Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
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Psychology ranks among the most popular undergraduate majors in the United States. To meet high student demand, colleges and universities widely offer psychology programs in flexible online formats.
At the bachelor’s level, online psychology programs focus on fundamental concepts in the field, like psychology theories and models, research methods and data analysis, and professional practice standards and ethics.
An accredited online bachelor’s degree in psychology can also provide you with an essential foundation for studies at the graduate level, like a master’s in psychology. If you wish to work as a licensed psychologist, you will eventually need a doctoral degree in psychology.
Prepare your academic pathway: Learn about what to expect from online psychology programs and connect with a ranked list of top-rated schools.
10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Lesley University offers 50 bachelor's programs. From its main campus in Cambridge, the school supports both in-person and online study, offering 11 online-specific bachelor's degree programs, including a bachelor of arts in psychology.
Students seeking a career in psychology will find that the bachelor of arts in psychology's virtual learning environment fosters interactive learning and collaboration across distance. Learners gain industry-relevant knowledge through general and advanced coursework. Students interested in furthering their industry knowledge can pursue research, internships, and externships. Throughout their degree program, students can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising.
Eligible students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid to their educational costs. To learn more about available scholarships and eligibility, schedule a meeting with the financial aid office.
- In-State$31,890
- Out-of-state$31,890
- In-State$19,350
- Out-of-state$19,350
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled3,134
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Prescott College
- Prescott, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
Students seeking to advance in the psychology field through flexible study should consider Prescott College's online bachelor of arts in psychology and human development.
The online psychology and human development bachelor's degree is an attractive option for working professionals and busy students seeking flexible study. Students in the Psychology program benefit from a supportive online learning community, while completing industry-relevant classes. The program curriculum equips students with industry-specific skills and knowledge, preparing them for the demands of a psychology career. Learners can work with their academic advisor to modify their course schedule and choose electives that suit their academic and career goals.
Students benefit from academic advising, as well as other institutional resources, throughout their studies. Career-centered workshops, academic advising, and other resources contribute to a 33% graduation rate. The financial aid office can guide students towards eligible scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid opportunities. Prescott College reports that 100% of all degree-seekers receive some form of financial aid to offset the costs of a degree.
- In-State$33,960
- Out-of-state$33,960
- In-State$17,136
- Out-of-state$17,136
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled909
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Tiffin University
- Tiffin, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A leader in online education, Tiffin University connects distance learners across 18 bachelor's degree programs.
Tiffin University's bachelor of arts in psychology is an ideal choice for students seeking to advance in the field. Learners complete industry-relevant classes and attend lectures through a virtual classroom setting. Students complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining industry-relevant knowledge throughout their studies. Learners can work with their academic advisor to modify their course schedule and choose electives that suit their academic and career goals.
While enrolled, students benefit from institutional support systems through career services, academic advising, and other offices. The college's prioritization of student success contributes to its 39% graduation rate. Students can benefit from internal and external funding opportunities through the college. Around 100% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid to relieve the costs of a degree.
- In-State$30,900
- Out-of-state$30,900
- In-State$14,000
- Out-of-state$14,000
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled3,595
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Students seeking flexible online study should consider Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. The school promotes online learning through its 25 online bachelor's degree programs, reaching distance learners across the globe.
These programs, such as the bachelor of science in psychology, equip students with the skills needed to succeed in their chosen field. In the psychology program, students connect with classmates and faculty through a virtual learning environment. The program curriculum equips students with industry-specific skills and knowledge, preparing them for the demands of a psychology career. Learners can work with their academic advisor to modify their course schedule and choose electives that suit their academic and career goals.
During their studies, students can connect with academic advising, career services, and other resources geared towards student success. The college's prioritization of student success contributes to its 56% graduation rate. The financial aid office can provide information on funding opportunities and help determine student eligibility. Of all enrollees, 100% benefit from some form of aid.
- In-State$31,990
- Out-of-state$31,990
- In-State$13,500
- Out-of-state$13,500
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled1,227
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Buena Vista University
- Storm Lake, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Buena Vista University, a private college, educates students across dual modalities. The school offers 82 bachelor's degree programs, 10 of which can be pursued online.
The psychology and social science bachelor's degree connects students with industry-relevant skills applicable towards a career in psychology. The virtual learning environment fosters interactive learning and collaboration across distance. Students complete coursework relevant to the psychology field, with the option to choose electives and modify their courseload based on their career goals. Outside of the classroom, students can partake in research projects, pursue internships, and gain knowledge through other experiential learning opportunities. Throughout their studies, students receive personal and professional guidance from the institution, benefiting from academic advising, career services, and other departments.
Students can connect with the financial aid office to learn about their eligibility for scholarships.
- In-State$40,190
- Out-of-state$40,190
- In-State$10,170
- Out-of-state$10,170
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled1,951
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Kentucky University
- Richmond, KY
- 4 year
- Online
Eastern Kentucky University boasts 89 bachelor's degree programs from its main campus in Richmond, Kentucky, including an online bachelor of science in psychology program.
The psychology degree is one of several top-ranked programs, preparing students for the demands of the field. Students in the psychology program also connect with classmates and faculty through a virtual classroom environment. Learners attend weekly lectures while completing courses in foundational and advanced topics relevant to the psychology field. Beyond the classroom, students can pursue faculty-led research projects, as well as internships to better prepare for the psychology field. The college promotes student success through academic advising, career workshops, and other resources.
On average, students in the Psychology program pay $474 per course credit. The college reports that 98% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid. Interested students should schedule a meeting with the financial aid office.
- In-State$9,830
- Out-of-state$20,520
- In-State$10,296
- Out-of-state$14,040
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled15,008
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Belhaven University
- Jackson, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Belhaven University, located in Jackson, Mississippi, provides a premier online education across eight bachelor's degree programs. The private college supports 2,200 online students across many online programs.
The psychology program connects students with a robust online learning community, and curriculum combines foundational and advanced coursework that prepares students for the field. To deepen their knowledge, students can pursue collaborative learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships.
Students can also take advantage of institutional resources, such as career services, and experiential learning opportunities to better prepare for their future career in psychology. The college's prioritization of student success contributes to its 50% graduation rate. Prospective students can meet with the financial aid office to discuss internal and external funding opportunities and determine eligibility. According to the college, 95% of all enrollees receive financial aid.
- In-State$28,800
- Out-of-state$28,800
- In-State$10,890
- Out-of-state$10,890
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled3,616
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Brescia University
- Owensboro, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Brescia University offers an industry-relevant education to undergraduate students looking to advance in the psychology field. The college provides in-person and online educational programs to students across 32 bachelor's degree programs. A leader in online education, the college supports 436 online students from its main campus in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Learners interested in psychology will find the bachelor of science in psychology at Brescia University an attractive choice. Psychology students complete coursework through a virtual classroom environment.
As part of the program curriculum, students complete coursework equipping them with general and advanced knowledge related to the psychology field. Students can further their knowledge through experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and externships. Enrollees benefit from professional guidance from academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources throughout their studies.
Eligible students can receive internal and external funding opportunities to defray the costs of their degree. Students interested in learning more about funding and eligibility requirements can meet with the financial aid office.
- In-State$29,500
- Out-of-state$29,500
- In-State$16,320
- Out-of-state$16,320
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate35%
- Students Enrolled638
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Upper Iowa University
- Fayette, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A leader in online education, Upper Iowa University connects distance learners across 21 bachelor's degree programs.
Students in the psychology program benefit from robust study, competitive opportunities, and a supportive online learning community. Enrollees gain access to a supportive online learning community, studying alongside peers and top-ranked faculty through a virtual classroom setting. Students complete general education and advanced coursework, with the option to modify classes and choose electives based on career interests. Based on their specific career goals, students can customize their classes and pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as internships.
While enrolled, students benefit from institutional support systems through career services, academic advising, and other offices. The college reports a 48% graduate rate. The financial aid office can guide students towards eligible scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid opportunities. Of all enrollees, 99% benefit from some form of aid.
- In-State$18,000
- Out-of-state$18,000
- In-State$18,958
- Out-of-state$18,958
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled3,102
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Kentucky State University
- Frankfort, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Students seeking flexible online study should consider Kentucky State University. A leader in online education, the school boasts an online enrollment of 1,284 students.
Learners in the psychology program benefit from robust study, competitive opportunities, and a supportive online learning community. Once enrolled, students complete coursework and connect with classmates through a virtual learning environment. Students complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining industry-relevant knowledge throughout their studies. In consultation with an academic advisor, students can customize their coursework and choose electives to suit their career goals.
The institutional resources available through the college contribute to student success. These resources contribute to student success, reflected in the college's 25% graduation rate. Prospective students can learn more about funding opportunities through the financial aid office. Of all students, 92% benefit from financial aid awards.
- In-State$8,088
- Out-of-state$12,134
- In-State$10,494
- Out-of-state$10,494
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled1,689
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Why Accreditation Matters
You must attend an accredited school to qualify for federal financial aid, earn a degree respected by employers, and have the option to transfer your credits to another accredited institution.
Bachelor’s programs in the field generally do not require programmatic accreditation. That said, if you are pursuing a psychology program with a concentration in addiction studies or behavior analysis, programmatic accreditation from the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission or the Association for Behavior Analysis International, respectively, may boost your employment opportunities.
Bachelors of Arts vs. Bachelor of Science in Psychology
You have the option of earning a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS) in psychology. As an undergraduate student at the outset of your learning journey, you’ll want to put some thought into your choice since BA and BS programs prepare you for future endeavors in different ways.
BA programs tend to focus on how psychology overlaps with other social sciences and humanities disciplines. You’ll explore societal influences on human psychology and the qualitative side of the field in greater detail.
BS programs focus on psychology’s quantitative and analytical aspects. They tend to place more emphasis on research design, statistical analysis, and psychology’s scientific and technical elements.
Both options also share some core similarities. You’ll learn about important theories and models of the human mind, and the history and development of psychology. Both BA and BS programs in psychology cover about 120 semester credits and require four years of full-time study.
Popular Concentrations Within Psychology
- Addiction Studies
- Child and Adolescent Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Mental Health
- Neuroscience
Is an Online Psychology Degree Worth It?
The value you’ll get from your online bachelor’s degree in psychology depends on how the program advances your future educational and career goals.
Some graduate psychology programs don’t require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Even so, you’ll almost certainly enjoy an academic advantage if you have one. Since most licensure-track mental health careers require a graduate degree, bachelor’s programs tend to deliver considerable value in this regard.
You can also enter the workforce after graduating. Popular fields of employment for psychology graduates include education, human resources, market research, and social and human services.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, psychology majors from the class of 2023 had an 81.6% career outcome rate, meaning those students had found meaningful employment or were continuing their education. Psychology graduates had a median starting salary of about $44,080 per year.
Earning your psychology degree online offers convenience and flexibility. However, you’ll trade off some social aspects of the traditional campus experience, and online learning tends to come more easily to independent learners. Consider these factors when trying to decide whether online education aligns with your personal profile.
FAQ About Online Psychology Programs
You will typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent, plus an academic record that meets or exceeds your school’s admission requirements. Standards vary, but selective schools place more importance on your grades and test scores. You may also need a specific number of academic units in English, math, and science.
