Accredited Online Psychology Degrees

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior, emotions, and mental processes. It investigates why people think, feel, and act as they do, using methods grounded in research, observation, and experimentation. While often linked to therapy and counseling, psychology is a broad discipline with applications in healthcare, business, education, human resources, and many other fields.

An online psychology degree offers a flexible and accessible way to build a strong foundation in understanding human behavior. As part of the broader Psychology & Human Services category, this degree provides versatile skills that open doors to diverse career paths or serve as a stepping stone to graduate school and advanced study. View more than 650 psychology degrees below!

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What Is Psychology?

Psychology is a scientific discipline dedicated to exploring the human mind and behavior.

Professionals in psychology:

• Study how people think, feel, and behave
• Analyze mental processes and emotional responses
• Conduct psychological research and data analysis
• Apply psychological principles in clinical, educational, or organizational settings
• Support individuals through counseling, assessment, and behavioral interventions

Psychology forms the foundation for many specialized fields, including counseling psychology, forensic psychology, industrial and organizational psychology (I-O psychology), and health psychology.

Students comparing all program options across fields can also explore

• Psychology & Human Services Degrees Category
• All Online Degrees

What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?

Earning a psychology degree online can lead to numerous career opportunities, depending on your education level and specialization.

Common career paths include:

• Clinical psychologist (requires doctoral degree and licensure)
• School psychologist
• Industrial and organizational psychologist
• Behavioral specialist
• Human services or counseling roles

Many graduates also use their psychology degree as a pathway into related professions such as social work, human resources, organizational development, and counseling psychology.

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Career Paths in Psychology

Psychology offers diverse career opportunities across industries such as healthcare, education, business, and social services.

Examples include:

• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists provide mental health services in hospitals, schools, or private practice, with median salaries around $70,000 annually
• Industrial and Organizational Psychologists enhance workplace performance and employee well-being, earning median salaries near $77,000 annually
• Forensic Psychologists apply psychological principles within legal and criminal justice settings, with government roles averaging $90,000 annually

Career options vary widely depending on specialization, experience, and level of education.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

The demand for psychology professionals is growing due to increased awareness of mental health and human behavior.

• Employment in psychology-related fields is projected to grow about 20% over the next decade, faster than average according to labor statistics
• Salaries vary based on specialization and education, with higher-paying roles often requiring graduate degrees and licensure
• Online psychology degree graduates equipped with strong psychology skills are well-positioned to enter this expanding job market

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Why Choose a Psychology Degree?

Psychology is one of the most flexible and widely applicable degree paths available.

Key benefits include:

• Broad career options across healthcare, business, social sciences, and education
• Strong foundation for graduate school and advanced degrees
• Opportunities to specialize in fields like counseling psychology, industrial organizational psychology, or health psychology
• Relevance in both personal growth and professional development

This degree is ideal for students seeking a broad education in human cognition, behavior, and social interaction.

What You’ll Learn in a Psychology Program

Online psychology programs combine foundational theories with applied techniques to develop critical psychology skills.
Common coursework includes:

• Research methods, experimental design, and statistics for psychological research
• Social psychology, developmental psychology, and adolescent development
• Memory, cognition, and behavior analysis
• Theories of personality and abnormal psychology
• Mental health, ethical issues, and psychological assessment

Advanced courses may cover topics such as cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral medicine, and organizational psychology.

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Is Psychology Right for You?

This field suits curious, analytical, and people-oriented individuals.

You may thrive in psychology if you:

• Are fascinated by human behavior and mental processes
• Possess strong communication, critical thinking, and data analysis skills
• Enjoy research, problem-solving, and understanding social interaction
• Aspire to work in a people-centered career focused on well-being and development

Psychology professionals blend scientific inquiry with interpersonal skills to make a positive impact.

Education Path and Degree Options

Psychology offers multiple educational pathways tailored to career goals.

• Online associate's degrees in psychology (entry-level roles or foundation for further study)
• Online bachelor's degrees in psychology (entry-level roles or foundation for further study)
• Online master's degrees in psychology (required for many applied psychology and counseling roles)
• Online doctoral degrees in psychology (necessary for licensed psychologists and clinical practice)

Many students start with an online bachelor’s degree in psychology and specialize through graduate studies in areas like counseling psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or forensic psychology.

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Certifications and Licensure

Most professional psychology roles require licensure, which involves:

• Earning a doctoral degree in psychology or related field
• Completing supervised clinical experience hours
• Passing a state licensing examination
• Obtaining additional certifications depending on specialization, such as counseling psychology or school psychology

Some roles may also require teaching credentials or specialized certifications in behavioral health.

How to Choose the Right Online Psychology Program

When selecting an online psychology degree program, consider:

• Regional accreditation and program reputation
• Coursework aligned with your career and graduate school goals
• Availability of specializations like counseling psychology or industrial-organizational psychology
• Preparation for licensure and professional certification
• Access to highly regarded faculty and opportunities for psychological research

Accreditation by bodies like the American Psychological Association (APA) is especially important for clinical psychology programs.

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Cost of Online Psychology Degrees

Tuition costs vary by program and degree level.

• The average cost of an online bachelor’s degree in psychology is approximately $51,700
• Online master’s programs typically average around $27,000
• Doctoral programs may cost about $7,000 per year

Financial aid options and credit transfer policies can help manage expenses.

GetEducated has ranking reports for psychology degrees:

• Associate's degree in psychology ranking report
• Bachelor's degree in psychology ranking report
• Master's degree in psychology ranking report
• PhD degrees in psychology ranking report

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Compare Accredited Online Psychology Programs

Resources like GetEducated help prospective students:

• Compare accredited online psychology degree programs
• Review tuition, course formats, and program features
• Explore specialization options such as forensic psychology or addiction studies
• Find flexible online programs designed for working professionals

Use these tools to identify programs that best fit your academic and career goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a psychology degree?

A psychology degree is an academic program focused on studying human behavior, mental processes, and emotional patterns through scientific methods.

What jobs can you get with a psychology degree?

Graduates can pursue roles in counseling, human services, research, business, or education, depending on their level of education and specialization.

Do you need a doctorate to work in psychology?

Most licensed psychologist roles require a doctoral degree, but some entry-level positions in counseling or human services may only require a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

How much do psychology professionals make?

Salaries vary widely, with clinical and industrial-organizational psychologists earning median incomes between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on specialization and experience.

Is psychology a good major?

Yes, psychology offers career flexibility, strong growth potential, and a solid foundation for graduate school and specialized fields.

How long does it take to become a psychologist?

Typically, it takes 8 to 12 years, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral education plus supervised clinical experience.

Can you specialize in psychology?

Absolutely. Common specializations include counseling psychology, forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, health psychology, and developmental psychology.

Is psychology difficult?

Psychology can be challenging, requiring strong research, critical thinking, and data analysis skills, as well as understanding complex human behavior and ethical issues.