Share this article
by
Learn about our editorial process.
UpdatedApril 4, 2024
Edited by
EditorVictoria Hudgeons is a professional education writer and editor for Psychology.org. She's committed to making higher education and career exploration easier to navigate. Her work has been featured on BestColleges, the University of Houston-...
Learn about our editorial process.
Reviewed by
Megan Pietrucha is a licensed clinical and sport psychologist in private practice. She specializes in eating concerns, body image, college student and athlete mental health, mood disorders, life transitions, stress management, and performance psychol...
Learn about our editorial process.
Our Integrity Network
Psychology.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for Psychology.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
Explore the best online psychology degree bachelor's programs, which can prepare you for careers in counseling, human resources, and social work.
Credit: 10'000 Hours / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Credit: 10'000 Hours / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Are you considering a career in psychology or a related field? This guide to the best online psychology bachelor's programs can help you find the one that meets your needs. Discover what program factors to consider, how to apply, and potential careers after graduation.
Popular Online Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs
Read more about the methodology we use to create our rankings.
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs of 2024
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
The University of Florida's online bachelor of arts in psychology tops our list of the best online psychology degrees. Designed for learners looking for an alternative to traditional study, the interdisciplinary curriculum explores biological bases of behavior, developmental changes through the lifespan, and sociocultural influences.
First-time college applicants and lower division transfers need a high school diploma or equivalent with a 2.5 minimum GPA; SAT, ACT, or CLT scores; and courses in English, math, natural sciences, and social sciences. Upper-division transfer students with 60 or more college credits need a 2.75 GPA with courses in biology, pre-calculus, psychology, and statistics.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,358
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
5,168
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
#2 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs of 2024
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Central Florida's online bachelor of science in psychology comprises 120 credits of general education and psychology courses. Degree-seekers can choose from six tracks: clinical psychology, experimental psychology, general psychology, human factors psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and neuroscience.
The program offers internship opportunities and an optional capstone project. First-time college students apply with a high school diploma or GED and SAT scores. An admissions essay is not required but strongly encouraged.
Transfer students need 12 college or university credits and a 2.0 GPA for admission, foreign language competency, and coursework in English composition and math with a C grade or higher.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,916
Out-of-state
$25,759
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
70,310
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
9%
Accreditation
Yes
#3 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs of 2024
St. Andrews University
Laurinburg, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Psychology online school options include St. Andrews University's bachelor of arts in psychology. Enrollees can take courses in biopsychology, developmental psychology, drugs and behavior, and psychology of gender. The curriculum includes internships and a senior capstone project to prepare graduates for employment or graduate study.
St. Andrews admits first-time college applicants and transfer students with 12 or more postsecondary semester credits. All applicants are partnered with an admissions counselor.
The school awards financial aid to 90% of its students and offers military tuition discounts. Financial aid counselors help students find opportunities to make their education affordable.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$27,730
Out-of-state
$27,730
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$25,800
Out-of-state
$25,800
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
12%
Students Enrolled
911
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Accreditation
Yes
#4 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs of 2024
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
National University's online bachelor of arts in psychology program features year-round enrollment and course topics that include biological psychology, developmental psychology, personality theory, psychopathology, and social psychology. Degree-seekers complete either a senior project paper or an honors student capstone research project.
Graduation requires 180 completed credits, including general education requirements or transfer credits. Distance learners can finish in as soon as 16 months.
First-time university applicants complete an orientation and, potentially, math and English placement tests prior to enrollment. Admission requires a 2.0 high school GPA.
Transfer students need college or university credits, an associate degree, or prior learning experiences. Qualified transfer students can apply for a $5,000 scholarship.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,480
Out-of-state
$15,480
Retention Rate
100%
Acceptance Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
17,135
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Accreditation
Yes
#5 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs of 2024
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The fully online bachelor of arts in psychology at Florida International University emphasizes scientific research and human behavior and introduces five concentration areas: applied, developmental, experimental, personality/abnormal, and social psychology. Each online student pairs with a success coach for one-to-one guidance.
Coursework covers topics that include industrial/organizational psychology, personal adjustment, the psychology of infancy and childhood, and the psychology of sexual behavior.
First-year applicants submit high school transcripts and SAT, ACT, or CLT scores. Transfer students must have 60 transferable college credits and submit transcripts and test scores.
Admitted students can begin their studies in the fall, spring, or summer sessions.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Accreditation
Yes
#6 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs of 2024
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Portales, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Eastern New Mexico University's online bachelor's in psychology awards a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree. The four-year program teaches the skills needed for behavioral research design and analysis..
Coursework includes cognitive psychology, research methods and statistics, and writing and careers in psychology. Psychology majors also choose a developmental foundations course and a theoretical foundations course.
Distance learners can access tutoring services, writing center help, and online library materials. Eastern New Mexico University students receive more than $22 million in financial aid annually, and degree-seekers can apply for admission scholarships and additional awards after enrollment.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,074
Out-of-state
$6,114
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,351
Out-of-state
$7,110
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
33%
Students Enrolled
4,991
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
82%
Accreditation
Yes
#7 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs of 2024
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses
Fort Wayne, IN - 4 years
- Online
A non-traditional online college for psychology, Trine University awards a bachelor of science in psychology. An optional specialization in addictions counseling can lead to becoming a licensed addictions counselor. Students can also combine their psychology degrees with a criminal justice double major.
The 120-credit curriculum focuses on human behavior while developing research and analytical skills. Asynchronous coursework includes general education; online learning orientation; and clinical core, social/cognitive core, and developmental core classes. Learners also choose between a clinical internship or a capstone demonstration.
TrineOnline accepts up to 90 college transfer credits and awards credit for experiential learning, military experience, and college-level examinations. Admission requires high school transcripts or GED scores.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,576
Out-of-state
$9,576
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,350
Out-of-state
$10,350
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
1,367
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Accreditation
Yes
#8 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs of 2024
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
John Brown University's online bachelor of science in psychology emphasizes effective communication, understanding human behavior, and integrating the science of psychology with faith and theology. Distance learners can earn their degrees from anywhere while continuing to work.
Degree-seekers complete coursework in an emphasis area, such as child and adolescent development, counseling, family and human service, intercultural, and social justice.
Enrollees publish their capstone research projects in the department's online journal of undergraduate research. They also complete observational field placements at organizations and ministries.
The university accepts non-traditional transfer credits, including exam scores and military, first aid, police, and professional training.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$27,662
Out-of-state
$27,662
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,920
Out-of-state
$13,920
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
2,459
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Accreditation
Yes
#9 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs of 2024
Ottawa University-Surprise
Surprise, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ottawa University offers an accelerated online bachelor of arts in psychology. Coursework focuses on processes, research, and theories for understanding individuals, cultures, and groups. Students can opt to pursue a communication concentration.
Required courses include ethnic relations and multiculturalism, history and systems of psychology, and theories of personality.
The admissions office recommends scheduling an advisory session. Applicants submit transcripts and can apply up to 80 credits toward the 124-credit psychology degree, including work and life experiences.
Admitted full-time students receive automatic consideration for university scholarships, and distance learners can apply for additional financial aid options.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,600
Out-of-state
$29,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,253
Out-of-state
$11,253
Retention Rate
54%
Acceptance Rate
31%
Students Enrolled
972
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Accreditation
Yes
#10 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs of 2024
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rounding out the list of best online psychology schools, Southeastern University offers a bachelor of science in psychology program that emphasizes knowledge of the human brain and counseling others in the spirit of Christ. The program features two optional concentrations: pre-counseling and industrial/organizational psychology.
Coursework includes topics in normal and abnormal human behavior and changes in behavior throughout the human lifespan. Students learn to design experiments that explain why people behave in certain ways.
Online undergraduate admission requires a high school transcript or GED scores, a college transcript (if applicable), and an essay. SAT and ACT score submission is optional.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$27,320
Out-of-state
$27,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,000
Out-of-state
$12,000
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
45%
Students Enrolled
9,365
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Accreditation
Yes
What to Look For in an Online Bachelor's Degree Program in Psychology
When picking the best online psychology bachelor's degree program for your goals, consider the school's academic reputation, curriculum, program format, tuition, and financial aid options.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the most important quality measure for any college degree or program. The best online psychology schools are accredited, meaning they undergo regular, rigorous reviews to ensure they meet academic standards.
Employers and graduate programs prefer or even require applicants who have graduated from accredited schools. State psychology licensing boards only accept applications from those who attended accredited colleges or universities.
The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), part of the U.S. Department of Education, lets you look up any program's accreditation status.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for bachelor's degrees vary by program. You will likely need a high school diploma or GED certificate, at least two references, and a transcript.
GPA requirements vary, but many of the best online psychology bachelor's degree programs prefer students with a 3.5 GPA or higher.
Cost and Financial Aid
Cost and financial aid are important. Attending an online program rather than a residential one is often more affordable. However, competition for work-study programs may be higher, since there are fewer remote work-study positions for students.
Hybrid and Online Options
Some programs are fully online, while others are hybrid, meaning a mix of on-campus and online programs. Labs and courses with fieldwork are more likely to be hybrid.
While it is not a strict admissions requirement, before enrolling in an online or hybrid degree program, make sure you have reliable high-speed internet access.
How to Apply to an Online Bachelor's Degree Program in Psychology
Applying to college is a big task, so give yourself plenty of time during the process. Have someone you trust review your application, such as a teacher or guidance counselor. Consider applying for early decision if you have one particular program you would attend if accepted.
Some schools participate in the Common App, which lets you apply to multiple colleges with the same application. All schools will require a high school diploma or GED certificate, transcript, references, and an essay. Many schools require an interview, which you may be able to complete virtually.
While most colleges charge application fees, some may grant a fee waiver if the fee would be a hardship.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's in Psychology?
While becoming a clinical psychologist requires a graduate degree, many career options exist for bachelor's in psychology degree holders. For example, a psychology bachelor's can qualify you to pursue relevant certification and become a certified alcohol or drug counselor in some states.
A bachelor's in psychology can also opens doors to positions in related fields, including social work, healthcare, human resources, community services, and criminal justice.
Explore related careers for psychology graduates and median salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects positive job growth for all of these positions from 2022-2032.
| Job Title | Median Salary (May 2023) | Projected Growth (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Substance Use Counselor | $53,710 | +18% |
| Behavioral Counselor | $53,710 | +18% |
| Social Worker | $46,250 | +7% |
| Human Resource Specialist | $67,650 | +6% |
| Market Research Analyst | $74,680 | +13% |
Earning a bachelor's sets you up to pursue a master's in psychology or a psychology doctoral degree. These advanced degrees can help you pursue state licensure as a psychologist, career advancement, and higher salaries. Master's in psychology holders can pursue specializations in clinical, forensic, school, and sports psychology.
Psychology doctorate graduates can find positions in research, teaching at the collegiate level, and consulting for businesses or organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Psychology Bachelor's Degree Programs
Should I choose a BA or a BS in psychology?
The right psychology degree for you depends on your academic and career interests. While BA and BS degrees in psychology contain similar course content, BA programs allow students to enroll in more liberal arts electives. BS curriculums require more math and science courses, including data analysis, research, and statistics.
Are the best online psychology degrees respected?
The best online psychology degrees are offered at accredited schools and provide the same curriculum and faculty as on-campus programs. Psychology online schools and in-person programs prepare students equally as well and lead to the same degree as in-person programs.
What do the best online psychology schools have in common?
The best online psychology schools are accredited and feature experienced faculty members, flexible coursework, and services for distance learners that include advising, library access, tutoring, and technical support.
Do online psychology degrees have in-person components?
Online colleges for psychology may require in-person attendance for on-campus orientations or intensives. Some programs may offer internships or practic*ms. Distance learners can often complete in-person opportunities at sites in their home communities.
Page last reviewed November 27, 2023. This page's information — not including school descriptions — was reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Psychology.org.
