Accredited Online Psychology & Human Services Degrees

Online psychology degree and human services programs prepare students for impactful careers centered on understanding human behavior, supporting individuals and families, and enhancing mental health and community well-being. These flexible online bachelor and graduate programs equip students to work in counseling, social services, behavioral analysis, and community support roles within human services organizations.

GetEducated’s online degree database enables prospective students to compare over 2,200 accredited online psychology degree and human services degree programs offered by colleges and universities nationwide. Whether your interest lies in mental illness, social work, substance abuse treatment, or behavioral science, these programs provide accessible pathways into the growing human services field.

What Is an Online Psychology or Human Services Degree?

Online psychology and human services degrees focus on understanding human behavior and delivering effective support services to individuals, families, and community members.

Though related, these fields emphasize different areas:

• Psychology online programs concentrate on behavior, cognitive processes, and research methodologies.
• Human services programs emphasize community work, case management, and direct support services.
• Counseling and therapy fields specialize in mental health treatment and substance abuse counseling.

Students typically study:

• Human behavior and development
• Counseling and communication techniques
• Social systems, foster care, and community services
• Mental health, substance abuse treatment, and wellness
• Research, program evaluation, and data analysis

Why Choose a Psychology or Human Services Degree?

These degrees attract individuals passionate about helping others and making a measurable difference in communities.

Key reasons to pursue these fields include:

• Growing demand for human services professionals and mental health specialists
• Opportunities to work in family services, public administration, criminal justice, and social sciences
• Diverse career pathways in nursing homes, schools, nonprofit human services organizations, and government agencies
• Strong foundation for graduate study and professional certifications such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or substance abuse counselor credentials

Types of Online Psychology and Human Services Degrees

There are many top psychology schools that offer programs at various academic levels to fit different career goals.

Associate Degrees in Psychology or Human Services

Associate degrees provide foundational knowledge and prepare students for entry level positions in social services and community work.

Students learn:

• Basic psychology principles
• Human development and social systems
• Introduction to case management and community services

Browse associate psychology and human services programs.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology or Human Services

An online bachelor’s degree is the most common starting point for careers in human services and psychology.

Students develop skills in:

• Behavioral analysis and counseling basics
• Program requirements and evaluation
• Social systems, family services, and foster care

Browse bachelor's psychology and human services programs.

Master’s Degrees in Counseling, Social Work & Psychology

Graduate programs prepare students for licensed or specialized roles in mental health and human services.

Common paths include:

• Counseling and therapy
• Social work and public administration
• Substance abuse counseling and behavioral health

Many advanced roles require licensure and graduate education.

Browse master's psychology and human services programs.

Psychology and Human Services Degree Concentrations

Students can specialize based on their career interests and goals.

Core Psychology & Behavioral Fields

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Sociology

Counseling & Therapy Fields

• Counseling
• Marriage & Family Therapy
• Substance Abuse Counseling

Social Services & Community Support Fields

• Human Services
• Social Work

Specialized & Applied Psychology Fields

• Forensic Psychology
• Industrial Organizational Psychology

Each concentration prepares graduates for specific roles within mental health, criminal justice, and human services organizations.

What You’ll Learn in a Psychology or Human Services Program

Coursework varies by specialization but generally includes:

• Human behavior, development, and mental illness
• Counseling and communication techniques
• Social systems, community services, and foster care
• Research methods, program evaluation, and data analysis
• Ethics and best practices in human services

Students develop interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills essential for working with individuals, families, and community members.

Career Paths in Psychology and Human Services

Graduates can pursue a wide range of psychology careers depending on education and specialization.

Common roles include:

• Social Worker: Case Manager or Social Services Coordinator
• Career Counselor or Life Coach
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Licensed Psychologist (requires advanced degree and licensure)
• School Counselor or Educational Psychologist
• Marriage & Family Therapist
• Gerontological Counselor

Many counseling and therapy roles require graduate degrees and professional certification.

Students interested in specific careers may explore other types of counseling careers, forensic psychology or public administration.

Salary Expectations for Psychology and Human Services Careers

Salaries vary by role, education, and licensure status. See the highest paying jobs for psychology master's graduates.

Typical salary ranges include:

• Entry-level positions: $35,000 to $55,000
• Mid-level roles: $55,000 to $80,000
• Licensed or advanced professionals: $80,000+

According to labor statistics projects, demand for human services professionals is growing between 4% and 19% over the next decade, depending on specialization.

Compare tuition costs with expected salary ranges upon graduation. To explore cost-effective pathways at each stage, review our rankings of the cheapest psychology degrees at the bachelor's, and master's, and doctorate levels to find programs that align with your career and salary goals. View rankings of other psychology majors below.

Licensing and Certification Requirements

Many careers require licensure or certification, which vary by state and profession.

Examples include:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Substance abuse counselor certification

Students should ensure their program aligns with licensing and program requirements in their state.

Benefits of Earning a Psychology or Human Services Degree Online

Online programs offer flexibility for students balancing work, family, and education.

Benefits include:

• Flexible scheduling and multiple start dates
• Access to accredited programs nationwide
• Ability to continue working while completing college credits
• Opportunities for career advancement and entry level positions

Some programs include supervised internships or capstone experiences to meet professional standards.

How to Choose the Right Psychology or Human Services Degree

When comparing programs, consider:

• Accreditation (consider if you need APA, CACREP, CSWE, or NASPAA for your chosen profession)
• Program reputation
• Available concentrations and specialization options
• Alignment with licensure and certification requirements
• Tuition, cost, and financial aid options
• Program flexibility and course delivery format
• Option for 'fast-track'

Students should also consider their career goals in clinical, counseling, or community-based roles.

Compare Online Psychology and Human Services Degrees

GetEducated’s database includes thousands of accredited programs in psychology and human services.

You can:

• Compare degree levels from associate to master’s
• Explore concentrations and specialization tracks
• Evaluate tuition costs and financial aid
• Review program details and start dates

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology and Human Services Degrees

What can you do with a psychology degree?

Graduates can work in social services, counseling support roles, research, and more. Advanced roles require graduate education and licensure.

Can you become a counselor with an online degree?

Yes, but most counseling roles require a master’s degree and professional licensure.

What is the difference between psychology and human services?

Psychology focuses on behavior, cognition, and research, while human services emphasize community support, case management, and service delivery.

Are online psychology degrees respected?

Yes, if earned from an accredited institution, online psychology degrees are widely respected and accepted in the human services field.