An online bachelor’s in clinical psychology is an excellent option for students seeking an accessible entry to various rewarding careers, whether they’re just starting or transferring in. With a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue roles such as social services assistant, earning a median salary of $41,410; community health worker, with a median salary of $48,200; or even pivot to HR as an entry-level specialist, making a median salary of $67,650. You can become a licensed psychologist with further education, earning a median salary of $92,740.
This degree is a great way to kickstart your education in the field. It can be completed in four years of full-time study, with an average annual tuition cost of $14,688.
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology Program
Choose your area of study
Clinical psychology is already a niche field, but you can still focus your studies on a particular area to align your education with your career. Consider asking yourself these questions:
- Which demographic am I passionate about helping?
- What specific mental health issues interest me?
- Where do I see myself in five years?
Demographics may include options like children, adults, or the elderly, while mental health issues could consist of anxiety, trauma, or substance abuse. Similarly, your career goals also play a significant role here — with different options available depending on whether you see yourself in research, clinical practice, or community outreach.
Research schools and programs
With your area of study in mind, you can begin researching schools and programs that support your interests. You may come into this process with a few questions of your own, but here are some additional ones to consider:
- Is the program accredited?
- What are the faculty qualifications?
- Are there courses or electives in my area of interest?
- What is the average class size and student-to-faculty ratio?
- What support services are available for online learners?
Most of this information is readily available on program websites, but you’ll also benefit from speaking to an admissions counselor or attending an information session.
Prepare for tests and applications
After conducting your research, you can take your shortlist of programs and start preparing for tests and applications. Begin by requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation to avoid any last-minute issues. Then, set aside plenty of time to write your personal statement or essay responses, illustrating your enthusiasm and suitability for the program to make a strong impression on admissions committees. Enroll in an SAT or ACT prep program to boost your performance for programs requiring test scores.
Select your program
The arrival of acceptance letters is always exciting, but it can quickly become overwhelming if you receive more than one. Revisit your initial criteria to evaluate each program based on the factors most important to you — like accreditation status, the faculty you’ll learn from, and curriculum relevance.
Reassess the total cost of attendance, factoring in tuition and fees, and compare these figures with any financial aid offers. Specifically, prioritize financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid — like scholarships and grants — as this can significantly offset costs.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
When it comes to paying for your degree, start by submitting the FAFSA to access federal aid. You’ll also want to apply for institutional and external scholarships and grants to reduce costs.
If you’re seeking part-time work, a work-study program can provide resume-boosting employment while you earn funds to pay for your education. For those already employed in a related field, ask if your employer offers tuition reimbursement.
Federal loans can be a viable option for any remaining financial gaps, but try to minimize debt by borrowing only what you need.
Best 50 Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best online bachelor’s in clinical psychology programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online bachelor’s in clinical psychology programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology Program?
By earning your online bachelor’s in clinical psychology, you’ll gain foundational knowledge in human behavior, mental health, and psychological research methods. The most innovative curriculums cover abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and cognitive processes. Some may require a capstone project or thesis, which allows you to conduct research or engage in practical application of your studies. These requirements can be educational game-changers, as they notably improve critical thinking and research skills and provide resume-boosting practical experience.
While a doctorate is necessary to become a clinical psychologist, this degree serves as an essential stepping stone, offering a thorough understanding of psychological principles. In just three to four years, you’ll be one step closer to pursuing further education in this field or entry-level positions in mental health services or research.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online bachelor’s in clinical psychology program
- Abnormal Psychology: This essential course explores different mental disorders, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Students will learn to identify and understand psychological conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
- Developmental Psychology: In this course, students focus on key developmental stages from infancy to adulthood, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social development. They carefully examine the psychological growth and changes throughout a person’s lifespan.
- Cognitive Psychology: This class delves into the mental processes involved in perception, memory, learning, and problem-solving. Participants gain insights into how people process information and how cognitive function influences behavior.
- Research Methods in Psychology: Students learn the principles and techniques of psychological research, including experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis. This class emphasizes critical thinking and scientific inquiry in studying human behavior.
- Psychology of Personality: This course examines theories and research related to personality development and individual differences. Learners explore how personality traits influence behavior and the factors contributing to personality formation.
Online Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online bachelor's in clinical psychology degree program?
Many online bachelor’s in clinical psychology degree programs offer a relatively straightforward application process. While some admission requirements may vary, most share a similar set of standard criteria, including:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Personal statement or essay
- Letters of recommendation
- ACT or SAT scores, if required
Speaking with an admissions counselor before applying is crucial to ensure you meet all requirements and get more advice on strengthening your application.
How much does an online bachelor's in clinical psychology degree cost?
The average annual tuition for an undergraduate degree is $14,688. This figure can fluctuate based on factors like residency status, whether you enroll part-time or full-time, and even the institution’s reputation.
As an online student, you’ll also want to budget for additional expenses like technology fees, alongside expenses you’d encounter regardless of enrollment status, like textbooks and course materials. This will give you a better idea of the total investment required.
How long does it take to earn an online bachelor's in clinical psychology degree?
Earning this degree takes four years for full-time students and around six years for part-time students. It’s important to note, though, that your completion time will vary based on your personal commitments, with some online programs offering accelerated options or more flexible pacing.
Be sure to double-check total credit requirements, as these can vary by program and impact how long it takes to graduate. Generally speaking, the more credits required, the longer it’ll take to complete.