Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024

Review our list of the top online bachelor's degrees in psychology to help you find the right online psychology degree for you.
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Updated February 15, 2024

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Psychology is a popular undergraduate major that can prepare you for many rewarding careers in the helping professions. Earning your degree online offers a convenient pathway for achieving your goals.

Explore the best online psychology degrees to find one that fits your personal and professional needs. Dive in to learn more about online learning, degree requirements, tuition costs, and career possibilities.

Choosing an Online Bachelor of Psychology Degree Program

Students should consider factors like cost, available specializations, and a school's reputation to find the best online psychology degree for their interests and professional goals. For example, students planning to earn a master's or doctorate in psychology may prefer a program with a strong reputation for graduate placements.

In-state public schools typically offer the lowest tuition rates. However, many out-of-state public schools offer in-state tuition for online learners. Transfer credits can also save students time and money on their online psychology degrees, especially if they attend a community college.

Students should also research what specializations a program offers. Potential specializations include abnormal psychology, social psychology, and school psychology.

Many psychology careers require a graduate degree. After completing a bachelor's degree in psychology, graduates often enroll in online master's programs in psychology. Aspiring counselors can also earn a master's of social work.

Featured Online Psychology Degree Programs

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

Online Psychology Degrees Rankings Summary

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL
$3,358 $15,000 66%
#2 Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
$15,000 $15,000 92%
#3 Florida International University
Miami, FL
$4,721 $16,529 64%
#4 University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
$4,478 $19,810 36%
#5 University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
$7,749 $27,201 95%
#6 Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses
Fort Wayne, IN
$9,576 $9,576 60%
#7 The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
$15,400 $25,084 92%
#8 University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO
$10,017 $28,992 77%
#9 Excelsior College
Albany, NY
Not provided Not provided Not provided
#10 Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
$15,409 $15,409 99%

Best Online Psychology Degrees of 2024

#1 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024

University of Florida-Online

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online

Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $129

Out-of-State | $553

Credits to Graduate: 120

The University of Florida-Online's bachelor of arts in psychology leads our list of the best online schools for psychology. The school encourages students to be ready to guide others to better psychological health. Program curriculum includes courses in psychology, statistics, mathematics, and biology, as well as the school's general educational requirements. 

UFOnline faculty have special expertise in behavior analysis, counseling psychology, developmental psychology, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, and social psychology. The school notes that accepted students typically have at least a 3.7 high school GPA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,358
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
5,168
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $330

Out-of-State | $330 

Credits to Graduate: 120

Southern New Hampshire University's online bachelor's in psychology aligns around five principles: self-care, social justice, emotional intelligence, ethics, and career connections. Learners can transfer up to 90 credits (the general equivalent of three years) to the program. 

As part of the degree, the coursework makes students eligible for a 12-credit certificate in data literacy in psychology. Learners can also concentrate on addiction studies, child and adolescent development, forensic psychology, industrial organizational psychology, or mental health. Classes are asynchronous (meaning learners can attend at any time), which offers additional flexibility. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,000
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,900
Out-of-state
$18,900
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
145,533
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#3 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $236

Out-of-State | $649

Credits to Graduate: 120

The University of Central Florida's online degree in psychology emphasizes several branches of psychology, including human development, infancy and childhood, psychological adjustment and well-being, industrial/organizational psychology, the psychology of sexual behavior, and psychology research methods. 

Students must take courses in cognition and neuroscience, social psychology, applied psychology, clinical/personality psychology, developmental psychology, and upper-level classes. Upper-level classes can include independent research or independent field study. Applicants must submit official SAT, ACT, and CLT scores for their application.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
56,664
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $179

Out-of-State | $716

Credits to Graduate: 120

As part of the University of Central Florida's online degree in psychology, learners can choose from six tracks: clinical, experimental, general, human factors, industrial/organizational, and neuroscience. The school notes that psychology is one of UCF's five most popular completely online undergraduate programs. 

UCF Online encourages wider engagement and real-life learning opportunities for students to contribute to the local community, research, volunteer, complete internships, and participate in student organizations of interest to psychology students. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,916
Out-of-state
$25,759
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
70,310
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
9% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024

University of Utah

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $260

Out-of-State | $260

Credits to Graduate: 122

The University of Utah's online bachelor's degree is one of the best online psychology programs in the western United States. The school describes its faculty as diverse, award-winning, and including researchers in a range of areas. Recent topics have included texting while driving, the human factor in errors, sexual attraction and relationships, ethics and morality, and gender and gender identity.

After the basic core, students take one course from each of the following areas: developmental, social, clinical, cognitive, and behavior/neuroscience. Following these core courses, learners continue with upper-level courses. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,749
Out-of-state
$27,201
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,970
Out-of-state
$24,607
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
34,464
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#6 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024

Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

  • Fort Wayne, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online

Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $399

Out-of-State | $399

Credits to Graduate: 120

Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Trine University's online psychology program covers topics, such as counseling, personality, sexuality, marriage and family, forensic psychology, abnormal psychology, and the psychology of addiction.

Students can complete a series of courses in substance use disorders that prepare them to become licensed addiction counselors. 

Classes are asynchronous. Students must take the basic psychology core courses, followed by core courses in clinical, social/cognitive, and developmental psychology, and then upper-level courses.

Military members on active duty pay $250 per credit.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,576
Out-of-state
$9,576
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,350
Out-of-state
$10,350
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
1,367
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024

The Pennsylvania State University

  • University Park, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $626

Out-of-State | $626

Credits to Graduate: 123

The Pennsylvania State University online degree in psychology is offered through Penn State's World Campus program. In addition to core coursework, students can choose 13 credits of psychology electives and have the option of a three-credit internship (enrollment is limited to 10 students). 

Learners may be eligible to claim an interim associate degree in multidisciplinary studies. They can also choose to earn either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in psychology, depending on their goals and interests. 

World Campus students can join the World Campus Psychology Club —  a Psi Chi Chapter started by World Campus students. It includes more than 100 members from the U.S., Europe, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,400
Out-of-state
$25,084
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$23,189
Out-of-state
$39,248
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
88,914
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#8 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024

University of Missouri-Columbia

  • Columbia, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $617

Out-of-State | $734

Credits to Graduate: 120

The University of Missouri-Columbia's psychology bachelor's degree, one of the best online psychology degrees, is offered jointly with the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Students can take courses from both schools as part of the degree. The schools offer exposure to different psychology subdisciplines and provide a basis in the liberal arts. Learners can choose a concentration in clinical psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, or neuroscience. 

After the core courses, students take classes on clinical/social/development and cognition/neuroscience. The program ends with a capstone project. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,017
Out-of-state
$28,992
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,950
Out-of-state
$27,245
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
31,401
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024

Excelsior College

  • Albany, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online

Programmatic Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $510

Out-of-State | $510

Credits to Graduate: 120

Based in Albany, New York, Excelsior College's online bachelor of science in psychology encourages students to transfer up to 113 credits, with a median 67 credits per transfer. 

Students must earn 33 credits in psychology, and 18 must be upper-level courses. After the four initial core courses, students take coursework in biological and physiological foundations, developmental perspectives, social influences, abnormal psychology, and cognitive bases, followed by upper-level classes and a capstone course.

The program prepares graduates for careers in the nonprofit/public services sector, such as social work, teaching nonprofit leadership, and community development, or general fields, such as sales and marketing or human resources.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
17,166
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#10 Best Online Psychology Degrees in 2024

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $390

Out-of-State | $390

Credits to Graduate: 120

Closing this list of the best online psychology programs is Liberty University's bachelor of science in psychology. The program prepares graduates to help clients and colleagues improve their emotional well-being, relationships, and spirituality. Students can specialize in addictions and recovery, Christian counseling, criminal psychology, crisis counseling, developmental psychology, life coaching, or military resilience. 

Learners can transfer up to 75% of the required credits. Classes take eight weeks and are asynchronous. 

The school offers extensive military benefits, including $250 per credit tuition (with further discounts for veterans or military who are first responders) and potential credit for military training. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,409
Out-of-state
$15,409
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,847
Out-of-state
$7,847
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
99%
Students Enrolled
94,709
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.

What to Expect From an Online Psychology Program

An online degree in psychology provides flexibility for students with work or family responsibilities while attending classes. When comparing the best online psychology programs, consider how the learning environment fits your needs.

Some programs follow self-paced, asynchronous formats that allow you to access course material on your own time. Other programs are synchronous: Professors and students meet in real-time during regularly scheduled virtual lectures and workshops.

Online learning can involve a great deal of interaction. You can communicate with your professors and classmates via discussion boards and emails. The best online psychology programs also encourage collaborative learning, providing opportunities to meet virtually with other students to work on projects or study for exams.

What Will I Learn in an Online Bachelor in Psychology Program?

An online psychology degree covers topics like behavioral development, the influence of social context over behavior, and mental health disorders. Here are a few common bachelor's of psychology courses:

  • Psychological Foundations of Learning: This course covers human development, including the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children. Students explore research into effective teaching methods, educational practices, and environments to encourage student learning. The course may incorporate a field experience that allows learners to directly observe child development in a classroom.
  • Social Psychology: Social psychology explores how social context influences people's thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Students learn about the role of social influence on group behavior and how social environments shape behavioral attributes like aggression and attraction. Students also explore gender norms and apply social psychology to practical problems. This prepares them for psychology jobs like industrial-organizational psychologist or social psychologist.
  • Physiological Psychology: This class covers the connection between the brain and human behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. Students examine the role of neurons in the central nervous system and how neuron communication shapes behavior and mental health disorders. The course may also cover biological psychology, gender, and culture. The class prepares students for advanced courses in neuropsychology and related fields.
  • Abnormal Psychology: These courses explore the causes of and treatments for mental health disorders. Students learn to classify mental health disorders and common treatment methods. The course covers addictive disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, psychology theory, and clinical practice.
  • Behavioral Psychology: This course examines the mind-behavior connection. It covers behavior across the lifespan, behavioral disorders and treatments, and behavioral research. Students learn to assess and diagnose common behavioral disorders and to design and implement behavioral research projects. Some behavioral psychology courses incorporate a lab or practicum. The course prepares graduates for research careers and graduate study.

Accreditation for Online Bachelor of Psychology Degrees

Psychology students should always check that a school is regionally accredited. Degrees from non-accredited schools may not meet licensure and certification requirements, and many graduate programs only admit students with an accredited undergraduate degree.

To earn accreditation, schools submit to a voluntary review from an independent accrediting agency. The agency assesses the institution's faculty qualifications, graduation requirements, and student learning outcomes.

Programs within a school can also receive accreditation. There are no programmatic accrediting agencies for bachelor of psychology programs, but several agencies accredit graduate psychology programs, such as the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation, the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System, and the National Association of School Psychologists.

Featured Psychology Programs

Psychology Jobs

A bachelor's degree in psychology can lead to jobs as a substance use counselor or behavioral counselor. With more education, graduates can become psychologists or psychology professors. Learn more about what you can do with a psychology degree with our helpful guide.

Marriage and Family Therapists

  • Median Salary: $56,570
  • Projected Job Growth 2022-2032: 15%

Marriage and family therapists help couples and families process change and cope with difficult situations. Mental health counselors treat individuals and groups dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. These professionals may specialize in specific populations, such as children or the elderly.

Marriage and family therapists need a master's degree to practice. As with many psychology careers, they also need a professional license.

Substance Use Counselors and Mental Health Counselors

  • Median Salary: $49,710
  • Projected Job Growth 2022-2032: 18%

Substance use and mental health counselors help people struggling with substance use and behavioral disorders. They meet with clients to evaluate their mental and physical health and create treatment plans. Through counseling, they help clients modify behavior and develop new skills.

In addition to providing counseling services, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors may refer clients to support services or lead outreach programs to educate the public about behavioral disorders. These professionals typically need at least a bachelor's degree and state licensure or certification.

Psychologists

  • Median Salary: $85,330
  • Projected Job Growth 2022-2032: 6%

Psychologists observe and interpret people's behavior to understand their cognitive and emotional processes and diagnose and treat disorders. Psychologists can specialize in clinical psychology, which focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychologists may also specialize in an area like criminal behavior or student learning.

Most psychologists need a doctorate and state licensure, but school and industrial-organizational psychologists usually only need a master's degree.

Postsecondary Teachers

  • Median Salary: $80,840
  • Projected Job Growth 2022-2032: 8%

Postsecondary teachers — also called professors — educate college students. Psychology professors teach undergraduate and graduate classes on topics like human development, behavioral disorders, and abnormal psychology. They design syllabi, prepare and deliver lectures, and assess student learning through examinations and papers.

Professors also conduct research and publish their findings in academic journals. They may also present research at conferences and serve on academic committees. Most tenure-track professors have a doctoral degree. However, postsecondary teachers with a master's degree can sometimes work as adjuncts or at community colleges.

Common Questions About Online Psychology Degrees

Is an online psychology degree any good?

An online psychology degree offers the same curriculum as a traditional, on-campus program. A bachelor's degree in psychology prepares you to pursue entry-level positions in counseling, substance use treatment, child welfare, and various other fields. This degree also meets the requirements to apply for psychology graduate programs.

How long is a psychology degree online?

Most online programs take four years of full-time study to complete. Some schools offer accelerated options which shorten the time needed to complete the degree. Students with an associate degree can complete their bachelor's in 24 months or less.

Is it better to have a BS or BA in psychology?

A BA includes more liberal arts requirements and can lead to employment in counseling and social services. A BS degree emphasizes data and science and may be a better choice for students planning to attend graduate school to pursue research and clinical careers.

How much does an online psychology degree cost?

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, students in online psychology programs paid an average of $12,000 in tuition and fees for the 2020-21 academic year. The overall cost of your degree depends on several factors, including residency status, financial aid eligibility, and whether you attend a public school or a more expensive private institution.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by TheBestSchools. Page last reviewed January 5, 2024.

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