10 Accredited Online Psychology Degree Programs for Aspiring Mental Health Professionals

Online psychology degree programs give you a flexible way to study the human mind and behavior.

You can learn about topics like mental health, child development, and social psychology from home.

These programs let you balance your studies with work and family commitments.

Accredited online psychology degrees provide the same quality education as on-campus programs. You’ll gain skills in research, analysis, and communication that can apply to many careers. Bachelor’s degrees in psychology typically take about four years to complete.

After graduating, you could work in fields like counseling, human resources, or social services.

1) University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a top-rated online psychology degree program.

You can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through UF Online, which provides a science-based liberal arts education.

This program explores human and animal behavior.

You’ll gain a broad understanding of psychology principles and applications.

The curriculum prepares you for careers in psychology, business, education, and health-related fields.

UF’s online psychology program is highly regarded.

It’s ranked #3 for best online bachelor’s program in psychology by U.S. News and World Report 2024.

This recognition speaks to the quality of education you’ll receive.

As a UF Online student, you’ll earn the same degree as on-campus students.

You’ll have access to the university’s resources and expert faculty.

The program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments.

The psychology curriculum covers various topics.

You’ll study cognitive processes, social interactions, and biological bases of behavior.

The program also emphasizes research methods and data analysis skills.

Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for various career paths.

You might work in human resources, social services, or marketing.

The degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate studies in psychology or related fields.

2) Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers several online psychology degree programs.

You can earn a Bachelor of Arts in psychology through ASU Online.

This program covers topics like learning, motivation, statistics, and brain function.

For graduate-level studies, ASU provides a Master of Science in psychology.

This online program focuses on psychological theory and research related to human behavior, cognition, and emotions.

ASU’s online psychology programs have received recognition for their quality.

The bachelor’s degree programs in psychology are ranked fourth best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

You’ll find flexibility in course options at ASU.

The master’s program offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks.

You can choose electives to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals.

ASU’s psychology programs aim to prepare you for various roles in the field.

You’ll develop skills in research, analysis, and understanding human behavior.

These skills can be applied in many professional settings.

3) Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program that you can complete entirely online.

This degree is the same one that on-campus students receive, ensuring high-quality education.

The program covers various psychology topics and helps you develop critical thinking and research skills.

You’ll learn from the same faculty who teach at Penn State’s physical campuses.

As a student, you can join The Psychology Club and participate in other involvement opportunities.

This allows you to connect with peers and enhance your learning experience.

The psychology program includes Entrance-to-Major requirements.

You must meet these before being officially admitted to the major.

Penn State World Campus offers over 175 accredited online degrees and certificates across various fields.

This gives you options to complement your psychology studies with related minors or certificates.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized Penn State World Campus programs in its “Best Online Programs” rankings.

This recognition reflects the quality of education you can expect.

The psychology program allows for some practical experience.

You can apply up to 3 credits of PSYCH 495 towards your 400-level course requirements.

This involves a minimum of 120 hours of work plus an academic component.

4) University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass Amherst offers online psychology programs through its University Without Walls.

You can earn a bachelor’s degree with a focus in applied psychology entirely online.

This program is perfect if you want to finish your degree or start a new career path.

It lets you study at your own pace while balancing work and life commitments.

The applied psychology program helps you build skills that employers value.

You’ll learn about human behavior, mental processes, and how to apply psychological principles in real-world settings.

UMass Amherst is known for its high-quality education.

The psychology department is part of a large, well-respected research university.

This means you’ll learn from expert faculty and have access to cutting-edge research.

The online format doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on support.

You’ll have access to academic advisors, online tutoring, and technical help throughout your studies.

After graduating, you’ll be ready for various careers.

Options include human resources, social services, or further study in graduate psychology programs.

UMass Amherst also offers graduate-level psychology programs.

While these aren’t fully online, they show the depth of psychology education available at the university.

5) University of Southern California

The University of Southern California offers an online Master of Science in Applied Psychology program.

This degree combines psychology and business concepts to prepare you for various career paths.

You can explore fields like consumer insights, market research, and talent development.

The program also covers human resources and diversity and inclusion topics.

USC’s online master’s is project-based and focuses on real-world applications.

You can use what you learn right away in your workplace.

The curriculum blends consumer psychology and industrial-organizational psychology.

This mix creates a versatile academic experience that’s relevant to many industries.

USC Online provides access to over 100 graduate programs.

You can choose from master’s degrees, doctoral programs, and graduate certificates.

The university’s online platform lets you learn from expert faculty members.

You’ll gain knowledge and resources to boost your career while studying remotely.

USC’s Applied Psychology program aims to propel you into fields where psychology meets business.

It equips you with skills valued in today’s job market.

Remember, this is just one of many online degree options at USC.

You can explore other programs that might fit your career goals and interests.

6) Drexel University

Drexel University offers an online Bachelor’s degree in Psychology that can help you start your career in this field.

The program consists of 180 quarter credits, giving you a comprehensive education in psychology.

You can transfer up to 135 quarter credits from other accredited schools, as long as you earned a C grade or better.

This flexibility allows you to build on your previous education and potentially finish your degree faster.

The online psychology program at Drexel is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

This accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets high standards and prepares you for future employment.

Drexel’s online degrees are designed to be equivalent to their on-campus programs.

When you graduate, your diploma will be the same as those earned by traditional students.

The university offers various online degree options, including bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral programs.

This means you can continue your education in psychology or related fields at higher levels if you choose to do so.

Drexel University is recognized by U.S. News and World Report for its online bachelor’s programs.

This recognition speaks to the quality of education you can expect from their online psychology degree.

7) Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University offers online psychology master’s programs through its Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

These programs can help you become a catalyst for positive change in people’s lives.

You can pursue an online Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP) at Pepperdine.

This program is available to students across the United States, making it accessible no matter where you live.

If you’re interested in clinical work, Pepperdine also provides an online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program.

This degree prepares you for a rewarding career helping individuals, couples, and families.

The clinical psychology program is designed to get you ready for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

This can open up many career opportunities in mental health fields.

Pepperdine’s psychology programs are offered in both online and on-campus formats.

This flexibility allows you to choose the learning environment that best fits your needs and schedule.

By earning your degree from Pepperdine, you’ll gain knowledge and skills to make a real difference in people’s lives.

The university’s programs focus on practical application of psychological principles to help you succeed in your future career.

8) Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers accredited online psychology degrees at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels.

These programs give you the flexibility to study at your own pace while balancing work and life commitments.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at SNHU covers major psychological concepts, human behavior, and research methods.

You’ll develop critical thinking and communication skills through case studies and hands-on learning experiences.

SNHU’s Master of Science in Psychology is a 36-credit program consisting of 12 courses.

With five graduate terms per year, you can progress at a comfortable pace that fits your schedule.

The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), one of seven regional accrediting bodies in the United States.

This accreditation covers all SNHU degree programs, including the online psychology degrees.

At SNHU, you’ll benefit from a supportive learning environment and access to resources that can help you succeed in your studies.

The psychology programs aim to prepare you for various career paths or further education in the field.

9) Colorado State University-Global Campus

Colorado State University-Global Campus offers accredited online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn your psychology degree, CSU Global could be a good fit.

The online format allows you to study from anywhere.

You can balance your education with work and other responsibilities.

CSU Global’s psychology program teaches you about human behavior and mental processes.

You’ll learn theories and research methods in psychology.

The curriculum covers topics like cognitive psychology, social psychology, and human development.

These classes help prepare you for various careers or further study.

CSU Global is known for its quality online education.

It has received high rankings for its online bachelor’s degree programs.

This recognition speaks to the school’s commitment to academic excellence.

The admissions process is straightforward.

You’ll need to complete an online application and pay any required fees.

Be sure to select the psychology program when applying.

CSU Global aims to make education accessible.

They offer competitive tuition rates and may have financial aid options available.

You can contact their admissions team to learn more about costs and potential assistance.

By choosing CSU Global for your online psychology degree, you’ll join a respected institution.

You’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills that can help advance your career in psychology or related fields.

10) Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers a top-rated online bachelor’s degree in psychology.

This program is designed to give you a strong foundation in the field of psychology.

You’ll learn about human behavior, thinking, and emotions.

The curriculum covers both scientific and humanistic aspects of psychology.

This gives you a well-rounded understanding of the subject.

The program emphasizes research methods and data analysis.

You’ll gain skills in problem-solving and critical thinking.

These are valuable in many career paths.

Oregon State’s online psychology degree is ranked #2 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

This ranking shows the high quality of education you can expect.

When you enroll, you’ll work with an advisor to plan your studies.

They’ll help you choose courses that fit your goals and interests.

The program aims to prepare you for various careers or further education.

You’ll learn to apply psychological principles to real-world situations.

Oregon State’s online format allows you to study flexibly.

You can balance your education with other commitments.

This makes it easier to earn your degree while working or managing other responsibilities.

Overview of Online Psychology Degrees

Online psychology degrees offer flexible learning options for students interested in studying human behavior and mental processes.

These programs provide a strong foundation in psychological theories and research methods.

Benefits of Online Learning

Online psychology degrees give you the freedom to study from anywhere.

You can balance your education with work and family commitments.

Many programs let you complete coursework at your own pace.

Online psychology bachelor’s degrees typically take about 4 years to finish.

Some schools offer accelerated options that may take 12-36 months.

You’ll have access to digital learning materials and virtual labs.

Online discussion boards help you connect with classmates and professors.

Video lectures and interactive assignments make learning engaging.

Accreditation Importance

Choosing an accredited online psychology program is crucial.

Accreditation ensures your degree meets high academic standards.

It also affects your ability to transfer credits, apply to graduate school, or get licensed.

Look for regional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Some psychology programs have additional accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA).

Accredited degrees are more respected by employers.

They show you’ve received a quality education that meets industry standards.

This can improve your job prospects after graduation.

Key Coursework in Online Psychology Programs

Online psychology programs cover essential theories and research methods.

You’ll gain a strong foundation in core concepts and learn how to analyze data.

Core Psychological Theories

In your online psychology program, you’ll study key theories that explain human behavior and mental processes.

These include:

• Behaviorism
• Cognitive psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Social psychology

You’ll learn about famous psychologists like Freud, Skinner, and Piaget.

Their ideas shape modern understanding of the mind.

Courses often cover topics like personality, motivation, and emotion.

You’ll explore how these factors influence people’s thoughts and actions.

Many programs also teach about mental health and psychological disorders.

This knowledge is crucial for future careers in counseling or therapy.

Research Methods and Statistics

Your online psychology degree will teach you how to conduct scientific research.

You’ll learn to:

• Design experiments
• Collect data
• Use statistical tools to analyze results

Courses often cover both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

You’ll practice using software like SPSS for data analysis.

Understanding statistics is key in psychology.

You’ll study concepts like:

• Probability
• Hypothesis testing
• Correlation and regression

These skills help you interpret research findings and make evidence-based decisions.

They’re valuable in many psychology careers and graduate programs.

Career Paths with an Online Psychology Degree

An online psychology degree opens up many job options.

These roles span clinical work and business settings.

Let’s look at two main career paths.

Clinical and Counseling Roles

With an online psychology degree, you can pursue careers helping people directly. Marriage and family therapists earn a median salary of $56,570 per year.

This job needs a master’s degree, which you can get after your online bachelor’s.

You might also become a clinical psychologist.

These professionals make about $96,100 yearly.

They help people with mental health issues.

To be a clinical psychologist, you’ll need a doctoral degree.

Other roles include:

• School counselor
• Substance abuse counselor
• Mental health counselor

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

This field applies psychology to the workplace.

You can use your degree to improve employee well-being and company productivity.

Human resources is a common career path.

In this role, you’ll hire employees and manage workplace issues.

You might also work in employee training or development.

Some I-O psychologists focus on:

• Workplace motivation
• Leadership development
• Team dynamics

With more education, you could become an I-O psychologist.

These experts study workplace behavior and design better work environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Online psychology degrees offer flexibility and quality education.

Many accredited programs are available with varying costs, durations, and international options.

What are the top accredited online psychology degree programs available?

Top online psychology programs include the University of Florida, Arizona State University, and Penn State World Campus.

These schools offer quality education and strong reputations.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst and University of Southern California also provide excellent online psychology degrees.

How do I choose the right accreditation for an online psychology degree?

Look for regionally accredited programs.

Regional accreditation is more widely recognized and respected than national accreditation.

Check if the program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) for additional credibility.

Can I complete an online psychology degree in less than four years?

Some programs offer accelerated options that allow you to finish faster.

You might complete your degree in 3-3.5 years with year-round study and a heavier course load.

Transfer credits from previous college courses can also speed up your degree completion.

What are the most affordable online psychology degree programs?

Public universities often offer lower tuition rates, especially for in-state students.

Look for schools like Arizona State University or the University of Florida for competitive pricing.

Some programs offer flat-rate tuition regardless of residency, which can be cost-effective for out-of-state students.

How credible are online psychology degrees compared to traditional degrees?

Online psychology degrees from accredited institutions are just as credible as traditional degrees.

Employers generally don’t distinguish between online and on-campus programs.

The key is to choose a reputable, accredited school for your online degree.

What are the best online psychology degree programs available in Europe?

Many European universities offer online psychology programs.

The Open University in the UK is a popular choice for distance learning.

Other options include the University of Roehampton and the University of Derby, both based in the UK but offering online programs internationally.