Remote learning has seen a major boom in recent years, as word has spread about the opportunities offered by online universities which allow you to travel the world or live in another country while studying.
Studying remotely has grown in popularity in recent years (Photo: home thods via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Among the most popular fields of study – both on and offline – is Psychology. Studying the mind is often an area of interest that grows as people get older and their perspective broadens, leading to Psychology courses being of particular interest among those who have long since left mainstream education. But whether you’re of student age, or a more mature vintage, there’s certain to be a course to suit your preferences and needs. And even better, the proliferation of remote courses means you aren’t confined to the classroom and can now study in a way that fits in with your work or travel schedules. We’ve picked out 5 of the best online colleges in the U.S. for Psychology Masters or Bachelor Degrees below.
Golden Gate University, San Francisco (Counseling Psychology, MA)
Golden Gate University have been at the forefront of online education for nearly three decades. Their fully online programs are designed to provide the flexibility to earn an affordable, high-quality accreditation that can be completed by people with busy schedules. All of their online courses are taught by the same industry-experienced faculty as on campus and emphasize career preparation through engaging discussions, innovative technologies, and practical learning experiences. Comprising a total of 60 units, the University’s Counseling Psychology course also includes the requirement to take part in traineeship schemes in which students are taught to apply the skills learned in class to real-life clinical scenarios. All students must also hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US institution to be eligible for this course.
Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester (Child and Development Psychology, MS)
Spread over a 10-week term, Southern New Hampshire University offers a range of online master’s in psychology programmes, including one tailored to those with a particular interest in Child and Development Psychology. In this program, you’ll develop assessment, intervention and consultation strategies that address the unique individual, cultural and psychological needs of children. Among the topics covered are Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Neuropsychology and Intervention Strategies. While the course is not a clinical psychology program and will not lead directly to a clinical license, it is designed to put students in a position to move on to doctorate studies so that they can potentially pursue a career as a child psychologist.
Palo Alto University, Palo Alto (Online Master of Science in Psychology, MS)
The online Master’s in Psychology degree at Palo Alto University is offered in a part-time, 100% online format, with courses delivered in the evening so that students can complete the program without detracting from their outside daytime commitments. The course can be undertaken in six to seven quarters, with students able to pick from a choice of concentrations, depending on whether they wish to pursue a career in forensics, mental health or academia. Engaging coursework and research and a supportive academic environment also help students acquire in-demand skills, valuable insight into human behaviour and mental processes, and professional development.
Arizona State University, Phoenix (Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology)
Comprising a total of 40 classes spread over 7-and-a-half weeks, Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology combines both theory and practice, resulting in a wide-ranging and immersive educational experience. Students can expect to learn about core concepts in psychology that contribute to their specific career path, be it in psychological treatment, business, law, social services, or any other field of expertise. Furthermore, for peace of mind the University’s diplomas don’t specify whether a degree is earned online or in person, with all diplomas and transcripts simply stating “Arizona State University.”
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Online Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology)
Louisiana State University is the only flagship university to offer a BS in Psychology with a forensic focus. Undertaken entirely online, the course is popular among both non-traditional students and working professionals. Students who graduate will depart with the flexibility to pursue careers in the psychology and forensic science fields or continue their studies in a graduate psychology program. Topics covered include understanding, prediction, and control of human behaviour; computation and elementary theory relating to basic statistical techniques; cultural forces affecting attitudes, social learning, perception, and communication of individuals and groups; and the lifespan view of developmental psychology.