Best Psychology Programs in Indiana: Online & On-Campus

Indiana’s Online Psychology Associate Degrees

A two-year associate degree in psychology lets graduates enter the field. This fast-track degree program introduces students to research methods and behavioral analysis. Jobs for graduates include psychiatric technician or research assistant, among others.

Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in Indiana

A bachelor’s degree in psychology can lead to roles like mental health technician, parole officer, case manager, or clinical research coordinator. A bachelor’s degree typically requires four years of study, which usually includes some research experience.

Indiana’s Hybrid Master of Psychology Programs

A master’s degree program prepares students for non-clinical, advanced roles such as social/community service manager or residential advisor. It’s designed for students who want to earn a terminal degree and become a master’s-level practitioner.

Graduates with a master’s degree can earn a higher income than those with a bachelor’s degree in areas like research. Some students pursue a master’s degree as a stepping stone to doctoral degree programs.

PhDs, PsyDs, and Graduate Certificates in Indiana

A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree is slightly different than a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Students who graduate from PsyD degree programs typically become clinical psychologists in private practice or other fields, and PhD graduates often work in academia or as full-time researchers. Some PhD graduates work as clinical psychology professionals. PsyD graduates work more with patients, while PhD graduates focus more on analytics and research.

Graduates with a doctorate in psychology can become clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, or psychology professors. Most doctoral degree programs are research-oriented. Based on the small nature of these programs, they are primarily available on-campus in Indiana. PsyD degree programs are typically small and cohort-based; they emphasize collaboration through on-campus learning.

After completing a master’s degree program or a doctoral degree program, practitioners might want to learn more about a specific area in order to reach a professional goal. A graduate certificate can help students qualify for specific job roles that require expertise in a niche area of psychological study.

FAQs from Indiana’s Online Psych Students

Can I earn a psychology degree in Indiana completely online?

The answer to this question depends on the level of study and what type of degree the student holds. As with any discipline that involves work or care with humans, a clinical component is required for a program that leads to a license to practice psychotherapy. However, fully online associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees, which are non-clinical, are available in Indiana.

Students who want a master’s degree or a doctoral degree should consider programs that are geographically closer to them, for on-campus programming and access to clinical sites.

Can I use financial aid or scholarships to pay for an online psychology degree program in Indiana?

Yes; in Indiana, a few state-specific financial aid options are available to undergraduate and graduate students. They should consider applying for Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program and the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. Students can also apply for scholarships through organizations and communities they are members of, such as churches, plus employer-based tuition support and/or military scholarships.

They can check out STEPS’ financial aid guide and scholarships guide to learn more about ways to fund an education in psychology.

How important is accreditation for online psychology degree programs?

All degrees, whether they are earned online or on-campus, should have some level of accreditation. This ensures that the degree adheres to regional or national institutional standards plus professional standards for a specific discipline.

All schools that offer online degree programs should be accredited by a national or regional accrediting body like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If accreditation by a national body (like the American Psychological Association – APA) is available for a specific degree program, students should seek a program with that credential. They might have difficulty meeting licensing requirements if they earn a degree that isn’t accredited, when such accreditation is available.

How will I know what type of psychologist I want to become?

Specialization is hard, especially when for students who are interested in many different areas. Introductory classes, especially at the master’s and doctoral level, can give students an overview of various areas of psychology. Typically, they’ll have an option to choose electives in the later years of a degree program.

Students should pay attention to the types of stories or articles they find most interesting and easy to read. Examples are narratives about substance use disorder, forensic psychology, neuroscience, mood disorders, school psychology, and personality formation. Graduates’ careers will take shape over time. But, it’s important that they develop a strong foundation in broader curricula while in a degree program.

How does licensing work for psychologists?

The title “psychologist” is used for someone who earned a doctoral degree and obtained a psychology license. Graduates who earned a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in psychology cannot call themselves a psychologist until they obtain a license.

After PhD and PsyD students meet all requirements needed to graduate, they must pass a national exam. However, master’s-level graduates can often pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and practice (and accept health insurance) while they consider an advanced degree.

Check out the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website to learn more details.

Careers for Indiana Psychology Degree Holders

Helpful Psych Resources for Students & Professionals

While you explore degree options, it’s always helpful to know more about which resources are available to support burgeoning psychologists in Indiana. Below, we list key websites that provide crucial information about job prospects, licensure, and networking.

• Hoosiers by the Numbers: For more information about which psychology jobs are in demand in Indiana, check out this site that documents job variety and growth within the state.
• Indiana Mental Health Roundtable: This site was designed to be a change agent to support improving the mental health of all Indiana citizens and residents. It promotes initiatives and amplifies actions to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health care.
• Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA): Students who want to know how to obtain a license to practice as a psychologist in Indiana should visit this site. It provides information about licensing and certification.
• Indiana Psychological Association (IPA): This is a network of psychologists who support each other’s work, welfare, and research. Students and graduates can use this tool to become more involved in the future of psychology in Indiana.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Indiana: The state chapter of NAMI is a great resource for advocates and members of the public. It promotes mental health and well-being in Indiana and can help people who fight against mental illness in their communities.

Indiana Psychology Degrees: Today’s Top Online Schools

We chose the best psychology degree programs in Indiana and ranked schools based on online learning formats, accreditation, affordability, and support services that are available for students. Find out if the school you’re considering made its way onto our list of top schools, below.