In today’s fast-paced world, pursuing a degree in psychology has become more accessible than ever thanks to the availability of online programs. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or advance in your current field, earning a psychology degree online can provide you with the flexibility and convenience you need. In this article, we’ll explore the top online colleges for psychology programs and highlight the unique features and benefits offered by each institution.
University of Central Florida
Located in Orlando, the University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a comprehensive online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology program. With over 200 degrees to choose from, UCF is one of the fastest-growing universities in the nation. The online psychology degree at UCF allows students to customize their education by selecting one of six tracks: general, clinical, experimental, human factors, neuroscience, or industrial/organizational psychology.
The curriculum of the BS in Psychology program at UCF covers a wide range of topics, including biological principles, statistical methods, and various subfields of psychology such as cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. Students also have the opportunity to engage in capstone projects, research, and fieldwork to gain practical experience in the field.
The online format of the program allows for flexibility and convenience, making it ideal for working professionals or individuals with other commitments. Admission to the program requires an associate of arts degree or meeting general education requirements.
University of Florida – Online
Ranked among the top public universities in the nation, the University of Florida (UF) offers a highly respected Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology program through its online platform. This program prepares students for various careers in fields such as business, education, and healthcare.
To earn the BA in Psychology degree at UF, students must complete general education requirements, psychology coursework, and courses in biological science. The curriculum covers topics such as comparative psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students also have the opportunity to engage in individual work, community work, undergraduate research, or a senior thesis.
UF Online provides students with numerous opportunities for career placement, including virtual career fairs and the largest on-campus career fair in the Southeast. Admission requirements for transfer students include a minimum cumulative GPA and passing grades in prerequisite courses.
Florida International University
As one of the top 100 research colleges in the nation, Florida International University (FIU) offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology program that provides students with a deep understanding of human behavior through scientific research. With a catalog of over 190 degrees, FIU is known for its excellence in STEM and humanities disciplines.
The BA in Psychology program at FIU begins with prerequisite courses in psychology, statistics, and human biology. Students then delve into five areas of psychology: social, applied, developmental, experimental, and personality/abnormal. Each undergraduate is assigned a success coach who provides one-on-one guidance throughout their academic journey.
Admission to the online psychology program at FIU requires SAT or ACT scores and school transcripts.
University of Utah
Founded in 1850, the University of Utah offers a research-based Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology program for undergraduates. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17-to-1, the U emphasizes innovation and provides students with comprehensive exposure to psychology.
The 122-credit BS in Psychology program at the University of Utah allows students to explore four out of five available subfields: development, social, clinical, cognitive, and neuroscience. The program offers unique opportunities to specialize in areas such as cognitive neuropsychology, sensation and perception, neuropsychology of emotions and personality, or brain and behavior.
Students can complete the major on a full- or part-time basis, and admission requires SAT or ACT scores and school transcripts. Transfer students should have a minimum GPA for consideration.
Brandman University
Brandman University is a military-friendly institution that offers a fully online or hybrid Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology program. Designed for working professionals, the program is taught by scholar-practitioners with field experience in psychology.
To earn the BA in Psychology degree at Brandman, students must fulfill general education requirements and complete major coursework. The program covers psychological theories, historical perspectives, and research methodologies used in behavioral science research. Students can also choose a concentration in community, child, preclinical, gerontology, or industrial/organizational psychology.
Brandman University awards a significant number of credits for military experience and offers one of the best online programs for veterans. All online students pay the same affordable tuition, regardless of residency. Admission requires at least 12 transferrable credits with a minimum GPA.
Regent University
Regent University, a top Christian college, offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology program that integrates psychological principles and methodologies with Christian values. With a focus on the Old and New Testaments, as well as general education courses, the program provides students with a well-rounded education.
The BS in Psychology program at Regent University covers various areas of psychology, including social, cognitive, abnormal, and developmental psychology. The curriculum explores psychological theories and their application in real-world scenarios. Students also have the opportunity to engage in research and a capstone project to deepen their understanding of the field.
Transfer students can transfer up to 90 credits into the program, and admission requires a high school diploma and school transcripts.
Regis University
Regis University, located in Denver, offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Psychology program that emphasizes psychological theories applicable to students’ personal and professional lives. Rooted in the Jesuit Catholic heritage, Regis University provides a holistic education that focuses on the development of the whole person.
The BS in Applied Psychology program at Regis University covers foundational courses in lifespan development, psychology of personality, and abnormal psychology. At the upper level, students analyze subjects such as family, cognitive psychology, addictive behavior, and trauma and PTSD. The program also focuses on positive psychology, health psychology, stress and well-being, and forgiveness.
Students at Regis University learn in small classrooms from award-winning faculty. The university allows the transfer of up to 87 credits into the program. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a transcript evaluation for transfer students.
Northeastern University – Global Network
Northeastern University, founded in 1898, offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology degree completion program. With a focus on psychological development and behavior theories, the program prepares students for various careers.
The BS in Psychology degree completion program at Northeastern University covers subjects such as human development, social and abnormal psychology, emotion, and motivation. Students also learn how to use the scientific method to design and execute psychological investigations. Elective credits allow students to pursue specific areas of interest in psychology.
As part of the program, each student completes a capstone project, which involves independent investigation and reporting of findings. Admission to the online psychology program requires a minimum GPA on transferable credit.
Liberty University
Liberty University, a top Christian college, offers a fully online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology program. Designed for working professionals, the program can typically be completed in 3.5 years.
The BS in Psychology program at Liberty University covers general education requirements and core major credits, providing foundational knowledge of psychology, human biology, developmental psychology, and statistics for the social sciences. At the upper level, students study social psychology, psychology of personality, and behavioral modification.
Liberty University accepts transfer credits, allowing students to transfer up to 75% of the degree’s requirements. Military personnel also receive steep tuition discounts, and the university offers free electronic textbooks for all undergraduate courses. Admission requires a minimum GPA from each transfer student.
University of Massachusetts – Amherst
The University of Massachusetts – Amherst offers a unique online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology program with a concentration in applied psychology. This program is administered through the University Without Walls (UWW) department, which caters to nontraditional learners.
The online psychology program at UMass Amherst covers a wide range of topics, including abnormal psychology, substance abuse, child psychology and development, cognitive behavior, and family violence. Students can also design their own curriculums in applied psychology, applying related work and life experiences to finish the degree faster. The degree prepares students for careers in fields such as victim advocacy, counseling, and social services.
Students have the option to complete the degree entirely online or in a hybrid format. Admission requires a minimum number of college credits with a minimum GPA.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University (OSU) offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology program in fully online and blended formats. Ranked in the top 1% of colleges in the world, OSU is known for its academic programs and high research activity.
The curriculum of the BA and BS in Psychology programs at Oregon State University covers topics such as cognition, abnormal psychology, behavior modification, and health psychology. Students also acquire skills in scientific methodology, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Students at OSU have the option to add a minor to their degrees to enhance their competencies and credentials. Hybrid learners can also take classes at the new OSU Portland Center at Pioneer Square. Admission to the online psychology programs requires a high school diploma or GED and transcripts from transfer students.
Conclusion
Earning an online psychology degree can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in various fields. The universities mentioned in this article offer comprehensive online programs that provide students with the flexibility they need to balance their education with other commitments. Whether you’re interested in clinical psychology, research, or applied psychology, these institutions have programs to suit your needs. Take the first step towards your career in psychology by exploring the online colleges mentioned in this article.