Are you interested in human behavior? Are you passionate about mental health? Then, an online psych bachelor’s degree can offer valuable skills delivered in a flexible learning environment that can be applied to various career paths.
Discover the 6 best online bachelor’s degree in psychology programs based on university ranking, flexible class structure, and affordability.
Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Whether you are a traditional or non-traditional student who wants to transfer careers while balancing work and family responsibilities, an online psych degree offers flexibility and accessibility.
First, online programs don’t have set classroom hours. This makes it easier to fit coursework around your existing schedule. You can also save time by not commuting to class.
Second, online programs may be more financially affordable than physical ones. Students don’t have to pay for campus housing, activity fees, gas for commuting, and more.
Third, an online Psychology BA from an accredited university expands students’ knowledge base in a specific area of study, teaches soft skills, and provides a solid basis for a career in social work, counseling, human resources, healthcare, and more.
1. Pennsylvania State University – World Campus
This public institution is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has proved a leader in online bachelor’s degree programs for the past 24 years.
Penn State World Campus offers enrollment with a rolling deadline, meaning no set application deadline exists. This makes it easier for students to apply and join a psych program at different times each semester.
Experts in the psychology field teach courses and cover the study of psychology, writing development, and research skills. The program also covers ethics and an overview of human and social sciences. In an online program, students will develop critical and creative thinking skills, engage in skeptical inquiry, evaluate and interpret scientific data, translate it into layperson’s terms, and apply a scientific approach to problem-solving issues involving human behavior and mental processes.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
University Ranking: No. 32 out of 338 top undergraduate programs
Cost per credit hour: $671
2. Oregon State University
Oregon State University is a public institution with a thriving ECampus that has existed since 2001. It is one of the top schools to consider for students searching for a financially feasible program that provides a solid research base for a psychology career.
All of the classes are pre-recorded and available online. This makes it easy for students to access and complete lecture content (within specified deadlines) at their convenience. OSU is often ranked among the best universities for online education in the United States.
It is affordable, high-quality, and student-supportive, with programs developed according to research-based standards. Professors are highly trained to teach online, and they even offer transfer credits when possible.
OSU’s online bachelor’s program in psychology is science-based. It applies standard research methods, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It includes critical curriculum components such as statistics, data interpretation, and quantitative analysis, which help prepare students for careers in different psychology fields.
The application deadline is rolling.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
University Ranking: #4 out of 338 in best online undergraduate programs
Cost per credit hour: $366
3.University of Florida
The University of Florida is another public, accredited institution that offers a strong online undergraduate program in psychology.
This online degree pathway gives online students access to the same professors that residential students receive on the university’s main campus. Students can participate in and take advantage of relevant research studies, internships, and study abroad programs. They also receive support from special academic advisors designed to guide students along their academic journey.
The University of Florida aims to help its online students feel supported, engaged, and properly prepared for their careers ahead.
In the university’s online psychology program, students work to examine the mind and its relationships via an interdisciplinary approach. This method helps students understand that human behavior and mental health processes have biological bases. The comprehensive program also covers cognition and explores various sociocultural influences and how to approach these underlying mindsets.
Students can access recorded course material saved within the course and finish it on their schedule. Possible career paths with a degree from this institution include clinical psychologist, human resources specialist, behavioral analyst, therapist, industrial psychologist, and social behavioral scientist.
Remember that some career trajectories may require a master’s or other advanced degree beyond an undergraduate degree.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
University Ranking: #2 out of 338 in US News’ 2024 evaluation of best online bachelor’s degree programs.
Cost per credit hour: $500
4. Washington State University
Washington State University, or Wazzu, ranks among the country’s top 10% of online psychology programs.
This public institution has a long history of offering bachelor’s degrees via distance learning. Their entire bachelor’s degree in psychology is provided online. The program gives students a full view of psychological principles and teaches students how scientific methods are applied.
Whether students pursue a career in psychology or enter related fields, Washington State University’s comprehensive coursework provides them with the essential life skills to identify and solve problems. These transferrable skills can be applied to multiple life experiences and workplace settings.
The university faculty and staff are dedicated to helping online students get the most out of their online educational experience. Students also connect with peers and professors via the Global Connections program, which gives students opportunities to interact via interactive virtual events.
Application deadlines remain rolling.
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
University Ranking: #16 out of 338 in top online undergraduate programs, according to US News
Cost per credit hour: $633
5. Herzing University
Herzing University’s 100% online program, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is another affordable possibility for an undergraduate psychology degree.
With the chance to transfer up to 90 credits if approved, completing this course within a doable 36 months is possible.
Herzing’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a standard undergraduate program that requires 120 credits to complete. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of health psychology, social psychology, cognitive focus, personality theory, forensic psychology, statistic methods, research skills, and more to prepare them for whatever career path they decide to pursue. Students develop marketable and career-focused skills.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a 120-credit undergraduate program that prepares students for various potential career pathways. With classes that can be taken in the morning, afternoon, or evening, Herzing University offers opportunities for non-traditional students who may otherwise find it hard to juggle life, work, and coursework.
Despite its fully online format, Herzing University’s mission is to support virtual students with comprehensive programs, personalized support, and services. As a Herzing University student, you can access broad virtual services, including tutoring, tech support, academic advising, and even library access.
They even offer lifelong career coaching to help students pursue their chosen career path.
Thanks to rolling admissions, you don’t need to worry about application deadlines. This means you can apply whenever you want and start the next course date.
If approved, students may be able to save additional tuition costs by transferring up to 90 credits.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University Ranking: #90 out of 338 in top online undergraduate programs, according to US News
Cost per credit hour: $515
6. Maryville University
Our final choice for the best online bachelor psychology program is this online BA in psychology from Maryville University.
The historic school has been around for 150 years and offers a solid foundation for students seeking to understand and gain practical skills in modern psychology’s theoretical frameworks.
This school is not only friendly to transfer students, but it also has an easy admissions process. It also does not require an admissions fee or entrance exam to apply.
You can expect high-quality courses geared toward student learning, real-world application, and comprehensive, customized student support. Maryville’s undergrad psych program gives students a strong understanding of modern psychology, clinical care, and practical research applications.
Accreditation: HC (Higher Learning Commission)
University Ranking: #249 out of 338 per US News 2024 report
Cost per credit hour: $540
Most Affordable Programs
Affordability can make or break whether a student enrolls in a bachelor’s degree program. After accreditation, cost per credit hour is one of the most important factors when choosing the right online psych program for you.
With the average cost of undergraduate tuition running to $477 per credit hour or higher, we’ve chosen the top two accredited online psychology programs on this list that fall under the national average for credit hour affordability.
Oregon State University: $366 per credit hour
Herzing University: $430/credit hour
Picking the right online psychology degree program for you can depend on multiple factors, from accreditation and tuition costs to course availability. Whichever direction you choose, a solid psychology degree from one of these accredited programs can help prepare you for your chosen career.
