Are you intrigued by the human mind? Would you like to help people better their lives through studying human behavior? Psychology may be the perfect field for you! Psychology, which is the study of the human mind, provides to its students the advantage of being as diverse in its application as every individual. With dozens of emphases and practical uses in almost every field, completing a degree through an online psychology program sets students up not only for further graduate studies but also careers ranging from health care to marketing.
Online degree programs make earning a Bachelor’s degree later in life easier and more enjoyable than ever. Distance and online learning programs were designed for non-traditional students, who work full time, live far away or have other life circumstances that would make traditional on-campus learning difficult.
To help you make the best decision and get started we have put together the top 25 best Online Psychology Degree Programs available in the United States. And while each program has something a little different that sets it apart, all of them offer an exceptional online education designed to jumpstart a career in psychology.
Here are the 25 best online psychology programs
#1 University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML)
- Cost Per Credit: $375
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Quality Education AT Affordable Prices
UML is recognized regularly for its excellence in online teaching. With an affordable cost per credit price, UML’s online BA Psychology program is designed with working professionals in mind. Students can earn their degrees on a part time or a full-time basis, entirely online, or by alternating between online and physical courses. The bachelor’s program also encourages students to implement graduate level courses into their undergraduate curriculum, allowing them to experiment with graduate school before making a commitment. Perhaps the only inconvenience about UML comes from legislative complications, preventing the school from being able to accept residents from Arkansas, Kansas, or Minnesota.
#2 Oregon State University (OSU)
- Cost Per Credit: $280
- Credit Requirement: 180
- What Sets It Apart: Option for a BS or a BA
OSU’s online undergraduate programs, which were founded in 2002, have been ranked #7 among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by US News and World Report. OSU allows students to earn their online undergraduate Psychology degree as either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. This choice of emphasis allows for students to focus on what aspect of psychology truly interests them, and provides the chance to fully explore both why and how human beings think, feel, and behave. Coursework in the program reflects OSU’s reputation for research and innovation and focuses on strong oral and written communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the scientific method. Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in relevant internship experiences in their local area, as well as extracurricular research involvement through faculty collaboration.
#3 University of Florida (UFL)
- Cost Per Credit: $ 552
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Broad Career Application
Because UFL’s online Psychology degree program is designed for transfer students, it requires the completion of specific general education courses and an overall GPA of at least 2.75 for admissions consideration. UFL’s online Psychology degree also differs slightly from its on-campus counterpart in that it is a Bachelor of Arts degree, compared to the campus degree which is a Bachelors of Science. This variation allows for students receive both liberal arts and a psychology education. Students are also encouraged to pursue research electives. UFL’s Psychology degree focus on preparing graduates for a variety of potential careers ranging from health care and counseling to business and marketing or to pursue a graduate degree.
#4 University of North Dakota (UND)
- Cost Per Credit: $339
- Credit Requirement: 125
- What Sets It Apart: Flat Rate Tuition
UND’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is designed specifically for working adults, and can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. While most classes follow the traditional semester schedule, a few independent study courses can be enrolled in at any time, providing additional flexibility to students. One huge advantage of UND is that students pay the same tuition rate regardless of their state of residency, and there are no additional online or distance course fees for lower-division courses. Students have the ability to earn credit for internships, volunteer work and related field activities in their local area and students are also able to choose a specific emphasis of study within the field of psychology. Unlike many of its fellow Universities, UND also offers online Masters programs in select areas of psychology.
#5 Old Dominion University (ODU)
- Cost Per Credit: $369
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Generous Credit Transfer Policy
ODU is one of the largest providers of online distance learning courses in the United States and offers Bachelor’s degrees in a degree completion form. Prospective students should complete about 60 credits of coursework before applying. The university has a generous transfer credit policy to aid in this effort but requires that students complete at least 30 credits at Old Dominion to qualify for graduation. Specific study paths are available for students to pursue either a clinical or industrial psychology path, or general graduation will prepare them for work in social work, human resources, education, public relations, recreational therapy, probation and corrections, and other related industries.
#6 Drexel University (DU)
- Cost Per Credit: $489
- Credit Requirement: 180
- What Sets It Apart: Real World Emphasis
Drexel is the 95th ranked national university according to US News. Its department of Psychology is known for its research in neuropsychology, forensic psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and health and clinical psychology. A degree from DU in Psychology comes with a strong integration of research methods and application and can be completed entirely online either full time or part time. Drexel prides itself on its multidisciplinary approach, combining issues and methods that have real-world application in a variety of professional fields such as forensics and the law, business, health sciences, education, counseling, and applied neurosciences. Students have the ability to transfer up 90 credits toward their education.
#7 Pennsylvania State University (PSU)
- Cost Per Credit: $584
- Credit Requirement: 123
- What Sets It Apart: Two Track Program
PSU offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology online. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree program have the option of two tracks, the life sciences option, which is ideal for students considering graduate studies, or the business option, designed for students with an interest in human resources, management, or administration in health care. The school also boasts the world’s first completely online psychology club, a chapter of Psi Chi with over 100 members world wide.
#8 University of Houston Victoria (UHV)
- Cost Per Credit: $599
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Low In-state Tuition
At UHV students can pursue an online Psychology degree as either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science, with a few variances between the two. The Bachelor of Arts program has a foreign language requirement, while the Bachelor of Science degree incorporates more classes that cover the natural sciences. The school offers an astoundingly low in state tuition rate of $191 per credit hour and is designated by the U.S. department of education to be a Hispanic Serving Institution.
#9 Washington State (WSU)
- Cost Per Credit: $570
- Credit Requirement: 35 In the Major
- What Sets It Apart: Focus on Entry Level Concentrations
WSU designs their online Psychology program to prepare students for practical entry level careers such as health and human services, business management, sales and marketing, research and development, or graduate studies. The program, while mostly done online does require the completion of 10 on campus requirements. Students choose between the neuroscience/cognition, social/motivational or clinical/counseling concentration.
#10 Arizona State University (ASU)
- Cost Per Credit: $480
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Wide Variety of Study
ASU’s online Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree emphasizes preparing students for careers in counseling, criminal justice, social services, law and public administration. It is also well known for developing students with exceptional skills in critical thinking and qualitative and quantitative research. Degrees are obtained entirely online, and students learn from experts in the psychological fields of sociology, anthropology, geography, and political science. Arizona State is currently ranked as the 129th national university by US News.
#11 Central Washington University (CWU)
- Cost Per Credit: $500
- Credit Requirement: 45
- What Sets It Apart: Focus on Degree Completion
CWU’s online program is designed to prepare those who have previously earned an associate’s degree for entry level careers in the field of psychology and behavioral science or to enter graduate school. As a part of this focus and because the student has already completed an associate’s degree, the program is only 45 credits long. Graduation also requires students to choose a minor or to pursue a double major. In an effort to help students truly in need of their online program, prospective students must live outside of the Ellensburg area. Students studying out of state often receive tuition waivers, allowing them to pay the same rate as in state students. CWU also maintains an 18:1 student to faculty ratio, keeping class sizes small and student focused. Similarly to UML, residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, and Missouri are not currently eligible to attend CWU online.
#12 University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM)
- Cost Per Credit: $539
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Emphasis in Research and Experimental Psychology
UWM’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program focuses on behavioral analysis, clinical and experimental psychology and adapting laboratory classes for online learning.UWM emphasizes field placement for its students and they have the opportunity to be placed in research assistant positions or even to complete their thesis while undergraduates.
#13 Post University (PU)
- Cost Per Credit: $570
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Speed and Flexibility
PU online emphasizes in innovation, creativity, and leadership. It allows up to 90 credit hours to be transferred into their program and offer classes six times a year, providing speed and flexibility for its students, and allowing for degree completion in two to three years. Graduates are prepared to enter careers in social work, counseling, marketing, human resources, and public relations or to continue on to graduate studies. The degree divides into two concentrations consisting of Organizational Studies and Human Development/Education/Health. Students also have the option to complete a minor in Forensic Psychology.
#14 Colorado State University (CSU)
- Cost Per Credit: $462
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Student Tailored Curriculum
CSU’s online Bachelor of Science Psychology degree is a research oriented program specializing in both the liberal arts and the sciences, providing students with well-rounded knowledge, and career flexibility. The average class size is small, with a 21:1 student to faculty ratio. Students have the opportunity to tailor their curriculum through a wide variety of courses and electives such as religious psychology. Classes are offered in a variety of mediums and incorporate a range of communication methods such as podcasts, blog posts, and videos in addition to traditional textbooks. Graduates can complete their degrees entirely online or with some course work done on campus.
#15 University of Memphis (UM)
- Cost Per Credit: $468
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Smart Start Program
Memphis’s online Psychology program encourages their students to better the world around them by applying psychological principles to improve human welfare. To this end, UM online teaches students not only research methods, but also the tools necessary to succeed as responsible members of their community, society, and families. Students combine empirical and theoretical psychological literature with research to learn the skills needed to advance. The university also offers a “Smart Start” program, which is designed to help adults who are returning to school after an extended period.
#16 University of Utah (U of U)
- Cost Per Credit: $290
- Credit Requirement: 41
- What Sets It Apart: Career Aid
U of U’s award winning faculty has over 450 recognitions from national and international councils and societies. Online students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology are encouraged to work as interns and research in addition to their classwork in order to gain real world experience and better prepare for future careers in graduate studies. U of U’s Career Services also helps students find jobs and internships in their field for up to a year after graduation. The degree requires only 41 credits and can be completed in a few as 3 or 4 semesters but, the program does require some courses to be taken on campus.
#17 Wilmington University (WU)
- Cost Per Credit: $363
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Variety of Learning Formats
WU’s Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology greatly mirrors it’s on campus counterpart and graduates are prepared for entry level careers in human services, community relations, and related fields as well as for graduate studies. The program emphasizes the value of the scientific approach to inquiry as well as ethical and social responsibility. A variety of online school psychology program formats are available for easy learning, including semester, weekend, and seven-week styles. Students who have previously earned an associate’s degree can also pursue a modified curriculum to earn their BS as a completion degree. Another advantage to the online learner is that out of state students receive the same tuition rates as Delaware residents.
#18 Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)
- Cost Per Credit: $409
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Variety of Concentrations
Students at EKU can complete their online Psychology degree entirely online, and have the variety of 6 different concentrations from which to decide. These concentrations vary to cover the entire spectrum of psychological study from General Psychology to Substance Abuse to Psychology in the Workplace. This range of study allows students to truly specify on the aspects and areas of psychology that interest and pertain to their career goals the most. EKU online students also pay tuition as a flat rate, regardless of their residential status, allowing for students outside of Kentucky to pay the same tuition price as Kentucky residents.
#19 University of Maryland (UMUC)
- Cost Per Credit: $499
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Low Book and Supplies Cost
UMUC allows up to 90 transfer credits to complete their online Bachelor of Science Psychology degree. The school has made an increasing effort to lower the cost of study for students by replacing nearly all of its textbooks with free online study sources. It is also well known for its efforts with scholarships and other means to help keep the school at an affordable rate.
#20 Robert Morris University (RMU)
- Cost Per Credit:$875
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Lots of Start Dates
RMU is a private university that specializes in teaching its students to apply psychological principles to everyday problems. Students enrolled in the course must also complete a practicum and a thesis as part of their degree requirements. RMU offers classes in an eight week format with six start dates each year, providing for flexibility and convenience for its students.
#21 University of Illinois
- Cost Per Credit: $700
- Credit Requirement: 48
- What Sets It Apart: Preference Given For Distance
Illinois’s online Psychology degree is based on: knowledge of psychology, scientific inquiry, ethical and social responsibility, communication, and professional development. Students work with faculty and staff to create and complete a custom degree plan. Online students also have the advantage of much lower classroom fees than their on campus peers. In order to be considered for the program potential applicants must have earned at least 30 previous undergraduate credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must be able to specify the necessary internet access and computer skills needed for online study. As with CWU, preference is given to students who would be unable to attend on campus classes in an effort to provide access those most in need. To participate in the program however students must first be admitted to the university itself.
#22 Fort Hays State University (FHSU)
- Cost Per Credit: $213
- Credit Requirement: 124
- What Sets It Apart: Low Cost Per Credit Prices
FHSU allows for the perusal of an online Psychology degree as either a Bachelors of Arts or a Bachelors of Science. Both courses are completed entirely online, with the BA requiring ten credit hours of foreign language and the BS requiring 20 credit hours of math and/or natural science. Students also have the ability to collaborate with advisors to design a personalized curriculum tailored to individual needs.
# 23 Central Michigan University (CMU)
- Cost Per Credit: $387
- Credit Requirement: 30
- What Sets It Apart: Low Credit Requirement
CMU’s online campus offers a Bachelors of Science in Psychology that can be completed entirely online. Central Michigan University is currently the 194th ranked national university by US News. It’slow credit limit allows for quick degree completion and flexibility to its students.
#24 University of Maine (UMaine)
- Cost Per Credit: $908
- Credit Requirement:120
- What Sets It Apart: Undergraduate Research
UMaine’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program can be completed online for the flexibility of its students. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue and participate in research independent from their classes and have even received co-author credit for faculty research and presented at regional conferences. UMaine also offers an impressive in state tuition of $279.
#25 University of Minnesota (UMD)
- Cost Per Credit: $440
- Credit Requirement: 120
- What Sets It Apart: Regular One on One Involvement
UMD differs slightly from other universities by offering its online Psychology degree completion program as a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS). This degree is similar to a Bachelors of Science but does not contain the same liberal arts requirements. In order to participate in the program, candidates must have completed either an associate’s degree or the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MTC). Classes are offered each fall with an exclusive 15:1 student ratio, allowing for regular personalized interaction with faculty and peers. Students are also able to participate in the Psi Chi Psychology Club.
Ranking Process
Schools on this list were ranked by our own unique method taking into account each university’s popularity and satisfaction with students, convenience to students, the cost of study, quality of education and flexibility for working adults. While every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of information, we invite any school listed to contact us for edits or to add or update their school’s information. We also invite any school not included on our list to contact us with information about their university. We are always seeking to provide the best and most helpful information.
We know that finding the best school for your unique situation and interests can be a difficult task. That’s why we’ve evaluated thousands of school based on the factors most important to you. For more information about our evaluation and ranking system, as well as other lists that were ranked by the factors most important to you, see our methodology page.