Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Programs

Yes — as long as it's from a regionally accredited institution. Employers and graduate schools treat online and on-campus degrees identically when the accreditation is legitimate. Most schools on our list issue the same diploma regardless of delivery format, and your transcript won't distinguish between online and in-person coursework. According to NACE, employers increasingly value the self-discipline and time management that online learners demonstrate. The best online bachelors in psychology programs prepare you for the same careers and grad school opportunities as traditional programs.

On our list, the cheapest online psychology degree options are SNHU at $330/credit and UF Online at $129/credit for Florida residents. Total program costs range from about $38,000 (SNHU or UF in-state) to around $74,000 (Penn State). Oregon State Ecampus also stands out as one of the most affordable online bachelors in psychology at a nationally ranked research university, with credits starting at $331. Most programs offer financial aid, institutional scholarships, and military discounts. SNHU also charges no application fee, which removes another barrier.

Most programs require 120 semester credits (or 180 quarter credits at Oregon State) and take about four years of full-time study. But here's the real answer: it depends on your transfer credits. SNHU accepts up to 90 and Penn State up to 93, which means you could potentially finish in under two years if you're transferring from a community college. Part-time students typically finish in 5-6 years. Programs with accelerated terms (like ASU's 7.5-week courses) can also speed things up.

A bachelor's in psychology qualifies you for a wide range of entry-level roles including case manager, human resources specialist, market research analyst, behavioral health technician, substance abuse counselor, and community outreach coordinator. The BLS projects 19% job growth for substance abuse and mental health counselors through 2034. Many graduates also use the degree as a stepping stone to master's or doctoral programs in psychology, counseling, or social work. Your career options expand significantly if you pair the degree with a concentration in forensic, clinical, or I/O psychology.

UMass Global and SNHU are both built specifically for working adults. UMass Global offers 8-week accelerated sessions with multiple start dates and was literally designed for students balancing jobs and families. SNHU's open admissions, $330/credit tuition, and 6 annual start dates make it one of the most accessible options anywhere. ASU Online is another strong pick thanks to monthly enrollment and 7.5-week courses. The best online psychology degree for working adults ultimately depends on whether you prioritize cost, flexibility, or brand recognition.

Not always. Many graduate programs accept students with bachelor's degrees in related fields like sociology, biology, or neuroscience, as long as you've completed prerequisite coursework in statistics, research methods, and foundational psychology. However, an online bachelors degree in psychology ensures you meet all prerequisites automatically and gives you the strongest possible foundation. Programs on our list that emphasize research — like UF, Penn State, and Oregon State — are particularly good preparation for competitive master's and doctoral programs.

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology leans toward liberal arts — more electives, often a foreign language requirement, and room for minors in complementary fields. A Bachelor of Science (BS) doubles down on research methods, statistics, and natural science coursework. The BS is typically preferred by students headed to research-oriented graduate programs, while the BA offers more flexibility for careers in communications, business, or social work. ASU Online is the only program on our list that offers both options. Either degree qualifies you for the same entry-level positions and graduate programs.