Online psychology degrees offer a flexible and accessible way for students to pursue a career in psychology, catering to various educational and professional goals. Accredited online psychology programs ensure that students receive a high-quality education that meets industry standards, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field. There are several types of accredited psychology degrees available online, ranging from associate degrees to doctoral programs, each designed to prepare students for different roles within the psychology profession.
1. Associate Degree in Psychology
An Associate Degree in Psychology is an entry-level program that typically takes about two years to complete. This degree provides students with a foundational understanding of psychological principles and prepares them for further study or entry-level positions in various fields. Accredited online associate programs cover topics such as developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and social psychology, along with general education courses. Graduates of an associate degree program may find work as psychiatric aides, social services assistants, or in other supportive roles in mental health and social services. However, most students use this degree as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.
2. Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate programs offered online. This degree typically requires four years of study and provides a comprehensive overview of psychological theories, research methods, and applications. Accredited online bachelor’s programs cover a wide range of topics, including cognitive psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and clinical psychology. Students also learn about research design, statistical analysis, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for careers in psychology and related fields.
There are generally two types of bachelor’s degrees in psychology: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS). The BA typically includes more liberal arts courses, while the BS focuses more on the scientific aspects of psychology, such as biology and research methods. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology can pursue careers in various fields, including human resources, marketing, social work, and mental health services. While a bachelor’s degree does not qualify graduates to become licensed psychologists, it is an essential step toward advanced study and specialized roles within the field.
3. Master’s Degree in Psychology
A Master’s Degree in Psychology is an advanced program that generally takes two to three years to complete. This degree allows students to specialize in a particular area of psychology, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or forensic psychology. Accredited online master’s programs typically include coursework in advanced psychological theories, research methods, and practical skills, along with a thesis or capstone project.
There are several types of master’s degrees in psychology available online:
- Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology: Focuses on the theoretical and applied aspects of psychology, often with an emphasis on counseling, therapy, or human services.
- Master of Science (MS) in Psychology: Typically emphasizes research, scientific methodology, and specialized fields such as cognitive psychology or behavioral neuroscience.
- Master of Social Work (MSW) with a focus on psychology: Prepares students for roles in social services with an emphasis on psychological principles in social work practice.
Graduates with a master’s degree in psychology may pursue licensure as counselors or therapists in some states, work in research or administrative roles, or continue their education in a doctoral program. Specific career paths depend on the chosen specialization and state licensure requirements.
4. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology is a research-focused degree that typically takes five to seven years to complete. This degree is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in academia, research, or advanced clinical practice. Accredited online PhD programs in psychology offer specializations in areas such as clinical psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. The curriculum generally includes advanced coursework in psychological theories, research methodologies, and statistics, as well as a dissertation that involves original research in the student’s chosen area of specialization.
PhD programs in psychology are rigorous and require a strong commitment to research and scholarship. Graduates are prepared for careers as university professors, researchers in academic or private institutions, or licensed clinical psychologists. To practice as a clinical psychologist, PhD graduates must complete a supervised internship and pass state licensure exams.
5. Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a professional doctoral degree that focuses on the clinical practice of psychology. Unlike the research-oriented PhD, the PsyD program is designed for students who want to become practicing psychologists. Accredited online PsyD programs typically take four to six years to complete and include coursework in clinical assessment, psychotherapy, ethical practices, and cultural competence. The program also requires students to complete a supervised internship and a clinical dissertation, which focuses on applying psychological theory to practical problems.
PsyD graduates are prepared to work as licensed clinical psychologists, providing therapy, counseling, and psychological assessments in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, and mental health clinics. The PsyD is particularly suited for students who are more interested in practicing psychology than conducting research, though some PsyD programs also include opportunities for research and teaching.
6. Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology
A Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology is an online degree program that focuses on the practical application of psychological principles in real-world settings. This degree is designed for students who are interested in applying psychological theories to solve problems in various fields, such as business, education, healthcare, and human services. Accredited online programs in applied psychology typically include coursework in behavioral analysis, organizational psychology, and consumer behavior, as well as training in research methods and data analysis.
Graduates of a BS in Applied Psychology program may pursue careers in human resources, market research, organizational development, and other fields that require expertise in human behavior and data-driven decision-making. While this degree does not lead to licensure as a psychologist, it provides valuable skills that are applicable in many professional settings.
7. Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
A Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology is a specialized degree that focuses on the study of human behavior in the workplace. This online degree program typically takes two years to complete and covers topics such as personnel selection, performance appraisal, training and development, and organizational behavior. Accredited programs also emphasize research methods and statistical analysis, preparing students to apply psychological principles to improve productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness.
Graduates with an MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology are prepared for careers in human resources, management consulting, organizational development, and related fields. They may work in corporate settings, government agencies, or consulting firms, where they use their expertise to design and implement programs that enhance employee performance and well-being.
8. Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
A Master of Science in Forensic Psychology is an online degree program that focuses on the intersection of psychology and the legal system. This degree is designed for students who are interested in applying psychological principles to criminal justice, law enforcement, and the legal process. Accredited online programs in forensic psychology typically include coursework in criminal behavior, psychological assessment, victimology, and legal ethics.
Graduates with an MS in Forensic Psychology may pursue careers as forensic psychologists, working with law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, or correctional facilities. They may be involved in activities such as criminal profiling, providing expert testimony in court, conducting psychological evaluations of defendants, or offering counseling services to victims of crime. While this degree does not lead to licensure as a clinical psychologist, it provides specialized training for careers in the criminal justice field.
9. Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
A Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is an online degree program that prepares students to work as licensed counselors or therapists. This degree typically takes two to three years to complete and includes coursework in counseling theories, ethics, multicultural competence, and clinical assessment. Accredited online programs also require students to complete supervised practicum and internship experiences, where they gain hands-on experience working with clients in a counseling setting.
Graduates with an MA in Counseling Psychology are eligible to pursue licensure as professional counselors (LPC) or marriage and family therapists (MFT), depending on their chosen specialization and state requirements. They may work in private practices, community mental health centers, schools, or other settings where they provide counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families. The MA in Counseling Psychology is ideal for students who are passionate about helping others and want to make a positive impact on people’s lives through therapeutic interventions.
10. Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Psychology
A Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Psychology is an online doctoral program that focuses on the application of psychological principles in educational settings. This degree is designed for educators, administrators, and other professionals who want to enhance their understanding of how students learn and develop. Accredited online EdD programs in educational psychology typically include coursework in learning theory, cognitive development, instructional design, and educational assessment.
Graduates with an EdD in Educational Psychology are prepared for leadership roles in education, such as school administrators, curriculum developers, educational consultants, or faculty members in higher education. They may also work in research settings, where they contribute to the development of evidence-based educational practices and policies. The EdD in Educational Psychology is ideal for professionals who are passionate about improving educational outcomes and want to apply psychological principles to create more effective learning environments.
11. Master of Public Health (MPH) with a Concentration in Behavioral Health
A Master of Public Health (MPH) with a Concentration in Behavioral Health is an online degree program that combines the study of public health with a focus on mental and behavioral health. This interdisciplinary degree is designed for students who want to address mental health issues at the population level, through public health initiatives, policy development, and community programs.
