Best Online Psychology Degrees in Illinois (2025)

Online psychology degree programs offer flexibility, affordability, and accessibility, making them a popular choice for learners in Illinois. The state is home to some of the best online bachelor's in psychology degrees for students looking to pursue higher education.

Many low-cost online psychology degrees provide the same quality education as on-campus programs, preparing students for diverse career opportunities. These programs are accessible options that provide students with affordable and flexible paths to advance their education and careers.

From degree completion programs to comprehensive bachelor's degree options, these are some top online psychology degree programs to consider.

Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Illinois

The following schools provide a high-quality education in a flexible and accessible online format.

1. McKendree University

The bachelor's in psychology degree at McKendree University encourages students to think critically about human behavior and how various factors affect its development. The curriculum covers topics like abnormal psychology, social psychology, and applied behavior analysis as well as key psychology concepts and theories.

The convenient online program provides the flexibility of part-time and full-time course schedules and students can choose between eight and 16-week courses depending on their learning style.

2. Aurora University

Aurora University offers a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with an industry-aligned curriculum focusing on personality development, communication, and cultural environments. Students can apply their skills and prepare for their careers with an in-person internship experience at a local placement or their current employer.

Graduates leave with a solid foundation for pursuing graduate studies or advancing in psychology-related professions.

3. Southern Illinois University

The bachelor's in psychology at Southern Illinois University is an accelerated online psychology degree that introduces students to key aspects of the field. Students learn about cognition, memory, human development, and various mental processes.

This program prepares students for careers in mental health, human resources, and social services. Academic advisors can help students develop a course plan that meets their individual needs, making it a flexible option for working professionals.

4. DePaul University

The BA in psychology degree at Depaul University is a customizable program that provides a foundational understanding of the field. The coursework covers a range of topics from community psychology to organizational behavior.

Depending on your career goals, you can choose from one of two concentrations to customize your education. The standard track prepares students for graduate studies, whereas the human development track prepares students for careers involving child and adolescent behaviors.

5. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago offers an accredited and flexible BA in applied psychology with asynchronous online courses. The two specialization tracks, organizational and counseling, prepare students for numerous career opportunities such as human resources management and consulting.

During the program, students can begin building a professional network and receive mentoring from experienced professionals.

6. Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University's online BA in psychology provides a thorough introduction to how the brain influences human behavior, perception, and cognition. The program has four concentrations, allowing students to customize their education to align with their career goals.

For students who want to further advance their careers, the school also offers a master's degree in general psychology that can be completed in one year.

7. Adler University

The master's in psychology degree at Adler University emphasizes social justice and inclusivity to prepare undergraduate students who want to make a difference in their communities. Courses provide an overview of the psychology field and cover research methods, statistics, ethics, and diversity.

The curriculum prepares graduates for a wide range of roles from mental health counselors and performance coaches to research data analysts and curriculum designers.

8. Eastern Illinois University

The BA in psychology at Eastern Illinois University is a degree completion program for students who earned an associate degree. The courses help learners strengthen their communication and research skills, as well as their understanding of ethical behavior and quantitative reasoning.

Out-of-state residents pay the same affordable tuition rate as Illinois residents. Students can also receive school-based scholarships, with a $2,500 yearly scholarship for eligible transfer students.

9. National Louis University

At National Louis University students can earn a BA in psychology with an optional entrepreneurship concentration. The curriculum provides students with a solid understanding of how humans think, behave, and communicate. It focuses on strengthening communication, critical thinking, and data analysis skills.

The program involves an internship for students to gain hands-on experience in the field. Students can use their knowledge of key psychological concepts and theories in a wide range of business and community settings.

10. Southern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University's Bachelor of Arts in psychology helps students advance their understanding of the field including topics like cognitive psychology and behavioral science. Throughout the online program, there are opportunities to participate in research and work alongside experienced faculty members.

For those wanting to add a focus to their education, the parent training specialization focuses on using evidenced-based parenting strategies to foster child and adolescent development.

Our Selection Criteria

To ensure you receive a high-quality education, we selected these programs based on the following criteria:

• Accreditation: All programs are accredited, ensuring they are reputable and meet high academic standards.
• Student Support: The programs provide access to academic advisors, mentorship, and career resources to help students succeed.
• Flexible Schedules: Online courses and part-time options accommodate the needs of working professionals and transfer students.
• Program Quality: The comprehensive curriculums focus on key areas in the field to prepare students for successful careers or graduate studies.
• Accessibility: Affordable tuition rates and financial aid options make these programs accessible to a broad range of students.

What Can I Expect From an Accredited Online Program in Psychology?

Admission requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent and transcripts from prior education. Transfer students may need an associate degree or general education credits to qualify for degree completion programs.

Core coursework often covers general psychology, research methods, and social psychology. Specializations such as mental health counseling, industrial/organizational psychology, and forensic psychology allow students to tailor their education to career goals.

Careers for Psychology Majors

A psychology degree opens doors to diverse career opportunities in fields like healthcare, human resources, and social services. Graduates can pursue various roles including mental health counselors, HR specialists, or behavioral analysts. Advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctoral, pave the way for roles in research, clinical psychology, and academia.

FAQs About Online Psychology Degrees

These FAQs can help clear up some confusion you may have about online psychology degrees so you can make a more informed decision about your higher education.

What Types of Specializations Are Available in an Online Psychology Program?

Programs often offer specializations in areas such as mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, organizational behavior, and child development. These tracks help students align their education with career goals.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Psychology Degree?

A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete and consists of around 120 credit hours. However, transfer credits and accelerated programs can reduce this timeframe to two years. Graduate programs generally take two years, with some one-year options available.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Psychology Degree Program?

Tuition rates range from $400 to $700 per credit hour, depending on the school. In-state tuition and financial aid can lower costs significantly, making education more affordable for Illinois residents.

Choosing one of the many online colleges that accept FAFSA will allow you to utilize federal and state financial aid to help you save money on your degree.

Find Accredited Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

Explore these top online psychology degree programs in Illinois to find the one that aligns with your career goals and learning needs. For programs that interest you, contact the admissions office to learn more about degree requirements, tuition costs, and the application process.