Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Programs

The Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Programs

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Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Program Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

• Academics
• Affordability
• Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About Our Ranking Factors

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

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Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%

Online Enrollment - 10%

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.

We thank you for your readership and trust.

The Advantages of a Psychology Education

Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology online provides several advantages over an associate degreee. In an industry where advanced degrees are preferred and often required, a bachelor’s degree opens up more career opportunities. Jobs available to an associate degree holder include executive assistant, administrative coordinator, and administrative assistant. Individuals who pursue these careers typically work in assistant positions.

Bachelor’s degree graduates can work in entry-level roles while pursuing an advanced degree, which can often lead to a salary increase. Some employers offer programs to help offset tuition costs. Going beyond a bachelor’s degree demonstrates a willingness to gain more experience and skills in the field, making the multiple-degree holder more accomplished. While earning an advanced degree offers advantages, not everyone wants to pursue one. Graduates of a bachelor’s degree program can explore many appealing and rewarding career paths.

Source: PayScale

Choosing an Online Psychology Degree Program

Students who want to earn an online bachelor’s degree in psychology should research online programs and schools before choosing the best one for their needs. Research should include tuition costs, in-state and out-of-state rates, and admission requirements. In-state programs are often more affordable. Research can involve browsing course descriptions and specializations of interest. Degree seekers should also consider their current work schedule and financial means when choosing the best program. Institutional quality and value are significant factors in the selection process. Several online resources provide the necessary information to make the best decision.

Program Cost:

Tuition rates and fees are vital when considering program cost. Discounted military rates and lower costs for in-state tuition, even for an online program, are common. Individuals should look for schools with good reputations that deliver quality instruction coupled with competitive tuition rates.

Transfer Policies:

Transfer policy research is especially important for students who have completed core credits. For earned hours in the discipline, some schools accept those credits for their own lower-division psychology courses. Here, grades may be deciding factors for acceptance of those transfer credits. GPA standards are another transfer policy consideration.

School Size and Type:

Enrollment numbers for online bachelor’s degree courses vary. Ideally, the class size stays manageable for the instructor while not depriving students of the individual attention they may need. If class size is important, degree seekers can research individual degree programs and institutions. State funding is the major difference between private and public schools. Public schools receive state funding while private institutions are funded by tuition and private contributions. There is no measurable or distinct difference in education quality.

Program Length:

Earning an online bachelor’s degree in psychology is a four-year commitment for full-time students. Part-time students often require 6–6 years to graduate. Taking additional courses each term, including summers, can accelerate the process by 1–1.5 years.

On-Campus Requirements:

Most online bachelor’s degree in psychology programs do not have any on-campus requirements, though this varies by school and program. Potential students who live locally can take advantage of on-campus services, such as orientations.

Featured Online Bachelor's in Psychology

Accreditation for Online Psychology Degrees

Accreditation is an evaluation process for colleges and universities in which accrediting organizations independently assess education quality. Peer review boards often conduct these assessments. Seven regional accreditation organizations exist: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Commission of Higher Education, Higher Learning Commission, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Traditionally, accredited colleges and universities award degrees and are nonprofit institutions. Since it is a voluntary process, non-degree and for-profit institutions may seek accreditation.

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a body whose recognition asserts that the standards of the accreditation organizations meet CHEA standards. The United States Department of Education also reviews accreditation organizations. The American Psychological Association accreditation is limited to doctoral programs. Accreditation is an important factor when choosing where to pursue an online bachelor’s degree in psychology since it provides reassurance that the institution meets quality standards.

Psychology Concentrations

Earning an online bachelor’s degree in psychology encompasses a variety of concentrations. Students must consider which career path corresponds with their interest area. Some institutions offer individualized concentration services via consultation with an academic advisor for a specific career path or an academic plan to earn an advanced degree required by the chosen career path.

Clinical and Counseling Psychology:

This concentration focuses on the assessment and treatment of behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders. In counseling, the science of psychology is used for treatment to promote resilience for healthier individuals, helping them find their inner strengths. Clinical psychology is more intensely focused on helping people with a serious mental illness or psychosis.

Careers this concentration prepares for:

• Clinical Social Worker
• Laboratory Assistant
• Case Manager
• Social Work Assistant

Developmental Psychology:

This concentration evaluates the psychological growth of individuals through behavioral changes which occur during the stages of human life. Developmental psychology examines, through biological, social, emotional, and cognitive theories, how one thinks and feels. The disciplinary focus of developmental psychology is childhood development, which is the period of human life when the most significant change takes place.

Careers this concentration prepares for:

• Child Life Specialist
• Social Worker
• Early Childhood Education Consultant
• Special Education Paraprofessional

Educational Psychology:

This concentration examines learning and knowledge retainment among students. Educational psychology is the scientific study of learning, using analysis to identify behavior and social challenges which may impede emotional, social, and cognitive processes. This psychological field uses quantitative methodology such as measurement and testing to improve learning and retention.

Careers this concentration prepares for:

• Elementary School Psychology Teacher
• Middle School Psychology Teacher
• High School Psychology Teacher

Experimental Psychology:

This concentration investigates the science of psychological processes such as learning, memory, and cognition in humans and animals. This psychological concentration undertakes tasks that apply to experimental study and its underlying processes, playing a significant role in the understanding of behavior and the human mind.

Careers this concentration prepares for:

• Research Analyst
• Product Development Analyst
• Experimental Researcher

Social Psychology:

This concentration explores the origins of social interactions and their effects on humans. It is the study of how behaviors, feelings, and thoughts, which are measurable human variables, are influenced by the real or imagined presence of others. Empirical investigation via the scientific method explains human behavior as the interaction between social situations and mental states.

Careers this concentration prepares for:

• Political Strategist
• Market Researcher
• Public Relations Specialist

Featured Online Bachelor's in Psychology

How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Psychology?

Earning an online bachelor’s degree in psychology allows for flexibility regarding the time required to graduate. Approximately 36 hours of psychology courses are required for graduation in addition to general education requirements and electives, totaling 120 hours. Undergraduate advisors consider student work schedules, the number of hours required to complete the coursework, and expect students to maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher. A three-hour class may require double or triple the hours devoted to coursework and study time.

Online learners should always budget time for taking online classes. They can explore accelerated programs, which add additional credits to each term. These programs are subject to advisor approval or recommendation and can reduce the degree from four years to 2.5–3 years.

While students might find the freedom to double credits in a term appealing, they should consider the course workload. It may divide focus and lessen knowledge retention, becoming a disadvantage.

Tuition is estimated on a yearly basis. Taking more or fewer classes impacts the tuition costs. Some institutions offer discounted tuition rates for hours beyond a full-time course load.

Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Program

Introduction to Statistics:

In an introduction to basic statistical techniques and principles in psychology, students explore probability distributions, hypothesis testing, correlation, variance analysis, sampling, research design, interpretation of research, and statistical inference. Hypothesis testing is emphasized in the examination of the core concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics.

Research and Experimental Methods:

This course instructs students in the psychological experimental method, providing philosophical background and introducing research strategies and designs in addition to descriptive statistics. Theoretical and methodological research approaches, presented in literature, with procedural instruments, are used in the planning, implementation, and reporting of experiments.

Multicultural Psychology:

The curriculum addresses relevant multicultural and psychological considerations in racial identity, discrimination, oppression, power and privilege, and racism as a means of articulating and comprehending human behavior. Through research and theories, students are prepared to work with diverse groups.

Social Psychology:

Human social behavior exhibited in conformity, aggression, persuasion, attraction, attribution, and the perception of others is addressed in the exploration of social psychology. Societal influence and interpersonal relationships are important factors in presenting a consistent definition of social psychology. The course is, at its core, a survey of social psychological research and theories.

Health Psychology:

Students learn about the promotion of good health, through behavior analysis and disease prevention, which are primary outcomes in health psychology. Students explore the influence of and relationships among social, psychological, and biological factors and their impact on health. Coursework addresses the psychology of disease prevention for chronic and acute illnesses.

Psychology Degree Salary Information

Online bachelor’s degree in psychology graduates can explore many rewarding career paths. Verbal communication, writing, and interpersonal skills are necessary qualities for most careers. An analytical thought process and scientific knowledge retention contribute to success as a technician and teacher. A superior work effort is needed for full-time employment. For some careers, earning an advanced degree is a requirement and is worth considering for a specialized job, in a concentration of preference, where advancement and financial growth are desired.

Medical Science Liaison:

A career as a medical science liaison is ideal for those who excel in communication and interpersonal skills. Liaisons are clinical research professionals who interpret data for presentation to healthcare providers and organizations. They assist in protocol development and research proposals, spending significant time traveling for meetings. This career requires an advanced degree and boasts significant earning potential.

Salary based on experience:

• Entry Level: $133,000
• Mid-Career: $147,000
• Experienced: $167,000
• Late Career: $172,000

Biological Science Laboratory Technician:

The work of a biological science laboratory technician depends upon the laboratory setting. A medical research lab is a common lab type. Here, lab technicians contribute to medicine development, rehabilitation techniques, and surgeries. They prepare reports through experiments and data analysis. Attention to detail and confidence in scientific method utilization make for a skilled lab technician. Employers often require a bachelor’s degree for this career.

Salary based on experience:

• Entry Level: $38,480
• Mid-Career: $41,000
• Experienced: $54,000
• Late Career: $57,000

Middle School Science Teacher:

Middle school science teachers develop and deliver lesson plans and assign and grade classwork. They’re also responsible for classroom management, communicating with parents, and preparing for standardized testing and schoolwide assessment. They work in public and private schools and often during weekends grading and preparing lesson plans. Teacher certification is required.

Salary based on experience:

• Entry Level: $42,000
• Mid-Career: $50,000
• Experienced: $57,000
• Late Career: $70,000

Statistician:

Statisticians design the acquisition of quantitative data and assess its results to determine probabilities and trends for their employers. A statistician’s work quality is determined by appropriate and current data acquisition methods and the reliability and accuracy of the results. An advanced degree is required for statisticians. A bachelor’s degree is an important step along this career path.

Salary based on experience:

• Entry Level: $72,000
• Mid-Career: $97,000
• Experienced: $110,000
• Late Career: $125,000

Market Research Analyst:

Market research analysts review data to determine which products are desirable, who the consumers of these products will be, and how much consumers would pay for the products. Analysts collect this data through surveys employing statistics and preparing final reports for their clientele to determine profit potential. A bachelor’s degree is the typical employment requirement.

Salary based on experience:

• Entry Level: $52,000
• Mid-Career: $70,000
• Experienced: $80,000
• Late Career: $81,000

Source: PayScale