Psychology is a popular major that can prepare you for many rewarding careers in the helping professions. Earning your degree online offers a convenient, flexible pathway for achieving your education goals.
Explore the best online psychology degrees to find a program that fits your personal and professional needs. Learn more about online learning, degree requirements, tuition costs, and career possibilities.
Popular Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Psychology Degrees
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 Degrees in 2024
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Florida-Online's bachelor of arts in psychology leads our list of the best online schools for psychology. The school encourages students to be ready to guide others to better psychological health. Program curriculum includes courses in psychology, statistics, mathematics, and biology, as well as the school's general educational requirements.
UFOnline faculty have special expertise in behavior analysis, counseling psychology, developmental psychology, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, and social psychology. The school notes that accepted students typically have at least a 3.7 high school GPA.
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 Degrees in 2024
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $330
Out-of-State | $330
Credits to Graduate: 120
Southern New Hampshire University's online bachelor's in psychology aligns around five principles: self-care, social justice, emotional intelligence, ethics, and career connections. Learners can transfer up to 90 credits (the general equivalent of three years) to the program.
As part of the degree, the coursework makes students eligible for a 12-credit certificate in data literacy in psychology. Learners can also concentrate on addiction studies, child and adolescent development, forensic psychology, industrial organizational psychology, or mental health. Classes are asynchronous (meaning learners can attend at any time), which offers additional flexibility.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,000
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,900
Out-of-state
$18,900
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
145,533
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Accreditation
Yes
#3 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Central Florida's online degree in psychology emphasizes several branches of psychology, including human development, infancy and childhood, psychological adjustment and well-being, industrial/organizational psychology, the psychology of sexual behavior, and psychology research methods.
Students must take courses in cognition and neuroscience, social psychology, applied psychology, clinical/personality psychology, developmental psychology, and upper-level classes. Upper-level classes can include independent research or independent field study. Applicants must submit official SAT, ACT, and CLT scores for their application.
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
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Accreditation
Yes
#4 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $179
Out-of-State | $716
Credits to Graduate: 120
As part of the University of Central Florida's online degree in psychology, learners can choose from six tracks: clinical, experimental, general, human factors, industrial/organizational, and neuroscience. The school notes that psychology is one of UCF's five most popular completely online undergraduate programs.
UCF Online encourages wider engagement and real-life learning opportunities for students to contribute to the local community, research, volunteer, complete internships, and participate in student organizations of interest to psychology students.
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
#5 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $260
Out-of-State | $260
Credits to Graduate: 122
The University of Utah's online bachelor's degree is one of the best online psychology programs in the western United States. The school describes its faculty as diverse, award-winning, and including researchers in a range of areas. Recent topics have included texting while driving, the human factor in errors, sexual attraction and relationships, ethics and morality, and gender and gender identity.
After the basic core, students take one course from each of the following areas: developmental, social, clinical, cognitive, and behavior/neuroscience. Following these core courses, learners continue with upper-level courses.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,749
Out-of-state
$27,201
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,970
Out-of-state
$24,607
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
34,464
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Accreditation
Yes
#6 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses
Fort Wayne, IN - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $399
Out-of-State | $399
Credits to Graduate: 120
Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Trine University's online psychology program covers topics, such as counseling, personality, sexuality, marriage and family, forensic psychology, abnormal psychology, and the psychology of addiction.
Students can complete a series of courses in substance use disorders that prepare them to become licensed addiction counselors.
Classes are asynchronous. Students must take the basic psychology core courses, followed by core courses in clinical, social/cognitive, and developmental psychology, and then upper-level courses.
Military members on active duty pay $250 per credit.
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
#7 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $626
Out-of-State | $626
Credits to Graduate: 123
The Pennsylvania State University online degree in psychology is offered through Penn State's World Campus program. In addition to core coursework, students can choose 13 credits of psychology electives and have the option of a three-credit internship (enrollment is limited to 10 students).
Learners may be eligible to claim an interim associate degree in multidisciplinary studies. They can also choose to earn either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in psychology, depending on their goals and interests.
World Campus students can join the World Campus Psychology Club — a Psi Chi Chapter started by World Campus students. It includes more than 100 members from the U.S., Europe, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,400
Out-of-state
$25,084
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$23,189
Out-of-state
$39,248
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
88,914
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Accreditation
Yes
#8 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $617
Out-of-State | $734
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Missouri-Columbia's psychology bachelor's degree, one of the best online psychology degrees, is offered jointly with the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Students can take courses from both schools as part of the degree. The schools offer exposure to different psychology subdisciplines and provide a basis in the liberal arts. Learners can choose a concentration in clinical psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, or neuroscience.
After the core courses, students take classes on clinical/social/development and cognition/neuroscience. The program ends with a capstone project.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,017
Out-of-state
$28,992
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,950
Out-of-state
$27,245
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
31,401
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Accreditation
Yes
#9 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024
Excelsior College
Albany, NY - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $510
Out-of-State | $510
Credits to Graduate: 120
Based in Albany, New York, Excelsior College's online bachelor of science in psychology encourages students to transfer up to 113 credits, with a median 67 credits per transfer.
Students must earn 33 credits in psychology, and 18 must be upper-level courses. After the four initial core courses, students take coursework in biological and physiological foundations, developmental perspectives, social influences, abnormal psychology, and cognitive bases, followed by upper-level classes and a capstone course.
The program prepares graduates for careers in the nonprofit/public services sector, such as social work, teaching nonprofit leadership, and community development, or general fields, such as sales and marketing or human resources.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
17,166
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
#10 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $390
Out-of-State | $390
Credits to Graduate: 120
Closing this list of the best online psychology programs is Liberty University's bachelor of science in psychology. The program prepares graduates to help clients and colleagues improve their emotional well-being, relationships, and spirituality. Students can specialize in addictions and recovery, Christian counseling, criminal psychology, crisis counseling, developmental psychology, life coaching, or military resilience.
Learners can transfer up to 75% of the required credits. Classes take eight weeks and are asynchronous.
The school offers extensive military benefits, including $250 per credit tuition (with further discounts for veterans or military who are first responders) and potential credit for military training.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,409
Out-of-state
$15,409
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,847
Out-of-state
$7,847
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
99%
Students Enrolled
94,709
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Accreditation
Yes
How We Chose These Schools
At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.
Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
Choosing an Online Bachelor of Psychology Degree Program
Students should consider factors like a school's reputation, cost, and available specializations to find the top online schools for psychology degrees. For example, a candidate planning to earn a master's or doctoral degree in psychology can prioritize programs with a strong reputation for graduate placements.
In-state public schools typically offer the lowest tuition rates. However, many out-of-state public schools offer in-state tuition for online learners. Transfer credits can also save students time and money on their online psychology degrees, especially if they attend community college.
Students should also research each program's specializations. These concentrations include abnormal psychology, social psychology, and school psychology.
Many psychology careers require a graduate degree. After completing a bachelor's degree in psychology, graduates often enroll in online master's programs in psychology. Aspiring counselors or social workers can also earn master's degrees in social work.
What to Expect From an Online Psychology Program
An online degree in psychology provides flexibility for students with significant work or family responsibilities. When comparing the top online schools for psychology, consider how the learning environment fits your needs.
Some programs use asynchronous formats that allow you to access course material on your own time. In synchronous classes, professors and students meet in real time during regularly scheduled virtual lectures and workshops.
Online learning can involve a great deal of interaction. You can communicate with your professors and classmates via discussion boards and emails. The top online schools for psychology programs also encourage collaborative learning, providing opportunities to meet virtually with other students to work on projects or study for exams.
What Will I Learn in an Online Bachelor in Psychology Program?
An online psychology degree covers topics like behavioral development, the influence of social context over behavior, and mental health disorders. Examples of common bachelor's-level psychology courses include:
- Psychological Foundations of Learning: This course covers human development, including the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children. Students explore research into effective teaching methods, educational practices, and environments to encourage healthy learning environments. The course may incorporate a field experience that allows learners to observe child development and learning directly.
- Social Psychology: Social psychology explores how social context influences people's thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Students learn about the role of social influence on group behavior and how social environments shape behavioral attributes like aggression and attraction. Enrollees explore gender norms and apply social psychology to practical problems.
- Physiological Psychology: This class covers the connection between the brain and human behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. Students examine the role of neurons in the central nervous system and how neuron communication shapes behavior and mental health disorders. The course may also cover biological psychology, gender, and culture.
- Abnormal Psychology: These courses explore the causes of and treatments for mental health disorders. Enrollees learn to classify mental health disorders and common treatment methods. The course covers addictive disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, psychology theory, and clinical practice.
- Behavioral Psychology: This course examines the mind-behavior connection. It covers human activity across the lifespan, disorders and treatments, and research in the field. Some behavioral psychology courses incorporate a lab or practicum. The course can prepare graduates for research careers and graduate study.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor of Psychology Degrees
Psychology students should always check that a school holds institutional accreditation. Degrees from non-accredited schools do not qualify for most financial aid. They may not meet licensure and certification requirements. Many graduate programs only admit students with accredited undergraduate degrees.
To earn accreditation, a school submits to a voluntary review from an independent accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The agency assesses the institution's faculty qualifications, graduation requirements, and student learning outcomes.
Programs and departments within schools can receive programmatic accreditation, but bachelor's programs for psychology do not receive accreditation. Still, several agencies accredit psychology programs at the graduate level:
- The American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation
- The Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System
- The National Association of School Psychologists
Jobs for Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Holders
Earning a bachelor's degree in psychology allows graduates to pursue jobs as a substance use counselor or behavioral counselor. Graduates can become psychologists, marriage and family therapists, or psychology professors with more education. Find out what you can do with a bachelor's in psychology degree.
Substance Use Counselors
These counselors help people with substance misuse and behavioral disorders. They meet with clients to evaluate their mental and physical health and create treatment plans. Through counseling, substance use counselors help clients modify their behaviors and develop new skills.
In addition to providing counseling services, substance use counselors may refer clients to support services or lead outreach programs to educate the public about behavioral disorders. These professionals typically need bachelor's degrees in addiction counseling or related mental health fields, along with state licensure or certification. Some states may require a master's degree.
Market Research Analysts
Market research analysts examine data relating to customer demand, sales trends, and competitors. They forecast potential sales and determine target customers and pricing strategies. These research analysts also create reports for marketing managers and clients.
A background in psychology strengthens the analytical and research skills required for marketing careers. Psych majors also benefit from their understanding of human behavior. With work experience or a master's degree, a market research analyst can pursue promotions into higher-paying roles, including marketing manager.
Public Relations Specialists
Public relations specialists write press releases, run social media programs, and coordinate with advertising specialists to promote a positive public image for their clients and organizations. They also implement strategies to boost public awareness and strengthen brand identity. Psychology majors apply their research and communication skills to work in PR. These careers require strong writing, interpersonal, and critical thinking abilities.
Human Resource Specialists
Human resources specialists manage administrative tasks for organizations. They may work in recruitment, training, employee relations, and other specializations. Common job tasks include benefits administration, payroll processing, and employment compliance.
A background in psychology helps HR professionals apply behavioral techniques when evaluating potential hires or resolving disputes. Psychology also strengthens the communication skills required for HR careers. With a master's degree or experience, HR specialists can pursue roles as HR managers and training and development managers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology
What can I do with a bachelor's in psychology?
Graduates can pursue many psychology degree jobs, including careers in social services, marketing, human resources, and healthcare.
Is psychology a difficult major?
The psychology discipline may involve a significant amount of reading and research. Still, students who commit the appropriate amount of time and effort to their education should not find it more challenging than similar programs.
Is a BA in psychology worth it?
A BA in psychology can pay off. Psych majors strengthen in-demand research and communication skills. With a psychology degree, you'll qualify for entry-level marketing, public relations, social services, and human resources roles. You'll typically need a master's or doctoral degree if you're interested in pursuing counseling, therapy, or psychology licensure.
What is the highest-paying job with a psychology degree?
The highest-paying job for psychology graduates depends on the degree level. The median annual wage for marketing managers, who must possess work experience or a degree in business, communications or a related field, reached $166,410 as of May 2023.
Is it hard to find a job with a psychology degree?
Psychology degrees provide graduates with applicable training in many fields. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that more than 3 million psychology graduates work nationwide.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by TheBestSchools. Page last reviewed January 5, 2024.
