Whether you are considering a career in psychology or one that uses psychology, this guide to the best online psychology bachelor's degree programs will help you find the ones that best meet your needs.
The guide also outlines factors to consider, how to apply, and different online options. Discover tips about earning a psychology degree and how you can use one in your career.
What to Look For in an Online Bachelor's Degree Program in Psychology
When picking the best online psychology bachelor's degree program for your goals, consider the school's academic reputation and curriculum, what kind of format you want, the logistics of attending, and your financial situation.
Primary Factors to Consider
Accreditation
Accreditation is the most important quality measure for any college degree or program, from bachelor's to doctorate. The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), part of the U.S. Department of Education, lets you look up any program's accreditation status.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for bachelor's degrees vary by program. You will likely need a high school diploma or GED certificate, at least two references, and a transcript.
GPA requirements vary, but many of the best online psychology bachelor's degree programs prefer students with a 3.5 GPA or higher.
Cost and Financial Aid
Cost and financial aid are important. Attending an online program rather than a residential one is often more affordable. However, competition for work-study programs may be higher, since there are fewer remote work-study positions for students.
Hybrid and Online Options
Some programs are online-only, possibly with an in-person onboarding, while others are hybrid, meaning a mix of on-campus and online programs. Labs and courses with fieldwork are more likely to be hybrid.
While it is not a strict admissions requirement, before enrolling in an online or hybrid degree program, make sure you have reliable high-speed internet access.
How to Apply to an Online Bachelor's Degree Program in Psychology
Applying to college is a big task, so give yourself plenty of time. Have a teacher or guidance counselor you trust review your application. You may want to consider applying for early decision if you have one particular program you know you would attend if accepted.
Some schools participate in the Common App, which lets you apply to multiple colleges with the same application. All schools will require a high school diploma or GED certificate, transcript, and references, as well as an essay. Many schools require an interview, which you can do on video.
While most colleges charge application fees, some may grant a fee waiver if the fee would be a hardship.
Best Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs
#1 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
University of Florida-Online
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online
The University of Florida in Gainesville offers one of the best online psychology bachelor's degrees. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits the school.
The 120-credit-hour bachelor of arts degree provides a science-based liberal arts program that incorporates social and natural sciences. Students explore psychological principles and biological origins of human behavior and mental functioning. The curriculum includes cognition and learning, sociocultural approaches, mathematics, and statistics.
Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED certificate and academic credits in social and natural sciences, math, and English. Two years of a foreign language is preferred but not required.
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Central Florida, in Orlando, offers a 16-term, 120-credit-hour online bachelor of science in psychology program.The clinical psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association.
The fully online course curriculum includes history, physiology, research, and statistics. Enrollees can choose from six concentrations that include human factors, clinical psychology, experimental psychology, neuroscience, general psychology, or industrial/organizational psychology. Program requirements include a psychology capstone project. Online students qualify to work with success coaches.
Admission requirements include an online application; official high school, home-school transcript or GED certificate; SAT or ACT scores; an application essay (encouraged, not required), and a $30 application fee.
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida International University, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, offers a fully online bachelor of arts in psychology comprising 120 credit hours. The curriculum focuses on human behavior and scientific research.
Students choose from three concentrations, including social or applied psychology, abnormal personality and development, or experimental psychology.
A personal success coach is available to provide personal assistance for online students. Distance learners pay out-of-state tuition.
Admission requirements include official ACT or SAT scores, high school transcripts, and a $30 application fee.
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 years
- Online
Trine University-Regional in Fort Wayne, Indiana, offers an online bachelor of science degree with a major in psychology degree.
Online classes are asynchronous, allowing students to log in from anywhere and complete the coursework in their own time. The curriculum focuses on various psychology courses, such as abnormal and forensic psychology. Other classes include human sexuality, marriage and family counseling, and addiction counseling.
Students pursuing certification as a licensed addiction counselor can take the counseling concentration courses. Enrollees can also double major in psychology and criminal justice.
Admission requirements include an online application, official school transcripts or a passing GED score, and all post-secondary school credits.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Southeastern University
- Lakeland, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southeastern University in Lakeland holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The private Christian college offers one of the best online bachelor's degrees in psychology programs.
Coursework includes human behavior, behavior throughout the human lifespan, and methods of conducting experiments to discover what motivates human choices and conduct. Online students may choose between a pre-counseling and an industrial/organizational psychology concentration.
Admission requirements include an online application, official high school transcript/GED scores, transcripts from previous college courses, a Christian character reference, and a personal essay. ACT and SAT scores are optional.
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Ottawa University-Surprise
- Surprise, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ottawa University, in Surprise, Arizona, offers an accelerated online bachelor of arts in psychology degree. The Higher Learning Commission accredits the Christian school.
Coursework focuses on theories, research, and methods for understanding individuals or members of different cultures, communities, or institutions. Classes include general, developmental, social, and physiological psychology, research, statistics, analysis, and multiculturalism. Unlike traditional 16-week semesters, the accelerated online course comprises eight-week terms. Graduates often pursue a master of arts in counseling.
Admission requirements include application and fee, official high school and post-secondary transcripts. ACT or SAT scores are waived.
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Steubenville, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Franciscan University, a private Catholic institution, offers an online clinical psychology bachelor's degree program.
The curriculum includes counseling, group dynamics, and abnormal psychology courses. A senior capstone experience comprises a thesis and seminar. The senior thesis involves a written assignment, and the seminar involves an oral presentation.
Admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent with specific credits in math, science, social studies, English, and a foreign language.
Percent Online Enrollment
74%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
University of Mary
- Bismarck, ND
- 4 years
- Online
The University of Mary, in Bismark, North Dakota, offers an online bachelor of science in psychology program.
The online psychology degree curriculum emphasizes human behaviors, learning, and emotions. Students explore effective communication with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and groups. A double major or minor is available in theology, criminal justice, and social work.
UMary offers an Emerging Leaders Academy network of professionals for students to form professional connections.
Students can complete the program in just over 2.5 years when engaging in UMary's Year-Round Campus program.
Admission requirements include an online application, submission of official school transcripts, and optional SAT or ACT scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Biola University
- La Mirada, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Biola University Rosemead School of Psychology, in LaMirada, California, offers a fully online bachelor of science in applied psychology program.
The entirely online program combines a biblical understanding of the nature of humans with scientific behavioral studies. Online course delivery is asynchronous, allowing students to watch lectures on their own time. Seven-week terms and a year-round program enable students to complete the program in just 24 months.
Personalized success coaches are available to provide professional and spiritual support and guidance. Admission requirements include a Christian faith and a high school diploma with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#10 Best Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs
LeTourneau University
- Longview, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
LeTourneau University, in Longview, Texas, offers both a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science in psychology.
The online psychology program curriculum emphasizes counseling methodologies based on Christian principles. Required major courses include personality theory, history and systems of psychology, and theories and techniques of counseling. A capstone integration seminar is also required. The capstone seminar explores the integration of Christian beliefs with psychology.
Admission requirements include an online application and official high school or college transcripts from a regionally accredited institution, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for first-year admissions. Requirements include a minimum ACT composite score of 20 or an SAT critical reading and math score of 950 (or a reading, writing, and math score of 1030 or higher); health records; and a $100 deposit.
Online out-of-state students pay the same tuition as Texas residents.
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Psychology Bachelor's Degree Programs
Should I get a BA or a BS in Psychology?
A BA is a liberal arts degree while a BS emphasizes research. Since most graduate schools will accept either degree, at this point in your career you can focus on picking the school and program you prefer, without worrying about the degree.
Are online psychology degrees respected?
A graduate of an online psychology bachelor's degree graduates with the exact same diploma as an on-campus student. The reputation of the school matters much more than the format. The schools on this list are the best online psychology bachelor's degree programs, based on academics and value.
How much do you make with a bachelor's degree in psychology?
According to Payscale, as of October 2022, workers with a BA in psychology earn an average $66,000 annually. Payscale also reports an average $63,000 for workers with a BS in psychology.
What can I do with a bachelor's degree in psychology?
You can go on to earn a graduate degree and become a counselor, therapist, lawyer, psychiatrist, or psychologist. If you do not want to go to graduate school, you can use your degree to work in human resources, management, marketing, fundraising, or other careers that require an understanding of human behavior.
Page last reviewed October 19, 2022. This page's information — not including school descriptions — was reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Psychology.org.