Explore Psychology Degrees Online

Updated March 1, 2024 · 4 Min Read

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Discover types of psychology degrees you can earn online and the different careers you can pursue with your degree.

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Earning an online psychology degree is the first step to beginning a career in a growing industry. Pursuing an online program gives you the flexibility to balance other obligations while earning an online psychology degree.

Psychologists need at least a graduate degree to earn licensure. Learn more about what to expect from an online psychology degree and how to earn credentials in this industry.

Types of Online Psychology Degrees

Students can pursue degrees in psychology at all levels. Each degree builds on the one before it to prepare students for clinical positions.

Associate Degree in Psychology

An associate degree in psychology requires about 60 credit hours or 1-2 years to complete. These degrees consist primarily of general education courses and serve as a stepping stone toward a four-year degree in the field. Graduates may also pursue entry-level careers as social service assistants or aides in behavioral, mental health, and psychiatric settings.

Average Salary for Associate Degree Graduates
Associate of Arts (AA), Psychology $55,000
Associate of Science (AS), Psychology $51,000
Source: Payscale (Dec. 2023)

Popular Psychology Associate Programs


Bachelor's Program in Psychology

A bachelor's program in psychology requires about 120 credit hours or 60 hours beyond an associate degree. These programs offer foundational psychology courses, preparing you to pursue entry-level careers or enter graduate school. Those with this degree can pursue careers in human resources, marketing, and social and community services.

Average Salary for Bachelor's Degree Graduates
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology $69,000
Bachelor of Science (BS), Psychology $67,000
Source: Payscale (Dec. 2023)

Popular Psychology Bachelor's Programs


Master's Degree in Psychology

A master's degree in psychology can take 2-3 years to complete. Licensing and career opportunities largely depend on the type of degree and specialization pursued. Graduates may find work as licensed counselors, industrial-organizational psychologists, and mental health therapists. A master's degree can also help you become a more competitive applicant for doctoral programs.

Average Salary for Master's Degree Graduates
Master of Arts (MA), Psychology $69,000
Master of Science (MS), Psychology $63,000
Source: Payscale (Dec. 2023)

Popular Psychology Master's Programs


Doctoral Degree in Psychology

Doctorates in psychology include the Ph.D. and Psy.D., which generally take 4-6 years to complete. Most states require a doctorate to earn clinical licensure as a psychologist. However, not all doctoral programs qualify graduates to pursue licensure. Instead, non-clinical programs prepare you for career opportunities in research and academia.

Average Salary for Doctoral Degree Graduates
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Psychology $104,000
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Psychology* $78,000
Source: Payscale (Dec. 2023)
* Based on fewer than 50 respondents

Popular Psychology Doctoral Programs

Careers For Psychology Degree Graduates

Depending on your chosen degree track, you can pursue potentially lucrative careers in psychology. Jobs in psychology should continue to grow, which includes many of the subfields outlined below.

Career options vary by education level, professional experience, and individual credentials.

Marriage and Family Therapist

These therapists work with couples and families to overcome emotional and relationship-based issues, using cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, and other methods.

  • Recommended Degree: Master's
  • Required Credentials: State license
  • Median Salary: $56,570
  • Projected Growth (2023-2033): +15%

School and Career Counselor

These counselors work in schools, helping students deal with academic, personal, and career struggles. They collaborate with school administration and teachers to provide student support.

  • Recommended Degree: Master's
  • Required Credentials: State license; Some states require additional teaching license
  • Median Salary: $60,140
  • Projected Growth (2023-2033): +5%

Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor

These counselors work with clients dealing with alcoholism, drug use, and other addiction and behavioral conditions. They often work in mental health and rehabilitation centers.

  • Recommended Degree: Master's; Bachelor's minimum requirement
  • Required Credentials: State license
  • Median Salary: $49,710
  • Projected Growth (2023-2033): +18%

Psychologist

General psychologists work with many different patients, providing mental health counseling and behavioral therapy, and diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.

  • Recommended Degree: Doctorate
  • Required Credentials: State license
  • Median Salary: $85,330
  • Projected Growth (2023-2033): +6%

Source: BLS (May 2022)

What Psychology Degree Concentrations are Offered Online?

Psychology degree concentrations prepare students to work with a specific population or type of practice. Each of these concentrations as part of an online psychology program can lead to a career in that particular field of psychology.

While you need a doctorate to become a psychologist, you also can use applied knowledge of specific groups for other jobs. For example, a concentration in child psychology could prepare you to help design computer games for children, or a concentration in sports psychology could prepare you for a career as a youth sports coach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Degrees Online

Can you get a psychology degree online?

Yes. Many schools offer an online degree in psychology. However, while a program may offer online coursework, all graduate psychology programs require in-person internship or practicum experiences. Online students often complete these at sites in their communities.

Students should seek out accredited online psychology degree programs. The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits doctoral programs but does not accredit fully online programs.

Why is accreditation for online psychology programs important?

To earn licensure in psychology, you must hold a degree from an accredited institution. Psychology licensing exams require candidates to graduate from an accredited program. Credits earned at an unaccredited institution do not transfer to accredited schools, and employers often do not recognize degrees from unaccredited institutions.

Should I get a BA or BS in psychology?

These degrees offer similar foundational courses in psychology. Graduate programs in psychology often look for those foundational courses. Occasionally, graduate psychology programs will look specifically for a BA or BS, but more often, they require a bachelor's in psychology.

A bachelor of science degree tends to require more general education courses in the sciences, while BA tracks emphasize the liberal arts.

What job can I get with a master's in psychology?

Although most states require a doctoral degree in psychology to earn clinical licensure, many states allow those with a master's degree to practice in certain areas, such as counseling and some psychotherapy roles.

Some students may choose to pursue an educational psychology degree, allowing them to practice as a school counselor in many states. Industrial and organizational psychology positions also often require a master's degree rather than a doctorate.

How long does it take to earn a psychology degree?

This depends on which degree track you select, whether you enroll full or part time, and the program requirements. For example, a bachelor's in psychology may take 3-4 years, and a doctorate can take an additional 6-8 years beyond the bachelor's degree.

Which psychology degree makes the most money?

Often, higher degrees earn higher salaries. Doctoral-level graduates earn the most money, earning between $64,000 and $180,000 according to Payscale data from December 2024.

Those with a bachelor's in psychology earn between $40,000 and $139,000, while master's degree holders earn between $41,000 and $140,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, geographic location, employer, and practice setting.

Page last reviewed on December 15, 2023

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