Should I Attend An Online Psychology Program Or A Traditional One
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, mostly related to your personal preferences. If you need more flexibility to attend psychology school, then you may wish to consider an online or hybrid program. If you prefer attending class in-person and have a schedule that allows you to be on campus, then a traditional psychology program might be best for you. If you do decide on an online program, you should make sure the curriculum is the same as or comparable to the on-campus version, to ensure you are getting the most for your money. Check out our Guide to Earning an Online Psychology Degree for more information.
Do A Thorough Introspection To Determine What You Want
Some important questions to ask yourself include:
- What do you see as your career projection?
- Which areas of psychology interest you the most?
- What type of settings would you like to work in? For instance, are you aiming to go into private practice or seek better-paying positions?
- How much time would you like to invest in the masters program?
- What is your budget for the program?
- As a student, do you prefer online or on-campus studying?
Psychology Electives You Chould Take
Beyond the general education and departmental requirements, you can then take elective courses based on your interests. Most psychology programs also require a minimum number of psychology electives in order to graduate.
During your first year or two of college, you should concentrate on taking the required general education and major classes. If you end up filling your schedule with elective courses during the early years of your college education, you may find yourself scrambling to play catch up during your junior and senior years.
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Top Psychology Programs In The World
Established in 1636, Harvard has remained at the forefront of the psychology field since the late 19th century. Harvard currently offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology, along with a postdoctoral program.
Divided into four research areas, Harvard’s psychology department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with specializations in clinical, cognitive, social, and developmental psychology. Tutorials, research coursework, and projects keep learners engaged and on track throughout their programs.
Research opportunities within the department accompany non-departmental research work. Harvard provides scholarships and funding options for undergraduate and graduate students alike.
Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world, enrolls over 400 undergraduate, graduate, and research students in its psychology programs. Competitive admission allows for only fewer than 7% of applicants to study at Oxford. International students comprise roughly 45% of the student body at Oxford.
Undergraduate programs in experimental psychology and psychology, philosophy, and linguistics explore core psychological research areas. Additional topics include abnormal, developmental, and biological psychology.
Graduate and research students benefit from access to more than 30 concentrations. Harvard offers master’s degrees in psychological research and neuroscience, as well as doctoral programs in experimental psychology and neuroscience.
Best Value Psychology Schools With On
When choosing a psychology school, you probably want to consider several factors, including affordability, graduation rate, and retention rate. To help you, we have researched the top US schools with on-campus undergraduate psychology majors with a graduation rate of 80% or greater and a net price of less than $18,000 per year. A high graduation rate is a traditional marker of student success at a college or university, while net price gives you an idea of what you may pay for your psychology degree at a given school. In the table below, we have included these as well as other quality markers, such as retention rate, transfer out rate, student loan default rate, and the percentage of tenured faculty. Finally, weve included national rankings from US News & World Report and whether each school is on The Princeton Reviews Best Colleges-Great Schools for Psychology Majors list. Click on the header to sort the table by any given value.
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*See Table Notes and References at bottom of page.
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What Is The Difference Between A Phd In Psychology And A Psyd Psychology
While both are a doctorate degree, a Ph.D. program focuses more on research and academia, while a Psy.D focuses more on the practical and clinical side. As such, a Ph.D. program is more ideal for people looking to delve into research or work in academia, while a Psy.D is best suited for practicing psychologists.
West Texas A& m University
Canyon, Texas
Total Points: 3
West Texas A& M University offers two cost-effective degrees in psychology. Students can choose between the inexpensive BA or a BS in Psychology. Both are general degree. that will prepare students to become professionals in the field or move into graduate work once after graduation. This low-cost psychology degree program is interdisciplinary, providing students with context on how psychology works in a variety of industries. This school has one of the most affordable tuition options available for students and provides one rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. The program is also supported by small class sizes and a dedicated faculty with years of experience in the field.
Tuition
Total Points: 3Program Website
The affordable online psychology degree offered at Peru State College was designed for students who need a flexible, inexpensive degree that can be earned online and on-campus. The programs courses, with the exception of the drug and alcohol counseling courses, can be earned online and students can build a hybrid program if they so choose. Additionally, this inexpensive psychology degree program also provides a pathway for students who are interested in becoming Provisional Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. The faculty includes several licensed psychologists. The school also provides individualized guidance opportunities and small class sizes. Its low tuition rate includes both in-state and out-of-state students.
Tuition
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Lady Shri Ram College For Women
Lady Shree Ram College is one of the prominent institutes of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Commerce. It is affiliated from Delhi University. It was established in 1956 by Late Sir Shree Ram in memory of his wife, it has a beautiful 15-acre campus in South Delhi. It has a Department of Psychology which offers B.A. in Psychology. The admission is purely based on merit. The Psychology course offered by LSR is quite impressive, the teachers are great as well, it has some wonderful Psychology labs.
Website:
Washington And Lee University
Lexington, Virginia
The psychology department offers both a BA and a BS in Psychology.
Points: 8Program Website
Established in 1749, Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts university in Lexington, Virginia. Its the ninth-oldest institution of higher learning in the country. The school offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Both of these expose students to core courses and encourage them to become involved in ongoing research. The B.A. is a 42-credit program that features a lighter focus on research. The B.S. degree requires students to complete 49 to 50 credits in psychology and cognate fields.
All psychology majors are required to complete a research proposal for a senior thesis. Those pursuing the B.S. degree will collect and analyze data for this project.
Degree Options:Bachelor of Arts in PsychologyBachelor of Science in PsychologyAverage Program Cost: $52,455U.S. News & World Report Ranking:#11 in National Liberal Arts Colleges#16 in Best Value SchoolsAccreditations:
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Ranking Top 20 Liberal Arts Colleges Offering A Degree In Psychology
The top liberal arts colleges offering a degree in psychology emphasize a foundational undergraduate education that imparts general knowledge versus a technical, vocational, or professional curriculum. Traditionally, a four-year, full-time degree at a liberal arts college leads to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in various fields of study. Although liberal arts colleges emphasize interactive instruction at the undergraduate level, most liberal arts colleges also teach research fundamentals as part of the curriculum. Despite the liberal arts focus, psychology programs also expose students to the necessary elements of empirical research. This helps prepare undergraduates for graduate training. Throughout these programs, students work closely with faculty members to understand the process of publishing, analyzing, and conducting psychological research.
Students considering a career in psychology may begin their professional career by earning a degree from an accredited liberal arts college. To help prospective students begin their search, weve compiled a list of the top 20 liberal arts colleges offering a degree in psychology in the U.S.
Top 5 Masters In Psychology Programs
| Rank | |
|---|---|
| Emporia State University | Emporia, Kansas |
You may ask yourself, what can I do with an online masters in psychology? Psychology is a field that allows you to help other people. By understanding how people think and feel and how that relates to behavioral psychology, professionals in psychology can improve the way others live while bringing greater fulfillment into their own lives. Other reasons you might consider a masters in psychology is the great job outlook, increased salary, and the opportunity to work as a freelancer or from your own home. Anyone who has already completed a bachelors degree in psychology is eligible to pursue a masters degree in psychology, which presents a great challenge and opportunity for motivated and talented individuals.
Recommended Schools
The Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in General Psychology at Grand Canyon University is a non-thesis program available in online or evening classes that usually takes two to three years for students to complete. There is an emphasis on contemporary issues and ethical considerations in the field of psychology.
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Online Degrees In Psychology
Working in psychology requires active listening and a passion for helping others. Psychology professionals must know scientific principles, human development and behavior, and neurobiology. In many instances, a psychology career applies theories and research to practice.
A career in psychology often requires some level of higher education. Many entry-level roles require at least a bachelor’s degree. This guide covers the benefits of earning an online psychology degree, highlighting costs and common courses. Keep reading to learn why you should study psychology online.
Professional Organizations For Psychology Majors
The following professional organizations serve psychology students and professionals. Many professional associations provide networking opportunities, continuing education courses, special events, and job postings. These organizations may also host annual conferences, publish research, and advocate for mental health practitioners and researchers.
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Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Total Points: 5Program Website
Elizabeth City State University is a very institution for a psychology degree. The BS in Psychology is for students interested in working in the field or going on to graduate study. Because of the broad influence of psychology in many different settings, the school provides a general but comprehensive degree. This will help students with their careers, no matter what they may choose to do after graduation. The school also offers an academic concentration in psychology, which is perfect for students interested in educational psychology as a career. This inexpensive 120-credit hour psychology degree has a variety of courses available, including:
- Learning and Cognition
- Abnormal Psychology
- Psychological Tests and Measures
The program offers small class sizes, individualized attention from both faculty and staff, and a curriculum with space to pursue different subfields of psychology.
Tuition
Total Points: 6
Dickinson State University is ranked on our list as the best affordable college for psychology degrees. The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program has an option to complete a psychology minor in:
- elementary education
- secondary education
- non-teaching
Tuition
- Child Welfare/Placement Caseworker
- Technical Writer
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico
Total Points: 4Program Website
Eastern New Mexico University is one of the most affordable colleges for a psychology degree. The 120-credit hour BS in Psychology was designed for students who are ready to tackle the various aspects of the field. This top-value program includes courses on:
- memory
- human biology
- social influence
Students can reasonably complete this inexpensive psychology degree program within four years, making it a feasible task for pre-service professionals. The school also offers unique internships that are available specifically for psychology students. This gives them experience in the before graduation. Other features include clubs and organizations such as Psi Chi and Psyched-In, enabling students to network and hang out with like-minded students. There are also over three dozen scholarships available to students. Three are specific to the psychology field. Coupled with small class sizes and a committed faculty and staff, students make Eastern New Mexico University a good choice.
Tuition
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Best Colleges For Sports Psychology
If you are interested in a career focused on helping clients or athletes to reach their goals then a sports psychology degree might be a good choice. Choosing an institution with a solid degree program in sports psychology can lead to a rewarding career in the field.
To work in this field, you will need to get a degree in sports psychology, and advanced studies will be required for many positions. Luckily, here we have compiled a list which has the Best Colleges for Sports Psychology to get higher education toward your bright future.
Are You Ready To
- Join a psychology club or the national psychology honor society, Psi Chi
- Help others as an intern at a shelter, prison, special-education classroom, or another site
- Take advanced seminars with titles like The Psychology of Homicide and Beliefs, Attitudes, and Ideologies
- Possibly present your research at conferences and submit it to professional journals
- Hang out in labs, getting to know research methods, profs, and other students
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What Is The Difference Between A Counselor And A Psychologist
While both psychologists and counselors offer talk therapy, psychologists have additional training for offering psychotherapy. In most parts of the world, psychologists are highly regulated, with at least a masters degree and licensing requirements.
Counsellors often have a bachelors degree. Counselors work with their clients/patients to develop solutions for life problems, while psychologists specialize in mental health conditions. Generally, counselors are paid less than psychologists.
Psychology Courses Psych Majors Should Take
If you’re a psychology student, you will need to take a number of courses that focus on the science of human behavior. Your goal as a student is not only to fulfill the course requirements of your program department, but to also develop critical thinking skills, research competence, and in-depth knowledge of psychology that will serve you well as you advance in your academic and career pursuits.
Here are some of the top courses you should consider when selecting classes to take as an undergraduate psychology major. You should also keep in mind your coursework if you are minoring in a related area.
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Rating And Ranking Methodology
Graduate Degree Opportunities in Psychology
Presence of Masters Degree Program 1 pointPresence of Doctoral Degree Program 1 pointPsychology Research Opportunities 1 pointDistance Learning Opportunities in Psychology 1 pointStudy Abroad Opportunities in Psychology 1 pointPsychology Internship Opportunities 1 pointPsychology Scholarship Opportunities 1 pointAffiliated Centers and Institutes on Campus 1 pointRelated Student Organizations and Societies 1 point
Wow Factor
1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that wowed us
How To Become A Psychologist
To become a psychologist, learners must earn a doctorate in psychology and licensure within their state or jurisdiction. Once students have completed a doctorate and acquired the required amount of clinical hours, students may apply for a psychology license. Licensure requirements vary by state. Most states require psychology professionals to complete 1-2 years of supervised experience through an internship or residency. Some states require a postdoctoral fellowship.
Once people earn their credentials, they must complete continuing education hours to maintain their license. Professional organizations like the American Psychological Association offer continuing education classes.
Many psychologists work for a clinic, but some open private practices. According to the BLS, 27% of psychologists are self-employed.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org 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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The University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Total Points: 4Program Website
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is one of the most affordable colleges offering the Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This is an applied degree is for students who wish to become researchers in the field or who want to earn licensure. It is possible to complete a minor in personnel and organizational leadership along with the major. This is highly suggested for students interested in working in the psychology sector of the business industry. This low-cost psychology degree program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and can be completed in just four years. The university also offers small class sizes and very inexpensive tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students.
Tuition
Total Points: 4Program Website
Minot State University offers a top-value Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology. This 120-credit hour program is very flexible. Students can choose many of the courses that would meet the requirements for the major core curriculum. This low-cost psychology degree program gives students options that best align with their career aspirations. They will be prepared to enter the profession or continue on to a masters degree program. This school offers one tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state candidates, giving everyone an opportunity to complete a quality education at the university.
Tuition