What Degree in Psychology Can I Get Online?

There are many reasons for getting your psychology degree online instead of in a traditional classroom. Besides the most obvious issues of convenience and schedule, it has been proven that those who get a degree online from an accredited college or university earn more than those who choose not to pursue a degree in their chosen field.

But salary isn't the only reason to pursue your psychology degree in an online environment. Here are four reasons that best exemplify why getting a degree in psychology from an accredited online school might be the wisest education decision you'll ever make:

• You'll save money by not having to commute. With gas prices soaring, you'll save the cost of fuel—and campus parking fees.

• You can earn your degree on your own schedule. If you have a family and work life, you can plan your online degree studies on your timeline instead of the other way around.

• Online college degree fees might not cost as much as traditional college fees and financial aid or employee tuition reimbursement programs may be available.

• Your online degree from an accredited college or university holds as much value as a degree from a traditional institution so you'll learn better—and smarter.

• You might your degree faster online because you aren't set to a traditional classroom schedule. You set your own pace.

What Degrees are Available Online?

Online Associate's Degree Programs

Those who have their associate's degree earn on average $120,000 more in their lifetime than counterparts who have only earned high school diplomas, according to MSNmoney.com.

You won't be able to pursue much of a career in psychology with less than an associate's degree. But this type of degree, which generally takes about two years to complete, is offered at all junior and community colleges, as well as online and through vocational, technical and four-year colleges.

There are many different types of associate's degrees to be earned, but the degree most common to the field of psychology is Associate of Arts degree. This degree can be earned in social science fields such as general psychology.

Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Professionals holding their bachelor's degree make on average over $300,000 more in their lifetime than non-degree holding professionals.

An associate's degree isn't a prerequisite for a bachelor's degree, although you can apply associate's degree credits towards a bachelor's degree. Many ambitious individuals, however, sidestep the middleman and go straight to work earning their bachelor's degree. Here's why: a bachelor's degree earned at a college or university or online is the most common and well rounded undergraduate degree available.

These degrees usually take about four years or roughly 120 credits to complete. Here is the most common online psychology bachelor's:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)—This degree is available in almost every field of psychology.

• Bachelor of Science (BS)—This degree is earned in more scientific and technical areas of psychology such as Cognitive Psychology.

Online Master's Degree Programs

Master's students walk away with a degree that will earn them (on average) $180,000 more over their lifetime than people in the same field who hold their bachelor's degree. A student who gets a master's degree will find many more career options in the field of psychology than a student with a bachelor's degree.

Typical degrees in psychology that are available online at the master's level are:

• Master of Science (MS)—This degree pertains to areas such as school psychology, counseling, and social psychology.

• Master of Arts (MA)—A Master of Arts in psychology prepares you for a career in sports psychology or general psychology.

Online Doctoral Degrees

Postgraduate degree professional earn 45 percent more than those with a bachelor's degree. If you've decided to make your education a career of its own, pursuing a doctorate—the highest academic degree available—is a great career goal. A bachelor's and master's degree most often precede this degree.

Online doctoral degrees take anywhere from three to 10 years to complete and demand a varying number of academic credit requirements depending on the subject. The degree usually culminates in an intensive written exam and/or a doctoral thesis or dissertation presented (and defended) to a body of distinguished academics.

Typical degrees in psychology that are available online at the doctoral level are:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)—This degree is awarded in fields such as public health and psychology.

• Doctor of Education (EdD)—The EdD prepares students for a career in fields such as special education, counseling psychology and school psychology.

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