Reviewed by
Credit: Watchara Piriyaputtanapun | Moment | Getty Images
Earning an online psychology degree is the first step to beginning a career in a growing industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs in psychology to grow by 6% from 2021-31, the average growth for other occupations.
Pursuing an online program gives you the flexibility to continue balancing other obligations while earning an online psychology degree.
A psychologist must hold at least a graduate degree to earn licensure. Learn more about what to expect from an online psychology degree, along with how to earn credentials in this lucrative industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Degrees Online
Yes. Many schools offer an online degree for psychology. However, while a program may offer online coursework, all graduate psychology programs require in-person internship or practicum experiences. Online students often complete these at sites in their home communities.
Students should seek out accredited online psychology degree programs, which might be hybrid programs. The American Psychological Association (APA) does not accredit fully online programs.
To earn licensure in psychology, you must hold a degree from an accredited institution. Psychology licensing exams require candidates to graduate from an accredited program. Credits earned at an unaccredited institution do not transfer to accredited schools, and employers often do not recognize degrees from unaccredited institutions.
These degrees offer similar foundational courses in psychology. Graduate programs in psychology often look for those foundational courses. Occasionally, graduate psychology programs will look specifically for a BA or BS, but more often, they require a bachelor's in psychology.
A bachelor of science degree tends to require more general education courses in the sciences, while BA tracks emphasize the liberal arts.
Although most states require a doctoral degree in psychology to earn clinical licensure, many states allow those with a master's degree to practice in certain areas, such as counseling and some psychotherapy roles.
Some students may choose to pursue an educational psychology degree, allowing them to practice as a school counselor in many states. Industrial and organizational psychology positions also often require a master's degree rather than a doctorate.
This depends on which degree track you select, whether you enroll full or part time, and the program requirements. For example, a bachelor's in psychology may take 3-4 years, and a doctorate can take an additional 6-8 years beyond the bachelor's degree.
Often, higher degrees earn higher salaries. Those with a bachelor's in psychology earn an average salary of $59,000 according to July 2022 Payscale data, while master's degree-holders earn an average of $61,000, and doctoral-level graduates earn an average of $90,000 per year.
These numbers can vary based on experience, geographic location, employer, and practice setting.
Featured Online Psychology Programs
Types of Online Psychology Degrees
Students can pursue degrees in psychology at all levels. Each degree builds on the one before it to prepare students for clinical positions.
-
Associate Degree in Psychology
An associate degree in psychology requires about 60 credit hours or 1-2 years to complete. These degrees consist primarily of general education courses and serve as a stepping stone toward a four-year degree in the field.
Length of Program: Two years
Median Salary: $47,000 -
Bachelor's Program in Psychology
A bachelor's program in psychology requires about 120 credit hours or 60 hours beyond the associate degree. These programs offer foundational courses in psychology, preparing students to pursue some entry-level careers or enter graduate school. Graduates who enter the job force with this degree often pursue careers in other fields.
Length of Program: Four years
Median Salary: $59,000 -
Master's Degree in Psychology
A master's degree in psychology can take 2-3 years to complete. This degree allows graduates to practice as counselors in some states or work as industrial-organizational psychologists.
Length of Program: 2-3 years
Median Salary: $65,000 -
Doctoral Degree in Psychology
Most states require a doctorate in psychology to earn clinical licensure. This degree can take anywhere from 4-6 years to complete and serves as the minimum requirement for practice.
Length of Program: 5-7 years
Median Salary: $90,000
Source: Payscale
Careers For Psychology Degree Graduates
Depending on your chosen degree track, you can pursue potentially lucrative careers in psychology. Jobs in psychology should continue to grow, which includes many of the subfields outlined below.
Career options vary by education level, professional experience, and individual credentials.
-
1
Marriage and Family Therapist
These therapists work with couples and families to overcome emotional and relationship-based issues, using cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, and other methods.
Recommended Degree: Master's
Required Credentials: State license -
2
School and Career Counselor
These counselors work in schools, helping students deal with academic, personal, and career struggles. They collaborate with school administration and teachers to provide student support.
Recommended Degree: Master's
Required Credentials: State license; some states require additional teaching license -
3
Social Worker
Social workers provide crucial support to families and children in need, connecting them with available community resources. Those with a master's degree sometimes offer counseling services.
Recommended Degree: Master's
Required Credentials: State license -
4
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor
These counselors work with clients dealing with alcoholism, drug use, and other addiction and behavioral conditions. They often work in mental health and rehabilitation centers.
Recommended Degree: Master's; bachelor's minimum requirement
Required Credentials: State license -
5
Psychologist
General psychologists work with many different patients, providing mental health counseling and behavioral therapy, and diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
Recommended Degree: Doctorate
Required Credentials: State license
Source: BLS
What Psychology Degree Concentrations are Offered Online?
Psychology degree concentrations prepare students to work with a specific population or type of practice. Each of these concentrations as part of an online psychology program can lead to a career in that particular field of psychology.
While you need a doctorate to become a psychologist, you also can use applied knowledge of specific groups for other jobs. For example, a concentration in child psychology could prepare you to help design computer games for children, or a concentration in sports psychology could prepare you for a career as a youth sports coach.
Child Psychology
Child psychology specializes in understanding the phases of childhood development and how to support children and their families in healthy psychological development. A degree in child psychology could help you work in children's media or in programs that serve youth, such as childcare or youth sports.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology focuses on diagnosing and treating specific psychological conditions. This concentration mostly prepares students to earn a graduate degree in clinical psychology.
Counseling Psychology
Counseling psychology practitioners can diagnose specific conditions. They help patients to better understand themselves and solve problems they are facing. Other than going on to earn a graduate degree and become a counselor or psychologist, you may be able to use your learning as a coach, career advisor, or similar role.
Educational Psychology
Educational psychology is about understanding how people learn and the best ways to design and deliver educational programs. You could use this specialization as an adult learning designer or provider, school administrator, or educational publisher.
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology focuses on psychology and the law. You could use this degree in law, the justice or correctional system, or in public policy and crime prevention.
Health Psychology
Health psychology relates to how health conditions affect psychological well-being. Some related careers include physical therapy, hospital or healthcare administration, or public health promotion.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
This branch of psychology studies how people behave in organizations and how to optimize organizations to help people perform. You can use this knowledge in business and consulting.
School Psychology
School psychology is related to educational psychology but also examines how to make schools and educational organizations perform effectively and deliver good psychological results. You can use this degree in school administration or government.
Sports Psychology
Sports psychology uses psychology to improve sports performance and player psychological well-being. You can use this degree in youth or adult sports coaching or computer game design.
Page Last Reviewed: October 18, 2022
Latest Posts
Are you ready to find your fit?
Find the information you need to find, get into, pay for, and thrive in the best college for you.