Online Psychology Degrees: Complete Guide to Programs, Costs & Careers
Online psychology degrees range from 2-year associate programs (typical cost: $19,800–$24,000) to doctoral degrees ($55,000–$102,000). You'll need regional accreditation at minimum. Associate and bachelor's degrees prepare you for para-professional roles. Master's degrees qualify you for licensed counselor positions (state requirements vary). Doctoral degrees are required for clinical psychologist licensure, though the APA does not currently accredit fully online doctoral programs.
Online psychology education has evolved from a niche option to a mainstream pathway for aspiring mental health professionals. As of 2024, approximately 10.1 million college students (54%) take at least one online course, with about 4.9 million students (26%) enrolled exclusively in online programs. Psychology ranks as the sixth most popular online undergraduate degree and the thirteenth most popular graduate program nationwide.
Whether you're a working professional seeking career advancement, a recent high school graduate exploring flexible options, or a career changer pursuing your passion for helping others, online psychology degrees offer legitimate pathways to meaningful careers. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about costs, accreditation, career outcomes, and how to choose the right program for your goals.
Table of Contents
- Online Psychology Degree Levels Overview
- Associate Degree in Psychology (2 Years)
- Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (4 Years)
- Master's Degree in Psychology (2-3 Years)
- Doctoral Degrees: PhD & PsyD (4-6 Years)
- Understanding Accreditation Requirements
- Career Outcomes by Degree Level
- How to Choose an Online Psychology Program
- Finding Employment with an Online Degree
- Frequently Asked Questions
Online Psychology Degree Levels Overview
Understanding the four main degree levels helps you align your educational investment with your career goals. Each level requires different time commitments, financial investments, and opens different career pathways in the psychology field.
| Degree Level | Duration | Typical Cost Range* | Career Outcomes | Licensure Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | $19,800–$24,000 | Mental health aide, addiction counselor assistant, child care specialist | No |
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | $46,000–$68,000 | Substance abuse counselor, social worker, research assistant, case manager | No |
| Master's Degree (MA/MS) | 2–3 years | $30,000–$70,000 | Licensed counselor, therapist (supervised), HR analyst, academic researcher | Yes (counseling)** |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD/PsyD) | 4–6 years*** | $55,000–$102,000 | Licensed clinical psychologist, researcher, professor, hospital administrator | Yes (clinical)**** |
*Costs represent typical tuition ranges; actual total costs may vary by institution and include additional fees.
**Licensure eligibility and requirements vary by state and counseling specialty.
***Duration based on typical full-time enrollment; part-time study extends timelines.
****APA does not currently accredit fully online doctoral programs; verify your state's licensure requirements accept graduates from regionally accredited online programs.
Associate Degree in Psychology Online
An online associate degree in psychology serves as an entry point into the field, offering foundational knowledge without the time and cost commitment of a bachelor's program. This 60-credit-hour program typically takes two years of full-time study and costs between $330–$400 per credit hour.
Who Should Consider an Associate Degree
This degree level works best if you're testing your interest in psychology, need affordable education options, or plan to transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree later. It's also suitable for career changers who want to work in supportive mental health roles while deciding whether to pursue advanced degrees.
Admission Requirements
Most programs only require a high school diploma or GED, making associate degrees the most accessible option. Unlike competitive bachelor's programs that weigh GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars, associate programs focus primarily on your ability to handle college-level coursework.
Curriculum Structure
Expect to complete approximately 30 credit hours of core competency courses (communications, math, science, philosophy) and 20-25 credit hours of major-specific psychology courses. You'll take introductory classes in developmental, abnormal, and general psychology.
Career Opportunities
Associate degree holders typically work in supportive roles under the supervision of licensed professionals. Common positions include mental health orderly, addiction rehabilitation assistant, child care provider, and healthcare benefits coordinator. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment among associate degree holders is 1.6% lower than among high school graduates alone.
Many graduates use this degree as a stepping stone, transferring credits to complete a bachelor's degree in 2-3 additional years rather than starting a four-year program from scratch.
Students can pursue online associate degree programs in psychology, gaining foundational knowledge while working or managing other commitments.
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Online
The bachelor's degree is the most popular online psychology credential, ranking sixth among the most sought-after online undergraduate degrees nationally. With approximately 27% of online students pursuing bachelor's degrees, and psychology being among the top fields, over 100,000 students are currently enrolled in online bachelor's psychology programs.
Interview Spotlight
Jason Arshan Nik
- Degree: Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix
- Profession: Self-employed Life Coach and Self-published Author
Q: What was your motivation behind choosing a fully online psychology degree program, and what did you like about it?
A: I chose an online psychology degree program because I was working on my book, and I wanted to balance working on my book with going to school. When creativity struck, I needed to be able to drop everything I was doing and work on my book, which I couldn't do in a traditional setting, so online just made sense. The ability to do things when you want, for the most part, is a pro of an online program that far outweighs any cons. I love how much I learned from the program, and I know for a fact that I learned more online than my friends and colleagues who took a traditional route. I'm certainly not against a more traditional route, I just think in an online program that you read and write so much about different topics that you can't help but really learn the material.
"I loved the structure of the program and the liberty it gave me to choose my topics of interest, but it's definitely not for everybody. There will be no teachers reminding you that you're supposed to deliver assignments. The challenge was finding research I could run locally while being oriented by my professor in the U.S."
— Fernando Ribeiro, Bachelor's in Psychology, Penn State World Campus
Admission Requirements
Most programs require a high school diploma or GED, but many also have "entrance-to-major requirements" that you'll need to meet during your first year. These typically include credits from introductory psychology or statistics courses, a minimum GPA (often 2.5-3.0), and sometimes prerequisite coursework from AP exams or community college classes.
Cost Considerations
Online bachelor's degrees in psychology typically cost $370–$545 per credit hour. Since programs require 125–180 total credits depending on the institution, your total investment ranges from $46,000 to $68,000. Public universities generally charge lower tuition for online programs compared to private institutions, though the quality gap has narrowed significantly in recent years.
Curriculum Balance
Bachelor's programs strike a balance between general education and psychology specialization. You'll complete 50–75 credits in psychology courses (research methods, social psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology), 20–30 credits for Bachelor of Arts requirements (foreign language, humanities), 30–40 credits in general education, and 10–15 elective or internship credits.
This structure gives you both breadth and depth, preparing you for immediate employment in para-professional roles or for graduate school admission.
Career Pathways
While most licensed clinical psychologist positions require doctoral degrees, bachelor's degree holders find meaningful work in mental health settings. Common careers include substance abuse counselor, early education advocate, hospice worker, social services coordinator, abuse counselor, and research assistant.
According to BLS data, unemployment rates for bachelor's degree holders are 1.1% lower than associate degree holders. Many graduates use this credential as preparation for master's programs in counseling, social work, or specialized psychology fields.
Master's Degree in Psychology Online
Master's degrees occupy a unique position in psychology education. While they don't qualify you for clinical psychologist licensure (which requires a doctorate), they do open doors to licensed counseling positions and serve as stepping stones toward doctoral programs. With 32% of online students pursuing master's degrees, this is the most popular graduate-level online credential. Many online programs offer flexible scheduling, and some universities provide accelerated master's programs in psychology that let you earn your degree faster while studying remotely.
MA vs. MS: Understanding the Difference
Master of Arts (MA) programs focus more on counseling and therapeutic applications, with emphasis on the humanities and social sciences. These programs typically prepare students for roles as licensed therapists and counselors. Master of Science (MS) programs emphasize research methodology and data analysis, positioning graduates for research roles or doctoral program admission. MS programs are more commonly offered online and serve as the direct pathway to PhD programs.
Prerequisites and Admission
You'll need a bachelor's degree to apply, though not necessarily in psychology. Most programs require GRE scores, a minimum 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining your goals, and sometimes prerequisite coursework in statistics and research methods if your undergraduate degree wasn't in psychology.
Program Costs
Online MA programs typically cost $15,000–$35,000 total, while MS programs range from $30,000–$70,000. Top-tier universities like USC offer online MS programs that can exceed $90,000. The average investment hovers around $30,000, but thoroughly research program quality and outcomes before choosing solely based on price.
Specialization Tracks
Unlike undergraduate programs, master's degrees offer specialization options including addictions counseling, child psychology, behavioral analysis, industrial-organizational psychology, and neuropsychology. Programs typically require 36–40 core credits (advanced research methods, applied statistics, psychology, ethics) and 30–35 specialization credits, plus practicum hours.
Hands-On Requirements
Even fully online programs require in-person practicum experiences. No state or doctoral program will accept your degree without verified supervised clinical hours. Expect to complete 600–1,000 supervised hours as part of your program, which you'll arrange in your local area with licensed professionals.
Career Options
Master's degree holders work as licensed professional counselors (under supervision initially), rehabilitation specialists, human resources analysts, social services managers, drug and alcohol counselors, geriatrics specialists, research associates, and forensic psychology assistants. Many also teach at community colleges or work in academic research capacities.
The most common next step after earning a master's degree is enrolling in a doctoral program, since your credits often transfer easily and you're already halfway to the highest credential in the field.
Doctoral Degrees: PhD and PsyD Programs Online
Doctoral programs represent both the pinnacle of psychology education and the most controversial aspect of online learning. Every state requires a doctoral degree for clinical psychologist licensure, making this credential essential for independent practice. However, the American Psychological Association does not yet fully accredit online doctoral programs, creating complexity for prospective students.
The Accreditation Challenge
The APA, considered the gold standard for doctoral program accreditation, does not currently accredit online doctoral programs. They acknowledge some accredited programs may offer online courses, but stipulate these "cannot represent a substantial nature of program content." This doesn't make online doctoral degrees illegitimate. However, you must pursue regional accreditation from Department of Education-recognized bodies and verify your target state's licensing board accepts graduates from your chosen program before enrolling.
PhD vs. PsyD: Understanding the Distinction
PhD programs emphasize research and theory, preparing you for academic careers, research positions, and clinical practice. These programs typically require a dissertation based on original research. PsyD programs focus primarily on clinical practice and applied psychology, requiring a doctoral project rather than a research dissertation. Most online doctoral programs offer PsyD degrees rather than PhDs due to the research-intensive nature of PhD work.
Rigorous Prerequisites
Doctoral programs have the most demanding admission requirements: a master's degree in psychology from an accredited institution, official transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA, a combined GRE score of 1,000+, letters of recommendation from licensed psychologists, writing samples demonstrating academic capability, a statement of professional goals, a current resume, and faculty interviews assessing your fit and commitment.
Financial Investment
Online doctoral programs cost $55,000–$102,000 total, with PsyD programs generally more expensive than PhD programs. While less expensive than traditional on-campus programs, this remains a substantial investment. Research financial aid thoroughly and consider whether your intended career path will provide sufficient income to justify the debt.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Doctoral programs require approximately 145 credits distributed across core courses (40–45 credits in biological psychology, advanced statistics, lifespan development, social psychology), elective courses (20–25 credits in psychotherapy theories, ethics, clinical supervision), doctoral practicum series (hands-on clinical work), dissertation or doctoral project courses, and required internship hours for both graduation and state licensure.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral degree holders become licensed clinical psychologists, psychotherapists in private practice, university faculty, hospital administrators, lead researchers, forensic psychologists, and workplace consultants. Students pursuing online psychology degrees with an interest in education and learning can prepare for careers as educational psychologists.
You'll find opportunities everywhere, from research institutions to courtrooms to hospitals to private practices.
Online Psychology Degree Subjects
- Online Cognitive Psychology Degrees
- Online Educational Psychology Degrees
- Online Environmental Psychology Degrees
- Online Forensic Psychology Degrees
- Online Gerontology Degrees
- Online Health Psychology Degrees
- Online Industrial Organizational Degrees
- Online Pastoral Counseling Degrees
- Online Psychometrics Degrees
- Online Rehabilitation Psychology Degrees
- Online School Counseling Degrees
- Online Sport Psychology Degrees
Understanding Accreditation Requirements
Accreditation isn't optional - it's the foundation that determines whether your degree has value in the job market and whether you'll qualify for licensure. The U.S. Department of Education defines accreditation as ensuring "education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality."
Regional vs. National Accreditation
Regional accreditation, granted by seven federally recognized regional bodies, represents the gold standard. Employers and graduate schools universally accept credits from regionally accredited institutions. National accreditation, typically for career or technical schools, carries less universal recognition. Credits often don't transfer to regionally accredited universities.
For psychology degrees at any level, only consider regionally accredited programs. This ensures your credits transfer if you continue your education and that employers recognize your credentials. Regional accreditation is also mandatory for licensure eligibility in most states.
APA Accreditation for Doctoral Programs
The American Psychological Association accredits doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology, plus postdoctoral residencies and internships. APA accreditation represents the highest standard, but remember: they don't currently accredit fully online programs. If you pursue an online doctorate, you'll need regional accreditation from Department of Education-recognized bodies instead.
Spotting Accreditation Mills
The boom in online education created "accreditation mills" that certify schools using minimal standards. Only trust accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Both organizations publish comprehensive lists of legitimate accreditors on their websites.
Before enrolling in any program, verify its accreditation status through the Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions or CHEA's directory. Don't rely solely on what the school claims – verify independently.
Career Outcomes by Degree Level
Your degree level directly determines which psychology careers you can pursue. Understanding these pathways helps you make informed decisions about educational investments.
| Degree Level | Common Career Paths | Median Annual Salary | Licensure Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | Mental health orderly, addiction counselor assistant, childcare specialist | $29,000–$41,000 | Not licensure-eligible |
| Bachelor's Degree | Substance abuse counselor, social worker, case manager, research assistant | $38,000–$56,000 | Not licensure-eligible |
| Master's Degree | Licensed counselor, marriage & family therapist, HR manager, research coordinator | $49,710–$78,810 | Eligible for counseling licensure* |
| Doctoral Degree | Licensed clinical psychologist, private practice therapist, professor, researcher | $99,560–$102,740 | Eligible for psychologist licensure** |
*Licensure eligibility and specific requirements vary by state and counseling specialty.
**Requires a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited program and completion of state-specific supervised experience hours.
The Reality of Psychology Bachelor's Degrees
While bachelor's degrees in psychology rank among the most popular undergraduate majors, they don't automatically lead to traditional "psychologist" careers. Most practicing psychologists hold doctoral degrees, and most therapeutic positions require master's degrees. The APA reports that roughly 64% of bachelor's degree holders work in careers related to their studies, compared to 74% of science and engineering graduates.
This doesn't diminish the value of a psychology bachelor's degree. The skills you gain - understanding human behavior, research methodology, statistical analysis, and communication - transfer to numerous fields, including human resources, market research, education, social services, and business management.
Interview Spotlight
Dr. Brian Redmond
- Education: PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from Graduate School & University Center and Baruch College
- Profession: Senior Lecturer of Psychology at Penn State, World Campus
Q: Do you have any advice for students considering a fully online psychology degree program? Is there anything they should know that will help them make a smart choice?
A: The best piece of advice I have is to make sure to pick a good program. This can mean a lot of different things, however. The first question to ask is about the quality of education. Is it easy to get an "A" grade, or will you have to work for it? I had a friend take classes from one online institution, and he got "A" grades on everything he did and never got feedback, so he never understood whether he was actually doing good work. In contrast, I've had students come to me and thank me for low grades because they tell me it is the toughest class they have ever taken. You also want to know what else the program has to offer. Does it offer experiential opportunities like research or teaching assistantships? Do they have internships and social clubs? Do they have things like a student government?
Employment Data and Trends
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 55.3% of recent bachelor's program graduates found employment within six months of graduation in 2020-2021. This rate has improved from the previous year but still trails pre-pandemic levels. Graduate degree holders see significantly better employment outcomes, with master's and doctoral graduates in psychology experiencing unemployment rates well below national averages.
How to Choose an Online Psychology Program
Selecting the right program requires evaluating multiple factors beyond cost and convenience. Use this framework to assess your options systematically.
"The best piece of advice I have is to make sure to pick a good program. Ask about the quality of education. Is it easy to get an 'A' grade or will you have to work for it? I've had students thank me for low grades because it's the toughest class they've ever taken. You also want to know what else the program has to offer - research assistantships, teaching opportunities, internships, social clubs, student government."
— Dr. Brian Redmond, Senior Lecturer of Psychology, Penn State World Campus
Essential Evaluation Criteria
Accreditation First: This is non-negotiable. Verify regional accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education database. For doctoral programs, understand that legitimate programs exist without APA accreditation, but you'll need to verify your state's licensure requirements accept graduates from your chosen program.
Faculty Access: Online doesn't mean isolated. Quality programs provide regular faculty access through video conferencing, email, virtual office hours, and dedicated advisors. Ask about student-to-faculty ratios, typical response times, and support systems for struggling students.
Career Resources: Programs should offer career counseling, job banks, networking opportunities, and post-graduate placement support. Request data on graduate employment rates, typical job placements, and average time to employment. Quality programs willingly share this information; those that don't should raise concerns.
Internship Support: For graduate programs, especially, ask how the program connects students with internship sites, whether it maintains relationships with local facilities, and what support it provides for students struggling to find placements.
Financial Aid Options: Look beyond the sticker price to available scholarships, loan programs, work-study opportunities, and, if applicable, military benefits. Programs should have dedicated financial aid counselors who can walk you through all options.
Technology and Resources: Verify you'll have access to academic databases, library resources, statistical software, and technical support. Online students should have the same access to resources as on-campus students.
Online students especially benefit from mobile resources. Discover psychology apps that complement online learning and help you stay connected to the field.
Aligning Programs with Goals
Some programs emphasize research methodology and prepare you for doctoral study or research careers. Others focus on applied practice and therapeutic skills. Before applying, get clear on your career goals, then ask programs specific questions about how their curriculum, faculty expertise, and internship partnerships align with those objectives.
When researching online options, consider programs from universities with APA-accredited doctorates, which often provide stronger faculty expertise and research opportunities.
Finding Employment with an Online Degree
One of the most common concerns about online education is employer perception. The good news: Online degrees have gained substantial legitimacy, especially when earned from regionally accredited institutions with strong reputations.
The Legitimacy Question
When prestigious universities like Penn State, USC, Johns Hopkins, and Duke launched online programs, they fundamentally changed employer perceptions. Today, employers focus less on whether you attended classes online or in person and more on accreditation status, institutional reputation, your GPA, and your practical experience.
Interview Spotlight
Dawn C. Reid
- Education: Currently working towards a PhD in Psychology at Northcentral University
- Profession: Adjunct Professor at Camden County Community College and New England College
Q: Do you have any suggestions for students looking into fully online degree programs? Any advice that might help them with their careers down the road?
A: Make sure the institution is accredited by an established national accrediting agency, as well as considered a state-approved college or university. Additionally, be clear about what you want to do with your degree and exactly what field you want to work within,” Reid said. “If you are going for licensure, then make sure the program has a practicum or internship approved by the APA. Ask your admissions representative for data on how many students who enroll actually graduate and how many of those students obtain a job within the field of psychology after they graduate. Also, if you have other college credits, make sure they will accept them.
For Bachelor's Degree Holders
Your employability depends heavily on the total package you present. Employers evaluate your degree from a recognized institution, relevant internships or volunteer experience, professional memberships (like APA Student Affiliates), demonstrated skills, and your GPA. A 4.0 GPA from a reputable online program typically ends questions about your credentials immediately.
For Master's Degree Holders
Once you obtain state licensure as a counselor or therapist, the playing field levels completely. Licensure serves as the credential that matters most to employers and clients. Your ability to succeed depends more on building a client base (in private practice) or demonstrating clinical competence (in organizational settings) than on where you earned your degree.
For Doctoral Degree Holders
The lack of APA accreditation for online programs creates more complexity at this level. Before enrolling, verify that your target state's licensing board accepts graduates from your chosen program. Some states have specific requirements about program accreditation that you'll need to meet. Research positions and academic appointments may scrutinize your credentials more heavily than clinical positions.
Interview Spotlight
Dr. Alyssa Gilston
- Education: PhD in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University
- Profession: Professor and Adjunct Professor at Ashford University, Capella University, Kaplan University, South University
Q: In your experience, do online students struggle to find jobs with employers? Is it more difficult for the psychology community to take these students and their research seriously?
A: I have found that there was certainly an incorrect notion that online learning is inefficient and that taking classes online is easy. This is completely untrue. My students are bright and motivated, and they work very hard to learn the material and meet the learning outcomes and course competencies required. I think that there are some employers who maintain an incorrect view about online learning, but I am hopeful that they will come around and see how smart and ambitious students are, despite the fact that they attended an online program. We know that some students would never be able to complete a degree in higher education if it were not for the flexibility afforded by online classrooms.
Building Your Professional Profile
Strengthen your employability through these strategies:
- Complete internships in your desired specialty area, building relationships with potential employers
- Join professional organizations like APA, state psychology associations, or specialty groups related to your interests
- Volunteer in mental health settings to gain experience and references
- Maintain an exceptional GPA throughout your program
- Seek research opportunities or teaching assistantships, even in online programs
- Network with faculty and fellow students who may become future colleagues or referral sources
- Present at conferences or contribute to publications when possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online psychology degrees legitimate and respected by employers?
Yes, when earned from regionally accredited institutions. Employers now focus on accreditation status and institutional reputation rather than delivery format. Prestigious universities offering online programs have fundamentally changed perceptions. However, you must verify regional accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education database before enrolling in any program.
Can I become a licensed psychologist with an online degree?
For licensed counselor positions (requiring a master's degree), yes – if your program meets your state's specific accreditation and education requirements. For clinical psychologist licensure (requiring a doctorate), the situation is more complex. The APA doesn't fully accredit online doctoral programs. However, regionally accredited online doctoral programs may qualify you depending on your state's specific requirements. Always verify with your state licensing board before enrolling.
How much do online psychology degrees cost compared to traditional programs?
Online programs typically cost 10–30% less than equivalent on-campus programs due to savings on facilities, room and board, and some technology costs. Expect to pay $19,800–$24,000 for associate degrees, $46,000–$68,000 for bachelor's degrees, $30,000–$70,000 for master's degrees, and $55,000–$102,000 for doctoral programs. These ranges represent typical tuition costs. However, some prestigious online programs cost as much as or more than traditional options.
Do I still need to complete in-person requirements for online programs?
Yes. All graduate-level psychology programs, even fully online ones, require supervised practicum and internship hours completed in person. No state will grant licensure without verified face-to-face clinical experience. Bachelor's programs may offer fully online options, but graduate programs will require you to arrange local supervised experiences, typically 600–1,000 hours for master's programs and significantly more for doctoral programs.
What's the job market like for psychology degree holders?
Employment prospects vary dramatically by degree level. Bachelor's degree holders face competitive markets with approximately 55% finding employment within six months, often in para-professional roles. Master's degree holders who obtain state licensure see strong job markets in counseling and therapy. Doctoral degree holders experience the best outcomes, with clinical psychologists earning median salaries of $99,560–$102,740 and strong job growth projected at 6% through 2032.
How long does it take to complete each degree level online?
Associate degrees typically take 2 years full-time, bachelor's degrees take 4 years full-time, master's degrees require 2–3 years full-time, and doctoral programs need 4–6 years full-time. Part-time study extends these timelines. Many online students study part-time while working, which can double completion times but allows you to maintain income during your education.
Will graduate schools accept my online bachelor's degree?
Yes, if your program is regionally accredited. Graduate schools evaluate transcripts, GPA, GRE scores, research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. They care far more about the rigor of your coursework and your demonstrated competence than whether you attended classes online or in person. Maintain a strong GPA and seek research opportunities to strengthen your applications.
Key Takeaways
- Accreditation is non-negotiable: Only attend regionally accredited programs verified through the U.S. Department of Education database. The APA does not currently accredit online doctoral programs, but regional accreditation from DOE-recognized bodies is accepted by most state licensing boards.
- Career paths differ dramatically by degree level: Associate and bachelor's degrees prepare you for para-professional roles. Master's degrees qualify you for licensed counselor positions (state requirements vary). Doctoral degrees are required for clinical psychologist licensure and independent practice.
- Hands-on requirements remain: Even fully online programs require in-person practicum and internship hours. No state grants licensure without verified supervised clinical experience, typically 600–1,000+ hours for graduate programs.
- Cost ranges widely by degree level: Expect investments from $19,800 for associate degrees to $102,000 for doctoral programs. These represent typical tuition ranges. Research financial aid thoroughly and consider ROI based on your career goals.
- Employment legitimacy is established: Employers now evaluate accreditation status and institutional reputation rather than delivery format. Maintain a strong GPA, gain practical experience, and join professional organizations to strengthen your credentials.
- Strategic degree planning matters: Most psychology careers require graduate degrees. If your goal is licensed practice, plan for 6–10 years of education. Use associate and bachelor's degrees as stepping stones, ensuring credits transfer to your next program.
Ready to Explore Psychology Degree Programs?
Find accredited online psychology programs that match your career goals, schedule, and budget.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
