Best Online Psychology Degree Programs in Arizona (AZ)

Top Psychology Associate Degrees in Arizona

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.

Arizona’s Best Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees

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.

Inside Arizona’s 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.

Postgraduate Psychology Programs in Arizona

A PsyD is 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. Comparatively, a PhD in psychology focuses more on research and academia and 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. Graduate certificates are meant for those who already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and want to expand their knowledge and acquire new skills in a particular area of psychology

Get Answers: Arizona Psychology Student FAQs

Can I earn a psychology degree completely online?

In many cases, yes. There are many options for fully online certificate programs, undergraduate, and graduate degrees in psychology. However, it’s important to always read the fine print – some programs, such as the University of Arizona’s PsyD program require some in-person workshops or seminars. Similarly, the hybrid B.S. program at Northern Arizona University requires an in-person internship.

Can I get assistance paying for my online psychology degree?

Yes, 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.

What’s the difference between a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Psychology?

In short, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) features a broader curriculum with a focus on skills like critical thinking, writing, and communication. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.), on the other hand, usually features more science and math courses as well as an emphasis on research. You can earn either a B.A. and a B.S. in psychology and while there is a lot of overlap, a B.S. is usually the choice for students thinking about pursuing research of clinical practice.

Are online Psychology degrees credible?

Yes. Not only are they credible, but online degrees be more affordable and flexible than on-campus options. Before enrolling, make sure your program is accredited as this guarantees certain academic standards will be met. Accreditation is also important if you hope to apply for federal or state financial aid.

What kind of jobs can I get with a degree in Psychology?

There are many career paths for individuals with a degree in psychology, so it really depends on your level of education and interests. If you earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, the focus will likely be broader, and you might want to consider a career in human resources or as a probation or correctional officer. If you hold a master’s degree, you can pursue licensure as a mental health counselor or social worker. PsyD graduates may work in clinical practice, performing assessments and providing interventions. And with a PhD, a common career path is academia or specialized research.

Salary & Career Details for Psychology Graduates in Arizona

Grow Your Career: Psychology Student Resources

Whether you’re a psychology program undergrad, graduate student, or beginning your career, there are online resources to help you out. The following five sites offer information and support for individuals in the field, including resources on licensure, the latest evidence-based information, and networking opportunities.

• 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.

Arizona’s Leading Online Psychology Schools

To help you identify the online psychology programs worth your time and money, we’ve created a ranked list of top schools. To be eligible for inclusion, a school must meet certain requirements such as accreditation and the availability of academic and career counseling. From the list of eligible schools, we then assigned weights to criteria such as percentage of online courses and student to faculty ratios. For more information on our ranking process, check out STEPS’ methodology pop up.