








What Do You Study in an Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Course?
While the specific courses required for your accelerated online psychology degree will largely depend on the institution and program you select, the American Psychological Association (APA) offers some general guidance on what students should expect to learn:
- Key concepts and applications of psychology
- Scientific reasoning, research, and information literacy
- Ethics and values of psychological science and practice
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Self-regulation and project management skill
In general, people who are empathetic, curious, and motivated – not to mention ready to work hard – are good candidates for an accelerated online psychology degree.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
---|---|---|
National University
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Earn a degree in Counseling Psychology, Gerontology, or Substance-Related and Addictive Disorder Learn More |
Pepperdine University
Master of Arts in Psychology
Open to all undergrad majors |
✔ Online
No GRE Required |
Earn a Master’s in Psychology Online in 18 Months Learn More |
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
MS Psychology
NECHE Accredited |
✔ Online
No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores required |
Stick with the general track or choose one of 3 concentrations: child and adolescent development psychology, forensic psychology and industrial organizational psychology. Learn More |
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Online Psychology Degrees
Bachelors and Masters NECHE Accredited |
✔ Online
No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores required |
With our unique programs - from child and adolescent development to forensic psychology - you'll be prepared for a wide variety of careers in case management, research, human resources, youth services and social services. Learn More |
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
MS Psychology with concentration in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology
NECHE Accredited |
✔ Online
No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores required |
In the master's in child psychology online program, you'll develop assessment, evaluation and treatment strategies that address the unique individual, cultural and psychological needs of children and families. Learn More |
The Chicago School
Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credential Track options are also available. |
✔ Online
Master's Degree Required. |
The Chicago School’s Online Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program provides a solid knowledge base in the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and radical behaviorism, equipping graduates with the skills needed to bring about socially significant behavioral changes through evidence-based program development. Learn More |
The Chicago School
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
|
✔ Online
Master's Degree Required. |
The online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program prepares graduates to act as educators and leaders in the field of counseling. Ph.D. Supervision students engage in the evaluation of theoretical and practical aspects of counseling through both qualitative and quantitative research. Learn More |
Pepperdine University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
LPC/MFT emphases available. |
✔ Online
No GRE Required. Bachelor's Degree Required. |
Choose your path at Pepperdine: pursue licensure as either an LMFT or LPC and serve diverse clients with our online master’s in clinical psychology. GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. Take the next step toward creating a positive social impact today. Learn More |
Pepperdine University
Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
|
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required |
Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Psychology Degree Online?
Although this certainly depends in part on the program you select, the key factor here is how much time you can devote to your coursework. Students with families, full-time jobs, or other obligations should expect to spend 3 to 4 years earning a psychology degree online.
Some accelerated online psychology degree programs can be completed within a few months. However, these intensive programs are best suited to students who are able to devote themselves almost entirely to coursework. Students on this path should also expect to take classes continuously, including over summer terms.






What Career Options Are There for Someone With a Bachelor’s in Psychology?
Most of the highest-paid psychology careers will require a postgraduate degree; however, an accelerated online psychology degree can still open many doors for you. Whether you earned your degree online is immaterial to most employers: the ability to analyze and describe why people think and act the way they do can be very helpful in almost any line of work.
The APA outlines many opportunities for someone with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. We’ve listed some below, combined with salary information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Management Analyst: You’ll work to understand the problems an organization needs to solve, interview employees, make onsite observations, and analyze data from a variety of sources in order to craft recommendations on how an organization can stay competitive.
- 2021 Median Salary: About $93,000.
- Market Research Analyst: You’ll gather and analyze data on sales trends, consumer buying habits, and competitor activities to help your clients develop marketing materials and strategic sales plans.
- 2021 Median Salary: About $63,900.
- Psychiatric Technician: You’ll be responsible for listening to patients’ concerns, observing their behavior, and providing analysis to a broader medical team responsible for the patient’s treatment. You may help patients with day-to-day activities like eating and bathing, as well as leisure and therapeutic activities.
- 2021 Median Salary: About $36,200.
- Social Worker: Broadly, social workers help people cope with change and challenges in their lives. They may work directly with children and families, in schools, in healthcare settings, or with clients suffering from mental health and substance abuse.
- 2021 Median Salary: About $50,400.
Next Steps to Earn Your Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology Online
While everyone’s academic journey is different, there are some common steps prospective students should take as they prepare to pursue an accelerated online psychology degree:
1. Start researching programs and institutions. Good thing we’ve already given you a head start!
2. Identify the programs that offer the best value for your goals, budget, and life situation.
Consider the following:
-
- Does the institution offer scholarships?
- Are you willing to take out a loan, if needed?
- Will any on-campus work be required?
- How customizable is the degree path?
- If you’ve earned credits elsewhere, will they transfer?
3. Review admission requirements for your finalists.
4. Gather your application materials, including transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and any letters of recommendation.
5. Submit your application.
That’s it! You’re on your way toward a new degree and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.