A psychology degree can open up a number of career avenues for you. The general perception is that psychologists only work with patients. In reality, the skills and knowledge of a psychologist come into use in a variety of fields. Some focus on research, some work as consultants and a number of psychologists work in the education system, working with students, teachers, parents, etc., among others. Plus, human resources professionals, law enforcement officers and others study psychology to become better at their jobs.
You can select from a number of specializations as part of the psychology degree. Some of the specializations are clinical psychology, counseling, forensic psychology, educational, industrial or organizational psychology, sports psychology and others.
The field of psychology is projected to have the fastest job growth prospects in the United States between 2016 and 2026, according to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is projected to grow by 14%. In terms of average annual salary, psychologists earned $79,010, as o May 2018.
While selecting an online psychology program, make sure it’s an accredited program. An accredited program will have a higher academic standard than a non-accredited program.
Plus, employers hold accredited programs in higher regard as well. Doctoral programs or degrees in psychology in the United States are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). There are several accreditation agencies for undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology.
Best Accredited Online Psychology Programs
Let’s take a look at some of the best accredited online psychology programs.
American Public University System
The American Public University System offers both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts programs in Psychology, as well as an Undergraduate Certificate in Child Life. The tuition fees for the undergraduate program is $6,880, while the tuition fees for the graduate program in $6,600. The programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Albany State University
The Albany State University offers an Associate of Science in Psychology degree. The total number of credits are between 62 and 65. The tuition fees is $7,316 to $7,670. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC). You can call on 866-775-1214 to learn more about the program and the admissions process or you can apply here.
Arcadia University
Arcadia University offers two master’s degrees, one doctoral degree and five certificate and/or diploma programs in psychology. The two master’s degrees offered are Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis and Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. The doctoral degree offered is Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy. And the certificate programs offered are Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, Graduate Certificate in Autism, Graduate Certificate in Infant Toddler Mental Health, Health Policy Certificate and Pennsylvania Director Credential. The tuition fees varies from course to course. For the Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis the fee is $760 per credit, while the fee for the Doctoral program is $10,500. All the programs are accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
Arizona State University
The Arizona State University offers a variety of programs in psychology across undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. There are a couple of certificate courses as well. They offer Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology. There’s a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology too. The two doctoral degrees are in behavioral health (clinical) and behavioral health (management). The two graduate certificate programs are in applied behavior analysis and autism spectrum disorder. The tuition fees for the undergraduate degrees vary between $15,000 and $27,000, while the tuition fees for the graduate degrees vary between $6,000 and $25,000. The programs are accredited by HLC.
Oregon State University
The Oregon State University offers an extensive set of online programs, including Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The duration of the programs is 4 years, with a requirement of 180 credits. The cost per credit is $297.
The University also offers certain master’s and doctoral programs in psychology such as Master of Counseling — Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Counseling — School Counseling and Ph.D. in Counseling. However, the master’s and doctoral programs aren’t completely online. You will have to attend classes twice during the term on the campus. The two master’s of counseling programs require 90 and 75 credits, respectively. The cost per credit is $538. The doctoral program requires 150 credits and the cost per credit is $567.
All the programs are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Colorado State University — Global Campus
The Colorado State University Global Campus is one of the top online colleges in the United States. It offers a bachelor’s program in psychology that provides comprehensive training in the foundations of the subject and prepares you to implement the learnings in a variety of professional fields. The credit requirements for the program is 120 and you get to learn about behavioral studies, forensic psychology, etc. Online students get access to the online library and career services. As part of the course, you get to participate in discussion forums and some lessons are taught via video conferencing. The programs are accredited by HLC.
University of Florida Online
University of Florida Online offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that prepares students for a variety of professions, including healthcare and counseling, education, business and marketing, etc. As part of the course, you will be taught statistics, mathematics and biology, besides psychology. The cost per credit, which includes tuition and fees, for Florida residents is $129.18. For non-Florida residents the cost per credit is $552.62. Learn more about the financial aid programs offered by the college. The programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Conclusion
To be eligible for the master’s programs you must have completed an undergraduate degree, though there are exceptions. Also, keep in mind that certain fields of work related to psychology require you to complete a doctoral degree and some even require a license.