Online Bachelors Degree Programs in Psychology
Learn about psychology bachelors degree programs offered online, along with what to expect and how they differ from conventional programs.
Is a Psychology Online Program Right for You?
Are you thinking about enrolling in an online psychology bachelors program? With a wide variety of institutions and specialties available for distance learners, online programs are more practical than ever.
Learn more about online psychology bachelor’s degrees, including the courses, specialties, and distinctions between online and on-campus programs.
What Can I Expect From an Online Psychology Bachelors Program?
How long does it take to earn a psychology bachelors degree?
Most institutions require 120 credits to graduate from online bachelors in psychology program, so full-time students can expect to finish in around 3–4 years.
Some colleges have undergraduate programs that are expedited or intensive, which can reduce the time to graduation to around 3.5 years.
Students who choose dual-degree options, such as accelerated masters programs, can start a graduate-level curriculum while still pursuing their undergraduate degrees.
The decision to enroll in a program with a generous transfer credit policy might also be advantageous for eligible transfer students.
The quantity of coursework, field learning requirements, and cohort vs. individually paced structure are further considerations. Students in a cohort move forward through the curriculum collectively and graduate as a unit.
What Courses Will I Take for a Psychology Bachelors Online Program?
Students of psychology learn about how people behave, grow, are motivated, think, learn, and perceive throughout their lives.
Every student in an online psychology degree must finish a set of core courses, however, classes and concentrations vary from school to school.
The behavioral sciences, child and adult development, personality theory, social psychology, history and systems of psychology, learning, and cognition all require statistics and research methodologies as part of the core curriculum.
Programs Online Featured
Psychology Concentrations Offered for an Online Bachelors Degree
Sports psychology and forensic psychology are just two examples of the many disciplines that can be chosen as psychology majors in a bachelors program.
Specialties in Psychology
- The psychological processes connected to legal, judicial, and criminal matters are studied by forensic psychology.
- Educational psychology is concerned with how pupils are affected by teaching strategies and other components in the classroom.
- Sports psychology investigates psychological topics including stress management, team relationships, and performance enhancement that are pertinent to an athlete’s career.
- To enhance students’ intellectual and personal experiences in the classroom, school psychology focuses on promoting students’ emotional achievement and well-being.
- Clinical psychology deals with diagnosing and treating mental illnesses in places like hospitals, clinics, and counseling offices.
What Sets an Online Psychology Degree Apart from a Traditional Psychology Degree?
Learners can choose between traditional and online psychology programs based on their level of adaptability, accessibility, and motivation.
Because different programs offer different chances in these areas, these three variables are essential considerations for students.
Online: Distance learning offers more flexibility because students can access their course materials whenever they choose thanks to online learning environments.
People who mix attending school with jobs, kids, and home responsibilities can view lectures and finish schoolwork whenever it suits them.
On-campus or traditional schooling provides less flexibility than programs offered online. A student who wants to enroll in a typical program must either live nearby or commute to college.
Traditional programs offer possibilities for face-to-face peer communication and set class periods.
Flexible online programs may be preferred by students with work or family obligations. Asynchronous online courses enable students to finish their work when it’s convenient and yet fulfill deadlines.
Accessibility: Takes into account if a program’s materials are readily available to its students.
Through discussion boards, email, and online learning portals, an online program allows students access to the professor and course materials, enabling them to read the contents whenever they choose.
Motivation: Since they are in charge of their education in online learning, students need to be highly motivated or self-disciplined to stay on goal.
However, on-campus courses offer face-to-face instruction and interaction, which some students find essential for maintaining motivation.
Are Bachelors in Psychology Online Programs More Affordable Than Regular Programs?
Distance learners can save money in various ways even if online programs frequently have tuition costs that are comparable to those of on-campus programs.
Regardless of their location, some schools charge in-state tuition for online students enrolled in their programs.
Additionally, you might be able to save money on things like daycare, transportation, and lodging & board.
In addition, keep the following in mind while comparing costs:
- choose a public school over a private one
- Internet connection and laptops for a reduced cost or for free
- travel expenses for any necessary fieldwork or internships
- Proctoring fees for exams
- Activity and lab costs
- Fees for using university resources for technology
- Fees for extracurricular activities, athletics, and student groups on campus
- fees for health and legal services for students
How Different Online Psychology Programs From Campus-Based Courses?
Remote learning is a feature of online programs, giving students greater flexibility than they would have with a traditional campus-based degree.
There are various ways that online psychology schools are different from campus-based ones.
Synchronous learning is a characteristic of campus-based or traditional programs that includes live lectures at a set time and place.
Online courses include several advantages, such as ease and flexibility. Asynchronous learning involves watching lectures, participating in discussion boards, and finishing schoolwork whenever it’s convenient throughout the week.
Students with obligations to their families and careers can participate in lectures and complete assignments in the classroom at their convenience thanks to asynchronous formats.
Do Online Bachelors Degree Programs in Psychology Require On-Campus Attendance?
While some bachelors degree programs offered online have no on-campus prerequisites, others have a hybrid structure with certain in-person requirements.
Since the majority of undergraduate psychology programs do not mandate internships, most students pursuing an online psychology degree pursue clinical internships at the graduate level.
Some bachelor’s degrees include an optional applied practicum or internship. Some courses in other programs have prerequisites for on-site service learning or research.
Many students choose summer internships at mental health hospitals, research labs, and counseling centers.
Distance learners are typically encouraged to pursue internships on their own through online bachelors programs with internship requirements.
Online job center services, the Handshake and LinkedIn platforms, and other resources are available to students who study online.
Does Financial Aid Still Apply to Online Students?
Financial aid is available to both on-campus and online psychology students. Through the same application procedure, eligible students can apply for grants, loans, and scholarships. Some online programs also provide federal work-study opportunities.
Online students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, just like on-campus students do.
Since only students attending authorized colleges are eligible for federal financial aid, distance learners should begin the application process as early as possible and make carefully verify the accreditation status of schools and programs of interest.
What kind of license is required for psychology practice?
To pursue licensure as a professional psychologist in the United States, students must fulfill strict licensing standards.
Before choosing a curriculum, students must first get familiar with the particular licensure requirements set forth by their state.
After finishing their undergraduate studies, students pursue a masters or doctoral degree and finish a supervised internship.
Finally, students need to pass the test for professional psychology practice and submit an application for licensure in their state (EPPP).
Along with application fees, the accompanying expenditures normally total $600 for the EPPP and $400 for a first license.
A lot of states provide useful charge schedules. Each candidate should verify with their state’s licensing agency because certain states demand additional state-specific tests.
A manual of certification requirements is kept up to date by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.
Most states require 1-2 years of postmaster’s supervised clinical practice to establish eligibility for licensure, while other states license graduates with master’s degrees.
Graduates from schools that have received APA accreditation have the best chances of obtaining licenses in other states.
An online psychology bachelor’s degree is not adequate for professional licensing, but undergrads can work in marketing, social services, and career counseling.
Career Options for Online Psychology Graduates
Graduates have a variety of job options in psychology and related professions, including working with a variety of client, patient, or employee populations.
Manager of Social and Community Services
These specialists plan and manage public interest initiatives that deliver services for the benefit of the neighborhood.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage will be $74,000 in 2021 (BLS).
Specialists in human resources
In this position, candidates are recruited, new hires are on-boarded, and employee problems are resolved. According to the BLS, the median yearly salary for human resource experts is $62,290.
Counselors for Rehabilitation
These professionals help people with a range of disabilities, such as behavioral and physical disorders, develop the skills they need to live independently.
The typical annual salary for rehabilitation counselors is $38,560, which is lower than the $45,760 average for all occupations in the country.
Assistants in occupational therapy
These specialists assist people in developing or regaining daily living skills under the supervision of an occupational therapist. According to the BLS, the median yearly salary is $61,520.
Counselors for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorders, and Mental Health
These counselors deal with a variety of problems, including mental illnesses, drug and alcohol dependence, and co-occurring disorders.
The typical annual compensation for these professionals is $48,520, which is slightly more than the national average.
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