Best Online Psychology Degree Programs in Colorado (CO)
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Colorado offers some of the most highly regarded psychology programs in the country. If you’re ready to make the next move in your career, consider enrolling in a psychology program in Colorado, either online or hybrid. Use this guide to explore the various degrees available and your potential job prospects.
As you begin your educational journey to learn about the mind and human behavior, we’re here to guide you through the top psychology programs in Colorado. Tailored for traditional and online learners, these programs offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the best online psychology degree programs in Colorado and learn how to identify the ones that cater to your educational and professional aspirations. From understanding the spectrum of degrees available to uncovering financial aid opportunities and job prospects, this guide is your compass to navigate Colorado’s diverse landscape of psychology education.
Read more to see which top psychology programs in Colorado made our list, how to navigate financial aid opportunities, the importance of accreditation and how to spot it, and the job outlook and salaries for careers you may want to pursue in Colorado with your psychology degree.
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Colorado
Online and hybrid psychology programs in Colorado are becoming increasingly popular, especially for working professionals and others seeking the convenience and affordability of online learning. These programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that can be completed online, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. With advancements in digital education, students can expect interactive coursework, virtual discussions, and access to a wealth of online resources. The following are top schools in Colorado providing quality online psychology programs.
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado
Private
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate61%
- Retention Rate83%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
- Tuition$$$$
- % Excl. Online52%
- % Part. Online4%
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, Colorado
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate67%
- Retention Rate86%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online13%
- % Part. Online37%
Regis University
Denver, Colorado
Private
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate67%
- Retention Rate72%
- Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
- Tuition$$$$
- % Excl. Online28%
- % Part. Online36%
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colorado
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate52%
- Retention Rate75%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online18%
- % Part. Online35%
Adams State University
Alamosa, Colorado
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate28%
- Retention Rate57%
- Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online36%
- % Part. Online21%
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, Colorado
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate29%
- Retention Rate63%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
- Tuition$$
- % Excl. Online22%
- % Part. Online46%
Base Methodology for STEP’s “Best Online College Rankings”
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
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).
- 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.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Online learning metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by affordability and student outcomes/academic quality metrics.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs
- Percent of total students enrolled exclusively in distance education courses
- Percent of total students enrolled in some but not all distance education courses
Affordability
- Average amount of federal, state, local, or institutional grant aid awarded
- Tuition and fess
Student Outcomes
- Full-time retention rate
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Graduation rate
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2024.
University of Colorado Denver
The University of Colorado Denver offers an enriching and versatile Bachelor of Arts in psychology program, available entirely online. This program dives deep into the multifaceted world of psychology.
- Curriculum Details: A comprehensive curriculum focusing on a range of psychological fields, including experimental psychology, biopsychology, social psychology, and more.
- Learning Outcomes: Students thoroughly understand psychological principles, research methods, and the application of psychology in various domains.
- Additional Skills: Emphasis on developing skills in research methods, inferential statistics, ethical standards, effective communication, and science-based reasoning.
- Career and Further Education Opportunities: Prepares students for careers across various industries and serves as a solid foundation for graduate studies in psychology, social work, education, law, criminal justice, medicine, and health sciences.
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Colorado
Psychology is an interesting field because there isn’t one-degree level all students must achieve. Instead, there are opportunities for students at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate levels. Keep reading to discover which degree type is right for you and some more of the best psychology programs in North Carolina.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Colorado
Associate Degrees in Psychology
Associate degrees in psychology are tailored for individuals beginning their exploration into human behavior and mental processes. These two-year programs lay the groundwork for further study or entry-level positions in various sectors requiring an understanding of psychology.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- Pikes Peak Community College (On-Campus)
- Arapahoe Community College (On-Campus)
- Front Range Community College (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
Bachelor’s degrees in psychology are designed for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories and applications. These four-year programs prepare students for graduate studies or careers in human services, education, and business.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- University of Colorado Boulder (On-Campus)
- Colorado State University (On-Campus)
- Regis University (Online)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Colorado
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
Master’s degrees in psychology are aimed at students seeking advanced knowledge in specialized areas of psychology. These programs are ideal for people pursuing clinical practice, research, or higher education careers.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees:
- University of Denver (Online or On-Campus)
- Colorado State University (On-Campus)
- University of Northern Colorado (Online)
PsyD Programs
PsyD programs focus on clinical practice rather than research, preparing graduates for therapy, counseling, and psychological assessment careers. These programs are ideal for those seeking to become licensed clinical psychologists.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- University of Denver (On-Campus)
- University of Colorado Denver (On-Campus)
- Colorado State University (On-Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
PhD programs in psychology are research-intensive degrees preparing individuals for academic careers, research institutions, and advanced clinical settings. The best psychology programs in Colorado often emphasize creating new knowledge in psychology.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- University of Colorado Boulder (On-Campus)
- Colorado State University (On-Campus)
- University of Denver (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates in psychology offer specialized training in areas like mental health, organizational psychology, or forensic psychology. These programs are suitable for professionals looking to enhance their expertise or transition into a new area within psychology.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- Colorado State University (Online or On-Campus)
- University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (On-Campus)
- Regis University (Online)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Colorado
Colorado psychology students have various financial aid options, including scholarships, loans, and fellowships. The state offers specific aid for students pursuing degrees in behavioral health, such as the Behavioral Health Incentive Program, which provides financial incentives to rural and low-income students to obtain credentials in specific behavioral health programs.
Additionally, universities like Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a range of scholarships and fellowships for psychology students. These can include awards based on academic merit, financial need, or specific areas of study within psychology.
For comprehensive information on ways to fund your psychology education, refer to STEPS’ financial aid guide and scholarships guide.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Colorado
The job market for graduates of top psychology programs in Colorado is thriving, particularly in its bustling metro areas. With growth rates aligning with or surpassing national averages, Colorado offers promising opportunities in various psychology-related fields. Professions like human resources specialists, psychologists, and school psychologists show healthy growth and boast competitive salaries.
Particularly notable is the significant demand for clinical and counseling psychologists. Colorado’s market provides a favorable landscape for psychology graduates, offering diverse job opportunities and impressive earning potential. Detailed job growth rates and average salaries for these roles in Colorado are outlined in the table below.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Colorado Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- Colorado Psychological Association (CPA)
CPA offers resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for psychology professionals and students in Colorado, promoting the field of psychology and supporting practitioners’ professional development. - Rocky Mountain Psychological Association (RMPA)
Serving psychology professionals and students in the Rocky Mountain region, RMPA provides educational and networking opportunities, including annual conferences. - Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners
This state board licenses psychologists in Colorado and ensures that practitioners meet professional standards. The website offers information on licensure requirements, renewal processes, and regulations. - Colorado Counseling Association (CCA)
CCA serves counselors and counseling students in Colorado, offering professional development, networking, and advocacy to enhance the counseling profession’s quality and effectiveness. - Behavioral Health Incentive Program, Colorado Department of Higher Education
This program provides financial incentives for students in Colorado pursuing degrees in behavioral health, aiming to address the workforce needs in this field.