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. But are you sure this is a path you want to pursue? And if so, are you actually ready?

Before you take your first steps, ask yourself four simple questions:

1. Do I have a career goal?
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.

2. 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: self-discipline, time management, and motivation, among other key traits.

3. Can I afford a degree?
Tuition and fees can add up, so you need to paint a full picture of your finances before diving in. Start with finding free funding, such as scholarships and grants, and then supplement with financial aid as needed.

4. Can you find balance?
Odds are high that you’ll be juggling work, family, or other personal responsibilities while going to school online. Evaluate what’s on your plate and check in with your support system to make sure you’re set up for success.

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 outline each degree type and highlight a top pick for each so you can answer that question confidently.

Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate certificates in psychology offer a few distinct benefits. One advantage is that they give students in-depth knowledge of psychology while they simultaneously pursue a bachelor’s degree in a different field.

Additionally, for psychology majors, undergraduate certificates are beneficial if their program does not offer the specialized concentrations they’re interested in.

Finally, earning a psychology undergraduate certificate offers students the opportunity to “try out” several specialized areas within the larger psychology field before committing the time and finances to complete a full undergraduate degree.

Completion times for these certificates vary from six months to one year.

STEPS Pick: 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 are a great option for students who want to start their careers in entry-level positions.

Since credits earned in an associate program are typically transferable, this is an affordable route for students who plan on continuing 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: 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 students interested in the mechanisms of the human mind and putting that interest to work in a career helping the emotional well-being of others.

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 master’s- and doctoral-level psychology programs, which is required to be a practicing and licensed psychologist.

STEPS Pick: 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: 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 provides all of the formal academics needed to pursue lucrative non-psychologist careers in a full range of 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: 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: 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.

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 to take the necessary time to carefully consider different 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 their current institutional accreditation status using the Department of Education’s search engine.

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

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.

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.

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).

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. However, not all programs accept transfer credits, so make sure the program that you’re interested in accepts 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, 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 and the student’s residency status.

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.

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 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. 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?

Psychologists employ a clinical approach that emphasizes the utilization of psychological evaluations and psychotherapy in the assessment and treatment of patients’ mental health issues. And 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

• Arizona
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• Massachusetts
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• New York
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Read Related Psychology Resources

• Clinical Psychology Master’s Degrees
• Clinical Psychology PhD Programs
• Clinical Psychology Programs in CA
• Counseling Psychology Master’s Degrees
• Essential Skills for Psychology Students
• 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
• Social Work vs. Counseling vs. Psychology
• What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?

Salary and Career Details

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.