Are you interested in pursuing a career in psychology but don’t have the time to attend classes on campus? Then an online accredited psychology degree might be the perfect solution for you. With the flexibility of online learning, you can earn your degree while still managing your work and personal life.
Online Accredited Psychology Degrees
Here are some key things you should know about online accredited psychology degrees:
Accreditation Matters
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an online psychology degree program is accreditation. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the standards set by a recognized accrediting agency. This means that your degree will be recognized by employers and other educational institutions, and you’ll be eligible for licensure in your state.
To ensure your degree is recognized, make sure the online psychology degree program you’re considering is accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Psychological Association (APA) or the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Degree Levels
Online accredited psychology degree programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You can earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology at the undergraduate level. These programs typically take four years to complete and require you to take courses in areas such as abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology.
At the graduate level, you can earn a Master of Arts (M.A.) or a Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology. These programs typically take two to three years to complete and offer more specialized courses in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and organizational psychology.
Doctoral degrees in psychology are also available online, such as a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology. These programs typically take four to six years to complete and are designed for those pursuing research or clinical practice careers.
Course Delivery
Online accredited psychology degree programs are delivered in various formats, including synchronous and asynchronous formats. Synchronous formats require you to attend classes at specific times and interact with your classmates and instructor in real time. Asynchronous formats, on the other hand, allow you to complete coursework on your schedule.
Some online psychology degree programs also offer hybrid formats, which combine online coursework with in-person classes or clinical experiences. This can be a great option for face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates.
Career Options
Earning an online accredited psychology degree can open up a wide range of career options. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, you may be able to find entry-level positions in areas such as human resources, social services, and research.
With a graduate degree in psychology, you can pursue careers in clinical practice, counseling, research, or academia. Clinical and counseling psychologists typically need a Doctoral degree in psychology and must be licensed in their state to practice.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for psychologists was $81,460 in May 2020. The job outlook for psychologists is also positive, with employment expected to grow 3% from 2020 to 2030.
Financing Your Degree
Online accredited psychology degree programs can be expensive, but there are several ways to finance your education. One option is to apply for financial aid, which includes grants, scholarships, and loans. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid.
Employer tuition reimbursement programs are another option. Many employers offer tuition assistance for their employees who want to pursue a degree that is relevant to their job. Check with your employer to see if they offer such a program.
You can also consider taking out a private student loan. However, be sure to carefully consider the terms and interest rates of any loan you’re considering.
Conclusion
An online accredited psychology degree can be a great option for those who want to pursue a career in psychology but can’t attend classes on campus. With the flexibility of online learning, you can earn your degree while still managing your work and personal life.
When choosing an online psychology degree program, it’s important to consider accreditation, degree levels, course delivery formats, career options, and financing options. Accreditation ensures that employers and other educational institutions will recognize your degree and that you’ll be eligible for licensure in your state.
Online psychology degree programs are available at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. You can also choose from synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid course delivery formats.
Earning an online accredited psychology degree can open up various career options, including clinical practice, counseling, research, or academia. The median annual salary for psychologists was $81,460 in May 2020, and the job outlook for psychologists is positive.
Financing your online psychology degree can be expensive, but there are several ways to finance your education, including financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and private student loans.
Overall, an online accredited psychology degree can be a great option for those who want to pursue a career in psychology but need the flexibility of online learning. With careful consideration of accreditation, degree levels, course delivery formats, career options, and financing options, you can find the perfect program to meet your needs and achieve your career goals.
