10 Self-Paced Online Psychology Degrees & Courses 2025

So, you're interested in studying psychology, but you're unsure if you have the time for a traditional degree program. You're wondering if there are any colleges or universities that offer self-paced online psychology degrees.

Keep reading as we look at some top schools for you to consider. We'll explore schools offering full degree programs as well as some that offer self-paced online courses, and we'll also provide answers to some common questions you may be asking.

Are There Self-Paced Psychology Degrees and Courses Online?

The majority of schools do not offer self-paced options. Even online programs that claim to be self-paced often follow set course schedules.

However, there are a few schools that offer online psychology degrees and courses in a truly self-paced format. In some cases, students have a set amount of time to complete their program; usually, though, they can study whenever they want and take as long as they need to finish.

What Is a Self-Paced Psychology Course?

Self-paced online psychology courses are short-term training programs that typically focus on one specific aspect of the field of psychology. They may lead to a certificate of completion or count as transfer credit toward a degree; however, they generally don't lead to career opportunities on their own and are insufficient for pursuing any sort of mental health certification or licensure.

Students in self-paced online psychology courses often have even greater flexibility than those in self-paced degree programs, which may give students a set timeframe to complete the program. Online courses rarely have any deadlines at all, and some may come with lifetime access.

Best Self-Paced Online Psychology Courses and Degrees

If you're ready to explore the fundamentals of psychology through online courses or degree programs, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some of the best schools offering online learning opportunities for self-paced psychology students.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a unique online school based in Millcreek, UT. This private university offers an array of competency-based, self-paced degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in psychology.

Learners pay a set tuition rate per six-month term and can study as much or as little as they want in each term. The competency-based learning model allows them to progress quickly through topics they are already familiar with, helping them graduate on a schedule that works for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,300 per year
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Walden University

Walden University is a private, for-profit university headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. It is a fully remote school offering online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in a range of subjects, including psychology.

Two of the master's degree programs are available in the school's self-paced Tempo Learning format, which lets them enroll in three-month subscription periods and take courses at their own pace during each period. Students can earn concentrations in areas such as developmental psychology, forensic psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology to pursue specific career goals.

• Estimated tuition cost:$12,762 per year
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Capella University

Capella University is another online school headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Students at this private, for-profit school can earn online bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in psychology through the self-paced FlexPath option.

These programs teach psychology methodologies that students can apply to the real world, while making it possible for them to study on their own time. Students pay a set tuition rate every 12 weeks and progress through their courses at whatever pace works for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,400 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Maine at Presque Isle

The University of Maine at Presque Isle is the only public school on this list to offer fully self-paced degree programs. Students can enroll in a competency-based Bachelor of Arts in psychology that can help them explore various career paths and prepare them to earn advanced degrees.

The bachelor's degree program utilizes students' past academic and life experiences to help them graduate as quickly as possible. Students in YourPace programs pay a flat rate every eight weeks and have the opportunity to progress through as many or as few courses as they want during that time.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,100 per year
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University is a private, for-profit school headquartered in Orange Beach, AL. All of its degree programs are available online, including bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology.

These programs offer several concentrations to help students prepare for social services and behavioral sciences careers. The school's LifePace learning model allows learners to progress through their studies at their own pace while paying a low per-credit-hour tuition.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,760 per year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

6. Wesleyan University

Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts school located in Middletown, CT. It offers self-paced psychology courses to the general public through Coursera.

One of the available courses is titled ''Social Psychology.'' The beginner-level course takes about 37 hours of study time to complete and enables students to study on their own time.

• Estimated tuition cost: $49 per month
• Accreditation: NECHE

7. Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology, commonly known as Illinois Tech, is a private school in Chicago, IL. It provides a beginner-level course on industrial psychology through Coursera.

Students can begin this course any time and progress through its nine modules at whatever pace works for them. It requires 61 hours of study time to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $49 per month
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public university in Grand Forks, ND. It offers a wide range of online courses known as ''Enroll Anytime'' courses. Some of the psychology courses available through this platform include:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology

These courses are fully self-paced and provide undergraduate-level college credit. Students can use these courses to explore the field of psychology, then transfer them to a full degree program later if they choose to.

• Estimated tuition cost: $407.97 per credit
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill is a prestigious public school in Chapel Hill, NC. It offers a range of self-paced courses through Coursera, including one titled ''Positive Psychology.''

The course discusses research and findings in the field of positive psychology and helps learners discover practical applications of the science. The course features six short modules and can be completed in just 11 hours of study time.

• Estimated tuition cost: $49 per month
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a private school located in Baltimore, MD. Like UNC-Chapel Hill, it offers many online courses through Coursera. One of the options available is titled ''Psychological First Aid.''

This course helps students learn the RAPID model of assisting people dealing with psychological emergencies, making it a highly practical course. It consists of 5 modules and takes just six hours of study time to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $49 per month
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose top schools when creating our rank lists. We used the following criteria to choose the psychology degree programs and courses featured above:

• Accreditation: Each school offering the program or course is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body.
• Program format: Each of the programs allows students to study psychology online at their own pace.
• College reputation: All of the schools are known for providing high-quality on-campus and online learning opportunities for students from all walks of life.

FAQs About Self-Paced Online Psychology Degrees

If you still have questions about pursuing enrollment in a self-paced psychology program, you're not alone. Keep reading for answers to some frequently asked questions.

What Is the Easiest Psychology Degree To Get?

Psychology degrees are available at every level of study. Most students agree that associate degrees in psychology are the easiest to get because they consist of the fewest credit hours and feature primarily introductory coursework. Associate degrees in psychology take about two years to complete full-time; students in self-paced programs may need more or less time to finish their program.

Is There a Fast-Track Psychology Degree?

Yes, some schools offer fast-track psychology degrees. These programs usually rely on transfer credits to help students with previous college experience graduate sooner. They may also allow students to take heavy courseloads and study year-round to complete a traditional degree in three years instead of four.

Many schools also offer accelerated bachelor's-to-master's programs in psychology. Students in these programs can earn both a bachelor's and master's degree within five years or less.

Are Online Psychology Degrees Legit?

Yes, online degrees in psychology are legitimate as long as they come from a reputable and accredited college or university. Before enrolling in an online program, always ensure it is regionally or nationally accredited, especially if you plan to pursue graduate studies or professional certifications after earning your bachelor's degree.

Is Self-Paced Online College Worth It?

For some students, self-paced online college can be well worth the time and money they put into it. Self-paced options make education possible for busy but highly motivated students who might not otherwise be able to attend college. They also tend to be more affordable than many traditional programs.

Are There Fully Online Psychology Degrees?

Colleges and universities throughout the country offer fully online psychology degree programs, especially at bachelor's and master's degree levels. These programs often offer flexible coursework within set course sessions, allowing students to set their own study schedules while helping them stay on track by providing regular deadlines.

Explore Online Psychology Programs

If you're ready to get started on your psychology journey, check out the schools featured here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges to learn more about their psychology programs and admission requirements and find the right program for you.