Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Programs
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Psychology majors explore group dynamics, human development, and personality theory. You’ll also strengthen in-demand research, analytical, and critical thinking skills as a psych major. And with an accelerated bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can graduate in less time.
While earning a bachelor’s in psychology typically takes four years, accelerated programs can speed up that timeline. Depending on the program, you’ll take classes on an accelerated schedule or during summer sessions to finish more credits each year.
Featured Online Bachelor's in Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Fastest Accredited Online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Ottawa University-Online
Ottawa, KS - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Term
In State | $14,990
Out of State | $14,990
Credits to Graduate
124
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
The accelerated degree in psychology at Ottawa University focuses on understanding people as individuals and as members of groups through established research and recognized psychology theories. Courses include developmental psychology, psychopathology, and ethnic relations and multiculturalism.
Prospective students receive an enrollment advisor who walks the applicant through the admissions process. Applicants must submit an online application and official transcripts. OU charges an application fee of $50 for undergraduate admissions.
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online; On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $575
Out of State | $575
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
The University of Bridgeport's bachelor's in psychology includes classes such as social psychology, statistical methods in psychology, and the psychology of stigma. Students also take a course in lifespan developmental psychology. All students must complete a senior thesis to graduate.
UB does not require standardized test scores. Applicants who do not submit test scores must submit a personal essay. Applicants may use the Common App or the college's online application. UB does not charge an application fee.
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Courses
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $970
Out of State | $7,050
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Westfield State University's online bachelor's in psychology features courses such as adaptation and animal behavior, behavioral neuroscience, and cognitive psychology. All psychology majors must complete a capstone project to graduate. Students in the honors program may choose to write a thesis instead.
Westfield does not require standardized test scores or a personal essay to apply. Prospective students must submit an online application and official transcripts. Westfield does not offer rolling admissions. Students must apply by the deadline.
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Term
In State | $4,198
Out of State | $13,816
Credits to Graduate
124-125
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
The University of Idaho's fast online bachelor's in psychology provides pathways for a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science. This program is also a degree-completion program, meaning students with an associate degree in psychology can enroll and earn a bachelor's degree in just two more years.
Applicants to U of I must complete an online application. This university does not require letters of recommendation. Applicants must submit standardized test scores.
Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $319
Out of State | $419
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Charter Oak State College's accelerated degree in psychology features classes such as cognitive psychology and the psychology of personality. Students must complete a capstone project before graduation. Charter Oak provides four concentrations for psychology majors: life span, social and behavioral, cognition and learning, and general psychology.
Applicants must submit an online application and official transcripts. Charter Oak also requires standardized test scores. Transfer students with at least nine college-level credits may not need to submit high school transcripts for admission.
Newberry College
Newberry, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $395
Out of State | $395
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
The bachelor's in psychology at Newberry College is an online degree-completion program for students transferring at least 45 credits into the college. Newberry recommends that students complete their associate degree before transferring into the psychology program. Sample courses include abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, and physiological psychology.
Transfer applicants with more than 24 credits do not need to submit high school transcripts. Applicants can contact the admissions department to determine how many credits from their previous institution will transfer to Newberry.
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Saint Paul, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Degree Cost
In State | $50,400
Out of State | $50,400
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Concordia University – Saint Paul's online bachelor's in psychology offers three areas of emphasis including research methods, developmental and abnormal psychology, and counseling. All students must complete an internship. CSP accepts transfer credits, allowing students to earn their degree in a two-year completion program.
CSP self-reports a 97% admissions rate. The university uses rolling admissions, typically notifying applicants within 2-3 business days of admission decisions. Applicants who do not meet initial admissions criteria may need to submit supplemental material.
University of Saint Mary
Leavenworth, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $405
Out of State | $405
Credits to Graduate
60 in the program; 120 to graduate
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
The University of Saint Mary's fast online bachelor's in psychology takes an average of 18 months to complete. Core courses for this degree-completion program include history and systems of psychology, behavioral science, professional ethics, and personality theories. Students may transfer up to 90 credits into the program.
Those who wish to apply to USM must pay the $25 application fee and complete an online application. They must also hold a cumulative 2.0 college GPA and submit official transcripts from all previously attended universities.
Greenville University
Greenville, IL - 2 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $470
Out of State | $470
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
The accelerated degree in psychology at Greenville University takes an average of two years to complete. Students may transfer up to 90 credits into the degree-completion program. This degree features courses such as the psychology of personality, statistics for the social sciences, and clinical methods and management. Learners also study cultural psychology.
Greenville does not require any standardized test scores or an application fee. Applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA from previously attended colleges.
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $442
Out of State | $442
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
The bachelor's in psychology at the University of New Mexico – Main Campus features classes such as abnormal behavior, drugs and behavior, and the psychology of perception. Learners also take a human learning and memory course. This degree-completion program is designed for students who have already completed an associate degree or have at least 60-70 completed credits.
Applicants who meet one of the following requirements are guaranteed admission to UNM:
- Have at least 24 transferable credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Completed an associate degree from an accredited community college
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How Much Does an Online Accelerated Psychology Degree Cost?
Earning your accelerated psychology degree online can help you save money. Some of the most affordable psychology programs cost less than $10,000 per year, which is significantly less than the average tuition cost of $19,800.
You can also cut costs by researching financial aid. Submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal student aid programs, including the Pell Grant. As an online student at an accredited college, you'll qualify for many scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid.
What Courses Will I Take in an Accelerated Psychology Program Online?
During an accelerated psychology program, you’ll explore topics like human development, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. You’ll also strengthen your analytical and research skills while studying experimental methods. Here are some common courses you might take during an accelerated bachelor’s in psychology.
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Social Psychology
Explore how individuals react in social settings, including topics such as group behavior, conformity, and attitude formation. Is individual behavior socially determined? And how do leadership, social dynamics, and mass media play a role in social psychology? The course also examines research methods in social psychology. -
Personality Theory
How do individuals develop personality characteristics? And when do personalities form? This course examines key theories of personality development, including research methods and the impact of human development, social psychology, and family dynamics on personality development. -
Child Development
As children move through developmental stages, they experience physical, social, cognitive, and emotional changes. In child development classes, psychology majors explore the stages of development from a psychological perspective. The course covers the role of social environment, cultural factors, and gender on child development. -
Biopsychology
Examine the biological basis for human behavior in biopsychology courses. Often closely linked with neuropsychology, these courses explore the role of sensory systems, cognitive function, and nerve impulses on behavior. Learners also study foundational theories in biopsychology and the field’s research methods. -
Abnormal Psychology
Discover the psychology behind abnormal and deviant behavior, including an examination of rare and common psychological disorders. The course emphasizes the classification, assessment, and treatment of these disorders, with a focus on symptoms, therapeutic techniques, and terminology.
High-Paying Careers in Psychology
What are the highest-paying psychology jobs? You’ll qualify for several in-demand careers with a bachelor’s in psychology. Or you can advance your education to qualify for additional job opportunities.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts examine customer demand, pricing strategies, and potential sales. They draw on strong analytical skills to reach evidence-based conclusions.
A background in psychology helps market research analysts understand potential consumers and develop profiles for target customers. With experience or a master’s degree, market research analysts can become marketing managers.
Human Resources Specialist
Human resources specialists manage employee relations and administrative tasks for organizations. They specialize in areas like recruiting, benefits, and training.
Psychology majors bring the communication and analytical skills needed for HR careers. An understanding of human behavior can help HR specialists screen job applicants, implement employee retention policies, and resolve employee disputes.
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists communicate an organization’s brand to influence their public image. They craft press releases, coordinate with media organizations, and run social media campaigns.
Careers in public relations require strong writing and communication skills, which a bachelor’s in psychology can strengthen. Psych majors also bring their understanding of human behavior and motivation to PR careers.
Training and Development Specialist
Training and development specialists research an organization’s workforce development needs and run programs to improve employee skills. They may conduct surveys and interviews to inform training programs or craft custom training materials.
Careers in training and development or related fields such as instructional design require strong analytical and teaching skills. Psych majors apply their research and communication skills to work in training and development.
Social and Community Service Managers
Social and community service managers oversee programs that provide social and community services. They evaluate data to determine public needs and the effectiveness of programs. Social and community service managers also manage grant applications.
A psychology degree strengthens the analytical and problem-solving skills required for social and community service careers. Management roles typically require several years of professional experience in the field.
Psychologist
Psychologists evaluate people’s emotions, cognition, and processes to understand their behavior. Depending on their specialization, they may work in counseling or research roles. Clinical and counseling psychologists diagnose behavioral disorders, for example.
Most psychologists need a doctorate to practice. Earning a bachelor’s in psychology prepares graduates for master’s or doctoral programs in psychology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Psychology Degrees Online
Is a BA or BS better for psychology?
A BA and a BS in psychology typically include the same upper-division major courses. However, with a BA you'll take more humanities and foreign language requirements, while a BS includes more STEM requirements.
What field of psychology makes the most money?
Industrial-organizational psychology is the highest-paying field of psychology, according to May 2023 BLS data. These psychologists report a median annual salary of $147,420, compared to $92,740 for all psychologists.
Are online psychology degrees respected?
Yes, online psychology degrees from an accredited institution are respected. These programs meet the same academic quality standards as in-person programs. When researching online psychology programs, make sure to choose an accredited college or university.
How to finish a bachelor's degree in psychology faster?
You can finish a bachelor's degree in psychology faster by taking courses during summer and winter sessions, taking AP courses in high school, or applying transfer credits toward your degree. You can also research accelerated bachelor's in psychology programs to graduate in less time.
How long is a psychology degree online?
Earning a bachelor's in psychology online typically takes four years for full-time students. If you have transfer credits, you can graduate in less time. Accelerated bachelor's in psychology programs offer a faster track to graduation.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 30, 2024.
