Online Psychology Degree Resource Center

Psychology degrees online—both for undergraduate and graduate students—exist in a wide range of specialties.

Online Psychology Bachelor's Degrees

Completing a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field is the first step toward becoming a practicing psychologist or counselor. A bachelor's degree program usually takes four years of full-time study to complete, but many of the schools featured on All Psychology Schools offer accelerated or degree completion programs that give credit for prior learning and applicable work experience.

Online Psychology Graduate Degrees

Study beyond a bachelor's degree is a must for practicing psychologists and counselors. A master's degree is the minimum level of education required for employment as a licensed counselor or school psychologist. Doctorate degrees are increasingly required for employment and licensure as a psychologist.

Some online psychology degree programs allow you to study at your own pace, with lessons pre-formulated and available at any time. These kinds of programs offer the ultimate flexibility, because there are usually no specific beginning or end dates.

Other programs are more structured and scheduled in real time, where students are required to log on at a certain time every day, week or month and participate in a live session. These programs are geared toward students with more flexibility in their schedule or who desire more direct interaction with their professor or peers.

Many states require that students earn their degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university in order to be eligible for psychologist or counselor licensure.

Schools can be accredited by one of seven regional accrediting bodies, which grant approval of an institution based on adherence to certain academic quality standards. Schools offering online programs can also be accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), an association formed specifically to accredit distance education and training schools. The DETC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).