Best Online Psychology Programs

Maura Deering, J.D.
By
Updated on April 29, 2024
Edited by
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The best schools for psychology offer coursework that can set you up for various careers and graduate study.

Should you earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology? The answer could be yes if you’re interested in developing broad skills that you can apply in many fields.

Our rankings list of the best schools for psychology helps you choose an online program for your schedule and academic goals. Explore career options, factors to consider when selecting a school, and what you’ll learn in an online psychology program.

Popular Online Psychology Bachelor’s Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Online Psychology Programs

#1 Best Online Psychology Programs

Lesley University

  • Location-markerCambridge, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$28,500
  • Out-of-state$28,500
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,540
  • Out-of-state$18,540
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled4,510
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment20%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Psychology Programs

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

  • Location-markerMarion, IN
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,453
  • Out-of-state$8,453
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,083
  • Out-of-state$11,083
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled11,410
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Psychology Programs

Prescott College

  • Location-markerPrescott, AZ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$30,888
  • Out-of-state$30,888
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$21,696
  • Out-of-state$21,696
  • Retention Rate61%
  • Acceptance Rate97%
  • Students Enrolled993
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment65%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Psychology Programs

Tiffin University

  • Location-markerTiffin, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$25,710
  • Out-of-state$25,710
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,600
  • Out-of-state$12,600
  • Retention Rate65%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled2,926
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment51%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Psychology Programs

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

  • Location-markerSaint Mary of the Woods, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,950
  • Out-of-state$29,950
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,780
  • Out-of-state$12,780
  • Retention Rate66%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled1,094
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment32%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online Psychology Programs

Buena Vista University

  • Location-markerStorm Lake, IA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$35,194
  • Out-of-state$35,194
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,594
  • Out-of-state$9,594
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate57%
  • Students Enrolled1,815
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Online Psychology Programs

Eastern Kentucky University

  • Location-markerRichmond, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,266
  • Out-of-state$19,338
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,900
  • Out-of-state$13,950
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled14,980
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment44%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Online Psychology Programs

Colorado Christian University

  • Location-markerLakewood, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$23,502
  • Out-of-state$23,502
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,045
  • Out-of-state$13,045
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled7,587
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Online Psychology Programs

Belhaven University

  • Location-markerJackson, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$25,826
  • Out-of-state$25,826
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,170
  • Out-of-state$10,170
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate49%
  • Students Enrolled4,574
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment48%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Online Psychology Programs

Brescia University

  • Location-markerOwensboro, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$22,900
  • Out-of-state$22,900
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$550
  • Out-of-state$550
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate42%
  • Students Enrolled1,014
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment43%
  • AccreditationYes
#11 Best Online Psychology Programs

Upper Iowa University

  • Location-markerFayette, IA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$30,810
  • Out-of-state$30,810
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$21,060
  • Out-of-state$21,060
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate51%
  • Students Enrolled4,279
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment68%
  • AccreditationYes
#12 Best Online Psychology Programs

Kentucky State University

  • Location-markerFrankfort, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,700
  • Out-of-state$11,550
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,560
  • Out-of-state$11,550
  • Retention Rate66%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled2,171
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment59%
  • AccreditationYes
#13 Best Online Psychology Programs

National Louis University

  • Location-markerChicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$13,200
  • Out-of-state$13,200
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,646
  • Out-of-state$11,646
  • Retention Rate58%
  • Acceptance Rate98%
  • Students Enrolled7,005
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment47%
  • AccreditationYes
#14 Best Online Psychology Programs

Western New Mexico University

  • Location-markerSilver City, NM
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,167
  • Out-of-state$11,400
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$3,356
  • Out-of-state$8,730
  • Retention Rate59%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled3,193
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#15 Best Online Psychology Programs

Concordia University-Wisconsin

  • Location-markerMequon, WI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$30,060
  • Out-of-state$30,060
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,052
  • Out-of-state$11,052
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate64%
  • Students Enrolled5,777
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment39%
  • AccreditationYes
#16 Best Online Psychology Programs

Bay Path University

  • Location-markerLongmeadow, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$35,081
  • Out-of-state$35,081
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,670
  • Out-of-state$14,670
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled3,324
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment62%
  • AccreditationYes
#17 Best Online Psychology Programs

Dominican College of Blauvelt

  • Location-markerOrangeburg, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$28,984
  • Out-of-state$28,984
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,208
  • Out-of-state$17,208
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled1,868
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment26%
  • AccreditationYes
#18 Best Online Psychology Programs

Utah State University

  • Location-markerLogan, UT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,549
  • Out-of-state$21,087
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,996
  • Out-of-state$20,327
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate91%
  • Students Enrolled27,810
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes
#19 Best Online Psychology Programs

Washington State University

  • Location-markerPullman, WA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,953
  • Out-of-state$24,531
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,493
  • Out-of-state$25,248
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled31,607
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment21%
  • AccreditationYes
#20 Best Online Psychology Programs

Washburn University

  • Location-markerTopeka, KS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,594
  • Out-of-state$19,346
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,306
  • Out-of-state$18,788
  • Retention Rate69%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled6,285
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment38%
  • AccreditationYes

Did You Know…

Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate majors, with 134,407 bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2021.

Careers with an Online Psychology Degree

The best schools for psychology can prepare you for numerous psychology-related careers. The roles described below may require a graduate degree for entry or career advancement, and an online psychology bachelor’s can gain you admission to these programs.

Substance Use Counselors

These counselors help individuals and groups overcome addictions to alcohol and drugs. They evaluate clients and formulate treatment plans, help clients form healthy coping skills, educate clients’ family members, and refer clients to other resources and health professionals. Substance use counselors work in outpatient centers, individual and family services, and health practitioners’ offices.

  • Projected New Jobs Between 2022-2032: 71,500
  • Median Annual Salary:$53,710

Social and Community Service Managers

These professionals manage organizations, coordinate programs, and supervise staff, such as social workers and counselors, who provide direct services to clients. Their jobs include identifying needed services, evaluating programmatic effectiveness, and securing funding. Workplaces include clinics, community rehabilitation services, hospitals, residential care facilities, and shelters.

  • Projected New Jobs Between 2022-2032: 16,200
  • Median Annual Salary:$77,030

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work with prison inmates and clients on probation and parole. They assess clients’ progress and determine rehabilitation strategies; testify in court or parole board hearings on behalf of their clients; and connect clients with resources, such as job training and mental health counseling.

  • Projected New Jobs Between 2022-2032: 2,400
  • Median Annual Salary:$61,800

Human Resources Specialists

HR specialists work with employers to hire staff. They recruit, screen, and interview job applicants. They also handle new employee orientation, compensation and benefit details, and staff training. Work environments include employment services; professional, scientific, and technical services; and healthcare and social assistance employers.

  • Projected New Jobs Between 2022-2032: 51,400
  • Median Annual Salary:$67,650

Training and Development Specialists

These specialists focus on staff training and development. Their methods include consulting with managers, surveying employers, and evaluating training programs. They design employee manuals, create online learning modules, and select outside training materials. Training and development specialists work in educational services and support various industries. They often travel to training locations.

  • Projected New Jobs Between 2022-2032: 24,200
  • Median Annual Salary:$64,340

Public Relations Specialist

PR specialists work for advertising and public relations firms, schools, and professional associations to create positive public images. They write press releases and social media content, draft speeches for executive staff, and evaluate public opinion of their organizational clients.

  • Projected New Jobs Between 2022-2032: 18,000
  • Median Annual Salary:$66,750

What to Look for in an Online Psychology Program

Online psychology program evaluation considers key academic quality metrics, including accreditation. You’ll want to ensure that the program’s curriculum and format will help you achieve your goals and that you’ll qualify for admission.

  • Accreditation: Students must attend an institutionally accredited school to receive financial aid, earn a valid degree respected by employers, and have the option to transfer credits between accredited schools. Psychology bachelor’s programs do not receive programmatic accreditation, but if you continue to graduate school, you’ll want to look for APA or NASP accreditation.
  • Curriculum: Psychology bachelor’s students start with foundational courses, including introduction to psychology, lifespan development, and research methods. Learners then take electives or concentration classes in addictions, clinical psychology, development psychology, and neuroscience. These specialization topics help guide future study and career paths.
  • Internship Requirements: Internships offer students opportunities to job shadow and gain supervised hands-on experience at an agency or organization. Internships typically combine online training with related coursework. Distance learners can often complete internships or externships in their local communities but may have to arrange their own internship sites.
  • Admissions Requirements: Depending on the selectiveness of the program, admission requirements, such as minimum GPAs and test scores, can vary. Applicants can expect to submit high school transcripts and admission essays. Programs may also list specific prerequisite coursework that students complete before or shortly after admission.
  • Program Format: Online study may include asynchronous classes accessible 24/7, which learners complete on their schedules; synchronous classes offered at set times via streaming or video conferencing platforms; hybrid delivery with some online and some on-campus courses; or a combination of formats. Students should evaluate their self-direction, organization, and time-management skills to determine their best online program type.
  • Program Length: Bachelor’s degree programs usually take four years, but online programs may offer different timelines. Self-paced asynchronous study may accelerate learning time, and cohort-based formats typically follow a group schedule that students move through. Full-time or part-time enrollment can also impact how long it takes to graduate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Psychology Program

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Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed April 26, 2024.