Many people opt for online courses and online degrees because they are able to learn through their preferred learning style, or it is more suited to their lifestyle. The choice between getting a traditional degree and an online degree all depends on which one’s pros outweigh the cons. This choice comes down to one’s personal preference and need. When it comes to online psychology degrees, getting a specialized education in a particular sect of psychology is often only offered by traditional brick-and-mortar schools. However, a more generalized degree in the subject is offered by most universities online. Some universities also offer slightly more specialized degrees like child psychology or forensic psychology, but it all depends on the school.
Many schools offer stellar psychology programs and degrees online. Below we will discuss all the benefits of getting an online psychology degree, the admission requirements for admission, things to consider while choosing a program, and the best programs offered to students online.
Jobs You Can Get With an Online Psychology Degree
Becoming a psychologist requires a doctoral degree and a practicing license, which can take over six years to obtain, and becoming a researcher or any other related occupation in psychology requires a Master’s degree in the subject. However, there are several career paths available to those with just a Bachelor’s degree in psychology.
With a Bachelor’s degree in the subject, many people choose to go into the educational field of occupation. Teaching, counseling, and some administrative positions can be secured with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. If education is not the right path for you, there are also positions in a business that are offered to those with this degree. After learning about cognition and behavior, this knowledge can be applied to HR departments across industries. This degree is also recognized as viable for careers in marketing, communications, and other such fields where understanding and dealing with people is a necessity.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Program
When applying to an online psychology program, find out if the institution you are applying to is accredited, so you can ensure you will be getting a degree that will help you further your career. Another thing to note is that online classes are no simpler than on-campus classes and require the same level of work and commitment. You should also have a clear idea of what you expect to gain from the degree once you obtain it; your career goals should be achievable and realistic.
Admission Requirements for an Online Psychology Degree
- High School Transcripts
High school transcripts are an essential part of a student’s application as they represent their potential and capabilities. Even if you apply for an online psychology degree program with a GED score, you might still be asked to hand in previous high school transcripts.
- Minimum GPA
To get into a good online psychology program, you need to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 or 2.5 for the school to consider your application. Some schools may offer a conditional admission depending on your performance on the standardized tests.
- ACT or SAT Scores
Like high school transcripts, standardized test scores make a significant impact on whether a college admits you.
Our Top 5 Online Psychology Programs
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers an online BA in Psychology that is rooted in both science and the liberal arts. The difference between the online psychology program and the one offered on campus is that the online one is a BA, and the campus program is a BS. The psychology program is one of the most popular choices for students who attend the University of Florida. Students of this program learn the theory and application of psychology through natural and social science perspectives, preparing them for a wide variety of careers. The program requires 120 credit hours to complete, including 30 required credits in the psychology major core curriculum.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
UMass Lowell offers its online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through its Division of Online and Continuing Education. Their curriculum is designed to develop the student’s skills and knowledge in specified subfields of the subject, and it emphasizes the utilization of theoretical and applied knowledge and skills in practice. The online course offered by this university allows students to take electives in specific areas of psychology like clinical, social, personality, experimental, developmental, and community. Psychology as a major at UMass Lowell’s online program allows students to get a minor in Gender Studies, Asian Studies, or Work, Labor, and Society.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University refers to its online programs as an e-campus. In the e-campus, students can get their undergraduate psychology degree online as either a BS or a BA. This university’s online psychology program is the same as its on-campus program. The curriculum is centered on learning the scientific approach to studying theories of human behavior while developing skills in research, statistics, and quantitative analysis. The subjects offered as part of the curriculum include Cognition Research, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Learning and Memory.
Colorado State University
CSU Online offers a BS in psychology through the school’s reputable Department of Psychology. The program is research-oriented, and the subjects in the curriculum fall under both liberal arts and the sciences, giving students a much wider base of knowledge for future careers. Colorado State University Online’s psychology program includes lectures and lab hours to prepare students for graduate-level degrees.
University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota BA in Psychology is offered both full-time and part-time online to allow their students some flexibility. The program offered online follows the same path as the one offered on campus. The online degree offered at this university is designed to tailor the needs of working professionals that need to study at flexible rates.
While choosing an online psychology program, take into account what you want from the program. The rest depends on your previous grades and test scores.
We wish you the very best!
