Online Psychology Degree Programs

The answer: Yes! You may think a psychology degree must involve classroom lectures on a traditional college campus, but there are actually many online and nontraditional options for pursuing both undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology.

To get started in an online degree program, you’ll need to consider whether you want to go to a school that is 100% online, or if you are looking for a hybrid program. Hybrid programs are often ideal for a master’s or doctorate psychology degree since they offer more independence and flexibility. Colleges understand the need for open scheduling and dynamic coursework and want to work with you to help you learn and grow in your professional development.

When considering pursuing an online psychology degree, students have a lot of questions. Here are four steps to better understanding studying psychology online so you can choose the program that best suits you:

1. Understand online program accreditation and licensure
2. Decide if the benefits of an online psychology program fit your needs
3. Learn more about online master’s degrees in psychology
4. Find schools that offer online psychology degrees and apply!

There are dozens of schools that have been creating psychology professionals for years through online programs. How do you choose the right one for you? Start by making sure the school offering your online degree program is licensed and accredited by an appropriate body or association.

For example, the American Psychological Association (APA) is the largest scientific and professional body in its field, but it only accredits programs at the doctoral level, and then only in the fields of clinical, school, and counseling psychology (as well as some internship and postdoctoral programs). Only programs that require some form of face time on campus are accredited by the APA.

Additionally, if you wish to pursue a license to practice psychology, many states require that the doctoral program you attend meet the designating criteria of the joint Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB )/National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology (NR). Your best bet is to check with the licensing body in the state(s) in which you intend to practice. Read more about psychology accreditation in our guide, The Importance of Accreditation.

Online psychology degree candidates have many reasons why they should pursue their credentials over the internet instead of in the confines of a traditional classroom. The most common reason cited among those who’ve taken this route is that they were given the opportunity to learn at their own pace.

The mandate of getting up early every morning and being on time to a lecture is not a very attractive one to these candidates, but that does not imply laziness. In fact, the online psychology degree program is one for highly motivated individuals, who are able to focus on their studies and would prefer not to be limited by a daily or semi-daily routine. These students can work independently with a high degree of effectiveness. Many finish well ahead of the pace of a traditional on-campus psychology student.

In addition to the freedom that an online psychology degree provides, the program is often cheaper, cutting out travel expenses and infrastructure so that a student may learn from the comfort of his own home or favorite coffee shop. Cutting out the commute is also a big deal for those who would otherwise be making a lengthy drive amid soaring gas prices every time they had class.

Since the online psychology bachelor’s degree will also travel across state lines and serve as an accepted building block to higher degree plans, it is also preferred because most psychology students who have an interest in their subject and a desire to work in the field understand that employers require a master’s degree at minimum. Beginning with an online degree is a great way to start! The faster a candidate can conquer his undergraduate degree, the faster he can begin work towards his master’s or doctorate, resulting in more prestige and a higher salary.

SaveSave