Online psychology degrees offer students unique flexibility and the option to complete their degree on their terms while still receiving a quality education. However, these degree programs may vary in caliber, and students must consider accreditation and other factors when selecting a program.
This article will review the respectability of online psychology degrees, what to look for in a program, and the possible careers and earning potential after graduation.
Do Employers Respect Online Psychology Degrees?
There is a common misconception that employers only respect psychology degrees earned in person and on campus. Yet, this is not entirely true. While an in-person psychology degree may be beneficial for many reasons, online degrees are becoming increasingly respected by employers for their flexibility and quality of education. For example, 61% of HR professionals now approve of online degrees, including online psychology degrees, and 71% have personally hired people with online degrees before.
The quality of online education has improved significantly in recent years, and many reputable universities and colleges offer online degree programs comparable to traditional on-campus programs in terms of curriculum and rigor. These programs are designed to provide students with a high-quality education delivered in a flexible and convenient format.
Additionally, many online psychology degree programs offer interactive learning that can further enhance students’ skills and knowledge. These programs may include virtual simulations, online discussions, and other interactive activities that can provide students with a respected hands-on learning experience. Moreover, many online degree programs allow students to learn at their own pace, which can benefit working professionals.
What to Look for When Considering an Online Psych Degree
Evaluate online psychology degrees by comparing the scope of the program and the overall cost of attendance and verifying accreditation.
Scope of the program
A psychology degree can be either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. A BA focuses more on the humanities and may require additional courses in sociology, history, or philosophy. A BS in psychology prepares students for research-focused careers. Additional classes required may include statistics, data analysis, and research labs.
Ensure that you know which degree you will earn through the program and that it supports your career goals. A Bachelor of Science program may be more appropriate if you plan on working in clinical practice or want to eventually pursue a doctorate.
Tuition cost and financial aid options
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average yearly cost of undergraduate tuition is $17,709, and this doesn’t include any extra expenses, such as books, supplies, or fees. However, the cost of attendance can vary greatly between programs. Private schools often charge higher tuition rates than public institutions, but they may also have more financial aid opportunities to offset this.
When you’re considering different programs, it’s a good idea to meet with a financial aid counselor at each institution to understand the full cost of attendance and what financial aid opportunities there may be. They can notify you of any scholarships or work-study opportunities you may qualify for that can help offset costs and explain how other options, such as payment plans, work.
Accreditation
Ensuring that the online psychology program you’re considering is accredited can significantly impact the respectability of your degree and improve your credibility with future employers. When selecting an online psychology program, it is crucial to look for two types of accreditation: regional accreditation and programmatic accreditation.
Regional Accreditation is a type of accreditation that evaluates the entire institution, including the faculty, curriculum, and student support services. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has approved the following regional accrediting agencies to serve different parts of the United States:
- The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WSCUC)
Programmatic accreditation evaluates specific programs within an institution. For example, the American Psychology Association Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA) is the programmatic accrediting agency for psychology programs. APA-CoA accredits doctoral, internship, and postdoctoral residency programs in psychology. This accreditation is essential to ensure the psychology program meets specific educational standards and prepares students for a professional psychology practice.
How Much Can You Earn With a Psych Degree?
The salary and job outlook for those who enter this field can vary depending on the specific career path and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for psychologists was $117,750 in May 2023.
However, this figure can vary greatly depending on the type of psychology, education level, and years of experience. The job outlook for psychologists is generally positive, with an expected growth rate of 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than average for all occupations nationwide.
Potential Careers for Psychology Majors
Psychology major graduates have a variety of career options to choose from, depending on whether they want to pursue an advanced degree and whether they want to work in research, clinical practice, or another specialty.
Psychologist
Median salary (May 2023): $92,740
Psychologists typically work in an office or clinical setting. They may work with patients one-on-one or in group therapy sessions to diagnose and treat various mental health issues using evidence-based therapies. Additional job responsibilities may include:
- Conducting assessments and evaluations
- Creating treatment plans
- Conducting research
- Collaborating with other mental health professionals.
Psychologists may specialize in a particular area of psychology, such as adolescent psychology or neuropsychology. In addition, they may work with diverse patients, including those with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addiction.
Counseling psychologist
Median salary (May 2023): $106,600
Counseling psychologists work with individuals, families, and groups to help them cope with emotional, social, vocational, and educational issues. While there is some overlap with clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists typically focus on providing short-term, solution-focused counseling to help clients manage specific issues and improve their quality of life. They may work in an office, clinic, or hospital and usually have flexible schedules to accommodate their clients’ needs.
Counseling psychologists may specialize in marriage and family counseling, career counseling, or substance abuse counseling. They work with individuals of all ages, from children to older adults. They also provide counseling services for various issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, and more.
School psychologist
Median salary (May 2023): $91,990
School psychologists typically work in educational settings to support students’ academic achievement and social-emotional well-being. In addition, they frequently work with students, teachers, and families to promote positive learning environments and help students facing academic, behavioral, or emotional challenges.
The job responsibilities of school psychologists can include the following:
- Conducting assessments.
- Developing and implementing interventions.
- Providing individual or group counseling.
- Consulting with teachers and parents.
- Advocating for students’ needs.
They work with students of all ages, from early childhood through high school, and specialize in learning disabilities, behavior management, or mental health.
Industrial-organizational psychologist
Median salary (May 2023): $154,380
Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists focus on applying psychological principles and theories to the workplace to improve employee well-being and organizational effectiveness. They may work in consulting firms, government agencies, and private corporations, as independent consultants, or in academic positions.
Job responsibilities include conducting job analysis, developing and implementing selection and assessment procedures, designing and delivering training programs, researching workplace issues, and consulting with organizations to improve their management and work practices.
Forensic psychologist
Median salary (September 2024): $80,251
Forensic psychology applies psychological principles and theories to legal issues and the criminal justice system. Forensic psychologists may work in law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional facilities, or private consulting firms. They can also be employed in research or academic settings, conducting studies on psychology and the legal system. They may specialize in a particular field, such as criminal profiling, eyewitness testimony, or risk assessment.
The job duties of forensic psychologists may vary depending on their specific role and setting. Typical job duties may include the following:
- Conducting evaluations of individuals involved in legal cases.
- Providing expert testimony in court.
- Developing and implementing treatment programs for individuals in correctional settings.
- Consulting with law enforcement agencies or attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Psychology Degrees
What does an online psychology degree cover?
An online psychology program covers the same material as a traditional in-person program. Students start with an overview of the discipline of psychology, including the main theories and history of the field, before moving on to more specific topics, such as neuropsychology or abnormal psychology.
All students will get a strong background in research methods for psychology and developmental psychology. Students can also take electives based on specific interests, such as health psychology or forensic psychology.
How long does it take to complete an online psychology degree?
A bachelor’s degree in psychology typically requires 120 credit hours for graduation, which is equivalent to eight full-time semesters or four years. However, the flexibility of an online degree often means that students can earn their degrees more quickly if they are able to take more classes per semester or take some credits in the summer. Students who attend part-time can expect to graduate in six to eight years.
Interested in another degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.