Overview of Affordable Online Psychology Courses
For students who want to pursue a psychology degree, there are many opportunities that are entirely online. As long as students have credibly participated,authorizedSchools should earn the same respect for their online degrees and create opportunities similar to those for in-person degrees. The curriculum will also be comparable sinceonline coursesThey are often taught by the same faculty.
Online degrees are available in Bachelor's,Master-Study, zpromotionThis means that students can become psychologists solely through online education. Of course, this process often integrates face-to-face requirements with distance learning, particularly at upper grade levels. In addition, before a person can practice, they must comply with the licensing laws of their state, which typically require an internship and 1-2 years of supervised experience in the field.
In some cases, online programs offer cheaper ways to earn a degree. We outline themCost of attending collegebelow, as well as financial aid options that can help with affordability.
How long does it take to complete a psychology degree online?
Typically, an online psychology program requires students to complete between 120 and 126 credit hours. Approximately half of these credits are general education courses and the other half are psychology courses. Most programs are designed to be completed in four years of full-time study. Some schools also offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as two years.
For those who intend tosave time and moneyThere are three options available when acquiring a psychology degree:
University-level graduate students maytransferthose credits to apply to your total.
Some online schools allow students to take tests for specific classes instead of completing them. A passing grade indicates a thorough knowledge of the material.
Some schools offer credit for previous work or military experience by submitting the student's records and previous work performance in aassessment of prior learningto see if they can skip a related course.
Common Psychology Courses
The following is a list of common courses for those seeking a bachelor's degree in psychology. Depending on the school, some of these subjects are taught as core subjects, while others are considered electives. Additionally, some courses may be required for admission to graduate programs.
- abnormal psychology:This course examines common mental disorders, including their causes and treatments. These illnesses include schizophrenia, social anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, addiction, and eating disorders. The course examines how psychologists assess patients and implement treatment plans in their clinical practice.
- Clinical psychology:Clinical psychologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with mental disorders and mental illness. A clinical psychology course provides students with a broad overview of essential topics such as patient assessments, common diseases, and ethical considerations.
- Developmental Psychology:This course deepens the study of human development, from childhood through adolescence and late adulthood. The course may address topics such as family relationships, emotional development, and age adjustment. Most psychology graduates take a course that spans the full spectrum of human development or one that focuses on a specialization like early childhood development.
- General psychology:General psychology is a popular liberal arts discipline among undergraduate students. The course typically begins with a brief introduction to the history of psychology before moving on to a broader range of topics including consciousness, motivation, cognition, emotions, learning, and abnormal behavior.
- Human behavior:This course invites students to examine how biological, psychological, and social factors affect human interaction. Specifically, students examine how social norms, ethics, and diversity shape values, perspectives, and identities. The curriculum may also cover the evolution of human behavior throughout life.
- Neuroscience:This introductory course covers a wide range of science-based topics related to human development. Neuroscientists combine elements of psychology with biology, chemistry, and other sciences to better understand how the brain and nervous system influence human behavior.
- Social psychology:This course focuses on how people view, interpret, and respond to their social environment. Specific areas of discussion often include the self, attitudes, emotions, peer pressure, competition, and bias. Many students find that they can apply this content in practical ways to improve their daily lives.
accreditation
Each prospective student must determine if their chosen school isauthorized. The accreditation process confirms that a program is credible andgood quality. A school's academic programs, faculty, facilities, and student services are assessed against national standards. Accreditation is generally required when a student wants to transfer credits between schools, enter a graduate program, or qualify for federal financial aid. students can searchUnited States Department of Educationor theAccreditation body for universities.databases for more information.
Accreditation is generally required when a student wants to transfer credits between schools, enter a graduate program, or qualify for federal financial aid.
Schools can not only earn institution-wide accreditation, but alsoProgrammatic Accreditationfor the individual programs they offer. The recognized accreditation body for online psychology programs is the APA Commission on Accreditation. EITHERAPA-CoA websitecontains a list of accredited programs that meet industry standards and expectations.
Enroll in an Online Psychology Program
oAdmission requirementsand school selectivity for prospective psychology majors is the same at most schools, regardless of whether the program is on campus or online. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional requirements vary by school, but generally include a high school GPA of at least 2.5 and good scores on standardized college entrance exams. Students transferring to a school after completing some college courses elsewhere may also be required to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
When applying for a bachelor's degree online, prospective students are generally required to submit the following documents:
- a registration fee
- Official transcripts from all schools previously attended
- Scores on standardized tests like the ACT or SAT
- Letters of recommendation from former teachers, coaches, ministers, or supervisors who are familiar with the candidate's character.
- Personal essays on the candidate's interests, goals and personality.
- A resume or list of extracurricular activities that demonstrate teamwork, student service, and/or leadership.
How much does an online psychology course cost?
For many students, tuition fees are an important factor in their decision to study.
| Based on our analysis of 52 schools offering online psychology degrees, the median annual tuition is $13,567.50. Among the cheapest online options on this topic, tuition ranges from $4,200 to $8,500 per year. |
there are chancesMaking college more affordable. For example, in some schools, foreign distance students pay the same tuition as domestic students, but these vary depending on the specific situation of the student, from the number of transfer credits they have to the length of the program. Therefore, before applying, students should compare the cost of in-person and online tuition for their chosen school's psychology program.
In addition to tuition, all students pay for books and materials, but online students generally do not pay room and board, transportation, or other campus fees.
Some online schools advertise themselves as "free" universities, but students should carefully review these programs before enrolling. Although they do not charge tuition, these schools often charge other fees that are the same as those charged at many schools. Also, some of these schools are not accredited, which is a major problem for psychology students. To practice psychology, most states requireLicense, but to become a licensed psychologist, the degree earned must be from an accredited university.
Financing an Online Psychology Program
Generally, students in an online psychology program have the sameFinancial support opportunitiesthan students in other courses. Most financial aid programs require students to complete thisFAFSA Form. To improve affordability, students can choose non-refundable options such as: B. Scholarships, grants, grants, and dual study programs. Other forms of support are only available to students from accredited schools, e.g. B. Federal and private loans. When choosing an online psychology course, prospective students can check the study finance offices of the schools they are interested in as part of their school research.
To improve affordability, students can choose non-refundable options such as: B. Scholarships, grants, grants, and dual study programs.
Additionally, some offerings are specifically designed for psychology programs in related undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Scholarships, grants, and other funds may be awarded through the following professional organizations:
- American Council of Professional Psychology
- American Psychological Association
- Association for Psychological Sciences
- Federal Association of Youth Workers
- National Association of School Psychologists
- Society for Personality and Social Psychology
- Society for the Teaching of Psychology
Other organizations likePride Foundation, offer scholarships to deepen the study of mental health. Certain colleges and universities, including theUniversity of Wisconsin at Lacrosseis inUniversity of Minnesota, providing funding to select undergraduate and graduate students interested in the study of psychology and human behavior.
| For more information, students can visit our resourcespay for a college degree, which includes details on popular college savings plans, the student debt crisis, and more. |
Is it worth studying psychology?
According to data from the US Census Bureau, the median salary of a freshman with a bachelor's degree in psychology35.000 $. This ranks on the lower end of graduate salaries among other careers, but one reason online psychology courses are so popular is that they're flexible. TOthank you generalistin psychology allows students to pursue a variety of careers, many of which offer more desirable salaries.
The BLS lists theProfessions with more occupationsfor employees with a psychology degree as follows: nurses, social workers, elementary school teachers, and human resource managers. Please note that some of these roles require additional certifications. The most common occupations were in administration, community and social services, education and library science, health, and administrative support. Current average salaries and job prospects for these jobs vary widely. For example, employees in administrative support roles earn salaries between $31,110 and $47,560, while employees in management positions can earn salaries between $69,600 and $141,490.
Ashigher degreeIf you want to work as a practicing psychologist, you need a job with a well-paying salary. As of May 2020, a licensed practicing psychologist earns an annual salary ranging from $79,820 to $105,780. Clinical and research psychologists must also have a Ph.D., while school psychologists, occupational and organizational psychologists, and psychological assistants must have a master's degree. According to 2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data,49% of psychology graduates have advanced degrees.
Below, we take a closer look at some careers that psychology students can pursue.
Career Opportunities for Psychology Graduates
oCareer prospects handbookpublished by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists many career opportunities for psychology graduates, although a graduate degree may be required.
school and career counselor
- Average annual salary:58.120 $
- Employment growth rate:11%
Career counselors may work in public and private schools, community colleges, and universities. They help students identify their skills and interests and support them in researching educational expectations for specific careers. Career counselors must have a master's degree and, in some states, also be licensed.
Social worker
- Average annual salary:51.760 $
- Employment growth rate:12%
Graduates interested in social work might consider becoming a case manager, helping people solve problems in their daily lives. For example, after assessing a client's needs, they may provide counseling, identify helpful resources, and support clients by enrolling them in services or programs.
Teacher
- Average annual salary:$60,660 (elementary school), $62,870 (high school)
- Employment growth rate:7% (elementary school), 8% (secondary school)
Graduates who have earned a bachelor's degree may qualify to teach in elementary or secondary schools by earning a teaching certificate. Elementary school teachers generally teach all subjects, while high school teachers specialize in certain subjects and earn slightly more.
For further guidance, the APAwork resourcesSupport psychology graduates in their search for a career.
Is an online psychology degree worth it?
An online psychology degree can be worth your while, but everyone must weigh the costs and benefits for themselves.
possible benefits
- This is a versatile variety. Alumni can immediately join the workforce in a variety of fields or land jobs in the psychology field that can strengthen their graduate enrollment.
- Studying psychology can help students develop personal traits like empathy and sensitivity, and it can also help workers earn money.valuable skillsthat they can apply in practice, from critical thinking to listening.
- An online degree allows students to choose from a wider range of schools without having to move to a new location. This allows prospective students to choose the program that best suits their budget, interests, and career goals.
Possible disadvantages
- For those who want to become psychologists, a bachelor's degree is often just the first step on a training path that can take up to 10 years. Students must earn a Ph.D. and a license.
- Without opportunities to connect face-to-face with colleagues and teachers, online learning can present challenges in terms of relationship building and networking.
FAQs
What is the cheapest college for psychology? ›
- The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.
- Eastern New Mexico University. ...
- Alcorn State University. ...
- Chadron State College. ...
- Oklahoma Panhandle State University. ...
- Southwest Minnesota State University. ...
- Peru State College. ...
- West Texas A&M University. ...
- Thomas Edison State University.
- University of Alabama.
- The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.
- West Texas A&M University.
- Columbia College.
- Eastern New Mexico University.
- American Public University.
- Grantham University.
Tuition is an important factor for many students in their college decision. Based on our analysis of 52 schools offering online bachelor's degrees in psychology, the median annual tuition is $13,567.50. Of the more affordable online options in this subject, tuition ranges from $4,200 to $8,500 a year.
Where can I study psychology online for free? ›- MIT OpenCourseware. Website. ...
- Open Yale Courses. Website. ...
- edX. Website. ...
- Coursera. Website. ...
- Johns Hopkins OpenCourseware. Website. ...
- FutureLearn. Website. ...
- Carnegie Mellon University Open Learning Initiative. Website. ...
- Colorado State University Online. Website.
The reason that you can now learn university taught psychology for free is that an increasing number of psychology lecturers and academic institutions are disseminating their ideas, research findings and course materials through a creative commons license.
Can you get a legit psychology degree online? ›Can you get a psychology degree online? Yes. Many schools offer an online degree for psychology. However, while a program may offer online coursework, all graduate psychology programs require in-person internship or practicum experiences.
How fast can you get a psychology degree online? ›How Fast Can I Get an Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree? The study times vary, but an accelerated degree in psychology may allow learners to complete their training in less than two years. These programs usually feature 120 credits, the same as traditional programs, though the courses are condensed.
Are online psychology degrees respected? ›Yes, accredited online psychology degree programs are usually just as good as their on-campus equivalents. As long as the school and the degree program you choose have regional accreditation, then your online psychology degree should be viewed the same as a degree earned at an on-campus institution.
Can I do a psychology degree at home? ›The 100% online Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health MSc/PGDip/PGCert allows you to benefit from the world-renowned teaching of King's College London wherever you are.
What certification is best with a psychology degree? ›- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) ...
- Certified Alzheimer Caregiver. ...
- Certified Sexuality Educator or Counselor. ...
- Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)
Is Capella University a legitimate school? ›
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
What is the easiest online college to get into? ›The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is perhaps the easiest online university to get into for individuals with college credit. It offers an online degree for B.A in Women's and Gender Studies that requires at least 13 college credits to proceed with the enrollment.
What is the easiest degree to get online? ›- Business. Online business degrees prepare learners for diverse careers. ...
- Liberal Arts. Liberal arts programs hone critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. ...
- Education. ...
- English. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Criminal Justice. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Agriculture Science.
University of the People
UoPeople is the first free accredited online university. This school offers free online degree programs in Computer Science as well as Health Science. You can complete a 2-year associate's degree, 4-year Bachelor's degree, or an MBA, all online.
Psychology Studies at the Undergraduate Levels
Two-year degrees in psychology offered by community colleges and junior colleges are the easiest psychology programs you will find. Available on campus and online, associate's degrees in psychology typically require around 60 credits of college coursework.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS Psych) is a four-year program designed to help you observe human behavior through the scientific method, allowing you to gain access to the human psyche and fathom its depths.
What requirements are needed to study psychology? ›There are no specific subjects needed, but Life Science or Biology will come as an advantage because, psychology has a lot of focus on the human brain and sensory systems. If you have an NQF level 4 certificate with an Admissions Point Score (APS) of over 21+ points, you are likely to qualify for a psychology degree.
What GPA do you need to study psychology? ›Generally, graduate schools in psychology want to see an average 3.0 cumulative GPA. While many graduate schools in psychology will not consider a student with less than a 3.0 GPA, competitive GRE scores override a lower GPA.
Is there money in a psychology degree? ›Just as the applications for psychology are wide-ranging, so too are salaries. Among U.S. students who graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology, about 17% of these grads earned at least $90,000 in 2019, according to the American Psychological Association. People with advanced degrees can earn even more.
Is it hard to get accepted into psychology? ›It is very hard to get into grad school for psychology.
programs in clinical psychology are extremely competitive, and you are likely to be up against candidates with stellar academic records. In addition, certain psychology graduate programs require relevant work experience, as well.
Is a BA or BS in psychology better? ›
Explore Psychology Careers
A BA opens up opportunities in fields like criminal justice and social work, while a BS prepares learners for more research-based, clinical professions. Many psychology bachelor's degrees prepare students for specializations, like organizational psychology and forensic psychology.
The results indicated that there was an overall higher satisfaction from students enrolled in a traditional classroom setting.
Are any online degree worth it? ›Online programs are absolutely worth it, depending on the student's circumstances. Contrary to popular belief, online programs are not easier than on-campus programs. Online programs aren't necessarily more affordable, but they can be.
What is the fastest way to become a psychologist? ›The quickest way to become a clinical psychologist is to enroll in an accelerated or competency-based undergraduate program. These programs usually take around 2.5 years to complete.
Where is the best place to study psychology? ›| Top 10 Universities for Psychology in the World Based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Name of Institution | Location |
| 1 | Harvard University | United States |
| 2 | Stanford University | US |
| 3 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
An accelerated online bachelor's program is usually the quickest way to earn a bachelor's degree. Students can take more credits at once and graduate earlier — sometimes in 1-2 years. However, most bachelor's programs take about four years, and part-time online programs can take much longer.
Is BS psychology degree worth it? ›I highly recommend this course not only because it is fulfilling but also because of the various employment opportunities for a graduate of this course like guidance counselor for schools, career counselor, human resource officer, teacher/professor, administrative assistant, clerk, social worker, researcher, press ...
Is majoring in psychology a good choice? ›The job prospects are excellent
This includes jobs in schools, hospitals, substance abuse treatment, social services, and applied psychologists for businesses. Also, a psychology degree is highly valued in the job market because of the range of skills psychology majors acquire.
Acceptance Rate. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is one of the best online colleges for psychology. SNHU offers fully accredited, and fully online master's and bachelor's in psychology programs at a reasonable cost.
What jobs can you go straight into with a psychology degree? ›- Academic Teaching and Research. ...
- Assistant Psychologist. ...
- Clinical Associate in Psychology (England) and Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (Scotland) ...
- Clinical Psychologist. ...
- Counselling Psychologist. ...
- Educational Psychologist. ...
- Forensic psychologist. ...
- Health Psychologist.
Can you become a psychologist without a medical degree? ›
To work as a clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, forensic psychologist or health psychologist, you have to take a postgraduate course (usually at doctorate level) approved by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Can you call yourself a psychologist with a psychology degree? ›Many people think that the generic term "psychologists" means someone who can competently deliver therapy, but that isn't true. Technically anyone can call themselves a "psychologist", as the title is not protected by law (unlike say General Practitioner).
What psychology degree makes the most money? ›Psychiatrists prescribe medications for patients with mental illnesses. Psychiatrist positions are by far the highest-paying jobs for psychology majors. The average salary is $217,798, according to PayScale. A psychiatrist should be licensed as a board-certified psychiatrist.
Which is better Strayer or Capella? ›Strayer's degrees are largely concentrated in business and IT, while Capella has a broader portfolio including education, health care, and criminal justice. Strayer has a number of physical campuses for classroom or blended learning, while Capella is focused on fully online.
Is Capella taken seriously? ›It is regionally accredited, which is more widely recognized and prestigious than national accreditation. Other than not being a diploma mill, Capella University is also a legit online school.
What is the Capella University controversy? ›Minneapolis-based Capella University has resolved a lawsuit that accused the online, for-profit school of misleading students about the time it takes to earn a doctoral degree.
How much is the tuition for psychology? ›Tuitions fees greatly vary from school to school but generally, a BA Psychology degree in a traditional on-campus school can cost a student around P60,000 to P80,000.
Is psychology a low paying major? ›How much does a Psychology Bachelor Degree make in California? As of Mar 1, 2023, the average annual pay for the Psychology Bachelor Degree jobs category in California is $54,369 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $26.14 an hour.
How much does it cost to study psychology in us? ›Offered at over 200 US universities, Master in psychology will usually take around 1-2 years and cost 25,000 USD- 60,000 USD based on the program choice. For an Indian student, this cost approximates to 18 lakhs to 43 lakhs INR.
Can I study psychology online? ›Yes. Many schools offer an online degree for psychology. However, while a program may offer online coursework, all graduate psychology programs require in-person internship or practicum experiences. Online students often complete these at sites in their home communities.
Is a psychology degree worth it? ›
A degree in psychology opens up many opportunities to have a positive effect on someone's life. For example, as a practitioner in the field, you may help people overcome the effects of trauma, deal with a mental illness, face a mental health crisis or achieve personal goals.
What is the highest paying psychology degree? ›Psychiatrists prescribe medications for patients with mental illnesses. Psychiatrist positions are by far the highest-paying jobs for psychology majors. The average salary is $217,798, according to PayScale.
Can you make 6 figures with a bachelors in psychology? ›Among U.S. students who graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology, about 17% of these grads earned at least $90,000 in 2019, according to the American Psychological Association. People with advanced degrees can earn even more.
Is psychology a regretted major? ›77% of psychology majors said they had regrets.
According to job site, Prospects some psychology majors can go on to become psychotherapists, counselors, counselors and chaplains.
- School Faculty. $61,000 median salary per year. ...
- Case Worker. $50,390 median salary per year. ...
- Market Research Analyst. $60,000-105,000 per year. ...
- Human Resources Manager. ...
- Training or Development Specialist. ...
- Technical Writer. ...
- Real Estate Agent. ...
- Computer Programmer.
- Vocational/Career Counselor. ...
- School Psychologist. ...
- Family Marriage Counselor. ...
- Engineering Psychologist. ...
- Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychologist. ...
- Clinical Psychologist. ...
- Forensic Psychologist. ...
- Geropsychologist.