Taking an Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
When you enter an online bachelor’s degree program in psychology, you receive the freedom to take classes at your own pace. That translates to being able to continue work, family, and other obligations and still be able to delve into the ways and reasons people think and act as they do. This degree sets you up to continue on in psychology or psychology-related fields such as counseling, healthcare, or even business—all without having to put life on pause.
But Here’s the Catch…
Currently, psychology courses are not offered in your area.
Don’t Worry—We’ve Got Great Alternatives!
If you love psychology, there are still plenty of other fun learning opportunities. Here are some other related courses and programs you may enjoy:
Psychology of Addiction and Recovery (StanfordOnline | Executive Education)
Psychology for High Performance (StanfordOnline | Executive Education)
Positive Psychology and Well-Being (StanfordOnline | Executive Education) – Surveys the psychological, biological, and social aspects of happiness.
Child Development: Behavior and Mental Health (StanfordOnline | Executive Education)
What Do You Need to Get Into a BA in Psychology Program?
Each college and university has slightly varied requirements, but most online BA in psychology programs will request:
Your high school transcripts – They’ll check if you’ve taken the right classes (like math, science, or English).
A résumé or CV – To see your work or volunteer experience.
Letters of recommendation – Usually from teachers, employers, or mentors who can vouch for you.
A personal statement – A short essay about why you want to study psychology.
A minimum GPA – Some schools require a certain grade average to qualify.
Before you apply, ensure you review the precise requirements for the course you wish to pursue. You can reach out to the university or visit their website for information.
What You Will Learn in an Online Psychology Degree
Specific courses vary by school, but typically, a BA in psychology begins with the fundamentals—such as social sciences, statistics, and methods of research. Then, you’ll be able to choose electives based on whatever fascinates you the most. Here are some typical courses:
Introduction to Psychological Sciences – The basis for how the mind functions.
Introduction to Statistics – Since psychology deals with a lot of data!
Research Methods in Psychology – How to study and measure behavior.
Developmental Psychology – How humans change and develop over time.
Organizational Communication and Behavior – The psychology of work and teams.
Psychopathology and Mental Health – Understanding mental illnesses and therapies.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Bachelor’s in Psychology?
Once you graduate, you’ll find you have a wide range of career choices—not only in the field of psychology but also in human resources, marketing, and social work. Some careers you might pursue are:
Behavioral Disorder Counselor – Assisting individuals with mental health issues.
Caseworker – Supporting individuals or families who are in need.
Counselor – Conducting school, rehabilitation center, or private practice counseling.
Child Development Specialist – Assisting children in their development.
Human Resource Advisor – Applying psychology to make workplaces better.
Substance Abuse Counselor – Assisting individuals in recovery from addiction.
Just a heads-up: Some of these professions may involve additional licenses or certifications.
Considering Grad School?
A BA in psychology also prepares you for a master’s or PhD. If your dream is to be a psychologist, researcher, or therapist, you’ll need an advanced degree. Or, specialize in social work, counseling, or applied behavior analysis.
The beauty of it? You can earn online degrees that align with your aspirations.
How Much Can You Earn with a Psychology Degree?
Salaries fluctuate significantly based on your job, location, experience, and education. Here’s a general idea:
Entry-Level Positions (with a bachelor’s):
Substance abuse or mental health counselors make roughly $59,190 annually (based on 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures).
Advanced Positions (with a master’s or PhD):
Psychologists earn approximately $94,310 per year on average.
Those in government positions make the highest, at around $126,990.
In clinics or hospitals, wages are approximately $96,060–$96,960.
School psychologists earn an average of $85,920.
The highest 10% of psychology professionals earn more than $133,980 annually.
BA vs. BS in Psychology: What’s the Difference?
The two degrees are excellent, but they concentrate on different things:
BA in Psychology – Widened, with additional electives in social science and humanities. Excellent for careers in counseling, HR, law, or graduate school in social work.
BS in Psychology – More research, science, and data oriented. Preferred if you wish to enter lab work, analytics, or research fields.
Either way, both degrees welcome you to exciting possibilities!