Psychology is one of the most popular and rewarding fields of study, offering a deep understanding of human behavior, emotions, and mental processes. It spans various subfields, including clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and more. With the increasing demand for mental health professionals, counselors, human resources specialists, and researchers, a degree in psychology provides a strong foundation for numerous career paths.
In recent years, the accessibility of online education has expanded dramatically, allowing students to pursue their psychology degrees from the comfort of their own homes. Online psychology programs offer flexibility, enabling learners to balance their studies with work, family, or other responsibilities. Whether you are looking to enter the field of psychology for the first time, shift careers, or pursue advanced studies, online programs offer a convenient and effective route to achieving your goals.
This article highlights the 10 best online schools for psychology in 2024. Each of these institutions has been carefully selected based on factors like accreditation, program offerings, flexibility, affordability, and student support services. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree or looking for a specific specialization, these schools provide top-tier education that prepares students for the evolving demands of the field.
1. University of Florida
Program Overview
The University of Florida (UF) offers a highly regarded online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. UF is a top-ranked public research university and provides a rigorous psychology program that covers various psychological fields, including cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, social psychology, and developmental psychology.
Key Features
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- Tuition: Approximately $129 per credit hour for in-state students; $553 for out-of-state students.
- Flexibility: Asynchronous coursework with occasional synchronous components.
- Student Support: Career services, advising, tutoring, and access to UF’s online library.
Notable Strengths
- Ranked among the top 10 public universities in the U.S.
- Research-focused curriculum with opportunities to participate in online research projects.
Career Prospects
Graduates from UF’s psychology program are well-prepared for roles in counseling, human services, and further graduate studies.
2. Arizona State University (ASU)
Program Overview
Arizona State University’s (ASU) online Bachelor of Science in Psychology is known for its innovative approach to education. ASU emphasizes the scientific aspects of psychology, with courses on research methods, statistics, and biological foundations of behavior.
Key Features
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Tuition: $561–$661 per credit hour.
- Flexibility: Entirely online with six start dates per year.
- Student Support: Personalized support from academic advisors and online success coaches.
Notable Strengths
- Ranked as the most innovative university in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report.
- Offers various concentrations, including forensics, social psychology, and human behavior.
Career Prospects
ASU graduates can pursue roles in organizational psychology, behavioral analysis, and graduate education in clinical psychology or related fields.
3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Program Overview
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that blends foundational knowledge with applied psychology. SNHU focuses on accessibility and flexibility, making it a popular choice for working adults.
Key Features
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
- Tuition: $330 per credit hour.
- Flexibility: 24/7 online access to coursework, with no set class times.
- Student Support: Dedicated academic advisors and career services with a focus on career-oriented learning.
Notable Strengths
- Well-known for supporting non-traditional and adult learners.
- Offers concentrations in Child & Adolescent Development, Mental Health, and Social Psychology.
Career Prospects
SNHU graduates often enter fields like case management, social services, or human resources, with a solid foundation for graduate studies.
4. Penn State World Campus
Program Overview
Penn State World Campus offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, one of the most respected programs in the field. The curriculum balances theory and research, with a strong emphasis on understanding human behavior and mental processes.
Key Features
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
- Tuition: $590–$620 per credit hour.
- Flexibility: Self-paced courses designed for both part-time and full-time students.
- Student Support: Career counseling, writing assistance, and access to a dedicated World Campus community.
Notable Strengths
- Highly ranked for its online offerings by U.S. News & World Report.
- Opportunities for virtual internships and research experiences.
Career Prospects
Penn State’s psychology graduates are sought after for positions in healthcare, education, and corporate settings, with many pursuing further graduate studies.
5. University of North Dakota (UND)
Program Overview
The University of North Dakota (UND) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a focus on a broad understanding of human behavior and thought processes. UND’s psychology program is known for providing both scientific foundations and applied learning opportunities.
Key Features
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Tuition: $370 per credit hour.
- Flexibility: Fully asynchronous learning with flexible term start dates.
- Student Support: Extensive career services, peer mentoring, and academic advising.
Notable Strengths
- Offers unique courses in aviation psychology, health psychology, and behavioral neuroscience.
- Strong research component with access to online labs and faculty-guided projects.
Career Prospects
Graduates from UND are prepared for roles in mental health services, research, and human resources, as well as advanced studies in clinical psychology.
6. Oregon State University (OSU) Ecampus
Program Overview
Oregon State University (OSU) Ecampus offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology that focuses on a scientific approach to understanding behavior. OSU’s program emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to engage in research and internships.
Key Features
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
- Tuition: $331 per credit hour.
- Flexibility: Fully online with multiple start terms per year.
- Student Support: Ecampus success coaches, 24/7 tutoring services, and career counseling.
Notable Strengths
- Strong focus on research methodology and statistics.
- High level of student engagement, with virtual labs and experiential learning opportunities.
Career Prospects
OSU graduates are well-equipped for roles in research, education, and human services, or for continuing to graduate programs in psychology or related disciplines.
7. Liberty University
Program Overview
Liberty University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with various specializations, including Christian Counseling, Crisis Counseling, Developmental Psychology, and Military Resilience. Liberty’s program integrates a Christian worldview into the study of psychology.
Key Features
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- Tuition: $390 per credit hour.
- Flexibility: Courses are 100% online with eight-week terms.
- Student Support: 24/7 tech support, access to academic advisors, and a focus on career readiness.
Notable Strengths
- Faith-based approach to psychological education.
- Offers unique concentrations that address specific counseling needs, such as trauma and crisis counseling.
Career Prospects
Graduates are often prepared for roles in counseling, ministry, human services, or graduate studies in clinical or counseling psychology.
8. Colorado State University (CSU) Global
Program Overview
Colorado State University Global offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program that combines psychology theory with practical, hands-on applications. CSU Global is known for its flexibility and career-focused approach.
Key Features
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Tuition: $350 per credit hour.
- Flexibility: Courses start every month, allowing students to tailor their schedules.
- Student Support: Career services, 24/7 tutoring, and personalized academic advising.
Notable Strengths
- Customizable degree pathways with specializations in areas like organizational leadership, criminal justice, and public health.
- Focus on real-world applications of psychology in the workforce.
Career Prospects
Graduates often move into careers in human resources, public health, counseling, and social services or pursue advanced studies.
9. Capella University
Program Overview
Capella University offers a flexible, competency-based online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program that allows students to progress at their own pace. Capella is known for its innovative FlexPath format, which enables students to complete courses on their own schedule.
Key Features
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Tuition: $357 per credit hour (GuidedPath) or pay-per-session for FlexPath.
- Flexibility: Two learning formats (GuidedPath and FlexPath) to match students’ learning preferences.
- Student Support: Dedicated academic advisors, career services, and access to virtual labs.
Notable Strengths
- Flexibility of learning pace, ideal for adult learners and working professionals.
- Strong focus on applied psychology, with a range of concentrations available.
Career Prospects
Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in counseling, social work, human resources, and various roles in organizational development. Capella’s FlexPath program also allows students to accelerate their learning, making it a good option for those looking to complete their degree quickly and enter the workforce or continue with graduate studies.
10. Walden University
Program Overview
Walden University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis on applying psychological concepts to real-world problems. Walden is known for its commitment to social change and offers several concentrations, including General Psychology, Human Services, and Criminal Justice.
Key Features
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Tuition: $335 per credit hour.
- Flexibility: Self-paced learning with multiple start dates and the option to take courses on a part-time or full-time basis.
- Student Support: Career services, academic advising, peer support, and resources tailored to adult learners.
Notable Strengths
- Focus on social change and psychology’s role in improving communities.
- Offers unique concentrations tailored to fields like human services and criminal justice, making it ideal for students seeking specific career paths.
Career Prospects
Graduates from Walden often find employment in areas like community development, criminal justice, counseling, and social services. Many go on to pursue master’s degrees in clinical psychology, social work, or counseling.
Choosing the Right Online Psychology Program
When selecting an online psychology program, prospective students should consider several key factors:
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous academic standards. All the schools listed above are regionally accredited, which is the highest form of accreditation in the U.S. Students should ensure that any program they consider holds regional accreditation, as it can impact financial aid eligibility, credit transferability, and employment prospects.
Program Flexibility
Online programs offer varying levels of flexibility. Some, like Capella University’s FlexPath, allow students to complete courses at their own pace, which can be beneficial for those balancing education with work or family responsibilities. Others, like Arizona State University and Southern New Hampshire University, offer structured schedules but with the flexibility of asynchronous learning, allowing students to complete assignments on their own time.
Specializations and Concentrations
Psychology is a broad field, and many online programs offer concentrations in areas like clinical psychology, child and adolescent development, forensics, or industrial-organizational psychology. Prospective students should choose a program that aligns with their career goals. For example, those interested in working with children might choose a program with a child development focus, while those interested in business psychology might opt for industrial-organizational psychology.
Student Support Services
Online students need robust support to succeed. Services like career counseling, academic advising, peer mentoring, and access to tutoring can be invaluable. Institutions like the University of Florida and Penn State World Campus excel in offering comprehensive student services, ensuring that online learners have access to the same resources as their on-campus counterparts.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition varies significantly between programs, especially when considering in-state versus out-of-state rates. Additionally, some institutions, like Liberty University, offer flat-rate tuition for online students, regardless of residency. Prospective students should carefully review the total cost of their program, including fees, and explore financial aid options like scholarships, grants, and employer reimbursement.
Career Prospects with an Online Psychology Degree
A bachelor’s degree in psychology can open the door to various career paths. Some of the most common fields for psychology graduates include:
- Human Services: Many graduates find work in community services, mental health agencies, and non-profit organizations, providing support to individuals in need.
- Counseling and Social Work: While further education is required for clinical practice, a bachelor’s in psychology provides an excellent foundation for those pursuing a master’s in social work (MSW) or counseling.
- Human Resources and Organizational Development: Understanding human behavior is crucial in business settings, making psychology graduates attractive candidates for roles in human resources, training, and organizational development.
- Research and Data Analysis: Graduates who have a strong interest in research methods and statistics may find opportunities in research labs, market research, or government agencies.
- Education: Some psychology graduates pursue careers in education, particularly in roles like school counseling, educational consulting, or student support services.
- Criminal Justice and Forensics: Graduates interested in criminal psychology or forensic psychology may find roles in law enforcement, corrections, or legal settings.
Additionally, many graduates choose to continue their education by pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, which can lead to careers in clinical psychology, counseling, academia, or research.
Conclusion
Pursuing an online degree in psychology offers flexibility, accessibility, and a wealth of career opportunities. The ten institutions listed above represent some of the best online programs available, each offering unique strengths in terms of curriculum, faculty, and student support.
Whether you’re a working professional looking to switch careers, a parent seeking flexibility, or a recent high school graduate interested in the human mind, these programs can provide you with the education and skills needed to succeed in the field of psychology. Be sure to consider factors like accreditation, cost, program flexibility, and career support when making your decision. With the right program, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career in psychology.
