Best Online Psychology Degrees

Working in psychology requires active listening and a passion for helping others. Psychology professionals must know scientific principles, human development and behavior, and neurobiology. In many instances, a psychology career applies theories and research to practice.

A career in psychology often requires some level of higher education. Many entry-level roles require at least a bachelor’s degree. This guide covers the benefits of earning an online psychology degree, highlighting costs and common courses. Keep reading to learn why you should study psychology online.

People who study psychology online may enter a secure job market with many career options. The BLS projects the need for counselors to increase 18% in 2022-2032 — considerably faster than the national average. The same projections indicate 6% job growth for psychologists over the same time period. According to 2023 data, clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median annual salary of $96,100.

Pursuing a psychology major offers flexibility and accessibility. Many schools offer online psychology degrees. The flexible programs allow busy students to meet their career goals. Online programs also tend to cost less than in-person programs. Learners who study psychology online save on commuting costs and living expenses.

The cost of a psychology degree varies. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) does not provide costs for online tuition, it does for in-state tuition. Many schools offer a similar tuition rate for in-state learners and those who study psychology online. According to the NCES, as of 2022 (the last year for which NCES data was available for the category) undergrads spent an average of $9,374 on tuition and fees at in-state four-year institutions compared with $27,457 for out-of-state schools.

When creating a college budget, learners should factor in living expenses. Students may find it hard to maintain a job when completing a fast-paced program. Fortunately, learners may use federal and state grants and loans for living expenses.

Besides tuition, an online psychology degree requires student fees. Virtual students often avoid paying student activity and campus maintenance fees. However, they typically pay a fee for online classroom management software.

A college budget should also include textbook costs. Purchasing used textbooks or choosing digital versions saves money. In addition, some businesses allow learners to rent books.

Students who study psychology online should factor in the cost of campus visits. Some online psychology degrees require participants to visit campus once per year or for certain classes with an applied aspect, like an internship or practicum. After completing a bachelor’s degree, professionals should still budget money for education if they plan to pursue advanced degrees in psychology. However, certain employers may cover some educational fees.

Salaries for online psychology degree holders vary based on several factors, including the specific position, geographical location, experience, and more. For example, a school counselor in Lawrence, Kansas earns $49,250 in annual salary on average, while research psychologists earn an average of $131,220 each year. Psychologists need a doctorate to practice in most research, clinical, or counseling roles.

Psychology majors qualify for many scholarships. Professional associations, private foundations, and colleges all offer scholarships to support psychology students. Online learners must typically meet scholarship requirements if they attend an accredited college or university. In addition to the following scholarships, psychology majors can research opportunities based on their career goals or state.

To become a psychologist, learners must earn a doctorate in psychology and licensure within their state or jurisdiction. Once students have completed a doctorate and acquired the required amount of clinical hours, students may apply for a psychology license. Licensure requirements vary by state. Most states require psychology professionals to complete 1-2 years of supervised experience through an internship or residency. Some states require a postdoctoral fellowship.

Once people earn their credentials, they must complete continuing education hours to maintain their license. Professional organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) offer continuing education classes.

Many psychologists work for a clinic, but some open private practices. According to the BLS, 28% of psychologists are self-employed — more than any other source of employment in the field.

Psychologists must earn licensure through their state’s licensing board. Some states

participate in reciprocity agreements. These agreements mean that professionals may transfer their licenses if they move. Since state license requirements vary, we will focus on general requirements.

The first step to earning a license in any state is a degree. Some states only require a master’s degree, while others require a doctorate. To avoid any potential licensure issues, learners should earn their online psychology degree from an APA-accredited school. Next, licensure applicants should prepare for and take their state’s licensing exam.

Next, aspiring psychologists must complete supervised hours. These hours can take up to two years to finish. Keep in mind that licensure costs anywhere from $500 to over $1,000, which covers test prep materials and application and test fees.

Once licensed, psychology professionals must complete continuing education hours through in-person or virtual classes. Licensed psychologists may need to fulfill extra requirements if they move states.

People who study psychology online often become therapists or counselors. Other people enter related fields as human resources managers or social workers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023 rehabilitation counselors earned a median salary of $44,040 annually. Marriage and family therapists earned a median salary of $58,510 per year.

Associate degrees take about two years to complete, and bachelor’s degrees take four years. Master’s degrees take around two years to finish. A doctorate in psychology can take between 4-7 years to complete. These numbers represent the length of time for full-time students.