Bachelor’s Degree Center editors believe in quality education that really makes a difference in students’ careers, so we feature only accredited colleges and universities recognized for quality. For the fastest ranking, programs are not only ranked according to speed, but by their tuition cost, student reviews, and potential salary.
1. UMASS – LOWELL
UMass Lowell offers a BA in Psychology that can be completed 100% online or as a hybrid program. This accelerated online psychology degree gives students an understanding of emotions, cognition, behavior, and human development. Students gain theoretical foundations in clinical psychology, personality, community, social, developmental, and experimental psychology. All students receive the same degree, whether they take their classes online or on campus. Many classes have fewer than 20 students, so students get personal attention from their instructors.
The Division of Graduate, Online, & Professional Studies at UMass Lowell is one of the largest programs of its kind in New England. The school offers affordable undergraduate and graduate courses both online and on campus. The Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies has been offering online versions of the university’s programs for more than 20 years and has earned awards and recognition for its innovative programming.
What We Like: Transfer students can transfer as many as 90 credits.
Degree: B.A. in Psychology
2. DREXEL UNIVERSITY
For students seeking an accelerated psychology degree online, the bachelor’s degree in psychology from Drexel University is an excellent choice. This program explores psychology from multiple angles. Students gain a strong foundation in psychology from their core classes and have the opportunity to explore their own interests through electives. They gain an understanding of evidence-based methodologies and learn skills that can be applied to any career path. Students learn how to find answers to important questions about emotion, cognition, and human behavior.
Drexel University Online provides an outstanding learning experience for adult learners. The school is known for its interdisciplinary approach and its students are highly sought after by employers. Students receive practical knowledge they can start using right away, while they are still attending school. Drexel has top-notch faculty members who are known as experts in their fields and are passionate about passing their knowledge on to their students.
What We Like: This program is 100% online.
Degree: BS in Psychology
3. UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND GLOBAL CAMPUS
The BS in Psychology from the University of Maryland Global Campus is one of the best accelerated psychology programs in the country. This program prepares students for careers in the field of psychology or for further study at the graduate level. Students gain a foundation in practice, research, and theory and hone their scientific and analytical reasoning, oral and written communication, and quantitative skills. They learn to apply historical trends, empirical findings, and theoretical perspectives in psychology. Students learn to solve problems in psychology using the scientific approach, skeptical inquiry, and critical thinking.
The University of Maryland Global Campus has been around for over 70 years. It started out serving servicemembers and working adults and still does to this day. The school offers online programs in growing, in-demand fields.
What We Like: This program can be taken 100% online, but some courses are also available as hybrid classes.
Degree: BS in Psychology
4. MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY
The bachelor’s degree in psychology from Maryville University is an accelerated online psychology degree that provides a solid foundation in psychology. The program is 100% online and students can start in the summer, spring, or fall. Students explore the major sub-areas of human service and gain experience participating in social science research. Courses cover biological psychology, social psychology, multicultural psychology, abnormal psychology, and human development through the lifespan. Students can work at their own pace and pursue their own research interests.
Maryville Online has been making waves in higher education for almost 150 years. The school partners with businesses such as Edward Jones and Boeing to build new programs for the jobs of the future. Maryville is committed to creating tomorrow’s leaders. It is the second fastest-growing university in the country. There is a streamlined application process that makes it easy to get started.
What We Like: There are no application fees or entrance exams required for admittance.
Degree: BS in Psychology
5. WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY
The BS in Psychology from Wilmington University is a good choice for anyone who wants to get an accelerated psychology degree online. The program provides a solid foundation in psychology, which includes intelligence, thought, and behavior. Psychology covers group behavior, social interactions, human development, learning, and the study of the brain. The study of psychology also includes working with people, statistics, problem solving, and analytical reasoning. Students gain writing and research skills and have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.
Wilmington University is transfer-friendly, allowing students to transfer up to 90 credits. The school has more than 20,000 students and there is a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. They offer career-focused programs at the bachelor’s, graduate, and doctoral levels. There are flexible options for busy working students.
What We Like: There is a psychology completion degree for students who already have an associate degree.
Degree: BS in Psychology
Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree In Psychology
5. Clarion University
CLARION, PENNSYLVANIA
Points: 9
Clarion University of Pennsylvania offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Psychology through its departments of sociology and psychology. The program is ideal for those seeking graduate-level degrees in psychology or social work. It’s also good for students interested in pursuing careers in human and/or social services. Coursework is offered in:
- general psychology
- the arts and humanities
- statistics
- the biological and physical sciences
- developmental psychology
- abnormal psychology
In addition to strengthening their understanding of psychology as a discipline, students also develop the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret, design, and conduct research as it relates to the field.
Degree Options:
B.A. Sociology/Psychology
In-State Tuition: $9,805
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,084
Student/Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 50 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#58 (tie)
4. Fort Hays State University
HAYS, KANSAS
Points: 10
A Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree are both available at Fort Hays State University. Both programs are comprised of the same 124-hour curriculum requirements. The B.S. is recommended for students pursuing graduate studies as it consists of 20 hours of courses in natural science or mathematics. The B.A. is comprised of 10 hours in a foreign language as well as 20 hours of coursework in an area other than psychology. Students are required to complete courses in a number of subdisciplines of psychology, including:
- physiological psychology
- developmental and child psychology
- general psychology
- social psychology
- abnormal psychology
- cognitive psychology.
Degree Options:
BA/BS in Psychology
In-State Tuition: $6,560
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,560
Student/Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#42 (tie)
3. Florida International University
MIAMI, FLORIDA
Points: 10
Florida International University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree. It includes the study of five psychology subdisciplines:
- experimental
- developmental
- social
- abnormal/personality
- applied
Coursework is also offered in cognitive psychology and neuroscience as well as clinical psychology. Students must complete 120 hours. Graduates may pursue entry-level positions in:
- human resources
- statistical analysis
- social services
Students also benefit from opportunities to either conduct their own research or work with faculty members on continuing research projects. They can also well participate in several student-run organizations related to the field of psychology.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
In-State Tuition: $5,312
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,121
Student/Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Graduation Rate: 57 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#58 (tie)
2. Utah State University
LOGAN, UTAH
Points: 11
Utah State University’s Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services offers two undergraduate psychology programs:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
Both programs are comprised of the same curriculum requirements with the exception of the B.A. which includes a foreign language requirement. Students can expect to take coursework in:
- general psychology
- abnormal psychology
- lifespan development
- research methods
- tests and measurements
- analysis of behavior
The program culminates in a required apprenticeship that allows students to apply what they have learned in real-world settings. Possible industries in which graduates may seek employment include:
- mental health
- human services
- research
- education.
Degree Options:
Psychology: BS, BA
In-State Tuition: $7,658
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,470
Student/Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 50 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#15 (tie)
1. University of Central Florida
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Points: 12
The University of Central Florida offers a 120-credit-hour Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree entirely online. The program is comprised of coursework in:
- psychology
- terminology
- physiology
- statistical and research methods
Six concentrations are available in:
- clinical psychology
- neuroscience
- experimental psychology
- industrial-organizational psychology
- general psychology
- human factors
UCF encourages students to gain hands-on experience in the field and deepen their understanding of psychology by participating in
- research
- fieldwork
- student-run organizations
- internship opportunities
An optional capstone project is also available for students looking for further training and additional experience.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
In-State Tuition: $5,375
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,515
Student/Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Graduation Rate: 70 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#14