Top Psychology Programs in Florida: Campus & Online
Exploring the field of psychology is not only a fascinating journey of self-discovery and understanding of others, but it also leads to countless career opportunities in diverse fields such as therapy, counseling, marketing, and sales. Florida is home to several renowned universities that offer exceptional psychology programs both on-campus and online.
Choosing the right program from the vast array of options available can be daunting. To help you make an informed decision, this guide highlights some of the top online psychology programs in Florida. Discover the unique features and benefits of each program and find the one that aligns with your education and career aspirations.
Best Psychology Associate Degrees in Florida
The associate degree is ideal for those wanting a two-year degree teaching concepts that apply to a variety of professions. It’s also an affordable way to start earning a bachelor’s degree, since you can earn your associate degree at a community college or tech school before transferring those credits to a 4-year institution.
Florida Tech
Though its on-campus programs are also top quality, the online Associate of Arts in Applied Psychology at Florida Tech stands out. In this program, students gain an understanding of psychological principles, as well as a liberal arts educational foundation. Major concepts include the fundamentals of psychology, historical trends, human behavior, and social dynamics, and research methods. Should students choose to continue their psychology studies at the next level, Florida Tech also offers an online bachelor’s program.
Duration: Two years, 61 credits
Mode: Online
Cost: $532/credit
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Human Sexuality
- Five additional psychology courses of the student’s choosing
Exploring Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in Florida
A bachelor’s-level program in psychology is for those with a strong interest in human behavior and thinking. Whether it’s intellectual curiosity or the foundation for a graduate degree in psychology, a bachelor’s degree provides a well-rounded education, especially by offering significant training in statistics and research.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University’s psychology degree programs allow students to earn a psychology degree through fully online and hybrid learning formats. There are two bachelor’s in psychology programs available.
For students who want to apply psychology in traditional workplaces, there’s the general psychology track. For those who want to enter helping professions, the clinical/counseling specialization is ideal. Each consists of 120 credit hours with 39 of those credits directly relating to the study of either general or clinical/counseling psychology.
Duration: Four years, 120 credits
Mode: Online
Cost: $425/credit
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Foundations of Psychology Seminar
- Research Methods I & II
- Senior Seminar: Current Issues in Psychology
All About Psychology Master’s Degrees in Florida
While many psychologist positions require a doctorate, some positions in schools or industrial/organizational settings only require a master’s degree. A master’s degree in psychology is well-suited for those interested in the more advanced psychology topics or for those who know they’ll eventually earn a PsyD degree or PhD in psychology.
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is one of the leading providers of online psychology degrees in Florida, and most of NSU’s master’s in psychology programs are available in online and hybrid formats.
In addition to completing many of the required courses virtually, online master’s students also have ample opportunity to gain practical experience through as many as 15 on-site clinical learning experiences. Online students can also choose from four areas of specialization, including counseling, forensic psychology, and general psychology.
Duration: Two to three years
Mode: Online, hybrid
Cost: $925/credit
Curriculum (Counseling Concentration):
- Counseling Theories and Practice
- Research and Evaluation for Counselors
- Human Growth and Development
- Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues for Counselors
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Psychopathology
- Psychological Testing for Individual Evaluation
- Substance Abuse
- Career and Lifestyle Assessment
- Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling
- Group Theory and Practice
- Couples and Family Counseling Strategies
- Introduction to Mental Health Counseling Techniques
- Human Sexuality
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
- Community Mental Health
- Case Conceptualization and Treatment Strategies
- Advanced Treatment Interventions
- Counseling Practicum
- Counseling Internship I & II
- Continuing Counseling Internship
Deep Dive: PhD, PsyD, and Graduate Certificates in Florida
PsyD programs are ideal for individuals seeking careers as clinical psychologists. A PhD in psychology curriculum places a heavier emphasis on research skills and concepts, preparing graduates to teach at the post-secondary level, conduct research, or treat patients. Graduate certificate programs in psychology are perfect for completing continuing education requirements or for gaining knowledge in a specialized area.
Keiser University
Professionals looking for an online-based PhD in Psychology have a solid option at Keiser University. Their online Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology is a research-based, non-clinical doctoral program that prepares students to be recognized experts in their area. In this 60 credit hour program, students explore many topics, including health, cognitive, learning, and developmental psychology, and gain expertise in conducting research studies that benefit mental health professionals and the public.
Duration: Three to five years, 60 credits
Mode: Online
Cost: $32,984 total
Curriculum:
- Research, Ethics, and Scholarly Writing
- Cognitive & Affective Basis of Behavior
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Human Development
- Theories of Learning and Motivation
- Sociocultural Basis of Behavior
- Cross-Cultural Methods of Tests and Measurements
- Educational Psychology
- Curriculum Design
- Quantitative Research I & II
- Research Design and Qualitative Methods
- Advanced Research Theory, Design, and Methods
- Psychometrics
- Advanced Research
- Advanced Seminar in Program Evaluation
- Dissertation
Answering Florida’s Online Psychology Program FAQs
Is there financial aid for online psychology programs in Florida?
Yes. Psychology students in Florida have an array of financial aid options to help pay for their schooling, including access to student loans, scholarships, grants, and work study.
Additionally, the field of psychology is unique in that graduate students have access to other forms of financial aid, including fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships. In most cases, like at the University of Miami, these are offered through the school. Top psychology programs in Florida also usually provide plenty of financial aid resources for their students.
Is it possible to get a psychology degree online?
Absolutely. Florida has multiple online and hybrid psychology degrees available at all levels. Whether you’re looking for associate degrees (like the one at Seminole State College), bachelor’s degrees (like this one at Florida International University), or graduate degrees (like the Educational Psychology MS at Florida State University), you’ll find a program that meets your needs. Keep in mind that masters and doctorate programs usually require in-person clinical hours, even if you’re able to attend classes online.
Are online psychology degrees credible?
100%. Provided your online psychology program in Florida has been accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body, it’s a trustworthy degree. The regional accrediting body for Florida colleges and universities is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC.)
If you’re getting a graduate degree in psychology, look for additional accreditation from the American Psychological Association, Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council,National Association of School Psychologists, or Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System.
How long is a psychology degree?
It depends on the degree. Expect to spend two years in an associate degree program and four years getting a bachelor’s degree. Master’s programs usually take two to three years, while doctoral programs take up to five or six years to finish. Full-time students graduate quicker than part-time students. Accelerated programs can cut down on the timeline, too—the accelerated AA in Psychology at Miami Dade College takes just one year for students to complete.
Is a bachelor’s in psychology worth it?
That all depends on what you want to do with your degree. If you want to work in clinical settings, you’ll eventually need to get a postgraduate degree, but a bachelor’s degree gives you a strong foundational knowledge that prepares you for advanced studies. If you want to work in adjacent fields, like marketing, human resources, or case management, then a bachelor’s degree helps you achieve those goals.
Why Career Changers in Florida are Choosing Psychology
Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. | Psychologists | $47,450 | $157,420 | $117,750 |
Florida | Psychologists | $51,540 | $148,200 | $118,190 |
Jacksonville, FL | Psychologists | $55,060 | $149,800 | $114,900 |
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | Psychologists | $49,340 | $152,320 | $104,940 |
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | Psychologists | $69,100 | $156,620 | $120,470 |
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | Psychologists | $80,080 | $140,750 | $108,330 |
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | Psychologists | $46,320 | $142,880 | $120,890 |
Source: Psychologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States | Psychologists | 56,300 | 59,100 | 2,800 | 5.00% |
Florida | Psychologists | 3,250 | 3,760 | 510 | 15.70% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Advance with Psychology Resources in Florida
We’ve put together this list of resources for online psychology program students in Florida. Whether you’re just getting started on your AA in Psychology or looking for a PhD program, the following list provides you with useful information on professional associations, student organizations, and more as you grow toward your goals.
- Florida Board of Psychology
If you have questions about the licensing of psychologists in Florida, this is the official source of information. Here, you can apply, renew, or verify a license, file a complaint, or get more information about licensing. - Florida Psychological Association
As Florida’s largest and most prominent professional organization for psychologists, the Florida Psychological Association’s goals include improving the mental health of Floridians, advancing professional standards, and promoting the development and dissemination of knowledge. - Florida Psychological Association Graduate Students
This is the Facebook page for the graduate student arm of the Florida Psychological Association. Students can communicate with fellow members and get the latest information on organizational news and events. - Florida’s Psychology
As the official Twitter account for the Florida Board of Psychology, this is the best place to get a quick look at the latest news and updates from the Florida Board of Psychology as well as the psychology profession as a whole. - Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
Psi Chi is the premier honors society for the advancement of the study of psychology. Membership includes undergraduate and graduate psychology students. Psi Chi chapters are based at schools with psychology programs, including many schools in Florida.
Best Online Psychology Degrees: Florida Edition
To help you find the right online psychology programs in Florida, we’ve highlighted the best overall options below. Schools were ranked on important criteria like affordability, study flexibility, and academic quality. These criteria are important to students, so they factored heavily into the list you see below.
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, Florida
Public
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Public
Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Public
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Public
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida
Public
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Private
Albizu University-Miami
Miami, Florida
Private
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
Hodges University
Fort Myers, Florida
Private
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
Palm Beach Atlantic University
West Palm Beach, Florida
Private
Florida Institute of Technology-Online
Melbourne, Florida
Private
South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary
Deerfield Beach, Florida
Private
Southeastern University
Lakeland, Florida
Private
St. Thomas University
Miami Gardens, Florida
Private
Lynn University
Boca Raton, Florida
Private