Getting an online degree, most especially in accredited fields like Psychology, is what many students are earning to achieve. And you may doubt if spending 4-5 years in college to earn a psychology degree is even worthwhile. Yes! It is. Let’s show you what you need to know to get an accredited psychology degree online.
However, these numerous attached benefits of the discipline (Psychology) would give you a change of mind.
Benefits of majoring in psychology
The benefits of psychology cannot be over-emphasized as a psychology major is one of the top 10 college majors.
Below are some of these benefits:
Personal Knowledge
Many students get to choose psychology because of the personal desire to explore and learn more about how their minds and emotions work; as well as navigate the reasons for certain behaviours and interactions carried out consciously and unconsciously by them.
Skills Acquisition
Skills like communication, problem-solving and critical thinking are key when it comes to interactions in our daily living. Thus, the above-mentioned skills are learned in psychology education programs which go as far as equipping the students to serve both in their personal and professional lives.
Career Development
Getting an online degree in psychology may also lead to various alternative career paths in fields like business, human resources, teaching and even marketing. Not only can one become a psychologist; but earning a degree in psychology may as well open the way to a number of potential career options in a variety of fields.
Sub-fields In Psychology
There are different Sub-fields in psychology and each of them has its own specifications. So if you think all psychologist roles are the same, think again.
Below are some of the subfields and their specification;
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology is likely what a great many people consider when they hear, “psychology.” It’s the part of psychology that takes a gander at psychological dysfunction and the methodologies with which to treat such dysfunction.
Social Psychology
Social psychology takes different practices, qualities and characteristics shown by individuals in changing social circumstances. It ponders basically on human conduct and association.
Health Psychology
The Psychology of health is a broad area within the field. It encompasses not only physical health but emotional, behavioural and social health as well.
Counselling Psychology
The branch of psychology revolves around understanding and managing the problems people face in their home, work and social lives and trying to find solutions to them.
Developmental Psychology
The study of how human thinking and behaviour develops and progresses throughout the lifespan.
Forms of Online Psychology Degree
Under listed are the various forms of Psychology degrees that can be attained online;
Associate Degree
Graduates who obtain an associate degree in psychology are open to many other career options available such as rehabilitation assistant, child care provider, orderly, and coordinator.
Bachelor’s Degree
Holders of the Bachelor’s degrees also get work in psychological offices and schools in order to assist patients cope. But this is done under the full supervision of a licensed doctor.
Master’s Degree
Students who obtain a master’s degree online tend to enjoy several privileges such as: enrolling on a variety of specialisations in the studies of human behaviour, both individually and in groups; continuing in whatever job you’re engaged in while still furthering your pursuits in your desired psychology field.
PhD Degree
In order to be fully accredited and recognised as a licensed psychologist in the field, obtaining a doctoral degree is one of the minimum qualifications guaranteed. Thereafter, graduates can then take the state licensing exam in order to earn full certification.
Top Institutions to Get Accredited Psychology Degree Online And Their Costs?
These are the questions that will probably be going through the mind of anyone longing to get an online degree in psychology. So we’ll be considering the top 10 institutions both in terms of academic accreditation and top 10 cheapest (there’s no one who wouldn’t love to save an additional dollar).
A-List of Top 10 Accredited Online Institutions (Psychology Degrees)
| Institutions | Average Tuition Fees |
| University Of Florida | $341 |
| Oregon State University | $280 |
| Fort Hays University | $194 |
| North-eastern University | $378 |
| Pennsylvania State University | $600 |
| Colorado State University | $419 |
| University Of Central Florida | $481 |
| Eastern Oregon University | $210 |
| Arizona State University | $490 |
| Washington State University | $557 |
List of Top 10 Cheapest Online Institutions (Psychology Degrees)
| Institutions | Tuition Fees (Annual) |
| Fort Valley State University | $5,742 |
| California State University | $6,368 |
| University Of the Cumberland | $6,560 |
| Fort Hays University | $6,780 |
| Valdosta State University | $6,900 |
| The Baptist College Of Florida | $7,192 |
| Kennesaw State University | $7,200 |
| Central Methodist University | $7,500 |
| Fayetteville State University | $7,556 |
| Ohio-University Main Campus | $5,611 |
Duration Period of Earning An Online Degree In Psychology
The duration period is determined by the certificate program or form of degree a student has in mind to pursue. Let’s take a look at the different duration intervals in the different forms of Online Psychology Degree that we have:
- Associate Degree: This takes 2 years to complete unless the student is enrolling on a part-time basis then he/she could spend up to 3 or 5 years to complete the program.
- Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years is the duration to complete a Bachelor’s program in psychology (On a full-time basis).
- Masters Degree: On a full-time basis it takes 2 years to complete a Master’s Program in Psychology.
- Doctoral Degree (PhD): Those that do offer the online doctoral degree in psychology have a range from 2-5 years.
Are Online Degrees In Psychology Respected?
Most Managers are very much aware of the authenticity of degrees obtained online and won’t discredit a student that pursues one. However, there could be a few things that can make an online degree in psychology a bad choice. The curriculum in the traditional universities is usually what most employers used to grade the expertise of students. Sadly, this doesn’t fully match or tally with that done online. Such being the case, an online degree may not well be credible or respected.
My Advice
Hence, any student that seeks to pursue an Online degree in Psychology should always do well to better his/her skills by making a good research and engaging more in personal studies to complement the Psychology degree Obtained Online. This is because once you graduate from an online program such as psychology; it is your challenge to convince your employer that you’re reliable and have also learned a lot in the degree program.
