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A psychology degree can be your first step in becoming a psychologist, user experience designer, or counselor. You can also pursue many other exciting careers with this versatile degree.
Psychology is a popular major with many options, so finding the right program can be difficult. Explore the top online psychology courses and programs to help you reach your goals.
What Programs Offer Online Psychology Classes?
Some psychology programs are 100% online, some follow a hybrid format with both online and on-campus classes, and some offer only in-person classes.
Many psychology programs offer online courses, including bachelor's in psychology, master's in psychology, and doctoral psychology programs.
Online psychology courses may or may not meet in real-time. Some classes are asynchronous, allowing you to log in and view lessons whenever convenient. Other classes, however, may require you to attend live sessions over video chat.
Did You Know...
- Psychologists earn a median annual salary of $92,740, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- The BLS projects that jobs for psychologists will increase by 6% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
- Clinical psychologists must earn a doctorate in psychology, complete supervised experience, and pass a licensure exam.
The Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs of 2024
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of Florida's online bachelor's degree in psychology combines online psychology courses with general education courses. Students take online courses for psychology majors as well as statistics, mathematics, and biology to meet the requirements for the major.
The school welcomes applicants with college experience as well as first-year students. First-year applicants must have a GPA of 2.5, but the school notes that applicants typically have a 3.7 or higher GPA. Applicants with college credits should have a college GPA of at least 2.75 and have specific prerequisite courses.
#2 Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs of 2024
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $179
Out-of-State | $716
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of Central Florida's bachelor of science in psychology offers six specialty tracks: clinical, experimental, general, human factors, industrial-organizational, and neuroscience. In addition to the core psychology courses online, you will choose elective psychology courses that meet the needs of your chosen specialization. Enrollees can also opt to complete capstone projects.
The school describes the program as one of its five most popular fully online undergraduate programs. Students considering applying are encouraged to talk with one of the school's success coaches as their first step.
#3 Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs of 2024
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649
Credits to Graduate: 120
Florida International University's online bachelor's degree in psychology enrolls over 2,400 psychology majors. In addition to the school's core curriculum, psychology students must complete 12 credits in core online psychology courses and psychology courses in cognitive and neuroscience, social, applied, clinical/personality, or developmental psychology. They must also complete upper-level psychology courses online.
#4 Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs of 2024
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $330
Out-of-State | $330
Credits to Graduate: 120
Southern New Hampshire University's online psychology bachelor's degree includes online psychology courses that entitle you to a standalone data literacy in psychology certificate. You can choose from concentrations in addiction studies, child and adolescent development, forensic psychology, industrial organizational psychology, and mental health. The online psychology courses are asynchronous, so you do not have to attend at a specific time.
There is no application fee, and candidates are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores. The school accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Military and spouses of active duty military qualify for a 30% tuition discount.
#5 Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs of 2024
St. Andrews University
Laurinburg, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $474
Out-of-State | $474
Credits to Graduate: 120
St. Andrews University, located in Laurinburg, North Carolina, offers an online psychology bachelor's degree. It requires students to complete core online psychology courses, general courses, and a final research-based capstone project. The school has a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The physical campus is home to a Scottish Heritage Center, which celebrates Scotland's culture and its contributions to the Carolinas.
You do not need a specific GPA or test score for admission, but applicants must have three units of English, mathematics, social studies, and science and one unit of a foreign language. Adult learners and home-schooled students are invited to apply.
#6 Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs of 2024
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $399
Out-of-State | $399
Credits to Graduate: 120
Enrollees in the online psychology bachelor's program at Southeastern University, located in Lakeland, Florida, are encouraged to help others prepare for graduate studies. The program maintains a Christian focus and prepares students to provide Christian-centered counseling.
Students can pursue this online BS in psychology without a concentration or with specializations in pre-counseling or industrial-organizational psychology. These concentrations are only available to online students.
#7 Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs of 2024
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $390
Out-of-State | $390
Credits to Graduate: 120
On average, students complete the online bachelor of psychology degree at Liberty University in 3.5 years. Liberty, a private school based in Lynchburg, Virginia, accepts up to 75% of the required credit from transfers. It notes that while the program is optimized to prepare students for graduate school, that is not the only direction graduates can take.
The online psychology courses take eight weeks and are asynchronous, so students can attend at the time that works best for them. Students can take specialized online psychology courses to pursue specialties, including addictions and recovery, Christian counseling, criminal psychology, crisis counseling, developmental psychology, life coaching, and military resilience.
#8 Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs of 2024
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $370
Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter-units
National University's psychology bachelor's program culminates in a senior project or guided study for honors students. The online psychology courses take four weeks. Students who do not declare minors must choose additional psychology courses online, while others complete the core psychology curriculum. Note that all students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada must complete a course on the Nevada Constitution. This military-friendly school was started by a U.S. veteran.
#9 Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs of 2024
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $617
Out-of-State | $734
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of Missouri's online psychology bachelor's program is offered in collaboration with the University of Missouri St. Louis campus. The curriculum emphasizes data and research. Students can take online psychology classes from both schools. Each enrollee must earn 33 credits from psychology courses and complete a capstone project.
Candidates with fewer than 24 hours of college credit apply as first-year students. These enrollees can request to apply without standardized test scores. Learners with 24 or more credits apply as transfer students.
#10 Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs of 2024
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $626
Out-of-State | $626
Credits to Graduate: 123
Declaring a psychology major for Pennsylvania State University's online bachelor's in psychology requires a C or higher in the prerequisite online psychology courses, a quantitative course, and statistics. Students can also take internships for credit. Enrollees may qualify for associate degrees in multidisciplinary arts while finishing their bachelor's degrees. Depending on which online psychology classes and other classes they take, each learner can pursue a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in psychology, with both pathways requiring 123 credits.
Students taking more than 12 credits per term are charged a flat tuition rate up to 19 credits, while enrollees taking 20 or more credits are charged a flat rate plus an additional rate per credit.
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Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page.
Benefits of Online Psychology Classes
Taking a psychology class online can be easier and cheaper than a traditional in-person program. You do not have the bother or cost of travel or commuting to class, pay room and board, or even have to worry about the weather or class interruptions. Some online psychology classes may be asynchronous, allowing you to learn and complete assignments on your own schedule.
Popular Online Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How do Online Psychology Courses Work?
Online psychology course formats vary depending on the topic and instructor but generally include lectures and discussion.
In synchronous classes, you may participate in lectures and discussions via live video like Zoom. In an asynchronous format, you may view learning materials and interact with other students and faculty through discussion boards and other tools on your own schedule.
Taking psychology classes online may require an adjustment from in-person classes since you may need to motivate yourself and engage differently. You will also need access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. It is also important to see what digital resources your school may provide.
What Types of Online Psychology Courses Can You Take?
Course offerings in an online psychology degree program will vary from one school to another. Your course options also depend on whether you seek an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Here are some online psychology courses you may be required to take for your psych degree.
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Introduction to Psychology
This first-year undergraduate course typically focuses on different theories and the evolution of the field of psychology. You'll study the relationship between personality and biology and develop a basic understanding of psychology subfields.
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Lab and Research Methods
Research influences how licensed psychologists treat patients. In this course, you'll compare and contrast research methods, which involves analyzing studies. You'll learn to perform effective research and analyze studies' strengths and weaknesses.
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Memory and Cognition
Cognition refers to how the human mind works. This course teaches you how to research studies on memory and cognition and work with different theoretical models. Students enhance their critical thinking skills while memorizing the brain's structures.
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Brain and Behavior
In this course, you'll study basic brain physiology and learn how the brain controls behavior. Topics covered include brain structure, memory, and attention. You'll also study socialization, motivation, sensation, and perception.
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Lifespan Development
This online psychology class covers the stages of human development, theories, and factors that influence development. You'll learn about emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development at every stage of life.
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Psychology and Social Change
This advanced course examines how psychology professionals can influence society. You'll research how famous psychologists' theories advanced social change. In addition, you'll learn how to promote more inclusive communities.
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Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is where psychology and the legal system meet. This online psychology class examines laws and how social psychology affects courtroom procedures. You'll assess case studies, the credibility of witness testimonies, and the role psychologists play in trials.
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Community Psychology
In this course, you'll study community support systems and individual wellness. You'll learn how psychology experts can affect positive societal change at both the individual and community levels.
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Educational Psychology
You'll typically take this course if you aspire to be a school counselor or educational psychologist. You'll study how people learn and retain knowledge and how motivation and individual differences can affect learning.
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Health Psychology
This interdisciplinary course focuses on how people cope with illness or injury. You'll examine the relationship between body and mind. Other topics include healthcare deficiencies, people's healthcare preferences, and various medical conditions.
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Abnormal Psychology
In this online psychology class, you'll learn about psychological disorders, including clinical, theoretical, and experimental views on psychopathology. This course emphasizes the classification, terminology, evaluation, and treatment of major psychological disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Psychology Courses
Is it possible to learn psychology online?
Yes, it is possible to learn psychology online. Many colleges and universities offer fully online or hybrid degree programs in psychology. These programs are available at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
Some programs offer 100% online psychology courses, while others offer a combination of online and in-person courses. In-person courses usually include on-site practicums and training. It is important to note that the American Psychological Association does not currently accredit online-only doctoral programs.
Are online psychology classes hard?
Online psychology courses generally have the same difficulty level as in-person classes.That said, psychology can be a difficult subject for some. It's important to develop good study habits, sharpen your writing skills, and read the material thoroughly.
Where can I learn about psychology for free?
You can take or audit online courses in psychology for free through massive open online course (MOOC) providers like Coursera and edX. Some colleges and universities also let you audit in-person psychology classes for free or a nominal fee.
Other options for learning more about psychology include borrowing psychology books from a local library and reading news articles and blog posts on authoritative psychology websites.
Is an online psychology class worth it?
An online psychology class can be worth it if you're truly interested in learning more about psychology and prefer an online course format over an in-person one.
Online psychology courses are also well suited for those who work full-time jobs and have other responsibilities but still want to pursue a degree in psychology.
Can you become a psychologist with an online degree?
Yes, you can become a psychologist with an online Ph.D. in psychology or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) from an accredited school. Note that online psychology degrees require in-person learning experiences, practicums, and clinical experiences.
Once you complete your online Ph.D. in psychology or Psy.D., you can apply for state licensure.
Page last reviewed on January 8, 2024. Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online.