Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs of 2024
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A psychology degree can be your first step in becoming a psychologist, user experience designer, or counselor. You can also pursue many other exciting careers with this versatile degree.
Psychology is a popular major with many options, so finding the right program can be difficult. Explore the top online psychology courses and programs to help you reach your goals.
What Programs Offer Online Psychology Classes?
Some psychology programs are 100% online, some follow a hybrid format with both online and on-campus classes, and some offer only in-person classes.
Many psychology programs offer online courses, including bachelor’s in psychology, master’s in psychology, and doctoral psychology programs.
Online psychology courses may or may not meet in real-time. Some classes are asynchronous, allowing you to log in and view lessons whenever convenient. Other classes, however, may require you to attend live sessions over video chat.
Did You Know…
- Psychologists earn a median annual salary of $92,740, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- The BLS projects that jobs for psychologists will increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
- Clinical psychologists must earn a doctorate in psychology, complete supervised experience, and pass a licensure exam.
The Best Online Psychology Courses and Programs
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$3,358
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled5,168
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate36%
- Students Enrolled70,310
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled56,664
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled145,533
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
St. Andrews University
- Laurinburg, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$27,730
- Out-of-state$27,730
- In-State$25,800
- Out-of-state$25,800
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate12%
- Students Enrolled911
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Southeastern University
- Lakeland, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$27,320
- Out-of-state$27,320
- In-State$12,000
- Out-of-state$12,000
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled9,365
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,409
- Out-of-state$15,409
- In-State$7,847
- Out-of-state$7,847
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled94,709
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,480
- Out-of-state$15,480
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled17,135
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,017
- Out-of-state$28,992
- In-State$9,950
- Out-of-state$27,245
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled31,401
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
The Pennsylvania State University
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,400
- Out-of-state$25,084
- In-State$23,189
- Out-of-state$39,248
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled88,914
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Benefits of Online Psychology Classes
Taking a psychology class online can be easier and cheaper than a traditional in-person program. You do not have the bother or cost of travel or commuting to class, pay room and board, or even have to worry about the weather or class interruptions. Some online psychology classes may be asynchronous, allowing you to learn and complete assignments on your own schedule.
Popular Online Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How do Online Psychology Courses Work?
Online psychology course formats vary depending on the topic and instructor but generally include lectures and discussion.
In synchronous classes, you may participate in lectures and discussions via live video like Zoom. In an asynchronous format, you may view learning materials and interact with other students and faculty through discussion boards and other tools on your own schedule.
Taking psychology classes online may require an adjustment from in-person classes since you may need to motivate yourself and engage differently. You will also need access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. It is also important to see what digital resources your school may provide.
What Types of Online Psychology Courses Can You Take?
Course offerings in an online psychology degree program will vary from one school to another. Your course options also depend on whether you seek an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Here are some online psychology courses you may be required to take for your psych degree.
Introduction to Psychology
This first-year undergraduate course typically focuses on different theories and the evolution of the field of psychology. You’ll study the relationship between personality and biology and develop a basic understanding of psychology subfields.
Lab and Research Methods
Research influences how licensed psychologists treat patients. In this course, you’ll compare and contrast research methods, which involves analyzing studies. You’ll learn to perform effective research and analyze studies’ strengths and weaknesses.
Memory and Cognition
Cognition refers to how the human mind works. This course teaches you how to research studies on memory and cognition and work with different theoretical models. Students enhance their critical thinking skills while memorizing the brain’s structures.
Brain and Behavior
In this course, you’ll study basic brain physiology and learn how the brain controls behavior. Topics covered include brain structure, memory, and attention. You’ll also study socialization, motivation, sensation, and perception.
Lifespan Development
This online psychology class covers the stages of human development, theories, and factors that influence development. You’ll learn about emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development at every stage of life.
Psychology and Social Change
This advanced course examines how psychology professionals can influence society. You’ll research how famous psychologists’ theories advanced social change. In addition, you’ll learn how to promote more inclusive communities.
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is where psychology and the legal system meet. This online psychology class examines laws and how social psychology affects courtroom procedures. You’ll assess case studies, the credibility of witness testimonies, and the role psychologists play in trials.
Community Psychology
In this course, you’ll study community support systems and individual wellness. You’ll learn how psychology experts can affect positive societal change at both the individual and community levels.
Educational Psychology
You’ll typically take this course if you aspire to be a school counselor or educational psychologist. You’ll study how people learn and retain knowledge and how motivation and individual differences can affect learning.
Health Psychology
This interdisciplinary course focuses on how people cope with illness or injury. You’ll examine the relationship between body and mind. Other topics include healthcare deficiencies, people’s healthcare preferences, and various medical conditions.
Abnormal Psychology
In this online psychology class, you’ll learn about psychological disorders, including clinical, theoretical, and experimental views on psychopathology. This course emphasizes the classification, terminology, evaluation, and treatment of major psychological disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Psychology Courses
Page last reviewed on January 8, 2024. Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online.
