Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

What Can I Expect in an Online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Program?

Bachelor's degrees in the U.S. are comprised of courses across a given subject. There are slight variations in subject matter depending on school and faculty experience. General education courses will need to be completed, including many in mathematics, sciences, and statistics, alongside core psychology courses. Each course is worth a certain amount of credits that go toward your final credit total – typically, around 120 total credits are needed to complete the degree (inclusive of both general ed and core psych courses). For a psychology bachelor's degree, core courses may include:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Human Behavior
• Research Design
• Developmental Psychology
• Organizational Psychology
• Addiction and Substance Abuse
• History of Psychology
• Mental Health & Mental Illness
• Sports Psychology
• Adulthood & Aging Psychology
• Psychopharmacology

Online psychology bachelor’s degree programs typically utilize the same curriculum as their traditional, campus-based counterparts and may include courses that are synchronous (real-time) or asynchronous (pre-recorded lectures that students can complete when and where they wish).

What Are the Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Admission Requirements?

Your entry requirements for a bachelor's in psychology will vary between institutes. However, you can typically expect to fulfill the following requirements:

• A minimum high school GPA of 3.0, though this can vary between 2.5 and 3.5.
• Minimum grades in subjects such as Science, English, and Math.
• Official transcript copies.
• Recommendation letters – three is normal with academic references preferred, though employers are also requested if relevant to the qualification.
• SAT and ACT requirements are slowly being phased out, but some retain them at present. Check your school of choice's website to confirm.
• Non-U.S. citizens who do not come from a majority English-speaking country will need to provide English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or other. Also, provide proof of legal residence in the U.S. and use a translation service for your country's qualifications.

What Is the Length of a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology?

Normally, a bachelor's degree in the U.S. takes four years of full-time study to complete. Some colleges offer accelerated programs that can be completed in roughly three years. This is especially true for online bachelor’s degree programs.

If you already have an associate's degree in psychology, you may be able to use the credits toward a full bachelor's degree, allowing you to complete it in two years. However, in many cases, this only applies to degrees from the same college.

Part-time programs, which typically consist of evening and/or daytime courses, are also an option to extend the study period for adult learners. Online programs, which are designed for flexibility, may also allow students to spread coursework out if they wish.

How Much Does a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Cost?

Colleges in the United States typically charge per course credit. These figures vary depending on many different factors. In 2024, the typical tuition range for a psychology degree was roughly $25,000 to $60,000 in total. Various factors come into play regarding cost, such as the college's prestige and the program's demand, whether you're applying in your state of residence or outside, and public vs. private institutions.

Many students worry about how to pay for their psychology degree. Luckily, you will find multiple funding options through both government sources (like FAFSA) and private finance. Students can also inquire with their school's financial aid office. Interest rates and repayment terms are not universal, so ensure you apply for the right method for your circumstances.

Don't forget to check for any available scholarships. Some are directed at high-performing students, while others are targeted at specific groups (LGBTQ+, First Nations, African Americans), and some are available for military veterans.

List of Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based bachelor’s degree program in Psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.