Can I Study Psychology At Home?
A degree in psychology can open many doors. Learn more about studying psychology from home, including what these programs require and some of the top programs in the U.S.
A psychology degree can be a great launching pad for a doctoral degree in psychology or careers in fields like law enforcement, education, and social services.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or ability to learn on campus. Keep reading to learn more about studying psychology at home.
Can I Study Psychology at Home?
There are many ways to study psychology at home. Casual learners can use the internet or books to learn more about psychology, but there are also ways to earn college credit from home.
Those who want to earn college credit but don't necessarily want to earn a full degree can look into online psychology courses.
However, if you want to earn a degree in psychology from home, you can choose an online psychology degree program.
Online psychology degrees are most commonly offered at the bachelor's and master's levels. These programs don't lead to licensure but prepare you for doctoral programs and a variety of careers.
Most online psychology programs will allow you to study from anywhere, meaning you can learn from the comfort of your home.
What Do Online Psychology Degrees Require?
The specific requirements of an online psychology program will depend on whether you're earning a bachelor's or master's degree and what school you're learning through.
Bachelor's programs in psychology are offered as both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. These degrees usually require 120 credits and take about four years to complete.
A bachelor's degree in psychology usually covers the basics of the human mind and why humans do what they do. They often offer electives so you can focus on the area of psychology that interests you most.
Some online psychology programs allow you to choose a concentration.
Common concentrations for bachelor's degrees in psychology include:
- child and adolescent psychology
- clinical psychology
- forensic psychology
- industrial organizational psychology
While online psychology programs offer online courses, some degree programs may offer or require experiential learning opportunities like internships.
Often, these can be arranged at a site local to you and do not require you to travel to campus.
Master's degree programs in psychology provide an advanced education in psychology. Concentrations are common at the master's level.
These programs typically do not lead to licensure but can prepare you for a doctoral program or careers in fields like business, counseling, or social work.
Master's degrees usually require between 30 to 40 credits. The average time to complete a master's degree is two years, but they can range from one to three years.
Like bachelor's programs, an online master's program may offer or require you to participate in hands-on learning opportunities.
Top Online Psychology Programs
Online psychology programs are common. Here are a few top-ranked psychology programs you can complete from home.
1. Concordia University
Concordia University, St. Paul is a private university in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is part of the Concordia University system. It offers an online accelerated Bachelor of Arts in psychology.
The program covers developmental psychology, principles of counseling, abnormal psychology, personality theories, social psychology, and more.
Students are required to complete practical field experience through either an eight-credit internship or research practicum.
2. Florida International University
Florida International University is a public research university in Miami, Florida. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in psychology online.
Students gain a solid grounding in scientific research and human behavior, along with critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques.
The curriculum covers topics like neuroscience, social behavior, applied psychology, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, and research.
3. UMass Global
UMass Global is a private affiliate of the University of Massachusetts that's based in Irvine, California. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in psychology.
The program teaches students to connect psychological theory to real-life applications and examine psychological principles of human behavior from a historical perspective.
Three concentrations are offered in this program: general psychology, child psychology, and industrial organizational psychology.
4. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a public research university in Tucson, Arizona. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in psychology online.
Students explore how the mind and brain evolve from infancy to old age, the environmental influences that shape behavior, and the impact of brain disorders such as autism and Alzheimer's disease.
Coursework includes the study of development, learning, personality, memory, perception, mental and physical health, attraction and close relationships, and attitude and behavior change.
5. Washington State University
Washington State University is a public research university in Pullman, Washington. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in psychology.
This program studies feelings, thoughts, and conscious and subconscious phenomena and their influence on behavior, as well as the behavioral effects of physical conditions.
Three areas of focus are available: neuroscience and cognition, social and motivational, and clinical and counseling.
Study Psychology From Home
Students can earn a psychology degree from home by choosing an online psychology degree program. Check out the ones listed above to start your journey toward a psychology degree today.