Best Online Psychology Degrees

Ready to start your journey?

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Want to take a deep dive into the psyche of human experience? Make it a career by earning a degree from one of the best online bachelor’s programs in psychology.

The field of psychology is on the rise. That’s no surprise, though. Psychology answers the essential questions of humanity: What do humans want? Why do humans act the way they do? What emotions are elicited from humans under certain scenarios?

By setting down the path of psychology, you’re opening up the possibility of a career that will take you inside the human brain. Psychology straddles a fascinating balance between the hard sciences and fields like social work and communication. You can use your online psychology degree in any number of ways, from counseling to human resources to sales.  

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What is an online psychology degree?

An online bachelor’s in psychology is the first step in a long, rewarding career. If your end goal is to become the traditional psychotherapist, you can anticipate going on to graduate school for your master’s degree or PhD. So an undergraduate degree is a great way to start!

There are some huge benefits in opting for an online degree in psychology rather than a traditional on-campus degree. First, no one will know the difference! Your diploma will look identical to that of your on-campus peer. Second, an online degree simplifies everything. You can hold down a full-time or part-time job while still taking classes.

The field of psychology can take a number of different forms. Psychologists aren’t just people with smart-looking glasses who sit in high-backed chairs and give you Rorschach tests. You can apply psychology to way more arenas. Here are just a few:

  • Forensic Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychology
  • School Psychology

How much can you earn with a psychology degree?

First, just keep in mind that there are a ton of jobs that you can find with a background in psychology. But if you’re hoping to become a psychologist (in one of the many forms listed above), you can expect to make a median annual salary of around $77,000.

The job market is looking mighty strong for folks going into this field. Overall, employment of psychologists is expected to increase by 14 percent between now and 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You’ve picked the right time to get your degree!

What is required for an online bachelor’s in psychology?

In general, the benchmark credit hour requirement for most bachelor’s programs is 120 hours. If you’re a transfer student who already has some general education credits completed, you’ll be happy to know that many schools have a generous transfer credit policy.

Psychology is all about observation. So your degree will involve a good amount of research-based coursework. The core classes also commonly include a biology course (to understand the human body) and a statistics course (to know how to interpret data). From there, you’ll be able to customize your degree with fun electives.

What are the best online psychology degrees?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

Touro University Worldwide

Quick Facts

  • Shorter, condensed 8-week terms
  • Military students have access to GI Bill Benefits
  • Generous transfer credit policy (90 credits)
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Programs Offered Online

4

Median Debt

$16,820

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

32%

100%OSR Score

Touro University Worldwide offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that features six concentrations: Industrial Psychology, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, Human Services, and Child/Adolescent Psychology. These tracks cover 12 of the 120 total credit hours.

Brandman University

Brandman University

Quick Facts

  • Career-focused curriculum
  • Fast-track program offered to meet admission requirements
  • Significantly lower tuition rates for active-duty military
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Programs Offered Online

14

Median Debt

$23,979

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

16%

88%OSR Score

Brandman University opens up numerous career paths with its online BA in Psychology. The curriculum is embedded with six concentrations: Pre-Clinical, Industrial Organizational, Child Psychology, Community Psychology, Gerontology, and General Psychology. Each concentration area covers just 15 of the total 120 credits.

Florida International University

Florida International University

Quick Facts

  • Online students assigned a one-on-one success coach
  • Unique Research Sequence added to curriculum
  • Spring, summer, and fall start dates
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Programs Offered Online

26

Median Debt

$19,619

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

13%

84%OSR Score

You’ll join a community of over 2,400 other undergraduate psychology majors at Florida International University. The curriculum brings together psychology research as well as theory and practice. Students must also take one course in five core psychology areas: cognitive/neuroscience, social, applied, clinical, and developmental.

Liberty University

Liberty University

Quick Facts

  • Generous transfer policy (75% of credits)
  • Affordable tuition (same in- and out-of-state)
  • Free e-textbooks provided to all undergraduates
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

30%

Programs Offered Online

23

Median Debt

$32,204

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

17%

83%OSR Score

At Liberty University, students will be able to finish their BS in Psychology in under four years. Even more, students can choose to specialize in a focus area like Addictions & Recovery, Christian Counseling, Developmental Psychology, and more. This is a 100 percent online degree.

Lesley University

Quick Facts

  • Scholarships specific to first-year students
  • Prior Learning Assessment credits accepted
  • Up to 90 transfer credit hours accepted
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

73%

Programs Offered Online

5

Median Debt

$21,139

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

22%

82%OSR Score

Lesley University makes sure to lay the groundwork for future graduate studies with its online BA in Psychology. This 120-credit-hour program incorporates 30 credits of required core classes. This includes foundational courses, lab courses, internships, and electives.

University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida

Quick Facts

  • Option of 6 specialization tracks
  • Online students enjoy numerous fee waivers
  • Three different potential start dates
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

50%

Programs Offered Online

93

Median Debt

$18,240

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

8%

80%OSR Score

The program at the University of Central Florida earns you a BS in Psychology. You’ll learn all the foundational psychology methods, as well as having the opportunity to specialize in one of six tracks: general, experimental, clinical, human factors, organizational, and neuroscience. This online degree culminates in a capstone project.

Dallas Baptist University

Quick Facts

  • Inverted Degree Program accepts credit by examination
  • DBU honored as a Top School for Veterans in 2018
  • Small average class size of 11 students
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

39%

Programs Offered Online

13

Median Debt

$21,762

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

9%

79%OSR Score

Students at Dallas Baptist University will take a combination of online and on-campus courses to complete the BA or BS in Psychology. The final 30 credits must be completed at Dallas Baptist University. Alongside the general education requirements, all students must take 6-12 credits in Religion.

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

Quick Facts

  • Degree focuses on career-based outcomes
  • Internship options available for students
  • Penn State in top 10 for online undergraduate degrees
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

67%

Programs Offered Online

42

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

11%

79%OSR Score

PennState World Campus gets specific with its online Bachelor of Science in Psychology. You can narrow down your focus to include a Life Sciences option or a Business option. Over the 123 credit hours of this degree, you’ll gain a helpful suite of career-driven skills as they relate to psychology.

Ottawa University-Online

Ottawa University-Online

Quick Facts

  • Apprenticeship courses required (not online)
  • Foreign language requirement for BA degree
  • 2.75 GPA required for transfer students
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Programs Offered Online

20

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

5%

79%OSR Score

The core curriculum for the online BA in Psychology at Ottawa University-Online is divided into 11 required courses and four recommended courses. Otherwise, students will fill in the degree with general education requirements and electives. The degree culminates in a capstone Seminar in Psychology course.

Azusa Pacific University College

Quick Facts

  • Classes organized in condensed 8-week terms
  • Online students have access to free writing tutors
  • 15% tuition discount offered to veterans and their spouses
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Programs Offered Online

6

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

9%

78%OSR Score

The online BA in Psychology at Azusa Pacific University College is a bachelor’s completion degree. This means students are expected to transfer into the program with at least 30 existing credits. The major encompasses 43 credit hours and allows for full-time or part-time attendance.

Indiana University-East

Indiana University-East

Quick Facts

  • Relatively affordable tuition rates ($224/321 per credit)
  • Curriculum gives some room for customization
  • Many options for military/veteran financial aid
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

80%

Acceptance Rate

70%

Programs Offered Online

11

Median Debt

$18,979

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

10%

77%OSR Score

Take note, the online BS in Psychology at Indiana University-East is designed for students who have already completed 60 credit hours at another two-year or four-year school. This degree completion program sets aside 36 credit hours specific to upper-level psychology classes. In order to graduate, you must complete 120 total credits.

University of Mary

University of Mary

Quick Facts

  • Option to add a minor to your psychology degree
  • Accelerated program, even for full-time students
  • Flat-rate online tuition rate regardless of residence ($560)
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

76%

Programs Offered Online

51

Median Debt

$24,331

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

2%

77%OSR Score

University of Mary designed the online BS in Psychology with the working adult in mind. The accelerated program allows students to finish in just 22 months. All of the courses are offered online and are scheduled in condensed five-week terms.

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University

Quick Facts

  • Lower tuition rates for active-duty military
  • Curriculum based on American Psychological Association model
  • Options to get involved in research and internships
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Programs Offered Online

22

Median Debt

$26,962

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

10%

75%OSR Score

The curriculum for the BA in Psychology at Saint Leo University Online involves almost equal parts general education courses, major courses, and electives. Between the three categories students will complete 120 credits. Students also enjoy four areas of specialization: General, Clinical/Counseling, Developmental, or Experimental.

California Baptist University

California Baptist University

Quick Facts

  • Average completion time of 16 months (47 major credits)
  • Option to jump into online MS in Counseling Psychology
  • Classes on 8-week/term schedule
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

78%

Acceptance Rate

77%

Programs Offered Online

23

Median Debt

$28,393

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

9%

74%OSR Score

California Baptist University approaches its online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from a Christian perspective. The curriculum especially highlights courses in abnormal psychology, clinical psychology, counseling, and personality theories. Most students finish the major requirements in just 16 months.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global

Quick Facts

  • Average completion time of 16 months (47 major credits)
  • Option to jump into online MS in Counseling Psychology
  • Classes on 8-week/term schedule
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

65%

Programs Offered Online

15

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

0%

73%OSR Score

California Baptist University approaches its online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from a Christian perspective. The curriculum especially highlights courses in abnormal psychology, clinical psychology, counseling, and personality theories. Most students finish the major requirements in just 16 months.

University of Florida-Online

Quick Facts

  • UF ranks #4 in Forbes’ 2017 “Best Value Colleges”
  • Tuition assistance for military personnel and veterans
  • Online access to elite career services options
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Programs Offered Online

12

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

3%

73%OSR Score

The BA in Psychology at UF Online will keep you busy. Within the 120 required credit hours, students can complete a senior thesis, an undergraduate research project, and a volunteer requirement. Additionally, students cover coursework in four core areas of psychology: social, cognitive, developmental, and comparative.

Drury University

Quick Facts

  • $308 per credit
  • Low technology fee ($7/credit hour)
  • Numerous scholarships available for online students
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

66%

Programs Offered Online

10

Median Debt

$27,694

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

12%

73%OSR Score

Drury University features an evening and online BS in Psychology. This means most of your classes can be completed online, but the last 30 credits must be completed in residence. The curriculum includes 12 core major classes that cover everything from Lifespan Development to Abnormal Psychology.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Quick Facts

  • Option of two career-specific concentration tracks
  • Same online tuition rate for in- and out-of-state students
  • NSU designated as a Military-Friendly University for 2019-20
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

80%

Programs Offered Online

19

Median Debt

$23,540

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

6%

72%OSR Score

At Northwestern State University of Louisiana, you can earn a BS in Psychology through online coursework. This program goes beyond the core requirements and offers concentration tracks in Prevention Specialist and Substance Abuse. In total, students must complete 120 credit hours to graduate.

Washington State University

Washington State

Quick Facts

  • Virtual Mentors available for academic support
  • 18-credit Psychology Minor also available
  • Same online and on-campus faculty members
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

73%

Programs Offered Online

13

Median Debt

$20,286

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

6%

72%OSR Score

The BA in Psychology at WSU Global Campus begins with four core classes in psychology foundations, research, and statistics. The rest of the 120-credit-hour degree includes general education classes, upper-level electives, and three focus area options. This includes Neuroscience/Cognition, Social/Motivational, and Clinical/Counseling.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University

Quick Facts

  • Practicum, internship, and clinical options available
  • Honors Program for qualified students (3.5 GPA)
  • Classes offered both online and oncampus
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

86%

Programs Offered Online

19

Median Debt

$24,067

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

8%

72%OSR Score

At Old Dominion University, you’ll have four options for specialization within the BS in Psychology degree: Applied Experimental Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Human Factors Psychology, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Within the 120 credits, 39 will exclusively be devoted to psychology.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Quick Facts

  • Up to 90 transfer credits accepted
  • Access to 24/7 online technical support
  • Three different start dates available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

69%

Programs Offered Online

12

Median Debt

$25,048

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

8%

72%OSR Score

The BA in Psychology program at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell is all about options. You can earn it online or in person, and you can either attend full-time or part-time. The 120-credit-hour curriculum integrates experimental psychology electives, advanced psychology seminars, and general education courses.

Central Michigan University

CMU

Quick Facts

  • $500 Opportunity Grant available for transfer students
  • Courses delivered in 8-, 12-, and 16-week formats
  • Online Student Ally program available for academic guidance
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Programs Offered Online

7

Student / Faculty Ratio

20 to 1

Average Aid Per Student

$7,447

Graduation Rate

62%

Median Debt

$27,448

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

8%

70%OSR Score

Offered entirely online, the BS in Psychology at Central Michigan University offers a straight-forward, 124-credit-hour program. The curriculum encompasses general education courses, core major courses, electives, and concentration courses. Online students will work independently through the coursework.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Quick Facts

  • Numerous student scholarships and awards available
  • Same tuition rates for online students regardless of residence
  • Large pool of highly educated faculty members
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

78%

Acceptance Rate

92%

Programs Offered Online

12

Median Debt

$24,781

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

8%

70%OSR Score

You don’t have to set foot on the University of Alabama at Birmingham to earn the online BS in Psychology. Students complete the program via synchronous and asynchronous learning. Most four-year plans cover 121 total credit hours, and culminate in either a psychology capstone or honors thesis.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

Quick Facts

  • Delivered through #1-ranked online College of Liberal Arts
  • Option available to learn online and oncampus (hybrid)
  • Four start dates per year
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Acceptance Rate

79%

Programs Offered Online

20

Median Debt

$22,618

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

4%

70%OSR Score

At Oregon State University Ecampus, you can earn either a BA or BS in Psychology fully online. The curriculum covers 180 credit hours of courses (quarter credits), which takes four years to complete. The coursework includes hard sciences (Human Lifespan Development) as well as social sciences (Brain and Behavior).

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University

Quick Facts

  • Same tuition for in- and out-of-state students
  • No add-on fees outside of admissions cost
  • Named a Top Military-Friendly College of 2019
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

71%

Acceptance Rate

89%

Programs Offered Online

22

Median Debt

$19,883

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

3%

70%OSR Score

Fort Hays State University gives students the option of a BS in Psychology or a BA in Psychology. The main difference is a foreign language requirement for BA students, as well as a more interdisciplinary approach (rather than the hard sciences of the BS program). Both programs consist of 124 credit hours.

Central Washington University

Central Washington University

Quick Facts

  • Flexible and generous transfer credit policy
  • Online orientation prepares students for coursework
  • Ample general and academic advising available online
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

86%

Programs Offered Online

14

Median Debt

$21,466

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

5%

69%OSR Score

Central Washington University offers an online degree completion program in psychology, which is an important distinction to make. This is a 45-credit major designed for students who already have completed their general education requirements. As such, the transfer credit policy at CWU allows for up to 135 quarter credits (out of the total 180).

University of North Dakota

UND

Quick Facts

  • Specialized career-driven certificates offered
  • Tuition is $4,000 less than national average
  • 93 percent of UND graduates are employed
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Programs Offered Online

13

Median Debt

$23,583

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

6%

69%OSR Score

A highly ranked program, the University of North Dakota offers an online BA in Psychology. Students are able to dive deeper into a focus area by earning a certificate in any of the following: Forensic Psychology, Behavioral Health, or Cyberpsychology. The curriculum covers 120 credits.

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University

Quick Facts

  • Numerous scholarships available for online students
  • Curriculum geared toward research-based graduate studies
  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$24,246

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

6%

69%OSR Score

The online Bachelor of Science at Sam Houston State University covers 120 credit hours of coursework. The major classes revolve around three core areas: Social Development, Clinical-Counseling, and Experimental Psychology. This degree is designed to prepare students for graduate school.

Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University

Quick Facts

  • Flat-rate tuition regardless of residence
  • Seven specialization options within the major
  • Schedule divided into 8-week terms
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

87%

Programs Offered Online

17

Median Debt

$25,420

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

5%

69%OSR Score

EKU Online expertly organizes its BS in Psychology curriculum into specific categories: Biological Bases of Behavior, Cognition/Learning, Developmental, Social/Personality, Skills, and Capstone. This allows students to fully gain a foundational understanding of the field in just 120 credit hours.

Utah State University

Quick Facts

  • Huge number of online resources available to students
  • Classes designed in accelerated 7-week sessions
  • Curriculum crafted to get students into graduate school
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

89%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$18,954

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

3%

67%OSR Score

The undergraduate psychology program at Utah State University has its sights set on preparing students for graduate school. It offers both an online BA and BS in Psychology. In addition to the standard core classes, this program incorporates experiential learning as a capstone requirement.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.