As technology advances, more and more students turn to online education as a convenient way to pursue their academic goals, including those interested in studying psychology, which offers a wide range of online degree programs. However, not all online psychology programs are created equal, and it is essential to understand the different types of degrees available and the importance of accreditation.
This article will explore the various online psychology degree programs and the importance of choosing an accredited program to help you meet your educational goals.
Are Psychology Degree Programs Available Online?
Yes, there are many psychology degree programs available online. Not only do these degree programs exist, but they have become increasingly popular in recent years as they offer flexibility and convenience to students who need to balance their education with other responsibilities, like a full-time job or raising a family.
Universities and colleges offer online psychology programs at all levels, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. They also cover a wide range of topics, from abnormal psychology to developmental psychology to neuropsychology, meaning that it is possible to meet any career goal with an online psychology degree.
One common concern among students considering an online degree is whether employers will view their degree as legitimate, particularly in psychology. However, 61% of HR professionals now approve of online degrees, and many have previously hired graduates with online degrees.
Accreditation
Like traditional on-campus degree programs, accreditation is the key to earning an online degree that employers will respect. Accreditation is a process by which an independent organization evaluates a school or program to ensure that it meets specific standards of quality and rigor.
When selecting an online psychology program, make sure it has accreditation from a reputable organization. Here are some types of accreditation that you should look for when perusing online psychology programs:
1. Regional Accreditation
The gold standard for accreditation in the United States is regional accreditation. When a school has this level of accreditation, it means that it has met the highest standards of academic quality.
There are six regional accrediting bodies nationwide that are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA):
- The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WSCUC)
2. Programmatic Accreditation
In addition to regional accreditation, looking for programmatic accreditation is essential. The American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA) is the primary accrediting body for psychology programs in the United States. When a psychology program has APA-CoA accreditation, it means that it meets the highest standards of quality and rigor in the field of psychology.
3. State Authorization
When choosing an online degree program, you must ensure that the program you choose is authorized to offer online programs in your state of residence. Each state has its own regulations regarding online education, and schools offering online programs must comply with those regulations to operate in that state.
State authorization is crucial for maintaining the quality and integrity of online degree programs. By ensuring that schools offering online programs are authorized to operate in your state, you can be confident that you’re receiving a high-quality education that meets specific standards.
Top 5 Online Psychology Degree Programs
With a focus on flexibility, affordability, and quality education, these online psychology degree programs offer students the opportunity to study psychology at their own pace and in their own space. From public universities to faith-based institutions, there is a program to suit every individual’s needs and interests.
1. University of Florida
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of Florida offers an exceptional online psychology program that provides the flexibility and convenience of online education without sacrificing academic quality. The program offers diverse courses, including core classes to meet foundational education requirements and specialized electives tailored to each student’s major. The program is taught by renowned faculty, who are experts in their respective fields, and offers a wide range of courses aligned with their specialties, including classes in Counseling Psychology, Behavioral and Cognitive Analysis, among others.
In addition to its robust degree plan, the University of Florida is committed to making education accessible and affordable for all students. At $129 per credit hour and with many options for financial aid, the University of Florida is an economical choice in higher education. Prospective students can apply online through the university’s website, and the most competitive applicants typically have a 3.7 GPA and above-average SAT/ACT scores.
2. The University of Central Florida
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of Central Florida offers a flexible and tailored approach to earning an online bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with six distinct tracks: clinical, experimental, general, human factors, industrial/organizational, and neuroscience. This level of customization empowers students to align their academic pursuits with their passions and career goals, fostering a more fulfilling and enriching learning experience. As a result, UCF’s Psychology program graduates have gone on to successful careers in various fields, including education, counseling, and clinical psychology.
One of the most attractive features of UCF’s Psychology program is its affordability. At just $179 per credit hour, the program is more accessible than many other comparable programs, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a high-quality education without breaking the bank.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact a UCF success coach to request more information and schedule a consultation. In addition, UCF requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 and official transcripts from all prior institutions attended.
3. Oregon State University
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Oregon State University’s Ecampus offers a comprehensive online bachelor’s in Psychology, giving students an accessible path to earning their degree. The 180-credit program comprises general core classes and psychology electives, giving students a well-rounded education in the field. Some electives include abnormal psychology, motivation, consciousness, personality, and more, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.
OSU’s Ecampus stands out among other online education providers. It is renowned for providing an engaging and meaningful online learning experience, with access to resources like success coaching, library access, and free online tutoring. This level of support ensures that students have the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally.
OSU’s cost per credit hour is $346 per credit hour, which is about average for most online universities. To apply for the program, first-year and transfer students must complete an online application and submit all relevant transcripts.
4. Utah State University
Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Utah State University provides its students unparalleled opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research in psychology. As part of the program, students complete general core requirements and psychology electives, culminating in a faculty-led research apprenticeship during their final year. This hands-on learning approach equips students with practical skills and prepares them for real-world scenarios, enhancing their employability upon graduation.
Utah State University’s Psychology program is supported by a dedicated and experienced faculty who have published hundreds of articles in scientific journals and have received over $20 million in research-related external funding. This robust research environment ensures that students receive a top-tier education and are exposed to the latest developments in the field.
Utah State is more expensive than comparable institutions at $712 per credit hour for in-state students and $2,133 for out-of-state students. However, the added expense for individualized attention and research opportunities may be worth it. Applicants should be prepared to submit an online application and supplemental materials as requested by their admissions counselor.
5. Regent University
Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Regent University’s online bachelor’s in psychology program combines Christian principles and logical, psychological concepts to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and motivation. The curriculum is designed to help students hone their critical thinking skills and learn from experienced faculty members working in various psychological settings for decades.
Regent University’s cost per credit hour is $395. Still, the university recognizes the financial burden of pursuing higher education and aims to make it more accessible by offering a range of scholarships for outstanding first-year students. These scholarships range from $4,000 to $10,000, making Regent University’s education relatively affordable.
To apply, interested students can fill out an online application, and upon receipt, they will receive an admissions questionnaire to gather additional information. In addition, students can expect to submit unofficial transcripts later in the application process.
Interested in another degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.