Earning an online degree in psychology is like putting a feather in your cap. The question is, how to get an online degree in psychology?
That is a good question to ask if you’re especially interested in the field of psychology. Obtaining a degree online is a good option if you don’t have time to attend classes at a conventional university.
This article will help you get the answer to the question, “How to get an online degree in psychology?” Read on to learn more.
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How To Get An Online Degree In Psychology?
The first thing you must do to get an online degree in psychology is to choose an accredited institution. This can be a university or a college, but the critical thing here is that it must be accredited.
There are various accrediting organizations for higher education to look out for. To mention a few, these are the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Higher Learning Commission, the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and the WASC Senior College and University Commission. (1)
With many universities offering an online degree in psychology, it’s tempting to just sign up without looking into the accreditation. Keep in mind that an online degree in psychology from an accredited institution is more credible. You are most likely to find immediate employment if your online degree in psychology is from an accredited university.
When you have found an accredited university or college, you can look into the various online psychology degrees they’re offering.
Forensic psychology is one of the most popular specializations in the field, and learners pursuing this degree will study the psychological phenomena that affect jury behavior, eyewitness testimony, and criminal behavior.
Other specializations include health and social psychology. Some of the areas of research in this field are pain management, compliance with medical advice, and social development. In addition, there are school psychologists, who work in schools to promote student well-being and collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators.
Before enrolling in an online psychology program, make sure you familiarize yourself with the courses that will help you build the foundation for your career. Pick those that are in line with your career goals.
For example, if you want to become a teacher, you can choose a concentration in education or child psychology. There are many career options available in psychology, and a psychology degree will make you more employable than ever.
An online degree in psychology will enable you to learn the science of human behavior, including the social processes that shape human behavior. This degree will provide you with a strong foundation for future graduate study and immediate employment in the psychology field.
Typical courses include individual development, cognition, memory, personality, and social and cultural processes. Depending on the program, students may also take a lab course or two. The courses are offered by both colleges and universities.
Many colleges and universities offer an online bachelor’s degree in psychology. The program usually takes four years to complete.
The number of credits required to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology varies. Some universities require about 120 credits to complete the program. Coursework usually includes general education and electives, as well as 40 to 55 credits in psychology.
An online Master of Arts in Psychology (MA) degree can pave the way for a career in school counseling, addiction treatment, or research. The coursework covers topics in general psychology as well as specialized areas.
You can choose between concentrations in school psychology, clinical psychology, or counseling. Many programs also have lab components and some require an internship.
If you are considering pursuing a degree in psychology online, it’s important to know what the program’s requirements are. Most psychology programs require applicants to have a high school diploma. Some schools also require applicants to submit standardized test scores.
While most online psychology degree programs are 100% online, some have some on-campus curriculum requirements. Once you have chosen a university, find out what kind of requirements your program requires before applying.
One of the most overlooked requirements of an online degree in psychology is the internet. You’ll need reliable internet access to be able to complete your degree.
Aside from a reliable internet connection, you would have to invest in a laptop or upgrade your existing one, if needed. Studying online requires you to have reliable hardware, software, and an internet connection to be able to succeed.
Online psychology degrees provide flexible online study options for a wide variety of fields. The American Psychological Association’s career center features information on positions in the field and lists available programs. (2)
This field of psychology can help you understand human behavior and cognitive processes, as well as identify ways to improve society.
Once you earn an online degree in psychology, you will gain knowledge of major psychological concepts, human behavior, research methods, critical thinking, and communication skills.
You will be well-prepared to pursue careers in counseling, teaching, research, and many other fields. An undergraduate degree in psychology leads to many entry-level jobs and a wide range of career options.
Nonetheless, a degree in psychology can lead to a variety of different jobs, including clinical work, research, education, and law.
Many employers actively recruit graduates with psychology degrees. An online degree can be an excellent option to begin your career in this field.
Since many psychology programs can be completed 100 percent online, they’re ideal for people who work full-time and don’t have a lot of time to devote to classes.
Which Online School Is Best For Psychology?
If you’re interested in a career in psychology you can consider Liberty University’s online Bachelor of Science in Psychology. An online psychology degree from this particular university can prepare you for graduate-level study or for changing careers altogether.
While a bachelor’s degree in psychology does not prepare you to become a licensed psychologist, it can serve as a solid foundation for further education. Liberty’s curriculum stresses a Christ-centered approach to psychology and emphasizes biblical values.
Another school to consider is Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. This is a Catholic institution with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and it offers online degrees in psychology.
These are just examples of schools offering an online degree in psychology. There are many others and it’s best you look into them to see which one suits you best.
Is A Psychology Degree Worth It?
A psychology bachelor’s degree may be useful for those looking to explore careers in social interaction and analysis. It can open up lucrative consulting commissions and long-term employment in the corporate world.
A degree in psychology can also open doors to successful entrepreneurship and even a career in social work or teaching. A psychology bachelor’s degree can even align well with careers in social work.
A master’s degree in psychology can open up many doors. It’s worth noting that graduates have to constantly hone their skills and stay current. Nonetheless, a master’s degree in psychology will set you apart from the competition.
What Is The Easiest Psychology Degree To Get?
An associate’s degree in psychology can lead to a career as a psychiatric technician at a state mental hospital. It can also lead to a career as a casework aide or addiction counselor assistant.
The associate’s degree is usually a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree in psychology. A bachelor’s degree typically requires more general education, including courses in liberal arts and sciences, and it takes 4 years to complete it. Hence, it may be easier to earn an associate’s degree than a bachelor’s degree.
It’s not that hard to get an online degree in psychology as long as you choose an accredited institution. Lastly, you need to first determine if an online degree in psychology suits you best. Only you can tell if that is so.
