Psychology observes and interprets the human mind by considering everything from memory and reasoning to personality and mental health. It’s no wonder that even outside of fields associated with psychology, many organizations would consider someone with a psychology degree to be a huge asset.
Whether you want to become a counselor, improve corporate/employee relationships, or conduct your own research, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is a great place to start.
You don’t have to move across the country to explore the human mind. There are countless online bachelor in psychology degree programs that can land you the credentials, expertise, and experience you need to enter the field.
To help you sort through all these programs, we’ve used data from The National Center for Education Statistics and ratings from school-ranking entities like TheBestSchools.org, BestColleges.com, BestPsychologyDegrees.com, TopCounselingSchools.org, BestCollegeReviews.org, and CollegeChoice.net to compile a list of the top 10 online bachelor’s in psychology programs. These programs are the best of the best!
To help you make the choice that’s right for you, we’ll show you each school’s:
- Tuition cost
- Program length
- Graduation rates
- Awards and accolades
- Accreditation
- Anything else we think could help you decide
Let’s find a school you’ll love! For starters, here are some highlights:
Most affordable
Almost all of these schools are more affordable than the average college education, but two Florida schools in particular stand out. For residents of Florida, University of Florida (#3 on our list) is the most affordable, costing just $3,000 per year. For everyone else, University of Central Florida costs a total of about $36,000, even if you take six or more years to finish your degree.
Best graduation rate
After spending a few years and thousands of dollars on your education, you probably want to walk away with a degree in your hand. If you’re worried about whether or not you’ll actually finish your degree, once again, University of Florida (#3) is your safest choice with an 87% graduation rate.
Only one of these schools has a notably low graduation rate. Penn State University (#1 on the list) has a graduation rate of 20%. The national average graduation rate is 59%, and most of the schools on this list are above that.
Now, on to the top ten!
1. Penn State University (World Campus)
Tuition cost: about $14,000 per year
Program length: 123 credits
Graduation rate: 25%
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on TheBestSchools.org: 1
- Rank on CollegeChoice.net: 2
Penn State University’s World Campus offers three online options for undergraduate psychology majors: two bachelor of science programs and a bachelor of arts.
Here’s what they say about each degree:
BS in psychology with a life science option:
“This allows students to complement their education in psychology with coursework focused on the life sciences most closely related to psychology, including anthropology, biology, and biobehavioral health. It is an excellent choice for individuals considering graduate education in psychology. It also provides the background necessary for careers in counseling, health care, or other professions that provide care for substance abuse, eating disorders, or other disorders involving both behavior and biology.”
BS in psychology with a business option:
“This option provides students ways to enhance their psychology coursework with courses in business, leadership, ethics, and diversity. Together with the analytic and communication skills acquired in psychology courses, this option can prepare graduates for a range of careers in business, human resources, management, or health care administration. It is also an excellent choice for individuals considering further study in industrial-organizational psychology, consumer behavior, or leadership.”
A professor described the unique curriculum in this option as “psychology in the workplace.”
BA in psychology:
“The principles of psychology are used in nearly every field, from human resources and rehabilitative therapies to educational testing and business practices. Regardless of the career path you choose, the Penn State World Campus online bachelor of arts degree program in psychology can help you refine the analytical skills you need to understand interpersonal interaction—and implement valuable problem-solving techniques.”
The BA program prepares students to pursue careers in:
- Social work
- Probation and corrections
- Professional at-home aid
- Caregiving for the elderly and children
- Recreational therapy
Here’s what Penn State University’s students and professors have to say about their experience with the online psychology programs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC0VI07Hyhk
Note: Penn State’s PhD in clinical psychology, school psychology, and counseling psychology programs are all accredited by the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation. So if you want to pursue your graduate studies, this could be a great school to continue with.
Fun fact: Penn State University has an online psychology club that lets you interact with both students and professors.
2. Arizona State University
Tuition cost:
- In-state: about $10,000 per year
- Out-of-state: about $26,000 per year
Program length: 120 credits
Graduation rate: 67%
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on TheBestSchools.org: 3
- Rank on CollegeChoice.net: 3
- Rank on BestCollegeReviews.org: 4
Arizona State University offers an online BS in psychology and an online BA in psychology through their New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Students in Arizona State’s psychology programs have the opportunity to conduct research in:
- Decision-making process of a jury
- Deception and cheating
- Negotiation and persuasion
- Impulsiveness and risk-taking
- Group identification
- Bias in expert testimony
- Postpartum stress in parents
Here’s how an associate professor describes the psychology program as a whole:
Online psychology students do not have all the same opportunities as on-campus students. The website doesn’t specify, but this may affect internships, service-learning, and faculty-supervised research.
Here’s how they say the two programs differ:
Difference between the online BA and BS in psychology:
“The BS degree differs from the BA degree in that it requires two additional lab courses and advanced statistical training. The Bachelor of Science degree program will provide a greater depth of knowledge in the biological and neuroscientific aspects of psychology that are becoming increasingly important both for research and clinical practice. In addition, the advanced statistical training will further prepare students for careers and graduate training involving psychological research, clinical research and legal policy research.”
Here’s what ASU Online says about the online faculty:
“Students enrolled online through Arizona State University have the opportunity to learn from some of the best and brightest in their fields, as our online courses are taught by the same internationally recognized and award-winning faculty members who teach in our on-ground programs.”
In this video, ASU’s professors share what makes online learning so appealing—and if you ask me, it’s one of the best pitches for attending class online, period:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vMzGQ50_JQ
Here’s the gist: Online classes make it easier to participate in class discussions (which are no longer dominated by one or two students), and online students actually perform as well as on-campus students in the industry.
3. University of Florida
Tuition cost:
- In state: about $3,000 per year for online students
- Out-of-state: about $10,000 per year for online students
Program length: 120 credits
Graduation rate: 87%
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on TheBestSchools.org: 2
- Rank on CollegeChoice.net: 4
- Rank on BestColleges.com: 5
University of Florida offers an online bachelor of arts in psychology.
Here’s what they say about the program:
“Psychology is the science of human and animal behavior. Psychology majors receive a broad science-based liberal arts education. As a result, those with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology are widely sought in business, education, and certain mental health fields. For a professional career in psychology, a graduate degree is needed.”
There are four main subjects covered by the curriculum:
- Psychology
- Biological science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
You’ll learn the foundational principles of psychology and how to apply them, and you’ll explore psychology as both a natural and a social science.
With 400,000 alumni around the world, networking opportunities are never far from University of Florida students—even if you’re studying online. There are more than 100 “Gator clubs” dispersed throughout the world, so no matter where you are, you can connect with alumni and students.
Here’s what University of Florida Online says about connecting with fellow students:
“UF Online hosts a variety of activities to engage and connect with online students. We host regular events in Gainesville, like a tailgate at Homecoming, and events, like networking receptions, outside of Gainesville. Additionally, through Gator Clubs around the world you can interact with the Gator Nation. Online does not mean solitary as Florida Gators are known for being social creatures.”
4. University of Central Florida
Tuition cost:
- In-State: about $12,000 total
- Out-of-State: about $36,000 total
Program length: 120 credits
Graduation rate: 69%
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on BestColleges.com: 1
- Rank on TopCounselingSchools.org: 7
- Rank on CollegeChoice: 8
University of Central Florida offers an online bachelor of science in psychology through the Department of Psychology in their College of Sciences.
Here’s what they say about the program:
“The Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology leads to a broad foundation of knowledge in the discipline of psychology. One of our primary goals is to educate students to intelligently evaluate psychological information that they are encountered with in the real world. By completing this major, students will understand basic psychology terminology and concepts used in; statistical and research methods, physiological psychology, and history and systems. Students will also understand what constitutes scholarly sources, and be able to access them. All psychology majors are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as research, volunteer, and internships as well as our various student organizations that are affiliated with the major.”
This is a very affordable program, whether you live in Florida or not.
UCF has a transfer rate of 4%. The national average is over 30%. If you start your studies here, chances are you’re going to finish them here, too.
Note: University of Central Florida’s PhD in clinical psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation. So if you want to pursue your graduate studies, this could be a great school to continue with.
Fun fact: UCF offers “peer-assisted learning” and online tutors for online students.
5. Central Michigan University
Tuition cost: about $52,000 total
Program length: 124 credits
Graduation rate: 57%
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on TopCounselingSchools.org: 3
- Rank on BestCollegeReviews.org: 3
Central Michigan University offers a fully online or hybrid BS in psychology degree through their Global Campus.
Here’s what they say about the program:
“The BS in Psychology will develop your knowledge and understanding of behavior to better understand yourself and your environment. This flexible program offers the customization to match your degree with your career goals as you learn applicable skills in human development, mental health, behavior analysis, cognition, personality, and cultural awareness. . . .Through your increased awareness and understanding of the psychological process you will be prepared for a successful career in advancing human welfare within the field of your choosing. You also will have a strong foundation in the basic knowledge and skills necessary for advanced study in psychology and related disciplines.”
In this video, the director of undergraduate programs shares more about the psychology major:
https://player.vimeo.com/video/28733201
Note: CMU’s PhD in clinical psychology program is certified by the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation. So if you want to pursue your graduate studies, this could be a great school to continue with.
6. Oregon State University
Tuition cost: about $50,000 total
Program length: 180 credits
Graduation rate: 63%
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on CollegeChoice.net: 1
- Rank on TheBestSchools.org: 6
Oregon State University offers both an online BA and an online BS in psychology through their e-campus.
This program is ideal for students who are interested in how and why people think the way they do. Here’s how OSU describes their online psychology program:
“Oregon State University’s online psychology degree program provides an understanding of not only why humans behave, think, or feel certain ways, but also to derive how they behave, think, or feel these ways. Both the scientific and humanistic perspectives of psychology are addressed, providing an appreciation of human diversity and the value of the empirical approach to identifying, understanding, and solving complex problems.”
While the curriculum is already quite extensive, OSU encourages psychology students add an online minor if there’s another subject that you’d like to take upper-level college courses in. They offer more than 20 online minors.
Online classes at OSU are designed to be interactive. To see what your classes could look like, check out this sampling of online courses:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U75D-VOaaLg
Note: Some professors hold online office hours through video chats.
7. Brandman University
Tuition cost: about $12,000 per year
Program length: 120 credits
Graduation rate: Not reported
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on BestPsychologyDegrees.com: 4
- Rank on TopCounselingSchools.org: 4
Brandman University offers a fully online bachelor of arts in psychology with six concentration options.
Through the program, you’ll learn how to:
- Understand and predict behaviors of individuals and groups
- Recognize how people develop and learn
- Apply theory to real world situations
- Be conscious of diversity and cultural differences
- Develop self-understanding
You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork and pursue independent research projects.
Here are the six concentrations, and how Brandman University describes them:
Gerontology
“Gerontology is the study of the aging process from multiple perspectives, including biology, health, economics, sociology and psychology. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of people over the age of 65 is expected to double between 2012 and 2060, from 43 million to 92 million. Brandman’s gerontology concentration teaches students how to apply methods of psychology and sociology principles to help meet the growing need for skilled practitioners. Multidisciplinary courses explore issues related to aging, grief, functional aging, culture of aging and social policy so students understand how to support the elderly and their families.”
Pre-clinical
“This concentration addresses the study of human behavior from biological, evolutionary, psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, sociocultural, and humanistic perspectives, giving you a strong background to proceed to a doctoral degree in different psychological domains.”
Industrial/organizational
“This concentration gives you the ability to take theoretical perspectives and use them in a practical and applied manner in a variety of workplace settings. Industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology is a high demand field designed to promote employee productivity and retention support organizations in dealing with diversity issues, job selection, training, performance feedback, coaching and other issues related to personnel in organizational settings.”
Child psychology
“The Child Psychology Concentration is designed for students interested in working with all children with a specific emphasis on children with various developmental challenges. The concentration provides students with a greater depth of study in child development, learning, and current treatment options for children with autism and other disabilities. It addresses child development from biological, evolutionary, behavioral, psychoanalytic, cognitive, sociocultural, and humanistic perspectives and provides applied courses on how to enhance child development and learning.”
Community psychology
“Designed for students who are interested in working with community programs that serve individuals who are disadvantaged or feel disenfranchised, the Community Psychology Concentration is focused on the cultural, environmental, economic, social, and political factors that influence and shape the lives of people throughout the world. It prepares students to apply psychological principles to person-environment fit. Classes cover theoretical perspectives, as well as applied experiences where problems are identified and solutions are developed.”
General psychology
“The General Psychology Concentration allows you to select any psychology elective classes giving you the opportunity to explore multiple domains of psychology. A student who graduates with a general psychology concentration may consider careers that demand an understanding of human behavior and cognition. The General Psychology Concentration can offer a student a better understanding of various specialties that can be pursued at the graduate level if desired.”
8. University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Tuition cost:
- In state: about $14,000 per year
- Out-of-state: about $31,000 per year
Program length: 120 credits
Graduation rate: 56%
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on BestPsychologyDegrees.com: 2
- Rank on BestColleges.com: 8
- Rank on BestCollegeReviews.org: 10
- More awards (including some from the Online Learning Consortium)
University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers an online bachelor of arts in psychology.
Here’s what they say about it:
“UMass Lowell’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides students with theoretical foundations in various subfields of psychology: experimental, developmental, social, personality, and clinical psychology. The curriculum emphasizes the application of psychological knowledge and skills in many areas of human functioning. Program faculty have expertise in a broad spectrum of subfields and are committed to the excellence of their students.”
Over the course of the program, you can choose from a wide assortment of psychology classes and an advanced psychology seminar.
One psychology student said, “I chose UMass Lowell because I wanted a program that was well-established, successful and well-organized and that offered a wide variety of classes. I was even given the opportunity to design and conduct psychological research.”
Here’s what UMass Lowell says about their online programs:
“At UMass Lowell, we are committed to providing you with high-quality, affordable online programs that make earning your degree or certificate more convenient than ever before. Our students have access to online course technical support 24X7, and our academic advisors and program coordinators are happy to help you with your questions.”
You can learn more in this short video about online learning at UMass Lowell:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xir0rTHpFA
9. Washington State University
Tuition cost:
- In-state: about $11,000 per year
- Out-of-state: about $26,000 per year
Program length: Not listed
Graduation rate: 67%
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on CollegeChoice.net: 7
- Rank on BestCollegeReviews.org: 7
- Rank on TopCounselingSchools.org: 9
- Rank on TheBestSchools.org: 9
Washington State University offers an online bachelor of science through their Global Campus.
Here’s what they’d like you to know about it:
“Washington State University’s online bachelor of science in psychology gives students a comprehensive understanding of basic psychology and scientific methods. The ability to systematically identify and solve human problems is crucial in workplaces and life situations.”
Washington State University’s online instructors are experts in specific areas of experimental or clinical psychology. In a candid video on the website, one of these online professors shared why she first got into psychology:
“I realized that it really was the science that fascinated me the most about psychology, the idea that you could use a scientific understanding of behavior to help improve behavior.”
As an online student, your psychology curriculum will focus on three primary areas:
- Neuroscience and cognition
- Social and motivational psychology
- Clinical and counseling psychology
WSU’s Global Campus has its own team of designers developing graphics, animations, and even games to help make your experience more engaging and interactive. In some ways, you may feel as though you’re having a better experience than the on-campus students.
One online student put it this way:
“I almost feel like I have a closer relationship with the instructor because I can ask them a question and develop a more personal relationship than I may be able to do in a classroom of a hundred other people. And I found that I was able to connect with other students that weren’t living in my vicinity that maybe we’re living in other states, which was exciting as well. And by working together in a group or a team and having to put projects together with people that you can only communicate to over the phone or over the internet, it was amazing to find out what could be accomplished.”
Note: WSU’s PhD in clinical psychology and counseling psychology are accredited by the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation. So if you want to pursue your graduate studies, this could be a great school to continue with.
10. Drexel University
Tuition cost: about $51,000 per year
Program length: 180 credits
Graduation rate: 70%
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Awards and accolades:
- Rank on BestCollegeReviews.com: 1
- Rank on TheBestSchools.org: 10
Drexel University offers an online bachelor of science in psychology. To begin the program, you must have at least 24 college credits with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Here’s what Drexel University says about their psychology program:
“The field of psychology studies and explores various questions about the human brain and its behavior. These questions are structured around an understanding of brain function and cognition influenced by various psychological, environmental, and social factors. Psychologists devote their careers to figuring out how this affects the way we grow, learn, and act in day-to-day life.”
Towards the end of the program, you’ll begin a research seminar sequence. You can opt-out of this sequence, but if you do, you’ll need to take four additional advanced psychology electives.
Graduates of DU’s BS in psychology program are equipped to enter fields like:
- Forensics and law
- Health sciences
- Business
- Education
- Applied neurosciences
- Counseling
Note: Drexel University’s PhD in clinical psychology program is certified by the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation. So if you want to pursue your graduate studies, this could be a great school to continue with.
Should you get a BS or a BA in psychology?
Some of these schools let you choose between a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science. Others only offer one or the other. While there are some philosophical differences between a BS and a BA, schools don’t always stick to those, and no differences between a BS and a BA are universally true.
It’s possible that since a BA or BS in psychology is a STEM degree, employers may favor a BS, but psychology is also a field where a strong background in the humanities (which you’re more likely to get through a BA) can be an asset as well. Either way, it’s pretty subjective.
Focus on choosing your school first. If your school offers both programs, compare the courses and descriptions of each to see how each one actually affects what you’ll learn. If you’re really concerned (which you don’t need to be), you can always talk to an advisor from the school directly.
A quick note on transferring schools
According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, more than one third of all college students transfer schools before graduating. In order to transfer your credits from one school to another, the two schools usually have to be accredited by the same organizations.
Unfortunately, most of these schools are accredited by different regional accrediting agencies, which means they all have slightly different standards and requirements, so you may have a hard time transferring between schools or pursuing your graduate studies if you want to choose a different school.
The best school is really up to you
We can’t tell you exactly which school is the best choice for you—and you shouldn’t let anyone else do that, either. You have to weigh the factors that are most important to you and let that guide your decision. Choosing a school is a huge investment—both in terms of what it immediately costs you and how it affects your life. So take your time.
We hope this list has helped make the decision a little easier for you. Good luck in your future studies!