10 Best Online Experimental Psychology Degrees 2026

Experimental psychology focuses on studying human behavior and mental processes through research and data analysis. Earning one of the best online degrees in this field lets you explore how people think, learn, and make decisions while developing the research skills needed for graduate study or laboratory work.

These programs are ideal for students who enjoy scientific inquiry and problem-solving. Keep reading to learn about accredited, affordable, and flexible online degrees in experimental psychology and find the program that fits your goals.

Best Online Experimental Psychology Degree Programs

There are four top schools in the U.S. offering some of the best online psychology degrees, including both bachelor's and master's degrees in experimental psychology. Let's look closer at each of these schools.

1. University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama is a public school with an enrollment of around 5,200 students. It offers a Master of Science in experimental psychology.

This is one of the top online master's in experimental psychology available. Students can complete a general track or choose from concentrations in clinical psychology or health and sports psychology.

Credit requirements vary depending on the specialization, though most students graduate within one to two years. Affordable tuition rates make the program highly accessible.

2. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is known for providing an array of online degree programs. One of these is a Bachelor of Science (BS) in psychology with an experimental psychology track.

Students learn to use the scientific method to understand human development and behavior. Comprehensive courses help students develop real-world research skills that will serve them well in various career paths.

3. Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University is a public school providing various online degrees. Undergraduate students can earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a specialization in experimental psychology.

This program helps students learn to conduct and compile quantitative research for various applications. Students take courses in research design, writing in psychology, and more, and the program culminates in a practical capstone project to help students put their education into practice.

4. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a private school in Florida offering various learning opportunities for nontraditional students. One of the degree programs is an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in psychology with an experimental psychology track.

Enrollees in this program study topics like psychological tests and measurements, industrial-organizational psychology, and the psychology of learning. Students gain skills to help them prepare for specialized career fields and graduate school.

Other Online Psychology Programs

Many types of psychology degrees can lead to careers in experimental psychology. Let's talk about some top online psychology degrees for undergraduate and graduate students interested in experimental psychology careers.

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a large public school. Among its online program offerings is a BA in psychology. This general psychology program doesn't provide any specializations; rather, students gain a broad understanding of many psychology fields, including experimental psychology.

Coursework covers many social science topics, such as the psychology of personality, cognition, and psychological interventions. As one of the top online bachelor's programs in the nation, you can feel confident that you're receiving a high-quality psychology education.

2. Bay Path University

Bay Path University is a private school in Massachusetts that offers bachelor's and master's degrees online. Students at this school can pursue an online Master of Science in developmental psychology.

This program can help students develop a better understanding of mental health topics at all stages of life, helping them prepare for doctoral programs and various career paths. Both full-time and part-time options are available, so students can choose the study option that best works for them.

3. University of Maine Presque Isle

The University of Maine Presque Isle offers self-paced, competency-based online programs in many subjects. One of the programs is a BA in psychology.

This program is taught by expert faculty members and offers high levels of flexibility for students pursuing all psychology disciplines and subspecialties. Students learn various psychology-related methodologies that can prepare them for careers in healthcare, forensic psychology, and more. Students can also go on to pursue graduate studies in experimental psychology and other fields.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private school in Virginia. Students seeking an accelerated online experimental psychology degree can enroll in an online BS in psychology. Students in this program can pursue various concentrations, including developmental psychology, which is closely related to experimental psychology.

Those interested in graduate programs can also pursue master's and PhD programs in psychology. Students can transfer up to 75% of their coursework requirements into the program and take advantage of accelerated eight-week course sessions to graduate quickly.

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school with a primarily online student body. Many online degrees are available, including several in psychology.

Bachelor's and master's programs offer an array of specializations so students can tailor their program to their interests. Those interested in experimental psychology are encouraged to pursue a developmental psychology specialization. Courses are highly flexible and tuition is affordable, making this a top program for many students.

6. Walden University

Walden University is a private, for-profit online school providing various degrees at different program levels. Students can earn a Master of Science in psychology with a social psychology specialization.

Students can choose a course-based or competency-based learning format. The social psychology specialization is a great option for those interested in experimental psychology; however, a self-designed specialization is also available for students who want more freedom in choosing which courses to take.

Our Selection Criteria

We strive to choose only top schools when creating our rank lists. The following criteria were used when selecting schools for this article:

• Accreditation: Each school maintains accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting body.
• Reputation: All schools listed are respected institutions known for providing high-quality academic programs.
• Accessibility: The programs listed above feature flexible coursework, affordable tuition, financial aid options, generous transfer credit policies, and more to help make education accessible for traditional and nontraditional students.

What Should I Look for in an Experimental Psychology Program?

When choosing an experimental psychology degree, it's important to find a program that emphasizes both theory and hands-on research. Below are several factors that can help you identify the best fit.

Faculty Research and Mentorship

Strong mentorship can shape your academic and career path in psychology. Look for programs where faculty members are actively conducting research in areas like cognition, neuroscience, or social psychology. Working alongside experienced researchers helps you build valuable skills for graduate programs or lab-based roles.

Access to Research Tools and Technology

Experimental psychology relies heavily on data collection and statistical analysis. Choose a program that provides training in modern research software such as SPSS or R, as well as access to virtual labs or data sets. These tools help you practice designing experiments and interpreting findings with confidence.

Opportunities for Independent Study or Thesis Work

Independent research projects and senior theses allow students to apply what they've learned to real-world questions. Programs that include a research capstone or thesis requirement help you develop writing, analysis, and presentation skills. These experiences are especially beneficial if you plan to continue into a master's or doctoral program.

Careers for Experimental Psychology Graduates

Graduates with a degree in experimental psychology often work in research, data analysis, or academic settings. Many become research assistants, program evaluators, or behavioral analysts supporting public or private organizations.

Others continue their education to pursue advanced roles as cognitive scientists, human factors researchers, or professors. Online programs in this field prepare students for diverse, evidence-based careers that contribute to our understanding of human behavior.

FAQs About the Best Online Experimental Psychology Degrees

If you're considering an experimental psychology degree, you might have questions about research opportunities, career outcomes, and program expectations. The FAQs below offer insight into what to expect as an online student.

Do Online Experimental Psychology Degrees Include Lab Work?

Many online programs incorporate virtual or community-based lab experiences. Students may complete research projects remotely using digital data tools or collaborate on experiments with faculty mentors.

Some programs also require short, in-person residencies or partnerships with local research sites. These components help ensure students gain practical experience in experimental methods and data collection.

What Skills Will I Learn in an Experimental Psychology Program?

Students develop a range of skills that extend beyond research design. You'll learn how to analyze data, interpret results, and apply psychological theory to real-world problems.

Many programs also emphasize communication and collaboration, preparing graduates to present research findings clearly to both academic and professional audiences. These skills are valuable across industries such as healthcare, marketing, and education.

Can I Go to Graduate School After Earning an Online Experimental Psychology Degree?

A bachelor's degree in experimental psychology provides a strong foundation for advanced study. Many students continue into master's or doctoral programs in psychology, neuroscience, or data science.

Online graduates are just as competitive for admission as traditional students, especially when they've completed independent research or thesis work. Building strong relationships with faculty can also lead to helpful recommendation letters for graduate applications.

Find an Online Bachelor's Degree and Enroll Today

If you're ready to pursue your career goals in experimental psychology, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools today to learn more about their programs and to find the right one for you.