Best Online Psychology Programs in Virginia (VA)
Ready to get your psychology degree in VA? Our guide has all the details on the top programs, available degrees, and job outlook. Keep reading to explore your degree and certificate options from the top psychology programs in Virginia and learn how you can get started on your career in psychology today.
Psychology students in Virginia can choose from an impressive selection of degree and certificate programs offered by the state’s many colleges and universities. Programs range from associate to doctorate degrees in all delivery formats (on-campus, online, and hybrid) and a wide range of specialized fields. There are so many that your biggest problem may be choosing one.
This guide introduces you to the top psychology programs in Virginia and provides the information you need to find the best program that meets your academic needs and career goals. Ready to create your future as a successful psychology professional? Keep reading to discover the top online psychology programs in Virginia.
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Virginia
Over two dozen colleges and universities offer psychology degree and certificate programs in Virginia. Most are strictly campus-based, but there are a few notable exceptions. In addition to these, you’ll also find schools offering some online program options. Psychology online programs in Virginia may be fully or partially online and may include classes that are delivered synchronously or asynchronously, so it’s critical to have a clear understanding of how coursework is delivered before enrolling. Take a look at our rankings below to get a better idea of what to look for in top schools.
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Private
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
Public
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
Bluefield University
Bluefield, Virginia
Private
Mary Baldwin University
Staunton, Virginia
Private
Ferrum College
Ferrum, Virginia
Private
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Virginia
The different types and number of psychology programs in Virginia are almost endless and can be a bit overwhelming. To help you sort it all out and decide the best online psychology program in Virginia for you, below are descriptions of the various degree and certificate types along with current program examples of each.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Virginia
Associate Degrees in Psychology
Two-year associate degrees in psychology prepare students for entry-level, non-clinical jobs related to the psychology profession. Job examples include mental health technician, teacher’s aide, social services assistant, and youth counselor. They also offer convenient and affordable ways to complete general education and foundational psychology coursework in preparation for a bachelor’s in psychology program.
Accredited Virginia Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- Brightpoint Community College (Online, On Campus, or Hybrid)
- Regent University (Online or On Campus)
- Northern Virginia Community College (On Campus)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
Bachelor’s degrees in psychology provide the knowledge and skills needed to enter the job market in many different roles in psychology and other closely related fields. They also prepare students for graduate psychology programs. Most psychology bachelor’s programs take four years of full-time coursework, but there are a few offering part-time study. Both online and on-campus programs are available in Virginia.
Accredited Virginia Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- Averett University (Online)
- Virginia Wesleyan University (Online or On Campus)
- University of Virginia Wise (On Campus)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Virginia
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
Master’s-level psychology programs prepare students for leadership and advanced non-clinical practice roles in specialized areas of psychology, so most psychology master’s degrees offer a concentration or specialization. Popular ones include counseling psychology, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and school psychology. Online formats are particularly popular at the master’s level, but campus-based programs are also common. Program lengths vary, sometimes substantially, allowing working professionals plenty of leeway to complete their studies. Most psychology master’s students complete their programs in two to four years.
Accredited Virginia Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees:
- Bridgewater College (On Campus)
- College of William & Mary (Online or On Campus)
- James Madison University (On Campus)
PsyD Programs
The practice-focused PsyD degree is for students interested in careers as advanced clinicians and as leaders and administrators in a wide range of public and private practice settings. Graduates with a PsyD degree typically pursue state licensure to become licensed psychologists. PsyD programs in Virginia are less common than their PhD counterparts and are campus-based.
Accredited Virginia Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- Divine Mercy University (On Campus)
- Liberty University (On Campus)
- Radford University (On Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
The PhD in Psychology is an academics-based credential geared toward preparing professionals to fill top-level scientific research and postsecondary teaching roles most often in college and university settings. Academic work in psychology PhD programs centers around subjects like data collection, research methods, and statistical analysis. Most programs culminate in a doctoral dissertation.
Accredited Virginia Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- Virginia Commonwealth University (On Campus)
- Virginia Tech (On Campus)
- University of Virginia (On Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates in psychology offer a way to gain advanced knowledge in a specialized area without completing a full graduate degree program. Admission typically requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related major. It’s common for someone with a psychology master’s degree in one specialization to obtain a graduate certificate in another to broaden their knowledge and expand their professional practice.
Accredited Virginia Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- George Mason University (On Campus)
- Norfolk State University (Online)
- Old Dominion University (On Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Virginia
Psychology students in Virginia have access to a wide variety of financial aid resources like scholarships and grants, assistantships and fellowships (for graduate students), employer tuition reimbursement and work-study programs, VA benefits, and more. Most Virginia psychology students are also eligible for student loans, particularly those from the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid program.
Start your funding search with the financial aid offices, like those at Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University, for the schools you’re considering. Many of these schools, like James Madison University, offer scholarships and grants exclusive to psychology students. Another excellent funding resource is the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Learn more about paying for your college education through STEP’s guides to financial aid and scholarships.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Virginia
The outlook for graduates of psychology programs in Virginia is quite good in terms of both employment opportunities and earnings. In fact, the outlook for psychology professionals working in the state beats that for the nation overall. The average mean wage for school psychologists in Virginia is $88,300, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly $1,000 more per year than the mean wage for school psychologists in the U.S. Also, at nearly $76,000, marriage and family therapists in Virginia earn a whopping $20,000 more on average each year over MFTs nationally.
The state earnings and job growth figures below for five popular careers for graduates of psychology programs in Virginia give you a better idea of what you might earn as a psychology professional. What you will earn at your job, though, depends on factors like work experience, geographic location, and specific employer.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (May 2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | 11% | 220 | $102,740 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 14% | 80 | $63,300 |
| Mental Health Counselors | 20% | 1,700 | $56,230 |
| Postsecondary Psychology Teachers | 14% | 130 | $88,470 |
| School Psychologists | 11% | 220 | $87,550 |
Sources: O*Net Online;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Virginia Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists (VACP)
The VACP is the preeminent association of psychology professionals in Virginia and the state’s affiliate organization of the American Psychological Association. Student memberships offer a wide range of benefits, including participation in local in-person events and state conferences. - Virginia Board of Psychology (VBP)
A division of the Virginia Department of Health Professions, the VBP oversees the licensing and practice of psychology professionals in the state. Through this site, you can apply for or renew a state license, review state laws and regulations applicable to psychology practice, and more. - Virginia Academy of School Psychologists (VASP)
The VASP is the professional association of practicing school psychologists and school psychology students in the state. Their website offers access to many psychology student resources, including an up-to-date list of internship openings for graduate students. - Virginia Association for Psychological Science
This association is dedicated to the advancement of psychology as a science “in all of its interdisciplinary and applied aspects across the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.” Memberships are available to all psychologists in Virginia and to secondary psychology teachers and psychology graduate and undergraduate students. Student memberships are free. - Psi Chi: The International Honor Society in Psychology
Psi Chi is the honor society for psychology college students in the U.S. Membership is open to most psychology students and faculty and alumni of four-year colleges and universities offering psychology degrees. There are Psi Chi chapters on 30 Virginia college and university campuses, including Virginia Wesleyan University, the University of Lynchburg, and the College of William & Mary.