Best Online Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania (PA)

Looking for the best psychology programs in Pennsylvania? You’ve come to the right place. In the following paragraphs, we’ll explore stand-out schools offering great degree options, each one offering a unique pathway to a fulfilling career in psychology.

So, whether you’re just starting out or you’re well-established in the field, keep reading to discover schools that consistently set the bar high in terms of academic excellence, research opportunities, and faculty expertise. With this guide you will discover the top online programs, as well as what to expect from your education and beyond.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.

Pennsylvania Western University

Pennsylvania Western University’s Master of Education in Educational Psychology is one of the best online psychology programs in Pennsylvania for students who want to learn how to apply the principles of psychology in educational settings. In this master’s program, students gain the skills to support Pre-K through 12th grade students while helping teachers encourage student growth and development.

Through coursework and hands-on experiences, students learn how to measure student progress while keeping the psychological development of children in mind. This fully online program includes courses highlighting the overlap of education and psychology, including advanced psychology of learning, psychopathology in educational settings, and psychoeducational counseling and interviewing.

Alternatively, you’ll learn evidence-based theories and practical information in Penn West Global’s MS in Sport Psychology. Students plan and develop various projects that relate to wellness, counseling, and sports. You’ll study the effects of injury, rehabilitation and recovery, explore performance enhancement and intervention methods, and learn how to incorporate referrals into your practice.

Eastern University

Eastern University offers two online psychology degrees that integrate psychology with a Christian faith-based perspective. First, you can graduate in as little as two years with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with coursework that is completed at your own pace in seven-week terms. Internships and field work, however, may require some in-person components. For students who already hold an undergraduate degree, Eastern University has a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling designed with working students in mind. Students can choose between attending evening classes entirely online, in person, or a blend of both.

Motivated learners can choose an accelerated, two-year track of study. However, students also have the option of three years of traditional full-time study or four years of part-time coursework. Once accepted to the program, students can choose a general focus or specialized tracks in trauma studies or applied behavior analysis. They can further customize their degrees with electives in areas like substance abuse counseling, marriage and family therapy, and grief and loss. Upon graduation, students are prepared to apply for LPC licensure in Pennsylvania.

Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Pennsylvania

Whether you’re just starting to explore the best online psychology programs in Pennsylvania or you’re ready to advance your career with a graduate degree, you’ll find top options to suit your needs. Below you’ll find a description of the different types of psychology degrees you can earn in Pennsylvania, as well as insights into some of the best online psychology programs in Pennsylvania within each category.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Pennsylvania

There’s no shortage of financial aid options for students of the best online psychology programs in Pennsylvania. Beyond federal and state grants and loans, you’ll find scholarships explicitly tailored for psychology students. The APA and the American Psychology Foundation provide financial awards, research funding, and scholarships on the national level. The Pennsylvania Psychological Association provides Student Education Awards and scholarships.

Institutions like The University of Pittsburgh and Penn State also provide psychology scholarships. Find more details about higher education funding with STEPS’ financial aid guide and scholarships guide, where you can find valuable information on funding your psychology education.

Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the job outlook for psychology graduates is strong, with opportunities varying by specialization and location. Major metro areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer a higher concentration of psychology-related positions, while rural areas may have fewer opportunities. The demand for psychologists in counseling and school settings remains steady.

Salaries vary, but on average, psychology professionals in Pennsylvania can earn competitive wages with the potential to exceed national averages, particularly in experienced roles. Job growth in psychology fields aligns with or surpasses national trends, making Pennsylvania an appealing destination for psychology graduates.

Sources: O*Net;Bureau of Labor Statistics

Pennsylvania Psychology Professional and Student Resources

• Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania Facebook Group
  Join the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania on Facebook, which promotes current best practices in school psychology. Stay connected with school psychologists across the state, share insights, and collaborate on enhancing educational experiences for students in Pennsylvania.
• Mental Health America of Southwestern Pennsylvania
  This organization provides mental health resources, advocacy, and support in southwestern Pennsylvania. Its website offers valuable tools and information for mental health professionals and students. Each year, MHA also hosts events to inform and educate the local community about substance abuse issues.
• Pennsylvania Psychological Association
  PPA is the state’s professional organization for psychologists. Its website offers resources, events, and networking opportunities for psychology professionals in Pennsylvania, as well as professional development and continuing education opportunities for those working in the field. The PPA also has a LinkedIn page where you can connect with fellow professionals and discover upcoming events.
• Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology
  The official website of the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology provides licensing information, regulations, and resources for psychologists practicing in Pennsylvania. This is also where new psychology graduates can find licensing and license renewal applications.
• Philadelphia Psychology Network
  This is the home for psychologists serving the Greater Philadelphia/ Delaware Valley and provides services and information to the community as well as information for professionals and graduate students. You’ll find networking events, continuing education opportunities, membership details and a topical blog on its website.

Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

In recent years, online psychology programs have gained popularity throughout higher education, offering a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional learning. The best Pennsylvania online psychology programs are designed for working professionals, providing the opportunity to earn a high-quality psychology degree at a time and place that accommodates busy schedules. While some programs offer fully online degrees, others follow a hybrid model, combining online coursework with occasional in-person components.

To help you find the best online psychology programs in Pennsylvania, we’ve curated a list of schools that excel in delivering psychology education in both online and hybrid formats.