Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Programs for Students

Badge for BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN PSYCHOLOGY

Find the top-ranked online bachelor’s in psychology degree programs for students seeking such careers as admissions evaluator, occupational analyst, personnel recruiter, caseworker, child welfare/placement caseworker, psychiatric attendant, and psychosocial rehabilitation specialist.

Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degrees

Sort by:
  1. University of Arizona
  2. University of Missouri
  3. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  4. Loyola University Chicago
  5. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  6. University of South Carolina
  7. University of Memphis
  8. DePaul University
  9. Nova Southeastern University
  10. Lipscomb University
  1. University of Arizona
  2. University of Missouri
  3. University of South Carolina
  4. Loyola University Chicago
  5. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  6. DePaul University
  7. Florida International University
  8. University of Central Florida
  9. University of Memphis
  10. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  1. Prescott College 98%
  2. Old Dominion University 95%
  3. University of Memphis 95%
  4. National Louis University 92%
  5. Campbell University 89%
  6. Roosevelt University 88%
  7. University of Arizona 87%
  8. University of Alabama at Birmingham 87%
  9. University of Nebraska at Kearney 86%
  10. Lesley University 86%
  1. University of Central Florida 29 to 1
  2. Florida International University 24 to 1
  3. University of Missouri 18 to 1
  4. University of South Carolina 18 to 1
  5. University of Alabama at Birmingham 18 to 1
  6. University of Nevada, Las Vegas 18 to 1
  7. DePaul University 17 to 1
  8. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  9. University of Memphis 17 to 1
  10. University of Arizona 17 to 1
  1. Loyola University Chicago $49,498
  2. Biola University $44,382
  3. DePaul University $42,840
  4. Campbell University $39,230
  5. Lipscomb University $37,152
  6. Nova Southeastern University $36,300
  7. University of Bridgeport $35,760
  8. Prescott College $35,450
  9. Roosevelt University $33,068
  10. Lesley University $31,364
  1. Roosevelt University $22,764
  2. Nova Southeastern University $22,062
  3. DePaul University $21,719
  4. Loyola University Chicago $19,440
  5. University of Bridgeport $19,096
  6. Lesley University $18,900
  7. Lipscomb University $17,370
  8. Prescott College $16,824
  9. Campbell University $14,417
  10. University of South Carolina $13,374
  1. University of Bridgeport
  2. Lesley University
  3. Park University
  4. Webster University
  5. Campbell University
  6. Idaho State University
  7. National Louis University
  8. Old Dominion University
  9. Prescott College
  10. University of Idaho
  1. National Louis University
  2. Prescott College
  3. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  4. Lesley University
  5. Park University
  6. Lipscomb University
  7. Idaho State University
  8. University of Bridgeport
  9. Nova Southeastern University
  10. Webster University
  1. University of Central Florida 41%
  2. Webster University 55%
  3. Biola University 57%
  4. Florida International University 64%
  5. University of South Carolina 64%
  6. DePaul University 70%
  7. Lipscomb University 71%
  8. University of Idaho 74%
  9. Nova Southeastern University 76%
  10. University of Missouri 79%
  1. Prescott College 9 to 1
  2. Lesley University 10 to 1
  3. Roosevelt University 11 to 1
  4. Webster University 12 to 1
  5. Loyola University Chicago 13 to 1
  6. University of Nebraska at Kearney 13 to 1
  7. Campbell University 13 to 1
  8. Lipscomb University 13 to 1
  9. Biola University 13 to 1
  10. Idaho State University 13 to 1
  1. University of Central Florida $4,478
  2. Florida International University $4,721
  3. Idaho State University $5,928
  4. University of Idaho $6,182
  5. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,270
  6. Old Dominion University $7,239
  7. University of Nevada, Las Vegas $8,159
  8. University of Memphis $8,352
  9. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,832
  10. University of Missouri $10,452
  1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas $5,976
  2. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,216
  3. Park University $6,663
  4. University of Central Florida $6,916
  5. University of Idaho $7,754
  6. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,424
  7. Idaho State University $8,601
  8. Florida International University $9,119
  9. University of Memphis $9,378
  10. University of Missouri $10,447

Key Takeaways

  • An online bachelor’s in psychology is perfect for those empathetic listeners who love to make a difference in other people’s lives.
  • The program covers a lot about human behaviors, behavioral patterns, and mental health conditions.
  • An online bachelor’s in psychology enables students to interact with fellow learners around the world, providing an invaluable learning and collaborative and experience.

Featured Programs

All About the Online Bachelor’s in Psychology

With an online bachelor’s in psychology, you will gain skills in communication, critical thinking, research, and diversity that make you a strong candidate for a career in many different fields. Possible job markets include businesses, case management, research, social work, and administration.

With so many options available, earning a degree in psychology online will allow you to join a growing and lucrative field, with many high paying career options. The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that the median annual wage of all possible occupations for psychology majors combined is $81,040.

Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Career Paths

Industrial Organization (IO) Psychologist: Industrial organizational psychology is a specialized field that focuses on workplace concerns at the individual and organizational levels. As an IO psychologist, your main goal is to provide scientifically based improvements to workplace productivity, ethics, decision-making, and organizational efficiency.

IO psychologists work closely with human resources, focusing on development and learning to enhance organizational structures. This is achieved by studying present motivation and job satisfaction through experiments and surveys.

Industrial-organizational psychologists are among the highest-paying psychology careers.

Human Resource Manager: A human resource manager ensures that human resource specialists and employees are performing their jobs correctly and diligently. He/she drafts work schedules, coordinates tasks, and manages human resources staff.

Human resource managers also study training needs and handle the required continuing education and learning tasks so their team meets safety and development standards.

They also conduct performance appraisals, monitor absenteeism rates, or perform challenging staffing duties like handling under-staffing concerns or directing disciplinary actions when needed. HR managers also conduct exit interviews to identify why an employee decides to leave an organization.

Clinical Psychologists: These professionals work with people with a wide range of physical or mental health problems, with the aim of reducing their psychological distress and promoting their psychological well-being. They can work with children, young people, adults, and older adults.

Clinical psychologists provide consultation, training, and supervision to other agencies and professionals as well. Because they aren’t medical doctors, they are not able to prescribe medication.

A clinical psychologist’s work is focused on how people feel, think, and behave, and the impact this gives them and on their relationship with others. While most clinical psychologist work in health and social care, they can also be found working privately and in other agencies.

Licensed Counselors/Therapists: Licensed professional counselors/therapists provide mental health and substance abuse care to their clients. These mental health service providers are trained to work with people, families, or groups in treating mental, emotional, or behavioral problems and disorders.

They make up a bigger percentage of the workforce employed in community health centers, organizations, or agencies, and are employed within and covered by managed care organizations and health plans. These professionals can also work with active military personnel and their families, as well as with veterans.

It is important to note that a master’s degree is required to become a licensed counselor. However, an online bachelor’s degree in psychology is an important stepping stone to a job within this critical career path.

Research Psychologists: Research psychologists use various scientific methods in examining questions and testing hypotheses with the goal of understanding human behaviors and thoughts. These professionals focus their research on the phenomena and processes at different levels, including brain activity, physiology, genetics, cognition, individual perceptions, behavior, and cognition.

Most research psychologists study the fundamentals of typical functioning like how people sense and perceive the world around them, how they make decisions, and how they develop over their lifespan. Others are more focused on the processes that contribute to behavior and thinking in the context of clinical disorders.

Research psychologists are usually employed in a variety of sectors, including universities, private research firms, and government agencies.

School Psychologists: School psychologists are uniquely qualified school team members that support a student’s ability to learn and a teacher’s ability to teach. They use their expertise in learning, mental health, and behavior in helping youth and children succeed academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally.

These experts partner with families, school administrators, teachers, and other professionals to make a healthy, safe, and supportive learning environment. These supportive environments promote a stronger connection among schools, home, and the community.

Online Psychology Degree: Is it a BA or a BS?

Most schools offer both the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology. The main difference generally reflects the institution’s overall structure and view of its program.

Students who pursue the BA curriculum will complete more foreign language and humanities requirements. On the other hand, BS students are focused more on math and natural science classes.

Why Go for the Online Psychology Degree Programs

Many students today prefer to take online classes because of the flexibility and convenience they provide. Because of today’s digital and fast-paced world, enrolling in online programs is the most practical way to be qualified for career opportunities. Plus, the online curricula have the same substance and rigor as those being offered in a traditional brick-and-mortar campus.

Specialization in an Online Psychology Degree Program

When you study psychology, the specialization you intend to pursue in your online program can introduce you to a breadth of knowledge in your chosen area. Some of the best online bachelor in psychology degree programs offer students different concentration options that may focus on research methods.

Your choice of concentration will depend on what you plan to do with your education. Do you plan to work in the psychology field after earning the degree, or are you more inclined to develop a background in human behavior that you can use in another field like sales or business?

Would you prefer to work in a clinical facility or a research lab? Or do you prefer to practice in a private counseling setting? Do you plan to go to graduate school after completing your bachelor’s or jump right into the workforce?

Below are some specializations you can choose for an online bachelor’s in psychology degree.

  • Addiction
  • Applied Psychology
  • Child and Adolescent Development
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Criminal Justice
  • General Psychology
  • Human Services
  • Infant and Toddler Development
  • Preparation for Graduate Studies
  • Preschool Child Development
  • Workplace Psychology

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Degrees

Students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology will study human behavior, abnormal psychology, clinical psychology, and more.

Back to Top

This program is typically 120 credits, which takes about four to five years to complete, and is available online and on campus. Some dual degree programs are also available, such as the bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in school counseling.

Back to Top

Graduates with a bachelor’s in psychology can seek a variety of professions, including admissions evaluator, occupational analyst, personnel recruiter, caseworker, child welfare/placement caseworker, psychiatric attendant, and psychosocial rehabilitation specialist. This versatility makes the bachelor’s in psychology an extremely popular degree. However, many people choose to further their education by also acquiring a master’s or doctorate degree in psychology, with the aim of allowing them to practice psychology in a clinical setting.

Back to Top

Learn more about how to major in psychology.

Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology
Download Badge

Picking the Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs

Most colleges and universities today have an undergraduate-level psychology degree online. Therefore, it’s best to set some helpful benchmarks so you can narrow down your search for the most suitable school for you.

This list of the best online bachelor’s in psychology programs contains some of the best in the country, preparing students for psychology careers, research, and even further learning opportunities.

The schools are notable for their excellent education standards in online programs with curricula that are just as good as their on-campus counterparts. Each school’s best features are also highlighted, including its rigorous course work, competent faculty, high-quality virtual online platforms, and admission and graduation requirements.

Our list also provides information on acceptance, retention, and tuition rates—three major factors crucial in making the perfect decision when selecting the best online bachelor’s in psychology program. Finally, regional accreditation of the program is very crucial as this will tell how the program stands in its online offering.

25 Best Online Bachelor’s Psychology Degree Programs

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $12,937
    Expenses: $18,350
    Starting Salary: $34,303
    Salary after 4 years: $48,443
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $11,981
    Expenses: $17,240
    Starting Salary: $34,670
    Salary after 4 years: $48,962
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/29

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Loyola University Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $49,498
    Expenses: $18,320
    Starting Salary: $38,359
    Salary after 4 years: $55,368
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    35K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/21

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Cost of Degree: $8,947
    Expenses: $16,802
    Starting Salary: $30,382
    Salary after 4 years: $42,906
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/29

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of South Carolina

    Cost of Degree: $12,688
    Expenses: $17,251
    Starting Salary: $33,016
    Salary after 4 years: $46,626
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA or BS in Psychology

    Concentrations

    • Beaufort
    • Aiken
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  6. #7

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,056
    Expenses: $18,080
    Starting Salary: $26,462
    Salary after 4 years: $37,370
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #8

    DePaul University

    Chicago , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/27

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at DePaul University

    Cost of Degree: $43,100
    Expenses: $19,713
    Starting Salary: $36,366
    Salary after 4 years: $52,490
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 192
    • Completion time: 3-4 years
    • Format: Online
  8. #9

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $36,300
    Expenses: $20,570
    Starting Salary: $33,587
    Salary after 4 years: $48,480
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #10

    Lipscomb University

    Nashville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Lipscomb University

    Cost of Degree: $37,152
    Expenses: $19,536
    Starting Salary: $31,110
    Salary after 4 years: $44,905
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Professional Studies in Psychology

    Concentrations

    • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Psychology

    Concentrations

    • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    82K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/27

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,368
    Expenses: $17,668
    Starting Salary: $31,362
    Salary after 4 years: $44,290
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. #13

    Biola University

    La Mirada , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/26

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Biola University

    Cost of Degree: $44,382
    Expenses: $15,514
    Starting Salary: $30,627
    Salary after 4 years: $44,207
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $6,565
    Expenses: $18,316
    Starting Salary: $31,852
    Salary after 4 years: $44,982
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/26

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Cost of Degree: $8,832
    Expenses: $20,077
    Starting Salary: $29,647
    Salary after 4 years: $41,868
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #16

    University of Idaho

    Moscow , ID
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Idaho

    Cost of Degree: $8,396
    Expenses: $14,450
    Starting Salary: $28,790
    Salary after 4 years: $40,657
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA or BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  15. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/24

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Old Dominion University

    Cost of Degree: $11,220
    Expenses: $17,780
    Starting Salary: $29,831
    Salary after 4 years: $42,128
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at National Louis University

    Cost of Degree: $14,244
    Starting Salary: $30,687
    Salary after 4 years: $44,294

    Online Degrees

    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. #20

    Idaho State University

    Pocatello , ID
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Idaho State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,958
    Expenses: $14,556
    Starting Salary: $26,891
    Salary after 4 years: $37,976
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA or BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  18. #21

    Campbell University

    Buies Creek , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Campbell University

    Cost of Degree: $39,230
    Expenses: $21,310
    Starting Salary: $35,037
    Salary after 4 years: $50,572
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #22

    Webster University

    Saint Louis , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/23

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Webster University

    Cost of Degree: $29,840
    Expenses: $22,662
    Starting Salary: $28,935
    Salary after 4 years: $41,766
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Educational Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology

    Concentrations

    • Mental Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. #23

    Park University

    Parkville , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Park University

    Cost of Degree: $9,702
    Expenses: $13,335
    Starting Salary: $30,687
    Salary after 4 years: $44,294
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Psychology
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #24

    Lesley University

    Cambridge , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Lesley University

    Cost of Degree: $31,364
    Expenses: $21,988
    Starting Salary: $24,465
    Salary after 4 years: $35,313
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies

    Concentrations

    • Development Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  22. #25

    University of Bridgeport

    Bridgeport , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of Bridgeport

    Cost of Degree: $35,760
    Expenses: $25,222
    Starting Salary: $28,452
    Salary after 4 years: $41,068
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Psychology Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Psychology

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $29,479
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $41,631
  • * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other3.35%$106,040
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists4.95%$103,134
Psychologists, All Other4.97%$99,205
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists11.41%$86,021
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary5.30%$77,082

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$48,517$87,335$136,511

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Ohio14% higher than average$94,262
#3 Delaware2% higher than average$108,210
#4 Texas10% higher than average$90,916
#5 New Jersey13% higher than average$114,492
#6 Alabama13% higher than average$85,873

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other$106,040
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists$103,134
Psychologists, All Other$99,205
Back to Top

Online Psychology Programs Looking for You

Back to Top

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here