Welcome to Online Degrees in Psychology where you’ll find everything you need to know about pursuing a psychology degree online.

Online degrees in psychology are becoming increasingly popular educational paths as college tuition prices keep climbing, the quality of distance learning programs continues to improve, and online degrees receive even more respect from employers. Accredited online psychology degree programs offer students the same instruction and training that they would get in traditional learning settings, but the online nature of courses makes it possible for students to take classes and learn material at their own pace–all while keeping a full-time job in the meantime.

If you think studying psychology may be for you, read on to find out more about how these programs work and the career paths open to those with online degrees in psychology.

Why are students choosing online degrees in psychology?

A psychology degree is one of the most versatile programs of study available; it gives its holders strong bases in science and liberal arts, preparing students for a wide variety of careers in psychology as well as in many other disciplines; the study of human behavior can be helpful in just about every career imaginable from business and marketing to criminal justice.

Therefore, if you are interested in psychology, even if you don’t want to become a psychologist, you may still consider pursuing an online degree in psychology as it may make you a more competitive job candidate in whatever your chosen field.

What types of online degrees in psychology are available?

Online degrees in psychology are available at all levels of study, including:

• Associate
• Bachelor (Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS))
• Master
• Doctorate
• Special certificates/certifications

Associate and bachelor online degrees in psychology may be earned without having to physically show up anywhere to complete requirements, but most master’s and doctorate level programs require residencies, internships, or practica, which must be fulfilled in person. Note that if you intend to become a psychologist, you will need a master’s or doctorate degree in psychology.

You may also be able to pursue specialties through online psychology programs; some common areas of study include:

• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Research Psychology
• School Psychology
• Sports Psychology

Program entrance and completion requirements differ greatly, so do read descriptions carefully.

What are online psychology degree programs like?
Programs vary by school and by degree level, but generally associate and bachelor psychology degree programs cover a lot of theory, including that of Sigmund Freud, the founder of the psychoanalytic school of psychology. You will also learn about diagnostic methods and medical ethics.

Master’s and doctorate level programs focus more on specialties as described above, and students are encouraged to develop their own theories and test them; independent study is common, and indeed, often crucial for a thesis (master’s) or dissertation (doctorate) required to complete degree requirements. Graduate programs may also require proficiency in at least one foreign language as well.

What do psychologists do?

Psychologists interview individual patients and also conduct group therapy sessions, perform diagnostic tests, analyze results, decide courses of treatment, and otherwise take care of patients’ mental health issues. Many psychologists also work with other professionals such as social workers and physicians to provide complete plans of care for patients.

Psychologists may work in hospitals, clinics, prisons, and other places they are needed. Moreover, upon gaining experience, it is quite common for psychologists, especially those with doctoral degrees, to enter private practice or consulting; the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about 34 percent of psychologists were self-employed in 2006. Psychologists may also teach at the high school or university level.

How do I become a psychologist?

State requirements vary, but in general a doctoral degree is required to become clinical or counseling psychologist; psychologists must also successfully pass an exam in order to be licensed.

What is the job outlook for psychologists?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job prospects in psychology will increase by 15% through 2016, which is faster than the average for all professions. Psychologists will be especially sought for work in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health centers, and substance abuse clinics.

If I don’t want to pursue a career as a psychologist, what other careers are available for those with psychology degrees?

Online degrees in psychology prepare students for much more than traditional psychology careers. Earning a psychology degree will help enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills, so you will have effectively made yourself a stronger candidate for many jobs–especially those that require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions.

The College Board’s College Handbook estimates that about half of psychology degree holders work in business and non-profit organizations, 16% with the government, 14% in educational institutions, 13% are self-employed, and 9% work in private charitable organizations.