Online Bachelors in Psychology

Consider one of the most popular majors for undergraduate study. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is a strong career option if you wish to become a psychologist, researcher, or counselor, but you can also use this training program to prepare for a number of other careers. Learn more about the coursework, salary expectations, and cost of an online bachelor’s degree in psychology with this Campus Explorer guide.

Contents

What Is an Online Bachelor’s in Psychology?

A bachelor’s degree in psychology can be completed partially or fully online. This flexible option allows you to complete a bachelor’s degree in less time, or more time, than the typical four years. It also allows you to enroll in a course at a school that’s in another state or region.

Study psychology to learn more about the fascinating field, apply for a job in the industry, or prepare for higher education. As a student, you can tailor your classes to fit your career goals or take a broad range of classes in many fields. Here are some common classes you can take as part of your bachelor’s degree:

Social psychology
Cognitive psychology
Abnormal psychology
Psychological assessment
Health psychology
Industrial-organizational psychology

If you wish to work as a psychologist in one of these fields, you typically need to receive a master’s degree in psychology or a related field. A bachelor’s degree, however, can qualify you for a career as a social worker, advertising agent, market researcher, or career counselor. Lawyers, writers, child care workers, and teachers can also benefit from the skills practiced and knowledge gained in a bachelor’s in psychology program.

Consider a career in this industry if you’re passionate about helping people. Psychologists and careers related to psychology often work closely with people. You must have critical thinking, interpersonal communication, analytical thinking, and ethical behavior to work successfully in this industry.

Some careers, such as child psychologists and abnormal psychologists, focus exclusively on a single group of patients. Others work with a broad range of community members to listen and communicate with empathy and emotional intelligence.

A bachelor’s degree lays the foundation for further education. Professors of psychology, counselors, and researchers all must complete graduate coursework. Whether you wish to apply for a master’s degree or Ph.D., a bachelor’s degree is a great place to start your educational journey.

How Much Does Bachelor’s in Psychology Cost?

An online bachelor’s degree program costs an average of $38,500 to $60,600, according to U.S. News. On-campus tuition rates are, on average, between $40,000 and $100,000.

The costs associated with on-campus degrees, like on-campus living, meal plans, textbooks, are part of what makes these degrees typically more expensive than online ones. Accelerated programs, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities help reduce the total cost of a bachelor’s in psychology program.

Online programs in psychology offer you the flexibility to gain real-world experience as you study. Whether you’re studying full time or part time, flexible classes allow you to schedule internships, volunteer opportunities or a job in a related field. Put your studies to work immediately by volunteering in schools, nursing homes, substance abuse centers, or other locations where you plan to use your psychology experience.

Enrolling in a bachelor’s degree in psychology as an online student also allows you to save money by learning from home. You don’t need to move across the country or be restricted to the universities in your local area. Enroll in the course you want from wherever you are.

Average Salary for a Bachelor’s in Psychology

Salary expectations for BA in psychology degree holders vary considerably. There are a wide range of careers this degree can qualify you to apply for and many more that you can pursue with a master’s degree.

If you wish to become a psychologist, the median annual pay in 2020 was around $83,100, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. Becoming a social worker is another popular career pathway with a bachelor’s in psychology. This career had a median annual pay of $51,800 in 2020. Postsecondary teachers earned approximately $80,800 per year. All three of these career options typically require graduate-level education.

If you wish to start a career immediately after earning your bachelor’s degree, consider working as a social and community service manager. These professionals earned around $69,600 per year in 2020. Market research analysts earned approximately $65,800 per year in 2020.

There are many other possibilities for a successful student of psychology. From writer to CEO, psychology prepares you to work closely with people using empathy, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.

What Is the Job Outlook for Bachelor’s in Psychology Holders?

Many of the careers associated with a bachelor’s in psychology are expected to grow from 2019 to 2029, according to BLS. The job outlook for psychologists is a 3% growth. The number of market research analysts is expected to grow 18%, which is considerably higher than the average for all occupations.

A high job growth is a great sign for the job outlook of a role in market research analysis or other related fields. While the number of psychologists across the nation isn’t expected to grow as fast as the national average, many other related positions can enjoy exponential growth.

Training for a high-growth job means you may be able to expect less competition and more competitive pay or benefits as you apply for a position. A greater number of jobs can mean you have more freedom in choosing where you wish to live or how you wish to use your bachelor’s degree.

Not only do these careers offer high levels of job growth, but most careers that utilize your psychology degree offer something important to your community. Give back to your entire community or the members who need the most support for a fulfilling career.

Courses in Psychology

As a student of psychology, you’ll dive into a wide range of scientific and social topics. Learn more about psychological disorders, positive psychology, organizational psychology, and other key areas of the field. Courses include both practical and theoretical principles.

Bachelor’s degree programs typically offer a broad range of subjects. You’ll also study statistics, history, science, and the humanities as part of a typical bachelor’s in psychology program. As an online student, you can communicate directly with your professor and other students to ask questions and share ideas.

Most programs offer electives to focus your studies. If you’re passionate about counseling and social work, take additional courses in these areas and prepare to apply for a master’s in social work or master’s in psychology program.

Other popular concentrations include organizational psychology, education, or a combination of personal and social psychology for market research careers.

Some of the most common courses that people studying psychology take include:

Social psychology

Cognitive psychology

Abnormal psychology

Psychological assessment

Health psychology

Industrial-organizational psychology

FAQs on Online Bachelor’s in Psychology

What Jobs Require a Bachelor’s in Psychology?

Study psychology to prepare for a career as a psychologist, social worker, market researcher, or postsecondary teacher. The interpersonal skills of this BA program can prepare you for a number of customer service and management positions.
If you wish to become a counselor, therapist, or other practitioner, you need to enroll in a master’s degree program in a related field. A bachelor’s in psychology provides you with the foundational knowledge you need to pursue another degree, but doesn’t qualify you to become a licensed therapist.
Many successful students of psychology have gone on to work in other fields. A primary draw of this degree is the ability to learn more about personalities, motivations, and other areas of psychology. These areas have practical application to many industries, so this bachelor’s degree may prepare you for a successful career in marketing, customer service, management, or another area.
Consider a psychology degree if you wish to become a postsecondary teacher. Just like becoming a licensed counselor, you typically need to complete a master’s degree or PhD program to qualify for a postsecondary teaching position.

Does a Bachelor’s in Psychology Offer Good Job Prospects?

The growth outlook for these careers is the same or higher than the average of other careers. BLS estimates between 3% and 18% job growth for popular jobs related to a bachelor’s in psychology.
Not only can you enjoy higher-than-average job growth, but many careers related to psychology offer fulfilling work. Become a vital member of your local community or travel to areas where communities need counseling or other essential services.
Not sure what career you wish to pursue? Psychology is a diverse field of study that offers something beneficial for almost any career. Whether you’re preparing to manage teams, start a business, or pursue another passion, understanding behaviors, motivations, and personality types can be crucial to your success.
Most roles in the field are well-suited to individuals who are passionate about helping people and working closely with people. If you prefer an office or research center, however, these positions are also available in the field.

What Are the Different Fields of Psychology?

A BA in psychology covers these and other fields:
School: Work closely with students, teachers, staff, and parents in a school setting. School psychologists offer counseling and consultations for a wide range of individuals in and around schools.
Cognitive: This field focuses on human memory, thinking, and perception. Whether you’re a counselor or a researcher, find ways to assist people by learning more about cognitive processes.
Industrial-organizational: Are your coworkers all in the ideal positions for their personalities? Industrial-organizational psychologists look for ways to improve workplace productivity and match employees at all levels with the best roles.
Health: Many health psychologists research and test the ways that psychology affects physical health. From changing habits to changing frames of mind, these factors may improve overall health or reduce symptoms of illnesses.
Clinical: Work in a clinical setting to provide assessment and treatment for many individuals. Clinical psychologists primarily work with individuals who have behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders.
Counseling: Provide groups or individuals with the counseling they need to cope with everyday or unusual problems. As a counseling psychologist, you may help individuals who are experiencing depression, trauma, substance abuse, or other struggles.
Some bachelor’s degrees offer a concentration in one of these fields, while most cover all of them for a broad base of understanding.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree?

You can typically earn a bachelor’s degree, online or in-person, in about four years. Consider an accelerated program to earn your degree in around three years. If you have other responsibilities and wish to pursue your degree in a part-time setting, your program could take up to six years to complete.
Both online and on-campus courses offer accelerated, full-time, and part-time options. One benefit of studying online, however, is that you can schedule classes when they’re most convenient for you. Some online programs require you to virtually attend classes at set times, but others allow you to stream lectures and follow lesson plans on your own schedule.
One way you may be able to complete your course in less than three years is with transfer credits. If you already have a degree, then you may be eligible for transfer credits that apply to your psychology degree. You may still need to take two years of classes, but this option can be far more convenient than retaking all your general education and entry-level courses.

What Does a Bachelor’s in Psychology Program Curriculum Typically Include?

Dive into courses that explore personality, cognitive processes, statistics, and human behavior. Psychology covers a broad range of fields that focus on how and why people act, interact and react in the world. Explore these courses to see which ones you’re required to take or should consider adding as electives to enjoy a well-rounded education:
General psychology: This introduction to the field will help you make sense of more focused courses. Explore the history behind the field of psychology and enjoy a broad foundation of knowledge you’ll build on throughout your studies.
Statistics: As a social science, psychology frequently uses statistical methods to gather and interpret data. Most bachelor’s degrees in psychology require this course, but it’s a good idea for anyone looking to pursue a master’s degree.
Physiological psychology: Learn more about the physical bodily components and processes that are tied closely with psychology. You’ll become familiar with neural networks, neurotransmitters, and other areas of neuroscience.
Experimental psychology: This course prepares you to conduct your own research. It’s an important one to take if you wish to be a researcher or enroll in a master’s degree program.
Abnormal psychology: Study topics related to abnormal behaviors and how they affect individuals. This course typically includes personality disorders, substance misuse, mood disorders, psychosomatic disorders, and more.
Most bachelor’s programs in psychology offer elective opportunities to tailor your studies to your interests. Even if you’re taking a general psychology major without a concentration, you can still look for ways to personalize your program.

Core Takeaways for an Online Bachelors in Psychology

Popular concentrations include social psychology and clinical psychology
Programs typically take 36-48 months to complete
Psychology degree programs can be completed fully online
Standard and accelerated programs available

Programs prepare you for entry into master’s of psychology degree programs
Offers opportunities in the high-growth psychology and marketing industries
Provides essential training for market research analysts, social workers, and psychologists
Can be completed online in 36 months
Prepares students for a wide variety of careers in many industries

Psychology programs can cost as little as $38,500
Scholarships are available for partial or full tuition payment
Accelerated programs offered online can reduce the total cost of the program

Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs