& Universities
What Are The Best Online Bachelors In Psychology Degree Programs?
Prospective students seeking the best BA in psychology degree program likely want to work in the social sciences or humanities aspect of psychology, such as in the human services or social services fields. Completing an online bachelor’s degree in psychology also opens the door for a student seeking to pursue psychology at the graduate level or beyond, seeking to become an educator, scholar or researcher. Students do not have to wait until completing an advanced degree to join the American Psychological Association or other professional organizations.
Methodology:
At CollegeRanker.com, we are dedicated to providing prospective students with the most comprehensive and accurate information about the best online bachelor’s in psychology degree programs. To ensure our rankings are both reliable and relevant, we apply a rigorous methodology that considers several key factors:
- Affordability: Affordability is a primary criterion in our ranking process. We assess the total cost of tuition, including any associated fees, books, and other expenses. We also consider available financial aid options, scholarships, and payment plans to ensure that students can manage their education without excessive financial strain. Programs that offer the best value for money, considering both cost and quality, are given higher ranks.
- Accreditation and Quality: We prioritize accredited programs from reputable institutions that adhere to high academic standards. Accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous academic quality and is recognized by accrediting bodies. We evaluate the curriculum to ensure it is comprehensive and includes key areas of psychology such as cognitive, developmental, social, and abnormal psychology. Programs with experienced faculty, strong academic resources, and active research opportunities are favored.
- Flexibility and Delivery Format: Online programs are assessed for their flexibility and the ability to meet diverse student needs. We look for programs that offer asynchronous learning options, hybrid models, and part-time or accelerated tracks that accommodate students who may have other commitments, such as work or family. The accessibility of these programs is crucial, as they allow students to study from anywhere and manage their time effectively.
- Career Outcomes and Support: A key indicator of a program’s value is its ability to prepare students for successful careers. We examine job placement rates, career services, internships, practicum opportunities, and alumni networks. Programs that provide strong career support, networking opportunities, and pathways to further education or employment are ranked higher. Graduate success in securing employment or entering advanced studies is a critical component of our ranking criteria.
- Reputation and Reviews: The reputation of a program is gauged through student and alumni reviews, as well as recognition within the academic and professional communities. Positive reviews from graduates, as well as endorsements from industry professionals, indicate a program’s effectiveness and quality. We also consider the program’s standing in academic publications and connections to professional organizations.
About Ranking:
The best online bachelor’s in psychology degree programs featured on CollegeRanker.com are designed to offer a flexible, affordable, and high-quality education that meets the needs of modern students. Our rankings aim to provide clear, reliable guidance for prospective students looking to advance their careers in psychology or related fields.
These programs are carefully selected based on their affordability, academic rigor, flexibility, and ability to prepare graduates for professional success. We understand that education should be accessible and that the right program can make a significant difference in a student’s career trajectory.
At CollegeRanker.com, we are committed to connecting students with programs that align with their goals and aspirations. Our rankings reflect the best choices available for those seeking a robust online education in psychology. Whether you are aiming to enter the workforce or continue to graduate studies, these programs provide a solid foundation for success.
Brandman University Online
Brandman offers great specialization options to help the psychology major tailor their Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program. Online students can choose between a B.A. Psychology option, B.A. Psychology, Preclinical, B.A. Psychology, Child Psychology or a B.A. Psychology with the Industrial/Organizational specialization.
Tuition at Brandman remains a great value for online students at Brandman University. Active military members and their spouses enjoy a 50 per cent discount on tuition. In fact, Brandman received the Best Value School Award by University Research and Review’s founder Joseph Schmoke. Brandman is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Brandman received recognition as a 2015 Military Friendly School by Victory Media and received recognition from U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs. Brandman reports that its “Faculty Credentials and Training ranking higher than the top university in the category.” U.S. News & World Report also named Brandman University to its list of Best Online Programs for Veterans.
Brandman offers a unique program for students who may have started an academic program in the past but whose past performance does not reflect their current ability to succeed. Academic Fresh Start gives students the opportunity to “have all academic coursework, completed at any institution of higher education 10 or more years prior to the time of application, ignored for admission purposes.”
Arizona State University
At Arizona State University, students pursuing an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology enjoy low tuition rates with no additional program fees. Arizona State prides itself on online degree programs that are “effective, flexible and smart.” That means interactive courses that actually engage students, unlike standard-format online lecture classes.
U.S. News & World report ranked ASU as the #1 university for “Most Innovative Schools,” and in the #8 position for 2015 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. Arizona State also ranked as one of the top universities for undergraduate education in the Princeton Review 2015 edition of “The Best 379 Colleges.” The 2015 Fiske Guide to Colleges named Arizona State as one of the best buy public colleges in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. The school also received many other awards, including the #5 spot in the Wall Street Journal‘s listing of universities producing the best-qualified graduates.
ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
American Public University
The American Public University points out that “Since the time of the Ancient Greeks, the complexities of mental health, and behaviorism have commanded the attention of brilliant scholars eager to unlock the secrets of the human mind.” APU takes that history to heart in its B.A. in Psychology degree that prepares students for advanced education beyond the bachelor degree level, perhaps to become a licensed psychologist or researcher in the field, or for entry careers in social or human service positions.
Prospective students will appreciate the very affordable tuition and the fact that American Public University does not charge an application fee. Not only that, but the school offers books at no charge to undergraduate students. Students wishing to continue their education can do so at the American Public University, which also offers a Master’s degree in Psychology.
American Public University ranks among the top schools for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. The school was also recognized by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) for “best practices in online education.”
The American Public University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association.
Pennsylvania State University
The Penn State World Campus offers the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology online, which Penn State says “can give you the foundation you need to develop your career…” and that the degree can “be a good fit if you want to attend graduate school in psychology or a related field.”
Penn State ranked #1 by the U.S. News & World Report “Best Online Programs” for bachelor’s degree programs and ranked #58 by the Times Higher Education World University in 2014-15 as one of the Top 100 Universities in the World. Penn State World Campus also achieved the #9 spot in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for Student Engagement and #14 for Faculty Credentials and Training.
Fort Hays State University
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Fort Hays State University Virtual College allows students to study wherever they want, whenever they want.
Fort Hays ranked #16 by U.S. News & World Report in the 2015 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree. For the eighth consecutive year, FHSU ranks among the best colleges and universities by G.I Jobs and Advanced Military Education as a Military Friendly School. Prospective students seeking an affordable Bachelor of Arts in psychology program will appreciate that Best Colleges ranked FHSU #14 for The 100 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Best Online Bachelor’s Degree in 2015. NonProfit Colleges Online ranked Fort Hays #2 for Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2015.
Capella University
Capella University ensures that students are guided along a path towards advancing their education and career in psychology by designing the Bachelor of Psychology degree “around American Psychological Association (APA) Guidelines and helps you develop an understanding of human learning, emotions, and behaviors.”
Students enjoy the FlexPath, self-paced learning option that allows students to complete their coursework when able, not by a rigid, set class schedule. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. When surveyed, 91 percent of Capella University graduates indicate satisfaction with their overall Capella experience. Statistics also indicate that 96 percent of employers express satisfaction with their Capella-graduated employees.
UMass Online
UMass says that its online psychology programs are one of its most popular degree choices. Students have the option to choose from taking the B.A. Psychology degree program entirely online or in a hybrid format, with a combination of online and face-to-face courses.
The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The University of Massachusetts consistently receives awards and recognitions for its outstanding academic programs, including recognition as “One of the Best Public Online Colleges in the U.S.,” as well as an award for “Excellence in Faculty Development for Online Teaching.”
With the low tuition and fees, UMass is a great choice for students seeking a great B.A. Psychology degree program online.
California Southern University
California Southern University features courses and degree programs that are 100 per cent online, making it an attractive choice for students wishing to complete a Bachelor in Psychology degree. CalSouthern is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission. The school is also accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Tuition is very affordable at CalSouthern making it an even more attractive choice for completing your B.A. Psychology degree program. Students wishing to continue their education have the option to complete a Master’s degree in Psychology at CalSouthern or the Doctor of Psychology degree. Courses start monthly, allowing busy students the flexibility needed to take classes when the student is able to take time out of their busy schedule.
University of Florida
As one of the most affordable universities in the country, UF ranked third in Kiplinger’s “Best Values in Public Colleges” and ranked in the #3 spot on the Fiske Guide to Colleges list of “Best Buys Among Public Universities.” These accolades make FU a very attractive option for students seeking a quality, yet affordable online B.A. in Psychology degree.
Online students receive one-on-one academic advising and a full range of other support, just as if students attended face-to-face classes. The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Ashford University
Ashford University offers students the opportunity to complete the B.A. in Psychology online in an accelerated format, which can potentially lead to completing the degree sooner than if attending classes on a traditional campus. Ashford is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Upon graduation, 91 percent of Ashford’s graduates said they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their Ashford education. Prospective students will appreciate the mission of Ashford University which is to “provide accessible, affordable, innovative, high-quality learning opportunities and degree programs that meet the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives, professions, and communities.”
Conclusion:
The best online bachelor’s in psychology degree programs offer a valuable and flexible educational option for students looking to make an impact in the field of psychology. These programs combine affordability with quality education, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of a diverse job market.
At CollegeRanker.com, we prioritize the needs of students by highlighting programs that provide a strong academic curriculum, flexible learning options, and robust career support. Our rankings are designed to guide prospective students in choosing programs that offer both affordability and quality, helping them to achieve their professional goals without sacrificing financial stability.
Choosing one of these programs provides an effective route to a fulfilling career in psychology. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in various settings, including clinical settings, counseling, social services, education, and more. The best online bachelor’s in psychology degree programs are an investment in a brighter future, offering a cost-effective way to pursue a meaningful career in psychology.
