Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs

Overview

Looking for big city experience? New York University is located in the lively Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan. NYU is a private institution, founded in 1831. With annual tuition at $50,464, New York University’s ranking in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 30.

Program features

Psychology is the most popular major in the College of Arts and Sciences at NYU. They offer a B.S. in Psychology. The rigorous degree program provides students with a broad survey of the very diverse field, and offers opportunities to specialize. Sample courses include:

• Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
• psychology as a social science
• psychology as a natural science

Notables

NYU’s application deadline is January 1. They are also ranked #55 in Best Value Schools. Median starting salary of NYU alumni is $54,400. For a high quality degree program, check out NYU!

Overview

Founded in 1919, the public University Of California —​ Los Angeles is ranked #21 in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities. Located in LA’s vibrant Westwood neighborhood, UCLA is home to 45,000 students. Annual in-state tuition is very affordable, at approximately $13,000.

Program features

At UCLA students have a choice of three undergraduate majors is offered: Psychology (B.A.), Cognitive Science (B.S.) and Psychobiology (B.S.). Students can further choose to minor in Cognitive Science and Applied Developmental Psychology. If you want a choice of quality programs that are rigorous, UCLA could be perfect for you. Sample courses include:

• Fieldwork in psychology
• Psychology research
• Intro to psychology

Notables

UCLA’s is highly selective, the acceptance rate for fall 2016 was 18 percent, according to U.S. News data. If you’re looking for a big city environment, but don’t want to feel land locked, UCLA is perfect- their campus spans more than 400 acres and is located on the coast!

Overview

The University of Florida has a long history of providing distance and online education to adult learners. For this reason, they are known for the support resources they provide their online students, especially the one-on-one advising that each student undergoes as they plan out their academic schedule and learn how to effectively manage education with other life responsibilities. The cost of attendance is about average at the University of Florida, approximately $552 per credit hour (tuition plus fees) for non-residents. However, residents of Florida pay only $129 per credit hour. Payscale also lists the early career salaries of Florida graduates at nearly 50k annually, making this a solid return on investment.

Program Features

The University of Florida offers an online BA in Psychology that combines a general education core with a psychology core comprised of classes on biological bases, developmental changes, learning and cognition, and sociocultural and individual differences. Florida’s online students also take laboratory methodology courses to enhance their research techniques and their quantitative and qualitative analysis skills. Sample courses include:

• Learning and cognition
• Sociocultural and individual differences
• Biological bases

Notables

Graduates from the University of Florida’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program have found rewarding work in a diverse range of fields, including education, personnel management, healthcare, counseling, business and marketing, and graduate education. The University of Florida, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, is a solidly ranked university with national recognition from U.S. News & World Report, ARWU, Forbes, and Washington Monthly.

Overview

The public institution of Cleveland State University was founded in 1964. Located in thriving downtown Cleveland, OH, CSU is home to over 16,000 students. Students can get involved in more than 150 campus clubs and have a myriad of degree programs to choose from.

Program Features

The bachelor’s in psychology at CSU is a hybrid program. Many of the courses are offered in an online format, but it is not possible to complete the entire major course of study online. Psychology students can elect to be part of an honors program or partnership program with the local county through the school of psychology. Sample courses include:

• Behavioral science statistics
• Psychological health core
• Research methods

Notables

Psychology undergraduates are required to complete a research component as part of the degree program. Yearly in-state tuition is approximately $9,700. Heer on the Cleveland State Vikings varsity sports teams, which compete in the NCAA Division I Horizon League.

Overview

Located in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University hosts more than 21,000 students. The private institution that was founded in 1870, and currently has a thriving student life- students can join more than 300 organizations! Annual tuition and fees are $46,755. Syracuse University is ranked #61 in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges, National Universities.

Program features

Syracuse offers both a B.S. and B.A. in psychology. Each requires a minimum of 30 credits in psychology courses. Students can choose from a wide variety of electives to suit their interests and career goals. Sample courses include:

• Psychology of childhood
• Social psychology
• Cognition and aging

Notables

Looking for adventure? Syracuse University offers undergraduates a variety of study abroad opportunities, including through the school’s overseas centers and programs with partner institutions. Syracuse also ranks #47 in Best Value Schools. Get a great education and high return on investment through Syracuse.

Overview

Located in suburban Dobbs Ferry, NY, Mercy College is home to approximately 7,000 students. The private school was founded in 1950 and offers 90 undergraduate programs of study. The student-faculty ratio at Mercy College is 17:1, offering students small class sizes.

Program features

Mercy offers a B.S. in Psychology. For students who want to obtain a career in Psychology, Mercy has a unique Four Plus One Program (4+1 Program). It is an accelerated program to complete your Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in less time. Sample courses include:

• Modern psychology
• Psychobiology
• Behavioral sciences

Notables

Mercy has rolling admissions, so you can start right away! Annual tuition is approximately $18.700. Students in the psychology program also complete a required research component as part of their degree program.

Overview

Ranked #27 in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West, Regis University is a private school that offers high quality education. Located in scenic Denver, CO, Regis is home to 4,000 students. Regis is selective, with an acceptance rate of 57 percent. For challenge and rigor, Regis University is top notch.

Program features

Psychology at Regis focuses on the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills and an appreciation of cultural diversity. STudents can earn a B.S. in psychology entirely online. The organized degree program has all courses mapped out over each semester. Sample courses include:

• Introduction to Brain and Behavior
• Research Methods and Behavioral Statistics
• Senior Capstone

Notables

Looking for return on investment? Median starting salary of Regis alumni is $55,100. Regis is also ranked #28 in Best Value Schools.

Oveview

OSU’s online and distance learning model serves students across the globe, offering over one thousands classes in nearly one hundred subjects. Students learn from the same faculty and earn the same diploma as on-campus students, and they also are supported through online tutoring, online career and library services, and more. Oregon State University, based in Corvallis, is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Program Features

Through Oregon State University’s (OSU) eCampus you can earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree at an affordable rate. This 180 credit-hour degree is comprised of a liberal arts core that trains in research methodology, quantitative analysis, statistics, and data interpretation. As an OSU online undergrad student studying psychology you will take a range of courses, including:

• human lifespan development,
• abnormal psychology
• health psychology

Notables

Offered through the School of Psychological Science, OSU online students learn why humans behave, feel, and think in certain ways as well as how they behave, feel, and think. This dual-focused foundation gives students insight into human diversity while teaching them how to approach complex problem-solving issues. OSU’s eCampus also makes over two dozen minors available to students, encouraging them to pair the psychology degree with another field as a way to amplify your diversity of skills and knowledge.

Overview

Located in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is home to roughly 11,000 students. Founded in 1911, the public institution is proud to host many commuter students. The ETSU Buccaneers play in the NCAA Division I Southern Conference.

Program Features

ETSU offers mostly online psychology degree program- most course work in an online format with a limited number of required on-campus courses or meetings. The Psychology Major allows students to choose one of five concentrations: General, Behavioral Neuroscience, Child, Clinical, or Cognitive. You can choose between a General Psychology, B.S.  or General Psychology, B.A. degree track. Sample courses include:

• Behavioral science
• Humanities
• History

Notables

The 120 credit hour program is a great choice for those who aren’t sure what they want to specialize in. Students can choose a minor as part of the program. ETSU online has excellent advising to help you reach your program goals.

Overview

Meet me in St. Louis! The private institution of Washington University in St. Louis ranks #18 in National Universities in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges. Founded in 1853, the university now is home to over 7,000 students. Students can choose from more than 90 areas of study.

Program features

Bachelor of Science in Psychology program at Washington University in St. Louis is a good fit for those considering careers in management, law, education, social work, public relations, and health-related professions. Many courses are offered online, but there are certain on campus meeting requirements. Sample courses include:

• Research Methods
• Cross-Cultural Psychology
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Notables

Washington University in St. Louis also ranks #22 in Best Value Schools. The median starting salary of alumni is $57,300. WU in St. Louis offers exemplary education and high return on investment!

Overview

Based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution offering over 200 areas of study. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.Gain a knowledgeable background in cognitive process, social psychology, developmental theory, clinical and personality psychology, research design, and statistics while gaining specialized training in sales, marketing, business, human resources, or social service.

Program Features

The online BA in Psychology from Southeast Missouri State University (SMSU) is a perfect fit for those who have no undergraduate experience or transfer credits. At SMSU it’s a clean slate for their online community! As a SMSU student not only will you develop skills in analyzing human behavior, you’ll learn how to best apply those analytics and data interpretations to business or marketing initiatives. Sample courses include:

• Learning and memory
• Cognitive processes
• Cultural anthropology

Notables

You will also have the opportunity to supplement your psych degree with a minor that can help expand your skill and knowledge base while diversifying your academic transcript. SMSU minors range from accounting and business administration to criminal justice and industrial management.

Overview

Located in Minneapolis, MN, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities was founded in 1851 and currently enrolls 34,351 students. The average class size is 20-49 students, the student teacher ratio is 17:1. A whopping 90.8 percent of first year students return for their second year, showing high student satisfaction.

Program features

The psychology program has award-winning faculty, cutting-edge research methods, and study abroad and internship opportunities. Students can choose from a B.S. or B.A. program. Most courses are offered through distance learning. Sample courses include:

• What is the Human Mind?
• Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
• Major Project – Research Laboratory

Notables

University of Minnesota—​Twin Cities’ Academic Score: 53. The approximate undergraduate tuition: $694 per credit. Students can choose from an impressive list of electives to further specialize and follow their interests.

Overview

Founded in 1863, University of Massachusetts—Amherst is a public institution that is located in scenic, suburban Amherst. The annual in-state tuition and fees are $15,596. There are close to 90 majors to choose from at University of Massachusetts—Amherst. They are ranked #75 in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges, National Universities.

Program features

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree is one of UMass’s most popular online degree programs. It’s a good fit for students who are interested in social and behavioral sciences. Enjoy a quality program with the flexibility to fit your schedule. Sample courses include:

• Learning and Behavior
• Psychology and Women
• Social Psychology

Notables

The psychology program is ranked one of the most affordable online bachelor’s degrees in psychology by GetEducated.com. Students can receive the same quality instruction as those attending in person, but at their convenience. The median starting salary of alumni is $51,700.

Overview

Located in St. Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University, is a public institution that was founded in 1869. With impressively low in-state tuition and a myriad of degree programs to choose from, St. Cloud State University’s ranking in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges is #118 in Regional Universities Midwest. St. Cloud State is home to just over 15,000 students.

Program features

St. Cloud offers a Bachelor of Elective Studies, which allows students study and earn a degree of their own choosing- specifically psychology. If you are in serious need of flexibility- this is the ultimate! St. Cloud has excellent student advising to help you meet you unique educational goals. Sample courses include:

• Intro to psychology
• Adolescent development
• Behavioral science

Notables

SCSU has Non-Traditional Student Organization that supports distance learners and commuter students. Also ranked #34 in Top Public Schools, St. Cloud provides rigorous academic programs, where students apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Online students enjoy the same challenge and quality and their own leisure.

Overview

U.S. News & World Report recognizes UCF as having one of the best online undergraduate experiences in the country. The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a high-research university that collaborates closely with corporations such as Lockheed, Boeing, and Siemens.The University of Central Florida (UCF) has a substantial track record of providing excellent online education to adult and returning learners.

Program Features

UCF thus offers many degree options, including a number of degree completion programs, among them the BS in Psychology degree. In order to enroll you must have already completed your general education requirements, one year of a college-level foreign language, three science classes, and a statistics class. This is therefore an ideal program for those students who got at least half way through their degree but needed to take a break for whatever reason, or for those who have an Associate’s degree in hand.

• Developmental psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Practicum

Notables

This online completion program in psychology will lead you toward a fulfilling career in case management, counseling, education, HR, research, sales, or therapy, among other avenues of practice. And since UCF encourages students to participate in internships, fieldwork, and research, most students experience a hands-on learning initiative that serves them throughout their careers.

Overview

Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University is a large research institute known for its contributions to the fields of engineering, climate change, maritime studies, and coastal energy. Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The online experience at Old Dominion does not veer far from the traditional experience. The online programs are taught by the same ODU faculty who teach on-campus; likewise, the curriculum is the same as that being taught on campus.

Program features

The online bachelor’s degree in psychology from Old Dominion University takes students through the entire undergraduate experience, providing a general education core plus introductions to psychological topics. Students gain broad exposure to psychological theory and applications, learning how to refine their analytic thinking, improve interpersonal relations, and implement quantitative methodology and experimental design. Sample courses include:

• physiology
• the psychology of adolescence
• cross-cultural perspectives

Notables

The breadth of this program has rewarded students with equally diverse vocational outcomes; graduates have found work in human resources, recreational therapy, education, corrections, and social work. in a recent survey, 96 percent of students said they were very satisfied with the online ODU experience.

Overview

The University of Arizona as a whole is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools while the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (and the Department of Psychology) is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Program Features

You can earn a BA in Psychology from the University of Arizona that is fully online and that fully prepares you to diagnose and treat individuals through direct care while also conducting research on behavioral principles. Through one of the nation’s top-ranked psychology departments you will work with renowned faculty through four years of online study, or you can transfer previously earned credit hours to expedite your degree. Sample classes include:

• cognition
• neural systems
• research methods

Notables

Because this is a BA (rather than a BS) degree, there is less emphasis on science and math; however, the University of Arizona ensures their students fulfill the same psychology major requirements as a bachelor of science student. Meaning, you will be ready to enter a variety of vocational fields, such as counseling, social services, HR, education, marketing, program design, outreach, or quantitative research.

Overview

The urban Indiana University -​ Purdue University, is located in thriving ​Indianapolis. Ranked #192 in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, the public school offers more than 250 degrees. In-state tuition is $9,334 per year.

Program Features

The psychology department offers both Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in psychology. Both degrees are four-year programs consisting of 120 credit hours and are awarded by Purdue University. Sample courses include:

• Ethics and Diversity in Psychology
• Readings and Research in Psychology
• Career Planning for Psychology Majors

Notables

A senior capstone requirement provides students with an excellent opportunity to complete their academics through a research project, on-the-job practicum or scholarly seminar. There are opportunities to specialize or minor within the degree program. IUPU also ties at #102 in Top Public Schools.

Overview

Located in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University was founded in 1966. The private, non-profit university specializes in career-relevant adult education. Home to approximately 10,000 students, Bellevue offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Program Features

The Bellevue University Bachelor of Science in Psychology focuses on psychology as a science. BU offers a Psychology degree online and the program is to follow the guidelines for an undergraduate psychology major presented by the American Psychological Association. You’ll get a comprehensive education in a flexible environment. Sample courses include:

• Intro to psychology
• Careers in psychology
• Experimental psychology

Notables

Graduates are prepared for career paths that require knowledge of human behavior such as human and social services, human resources, management, and marketing. Tuition cost per credit hour is $410 online. Many students in the program present research at conferences sponsored by the Nebraska Psychological Society.

Overview

Located in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University was founded in 1911. Now this city school is home to more than 22,000 students! Middle Tennessee State University offers low in-state tuition and is ranked in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, Tier 2.

Program features

The 38-hour major in psychology at MTSU can be completed 100% online. Students receive high quality advising and support services. All courses are taught by skilled faculty. Sample courses include:

• Psychology of Social Behavior
• Developmental Psychology
• Basic Statistics for Behavioral Science

Notables

Median starting salary of MTSU alumni is $42,700. MTSU’s online psychology program is well scheduled and organized to help you graduate as quickly as possible. The school is selective, with an acceptance rate of 69 percent.

Overview

Based outside of Houston, Texas, SHSU is a member of the Texas State University System with accolades from U.S. News & World Report regarding its online degrees. SHSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Program features

The SHSU offers a hybrid online-on campus psychology degree. Graduates from SHSU’s online psychology degree have found work in everything from the police force and pharmaceutical firms to human services and public relations.

Curriculum guides students through the foundations of psychological history, theory, and applications, then requires students to take at least two electives. Sample courses include:

• social development,
• clinical counseling, and
• experimental psychology

Notables

Most important to note about Sam Houston State University’s (SHSU) online BS in Psychology degree program is that though students may study from a distance, approximately 75 percent of the program is online while the rest requires campus visits. Not only do they fully prepare students for vocational success in an array of psychology fields, they ensure that those students who wish to apply to graduate school will find themselves accepted and successful in advanced education.

Overview

Ranked among the best online programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report, UMass Online is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Uniquely designed to serve working professionals, the UMass Lowell program gives students the options of studying full or part-time and of either taking classes fully online or mixing online coursework with on-campus classes. The University of Massachusetts system, and specifically UMass Lowell, is a highly regarded provider of both traditional and online education.

Program Features

UMass Lowell offers a BA in Psychology that is one of the most popular degree programs in the system as well as one of the most flexible and student-centric programs. Students are guided through the curriculum by faculty who are experts and leaders in this broad spectrum of subfields.Umass Lowell online students are introduced to the theoretical foundations of many fields and subfields occupying the psychology discipline, sample courses include:

• Experimental psychology
• Developmental psychology
• clinical psychology

Notables

Students must complete at least 120 credit hours to earn the degree, but once the general education classes are completed, they can choose among many electives to further specialize their program experience. UMass Lowell online students will also be expected to complete at least one of the following: a practicum, a directed study, or a graduate seminar.

Overview

Located in the thriving cultural city of Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University was founded in 1899. The public school has in-state tuition of $11,059, and small class sizes with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1. The freshmen retention rate is 74 percent. Students can choose from a wide range of degree programs.

Program features

Northern Arizona University offers a B.S. in psychology in a degree program that can be completed 100% online. The flexible program is perfect for anyone pursuing a career in human resources, management, psychology or social services. Sample courses include:

• Behavioral science
• Intro to psychology
• communication

Notables

The online psychology degree program is approximately 120 credit hours. Students will be able to Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation. All students are required to do a capstone course.

Overview

Looking for the best in the midwest? Located in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota – duluth is home to 10,000 students. The public institution was founded in 1947, and currently ranks #38 in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges, Regional Universities Midwest. The annual in-state tuition and fees are $13,139.

Program features

The online bachelors psychology program at University Of Minnesota – duluth is suitable only for students with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree, or students who have completed the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MTC). Applicants needs have a 2.5 GPA in previous coursework to participate. Sample courses include:

• Experimental Design and Methodology
• Learning & Behavior
• Theories of Personality

Notables

The online psychology program admits students every fall semester. This program is capped at 15 new students per year. While in the psychology program, students have the chance to become a research and/or teaching assistant in cooperation with a psychology faculty member.

Overview

Ranked #159 in best national universities by U.S. news and world report, University of Alabama—​Birmingham sits on 88 blocks of gorgeous downtown Birmingham. The public institution was founded in 1969, and is home to more than 12,300 students. UAB offers low in-state tuition, at $10,410.

Program features

University of Alabama—​Birmingham has several fully online bachelor’s in the field of psychology- BS in Human Development and Family Studies, concentration in Child Life, BS in Consumer Sciences, concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling, BS in HES Human Development and Family Studies. If you’re looking for a school with options and specializations, UAB could be a great fit. Sample courses include:

• Child development
• Behavioral psychology
• Cognition and aging

Notables

University of Alabama–Birmingham is also ranked #83 in top public schools. The median starting salary of alumni is $44,800. If you’re seeking financial assistance, 61 percent of full-time undergraduates at UAB receive some kind of need-based financial aid.