It’s tempting to shift to a career that entails a solid psychology background. The career opportunities that come with a psychology background are limitless. The question is: Can you study psychology online so that you won’t have to leave the workplace?
If you’re looking to shift to a career that entails a psychology background, then you’ve come to the right place. This article will answer the question: Can you study psychology online so that you can easily make that career shift without leaving your current job.
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Can You Study Psychology Online?
The answer is yes! You can study psychology online. Earning a degree in psychology online is possible and flexible for many students.
The quality of psychology degree programs online is just as high as their on-campus counterparts. These online courses offer a range of degree programs, including master’s degrees and doctorates.
The classes in these online programs are innovative and unique. While there are a lot of psychology programs online, make sure to enroll in one that’s accredited.
This means that you would have to look into the institution that’s offering psychology programs online. The institution has to be accredited by an agency that’s recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or CHEA.
Examples of these accreditations are the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).
Other institutional accreditations to look out for are the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). (1)
These are just a few examples of institutional accreditations that are accepted in the United States. Universities usually post their accreditations on their websites.
Studying psychology strengthens your critical thinking. Critical thinking skills are essential for your future career.
This type of learning is particularly valuable, especially if you want to enhance your employment skills. You won’t be limited to just one industry; you can explore other industries with a solid background in psychology.
Studying psychology can also help you develop your analytical skills. Such skills will help you assess the validity of published research, develop alternative explanations, and evaluate methods.
By applying these skills, you can effectively interpret psychological data and create your own scientific hypotheses. These skills can also be applied in the clinical arena.
Now that you’re aware of the fact that you can study psychology online, you’re most likely wondering about the cost. The cost of an accredited online psychology degree is significantly less than its on-campus counterpart.
Generally, online programs offer in-state tuition, which is lower than the cost of out-of-state tuition. However, there are some universities that offer a fixed rate for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Since you’re considering studying psychology online, take some time to look for universities that offer the same tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. You can look at their websites or inquire by phone.
It’s also worth noting that some tuitions are on a per-credit basis. Most of the time, this comes out more expensive than tuition that is on a semester basis.
It’s best you do look into the cost first before enrolling. You can also consider applying for grants to help you with the cost of tuition.
If you want to study psychology online, you also have to consider the technology requirements. These technology requirements are dictated by the universities.
You might have to upgrade some software and hardware that you already own. In some cases, you might have to pay extra to sign up for certain forums. It’s best to study the cost first before you choose which university to enroll in.
The benefits of earning a degree online are numerous. While online programs are not as intensive as their on-campus counterparts, they still provide students with counseling and advisers.
Faculty members are easily accessible by phone, email, or video chat. Many online psychology programs also encourage student interaction.
Typical courses in a psychology online program include core classes in math and English, as well as electives such as philosophy, sociology, and more.
While earning a psychology degree online may be challenging, it is possible with patience and time management skills.
Many online programs allow students to study psychology at their own pace and schedule. While it’s compulsory to attend, many online programs do not require students to log on at specific times.
Since you have complete control over your schedule, you can choose how much time you want to devote to coursework. However, online courses often allow students to complete their coursework at their own pace and hold themselves accountable.
It’s worth knowing that many online psychology degree programs have several start dates throughout the year. This means that you can begin your degree program at your most convenient time.
Most schools are willing to work with students who have unique circumstances. Make sure to inquire before enrolling.
Take some time to talk to the school administrators to see if they can determine the best time for you to start the online program. If you are working full-time or have a child to take care of, you need to make sure you can attend the online classes, and at the same time, comply with all the requirements.
Although you will have more flexibility, you will need to plot your schedule well. This way, you don’t compromise your work or even your family.
Nonetheless, the fact that you can study psychology online means you can take classes at your convenience. It’s the most flexible way to earn your degree and do other things like work and take care of your family.
How Can A Beginner Study Psychology?
You can find hundreds of online courses on psychology. As a beginner, you can look into them to start studying psychology online. While these courses may be more challenging, they are still a good way to get an overview of the subject.
You can also take an introductory statistics course to understand how researchers and psychologists interpret study results. Furthermore, you can also consider enrolling in a Psychology 101 online class. This particular class covers the major concepts of psychology in simple terms.
Another way to start studying psychology online is by listening to podcasts that cover all aspects of the field. So, as a beginner in the field of psychology, you can start at any time to learn more about the subject.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick overview of psychology or a comprehensive guide to the subject, you’ll find an online class or a podcast that suits your learning style and preferences.
Which Online Course Is Best For Psychology?
Those interested in studying psychology online might want to take the Introduction to Psychology course offered by Yale University on Coursera. With more than 888,507 students, this course is a good option for starting your psychology career.
The online course provides a comprehensive overview of human thought and behavior, as well as a basic understanding of the theory of emotions and motivation. (2)
Coursera offers psychology classes from top universities, and you can choose one that interests you the most.
Which Psychology Book Is Best For Beginners?
As a beginner in the field, there are several factors to consider when deciding which psychology book is best suited for you. First of all, the book should incorporate up-to-date information to inspire your interest in psychology.
The book must describe cognitive behavioral therapy, theories of personality, and memory types. Moreover, it should describe the evolution of psychology, theories of motivation, and stages of psychological development. It also teaches you the principles of psychology.
To get an overview of the history of psychology, you can also start reading introduction textbooks. These books give you a good overview of the subject and introduce you to some of the founding pioneers in the field.
You can also consider looking into the book, An Introduction to Psychology by Hergenhahn. This is a popular choice among beginners. It explores topics such as consciousness, memory, perception, and learning.
The book covers the major areas of psychology and explains the most interesting bits and pieces in a way that’s easily digested.
For absolute beginners, the best psychology book for beginners is Psych 101 by Paul Kleinman. It contains more than a hundred ideas, covering everything from the history of psychology to the most famous names in the field.
It also teaches the fundamental concepts of behaviorism, psychotherapy, and developmental psychology. It is a great resource for beginners.
The book is easy to comprehend and is a great place to start. After reading it, you can proceed to study psychology online.
