advantages of earning an online psychology degree is that it allows you to save money compared with what you might spend if you enroll in a brick-and-mortar program. However, there are some differences in costs that you should account for. For example, graduate degree programs tend to cost more than undergraduate programs, even if students are charged per credit. Also, students who attend public schools generally are charged less than those who enroll in a private school.
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Is financial aid available for online psychology degrees?
Even though online degrees tend to cost less than traditional ones, chances are you’re still concerned about paying for your education. Luckily, there are several avenues you can take to find financial aid. Generally, schools and even specific psychology departments offer scholarships and grants for students who demonstrate academic excellence or financial need. Also, you may be able to obtain financial aid through federal and state government agencies.
Students enrolled in a psychology degree online may also be able to obtain financial aid from organizations dedicated to the field. For example, psychology-specific organizations like the American Psychological Foundation, the American Psychological Association, and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology provide funding for students to support the next generation of professionals.
To find out more information on how to fund your education, log on to our financial aid and scholarship pages.
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How much can I make with an online psychology degree?
The amount of money you make as a psychology professional depends on the level of degree you earn. According to PayScale, on average those with an associate degree earn $43,000 per year, bachelor’s degree graduates earn $66,000, master’s degree graduates earn $62,000, and those with doctoral degrees earn $87,000.
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Are psychology degree graduates in high demand?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that some psychology professions will be in high demand in the coming years. For example, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will see 22% growth; rehabilitation counselor jobs will increase by 11%, and social and community service managers will experience a 12% increase in jobs between 2020 and 2030.
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What skills and traits do I need to succeed in a psychology degree program?
When you enroll in a psychology degree online, having certain qualities increases your chances of being successful. For example, verbal and written communication skills are extremely important, as you will be required to write papers and give presentations about what you learned in your classes. Other skills students should have include research, time management, reasoning, and listening skills.
Resources for Future Psychology Students
Online psychology degree programs can be challenging. The following are some useful resources you can use not only to increase your chances of being successful in the program but also for help during the application process.
8 Tips on How to Be a Successful Psychology Student
Saint Leo University provides pointers on how to succeed in a psychology degree program online or on campus.
A Day in the Life of a Clinical Psychologist
This article from Grand Canyon University outlines what students can expect if they pursue a clinical psychology career.
Graduate Admissions Interviews
This page on the University of California San Diego’s website provides advice on how to be successful in an interview for a psychology graduate program.
It is never too early to begin: online resources to help psychology majors prepare for graduate school
The Psychology Student Network of the American Psychological Association offers advice for getting into graduate school.
The Skillful Psychology Student
In this article, the American Psychological Association outlines the skills that employers expect professionals to have.
Writing a Personal Statement
Rutgers University provides advice on writing a personal statement for your graduate school applications.
