30 Accredited Psychology Programs Online

Choosing an unaccredited online program can leave graduates ineligible for licensure and lacking the quality education needed for professional success. Over the years, we’ve helped students find the perfect full online degree in psychology. We’re listing options for online psychology programs to prepare students for higher education.

Exploring the Top Accredited Psychology Degree Online

Top accredited online psychology degree programs like the University of Florida-Online, University of Central Florida, Florida International University, University of Utah, University of Massachusetts Global, and Liberty University offer the curriculum, faculty, and resources students need to study bachelor’s in psychology at their own pace.

Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics to rank these online psychology degrees accredited programs. Each online bachelor’s program is scored individually. It’s then compared to all other institutions offering that degree to determine the final score. 

My system considers affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, student outcomes, and the number of online psychology programs offered on-campus and online as part of its ranking criteria. To learn more, visit our methodology page.

1. University of Florida- Online

When you search for “online accredited colleges psychology”, the University of Florida’s Bachelor’s in Psychology will shine among the rest. Significant financial assistance opportunities are available to all online learners, with various scholarships offered to psychology students.

We interviewed the former Vice President of Research and Insights at Southern New Hampshire University, Jerome L. Rekart, Ph.D, to get his thoughts on which online school he recommends: 

“As with most programs, the specific sub-discipline one may be interested in will determine exactly which program is best for them; however, all things being equal, I would recommend the University of Florida. 

Routinely ranked as one of, if not the premier public institution in the country, the online programs at U of F are taught by many of the same faculty who provide instruction to students in their brick-and-mortar classrooms. This means that, though attending online, students will have access to some of the premier scholars in psychology in the country.”

The online bachelor’s degree is a fantastic pathway if you have entry-level career goals or plans to enter grad school. Offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, professors in the online psychology programs have particular expertise in:

• Behavior Analysis
• Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
• Counseling Psychology

2. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida can personalize your studies to your goals and interests. Each psychology degree online has opportunities for research, internships, and fieldwork. You will also study general education topics like math, science, and the humanities during your 16-week terms.

The fully online bachelor of science degree in psychology includes 120 total credit hours. In this program, you’ll learn the basic foundations of psychology necessary for any career in this field. This program even includes six customizable tracks from which to choose.

• Neuroscience
• Human Factors
• Experimental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• General Psychology

3. Florida International University

The fully online bachelor of arts in psychology degree from Florida International University paves the way to careers in various fields, from education to law enforcement and many options in between. Additionally, you get a 1:1 personal success coach to help you achieve your academic goals.

Your online bachelor’s 120 credit hours require that you complete electives and general education courses. The curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in mental health counseling and social work. Core courses include several areas of emphasis, including:

• Personality Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Applied Psychology
• Experimental Psychology

4. University of Utah

There are many opportunities for the University of Utah students to engage in the community, including research assistantships and internships. With courses from its online psychology programs, you can even serve as a peer advisor or become part of the local Psi Chi honor society.

As a student in the University of Utah’s Department of Psychology, you’ll take 12 to 15 credits each semester. The bachelor’s in psychology is a so-called “open major,” meaning you can declare a major anytime. Fifty-three credits are needed, with courses required in core areas such as:

• Social Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Neuroscience

5. University of Massachusetts Global

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UMass Global is affordable, with in-state tuition starting at $500 per credit hour. Through fieldwork, independent research, and classes, you’ll learn how to write, research, and communicate about all aspects related to core psychological principles. This is a typical four-year, 120-credit-hour bachelor’s degree in psychology program.

This bachelor’s degree in psychology offers a hybrid format, with courses available both on-campus and online. When you choose part-time, you can take five or more years to complete the psychology degree requirements. Regardless of the setting, you can choose from optional concentrations in:

• General Psychology
• Child Psychology
• Human Factors
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology

6. Liberty University

With courses offered 100% online and in short eight-week segments, Liberty University makes it easy to earn your psychology degree online quickly and easily. The Bachelor of Science in Psychology requires 120 credit hours and takes most students three and a half years to complete.

You can transfer up to 75% of the required credits, which can help reduce the time you need to finish your bachelor’s degree at Liberty. Once in the program, you’ll take courses focusing on skill development and marketability to prepare you for teaching, social work, and mental health counseling jobs.

• Life Coaching
• Military Resilience
• Addictions and Recovery
• Criminal Psychology
• Crisis counseling
• Christian Counseling
• Developmental Psychology

7. University of Houston

The BA Psychology degree at the University of Houston is ranked eighth in the nation for online psychology degrees. This popular degree-completion program can prepare you for a career in service-oriented industries and social services. This program consists of 120 credit hours of study.

You need to take at least 36 upper-division credits for its online psychology programs. Likewise, you must complete at least 30 credits at the University of Houston. Core classes cover topics that include:

• Child Development
• Research Methods
• Abnormal Psychology
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology

8. Oregon State University

Known as the state’s largest public research university, Oregon State University has affordable tuition starting at just $346 per credit hour. Classes are developed by the university’s world-class faculty, and you’re supported by library services, free online tutoring, and academic success coaching. You can take advantage of the university’s career services as well.

The online bachelor’s psychology degree is available as both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Both options take about four years of full-time study to complete. During that time, you’ll study topics such as:

• Human Lifespan Development
• Brain and Behavior
• Personality
• Cognitive Psychology

9. Regent University

Regent University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology is offered online and on-campus. A total of 120 credit hours are required, with all courses broken down into convenient eight-week sections. The online psychology programs are enhanced by having the same faculty who teach on the Virginia Beach campus—all of whom hold the highest degrees in their field. 

In addition to a final immersive capstone seminar, you will take classes to develop skills in foundational concepts, research, and communication. Core courses include:

• Developmental Psychology
• Multicultural Psychology
• Theories of Personality
• Physiological Psychology
• Research Methods

10. Northeastern University

Northeastern University undergraduates complete at least one professional cooperative learning experience, working for more than 2,000 employers worldwide. A total of 120 semester hours are required to graduate. Even transfer students can qualify for financial support, with 45% of its students receiving some form of financial assistance.

Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies offers an online psychology degree that covers a wide range of topics, helping develop skills applicable to numerous careers. You’ll gain experience and proficiency in the key areas of psychology, such as:

• Sensory Function
• Memory
• Human Emotion
• Motivation

11. University of Idaho

The University of Idaho places significant emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities as part of the accredited online psychology degree. As a result, the school has been ranked as a best buy for quality by U.S. News & World Report.

With its online programs, you can engage in groundbreaking research in psychology and learn in various online laboratories. This online bachelor’s in psychology includes emphasis areas in sociology and criminology as pathways to graduate study. You’ll take courses related to:

• Personality Development
• Psychology of Learning
• History and Systems of Psychology
• Experimental Psychology
• Psychological Statistics

12. Biola University

Biola University integrates the research-focused study of human behavior with biblical understandings of how and why humans behave the way we do. Bachelor’s in psychology courses are offered fully online in an asynchronous format, broken down into seven-week segments.

You will complete your bachelor’s degree in psychology studies year-round. This means you can finish the program in as little as two years! Once you enroll, you’ll have a personal success coach who helps guide you through core courses such as:

• Psychology and Christian Thought
• Psychology in the Workplace
• Counseling Techniques
• Marriage and Family Life

13. National University

As the second-largest nonprofit, private institution of higher education in the state of California, National University has one of the country’s largest collections of journals and electronic books. Each bachelor’s in psychology online class lasts only four weeks, and you study year-round, allowing you to graduate quickly.

Distance learners still need to complete either a senior project in psychology or a guided studies project. The psychology degree explores topics such as:

• Biological Psychology
• Personality Theory
• Psychopathology

14. Chaminade University of Honolulu

The psychology programs at Chaminade University of Honolulu stress the importance of psychology’s behavioral, mental, emotional, and spiritual components. Its bachelor’s degree in psychology is the perfect pathway to grad school, with graduates getting potential jobs at healthcare facilities, higher education institutions, government agencies, and non-profit agencies.

You can study psychology degrees in a traditional or online format. Either way, you are well-prepared for entry-level work in psychology or graduate study in counseling, medicine, law, and more. Core courses include studies in:

• Advanced Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Research Methods
• Abnormal Psychology
• Health and Stress Psychology

15. Spalding University

As one of the most historic institutions of higher education in Kentucky, Spalding University attracts students interested in personalized and affordable private education. The bachelor’s in psychology online program at Spalding includes some unique features. 

For example, you can choose from a general psychology, pre-clinical/pre-counseling, or organizational psychology track. Additionally, you’ll complete either a senior capstone project or an applied internship in your area of focus. Upon graduation, you’ll have the qualifications to work in a wide range of settings, including:

• Market Researcher
• Psychiatric Assistant
• Residential Youth Counselor
• Probation and Parole Officer
• Child Protection Worker

16. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Next on the list of accredited psychology programs is from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. This school has racked up many accolades, including recognition as a top National University and a Best College for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

The applied psychology major addresses the growing demand for healthcare workers. You can bring in up to 105 credits of previously completed coursework, with ample credit granted for prior learning, work, and life experiences. You can accelerate your science degree progress as you explore course topics like:

• Educational Psychology
• Social and Emotional Development
• Introduction to Counseling
• Women’s Health
• Social Work

17. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Considered one of the best-performing regional universities in the south, the University of Louisiana at Monroe prepares you for transformative careers. A bachelor’s degree in psychology major is one of the most popular fields of study at the university, and luckily, it is a degree that is also available entirely online. 

The curriculum is guided by the American Psychological Association’s guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major. Graduates from this program get prepared for immediate entry into the workforce or to pursue a Master of Science at ULM. This graduate degree includes concentrations in:

• General Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Psychometrics 

18. Simpson University

The bachelor’s in psychology major at Simpson University is a diverse program that prepares you for various career opportunities. Aside from learning the core knowledge base necessary for a lucrative career in psychology, you’ll also gain the communication, research, interpersonal, and ethical skills necessary to succeed. 

There are 12 classes and a capstone project that you must complete at Simpson University. It allows you to gain significant real-world experience through research, internships, and elective courses, while also counting credits you’ve already completed. Sample classes include:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Psychological Testing
• Career and Professional Development
• Research Methods
• Counseling Skills

19. Loyola University Chicago

The BA in Applied Psychology at Loyola University Chicago is ideal if you’re pursuing a career in career development, training, human services, and employee relations. You can take bachelor’s in psychology classes online, on-campus, or during nontraditional hours—you won’t have to quit your job in order to attend!

With 12 major courses required, all students—both on-campus and off—will benefit from dedicated faculty members who are at the top of their fields. The psychology degree provides learners like you with training in key business principles along with unique areas like:

• Personality Studies
• Industrial Psychology
• Health Counseling
• Advanced Psychology
• Behavioral Neuroscience

20. Southeastern University

Ranked as a top Regional University in the South, Southeastern University is a Christian university that empowers students to make a difference through spirit-empowered learning. Its bachelor’s degree in psychology will help you learn how to design reliable experiments to determine why people behave the way they do. 

Completing this course of study prepares you for immediate entry into the workforce. You can also pursue future graduate studies in psychology, law, medicine, or other related areas. You will also be able to complete a handful of internships that give you extensive hands-on experience when you take courses in:

• Theories of Personality
• Social Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology

21. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an online psychology degree with tuition starting at just $320 per credit hour and 120 total credits. Better yet, there is no application fee for this bachelor’s in psychology program. You don’t have to submit ACT or standardized test scores, either.

The program also includes a 12-credit certificate in Data Literacy in Psychology. You can immerse yourself in cutting-edge theories as you evaluate research methods and learn how to organize and analyze data about human behavior. Concentration options include:

• Addiction Studies
• Child and Adolescent Development
• Forensic Psychology
• Industrial Organizational Psychology
• Mental Heath

22. DePaul University

The country’s largest Catholic university, DePaul University, is one of only a few dozen schools in the country to qualify for the community engagement citation from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This accolade indicates a high quality of instruction and community engagement, perfect for aspiring online students.

DePaul offers a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology. There is also a combined program in psychology and secondary education social studies, allowing you to earn both degrees in just five years. The bachelor’s degree in psychology at DePaul helps students acquire skills in research methodologies and psychological theories through these tracks:

• Standard Concentration
• Community
• Comprehensive Evening Program
• Human Development
• Human Services
• Industrial-Organizational

23. Lesley University

Lesley University’s accredited online program for a bachelor’s degree in psychology provides a foundation in psychological theory and research methods. Online students can choose from two tracks: a general psychology track covering a broad overview of the field or a holistic psychology track focusing on the connections between mind, body, and spirit.

You can complete the 120-credit online program in as little as 2.5 years of full-time study. The program balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The accredited curriculum, experienced faculty, and flexible online delivery prepare graduates for careers in psychology-related fields or to pursue grad school.

• Elements of Statistics in Psychology
• Psychological Diagnoses
• Child Psychology
• Psychology of Women

24. McNeese State University

McNeese State University offers a variety of financial aid opportunities and scholarships for its online psychology programs. It’s available online and allows you to add minors in related fields. Popular choices include sociology, criminal justice, and family and child studies. 

The bachelor’s degree in psychology programs at McNeese consists of 120 credit hours. The program takes most students about four years to complete. You get hands-on experience in learning:

• Adolescent Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Physiological Psychology 
• Advanced General Psychology 

25. Rider University

Rider University has a small student-to-faculty ratio, making it the ideal setting for aspiring psychology majors seeking a close-knit learning environment. The online psychology programs allow you to engage closely with faculty as they address real-world concerns. With six start dates, you may begin your studies when it’s right for you.

This bachelor’s in psychology program is a great option if you want to enter directly into the workforce because it stresses the development of writing and technology skills. Transfer students can transfer up to 72 credits into the program to reduce the time needed to finish the degree. Its psychology degree program covers core areas like:

• Developmental Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Applied Behavior Analysis

26. Buena Vista University

Ranked in the past as the fourth Best Value School in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Buena Vista University has a reputation as one of the best colleges in the Midwest. With only four required courses, the bachelor’s degree in psychology programs are highly customizable.

Psychology majors at Buena Vista study the behavior and cognition of animals and humans, looking at things from a research-based lens. The online psychology program is a great choice if you’re interested in working in:

• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Business
• Healthcare
• Social Work 

27. Missouri State University- Springfield

The bachelor’s in psychology program at Missouri State University-Springfield has a solid curriculum that provides excellent groundwork if you’re seeking immediate employment or admission to graduate school. While enrolled in this bachelor’s degree, you will benefit from attentive faculty advisors who can actively guide your work. 

Online students need to complete final practicum experiences that bring together everything they learned in their coursework. A wide selection of courses is available, including those in:

• Experimental Psychology
• Learning and Cognition
• Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
• Gender and Sexuality in Later Life
• Psychology of Childhood

28. University of Kansas

Two online psychology programs are offered by the University of Kansas—a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of General Studies. The latter requires both a major and a minor, while the former requires four semesters of a foreign language.

These online bachelor’s programs explore aspects of human behavior and thought to prepare students for graduate study and immediate work in the field of psychology. With a wide variety of psychology courses from which to choose, the university also offers learners opportunities to succeed outside of the classroom. Some of the courses you might take include:

• Clinical Neuroscience
• Psychology of Aging
• Intimate Relationships
• Psychology of Sleep and Dreaming
• Eating and Weight Disorders
• Positive Psychology
• Culture and Psychology

29. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Ranked in the past as one of the Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report, Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers some of the best opportunities for distance learners to get involved. The bachelor’s in psychology at Northwestern State is highly flexible, preparing you to work or specialize in various areas. 

Some graduates work in human resources or communications, while many others pursue further education in research and clinical practice. After meeting the concentration requirements, you can apply for certificates via the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Office for Addictive Disorder’s Counselor in Training program.

• Addiction Counseling Skills
• Diversity Issues in Psychology
• Psychology of Gender
• Psychological Testing and Measurements

30. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The online psychology programs at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are available as both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts. You can complete the bachelor’s in psychology coursework entirely online, with classes starting several times each year.

Psychology students also have the opportunity to study abroad. In addition to numerous field placements and the completion of the senior thesis, you’ll take classes such as: 

• Psychological Statistics
• Child Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Psychopharmacology and Addiction
• Psychology of Race, Ethnicity, and Health

Importance of Accreditation in an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

Each of the online psychology degree programs listed are accredited by a regional accrediting agency based on factors like affordability, student outcomes, and reputation. Regional accreditation is the most rigorous type of accreditation to get and is, therefore, the most prestigious.

As a result, credits earned at a regionally accredited school are likely to transfer to another regionally accredited school or nationally accredited school. However, transfer credits from a nationally accredited school will not transfer to a regionally accredited school.

Additionally, some financial aid programs require attending a regionally accredited college or university. Some jobs require applicants to have graduated from an accredited institution as well. In other words, accreditation is important, yet so is the type of accreditation.

Admissions Requirements for Psychology Online Degrees Accredited

Applying to an online college for a psychology degree isn’t that different from applying to an on-campus program. Some online psychology programs require a personal essay describing your abilities and interests in the field. These requirements vary depending on the school to which you apply.

• Submit applications by deadlines, tracking each school’s specific requirements. Provide personal background details.
• Send sealed high school transcripts and standardized test scores, highlighting relevant advanced courses.
• Write admissions essays following prompts to showcase interests and goals.
• Apply early for financial assistance through FAFSA and other opportunities using proper school codes.
• Carefully organize and track application deadlines to meet competitive admission periods.
• Compare online program curricula, standards, and outcomes before accepting an enrollment offer.

Psychology Student Timeline: Online Bachelor’s in Psychology

We’re sharing the timeline on the common milestones you should aim to meet as you earn a psychology degree online.

First and Second-Year Milestones

While it depends on the school’s requirements, these are the significant milestones you should aim to achieve in the first half of your bachelor’s degree in psychology.

• Connect with an academic advisor to map out required courses and stay on track to graduate. Schedule remote meetings if needed.
• Take basic communication courses to develop skills for conveying advice professionally as a psychologist.
• Build research and writing abilities through foundational courses to apply in psychological experiments and data interpretation.
• Complete introductory psychology credits at the end of years one and two to get an overview of concepts, principles, and history as a basis for advanced courses

Third and Fourth-Year Milestones

In the last two years of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you’ll become more hands-on in your research as you complete a clinical experience.

• Choose a psychology specialization based on interests developed through advanced courses and experience.
• Gain real-world experience as a research assistant or intern with psychologists to support upcoming capstone work.
• Build professional connections and join psychology organizations, which is especially valuable for networking as an online student.
• Complete a capstone research project drawing on ethics knowledge and experience that demonstrates readiness for post-graduate careers.

Graduation Requirements

Online psychology degree programs may vary in graduation requirements. However, these are the common benchmarks you may encounter.

• Maintain the required GPA, usually a 3.0 or higher, throughout the program to stay eligible for graduation. Get at least a B in all major courses or risk needing to repeat them.
• Finalize course records and replace failed or incomplete grades on your high school transcripts to meet GPA and degree requirements.
• Submit a graduation application and confirm with your advisor once all program requirements have been successfully completed.

Job Outlook for Online Psychology Programs

After graduating with a psychology degree online, you can look forward to being eligible to work in various settings and many different industries. For example, psychologists work in law enforcement, education, and professional sports. Some psychologists are self-employed, while others work for large corporations. 

Psychologists might conduct research, work with terminally ill patients and their families, or counsel people with an addiction. Because psychology and its applications are so broad, many different types of jobs are typically available. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these jobs are expected to grow by six percent by 2030 — roughly the national average. In addition, you can earn a median salary upwards of $81,040 per year—not too shabby!

See Also: How to Balance Work, Life, and an Online Psychology Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Skills Learned From an Online Psychology Degree?

Psychology bachelor’s programs studied online can teach communication competency across written and verbal contexts and basic research methodology and analysis following the scientific method. You’ll also gain clinical expertise, depending on your chosen specialization.

Are Online Psychology Degrees Respected?

Online psychology programs from properly accredited colleges and universities are just as respected and valid as traditional on-campus psychology programs. The curriculum and level of instruction at reputable online schools match what is offered through in-person programs, allowing graduates to meet educational requirements for psychology careers and licensing.

What Are Some Entry-Level Jobs in Psychology?

Careers in psychology, mental health, and social services include caseworkers, behavioral analysts, addiction counselors, and psychiatric technicians. You could also work as an employment counselor, a job analyst, or a public relations specialist.

Is It Better to Have a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology?

A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree would be better if you want to take more liberal arts classes. Meanwhile, a BS in Psychology is ideal if you want to focus more on science, technology, and mathematics. 

What Are the Different Practice Areas in Psychology?

Some areas of psychology focus exclusively on educational and clinical research, while others focus more on the practical application of psychology in business and healthcare environments. Other common practice areas include school psychology, educational psychology, counseling psychology, forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and research psychology.

What Is the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychology is a much less involved discipline, requiring very little medical expertise. On the other hand, psychiatry is a branch of medicine requiring a medical degree to practice. 

Should I Pursue a Graduate Degree in Psychology?

In some states, you may need to earn a master’s degree to work in certain settings. For example, if you want to work as a school counselor, you’ll need to complete a master’s degree program in school counseling.

Can I Earn a Psychology Degree Entirely Online?

There are many benefits of online psychology degree programs, most notably that they fit nicely into a busy schedule. Particularly when you’re already working or have other obligations, most of these online programs can be completed entirely from the comfort of your own home. 

Will I Be Eligible for Financial Aid?

To check if you’re eligible for financial assistance, contact the financial aid department at your school of choice. Consider requirements for scholarships, grants, fellowships, work-study, and federal loans. You can also contact organizations like the American Psychological Association, a professional organization that regularly publishes information about new financial opportunities. 

If you have other questions about pursuing higher education, check out the Top 15 Accredited Schools Offering Online Bachelor Degrees and the Top 15 Accredited Schools Offering Online Master Degrees!

Conclusion

Pursuing an accredited online psychology degree offers students a flexible and affordable path to advance their education and career prospects. With careful selection, accredited online psychology programs empower students to earn their degree remotely while still receiving a quality education that leads to professional opportunities.