Online Psychology Degrees Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Program Overview Why get a psychology degree?
Navigate the infinite inner workings of the human mind with an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. Immerse yourself in cutting-edge theories – using case studies and experiential learning – to develop a skill set that translates to any field where understanding human behavior is important.
Skills you’ll learn:
- Research methods
- Communication skills
- Data gathering and analysis
- Presentation skills
- Complexities of human mind and behavior
- Ethical principles and professional standards
Courses & Curriculum Online psychology degree classes that prepare you for your career
The online degree in psychology allows you to focus in a specialized area on a general track or with one of 5 career-focused concentrations. Designed to prepare you for success in a diverse, global society, our online psychology degree courses give you exposure to a variety of paths you can pursue in the workforce.
All undergraduate degrees are made up of major courses, general education classes and free electives.
Online psychology degree concentrations
Choose the general track or add one of 5 specializations to your bachelor’s degree.
The cycle of addiction takes the form of many behaviors – substance abuse, gambling, video games, shopping and exercise – all of which can take over personal lives. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Addiction Studies can help you understand how people's habits and activities can evolve into an addiction and how that cycle can be treated.
This addiction studies degree explores the theories and contemporary research of addictive behaviors, preparing students to both understand the compulsions themselves and the people they affect. The program pairs the fundamentals of addictions with a solid foundation in psychology to teach you the knowledge and skills you need to address a broad range of situations involving addictions.
Throughout this online addiction studies program, you'll develop an understanding of biopsychology and how it affects behavior. You'll also look at the social causes of addictive actions and learn how to identify, prevent and approach treatments and situations as they relate to the people they affect, their families, community and society. The BA in Psychology addiction studies concentration looks closely at current research and issues, giving you the foundation to examine the moral and ethical issues that go along with this topic.
For those interested in drug and alcohol counseling, we also offer an online substance abuse counselor degree concentration in human services.
Career outlook:
While some career options may require additional experience or training beyond the successful completion of an online psychology degree program, the addiction studies concentration builds skills and knowledge that can be applied in many professional settings. It can also prepare you for graduate programs in counseling or psychology.
"What really sold SNHU to me was the way my advisor immediately showed an interest in me as a person and as a student," said Sarah Cudlipp '21 . "She is the one who helped me pick the concentration as I was just going to get a degree in psychology."
[Note: This program does not directly lead to licensure since the licensure process and educational requirements for drug and alcohol counselors vary by state.]
In addition to substance abuse counseling, your study of addictive behavior could be channeled into careers like:
- Case manager
- Community relations officer
- Court liaison
- Health educator
- Law enforcement advocate
- Probation and parole officer
- Psychiatric assistant
- Researcher
- Treatment specialist
- Victims' advocate
Courses may include:
- Contemporary Issues in Addictions
- Perspectives of Addiction
- Social Aspects of Addiction
Set out on a career path that makes a difference in the lives of children with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Child & Adolescent Development.
Learn how kids grow and develop from birth through adolescence and get the experience you need to work with young people in a variety of settings. This tailored child psychology degree concentration can also prepare you to enter a graduate program in psychology or the social sciences.
"I decided to choose child and adolescent development as my concentration," said Kassandra Mack '21. "I have always had at connection with children and have wanted to help children who were struggling with behavioral, communication and social skills issues."
Concentration courses may include:
- Childhood Developmental Psychology
- Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
- Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
Pursue a career that combines psychology, criminal investigation and law by earning your psychology degree online – with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology.
This online forensic psychology degree concentration instills the research skills, knowledge of psychology and critical-thinking ability to deal with a variety of issues facing the legal system.
"I chose this concentration because I wanted to work with and help families with legal complications," said Kimberly Custodio '18. "I also wanted to work with mentally ill criminals and find better ways to aid them through intervention programs."
Courses may include:
- Fundamentals of Forensic Psychology
- Criminal Minds
- Forensic Psychology
Engage with theories, concepts and perspectives surrounding business psychology with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology.
You'll explore human behavior in organizations and the workplace, with the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of organizational development, attitudes, career development, decision theory and more.
Our I-O psychology degree concentration also focuses on applicable topics like recruitment, selection and placement, training and development, performance measurement, workplace motivation, quality of work life and organizational development.
Courses may include:
- Introduction to Industrial Organizational Psychology
- Human Resource Functions
- Leadership and Motivation in the Workplace
- Industrial Organizational Psychology Consulting and Analysis
Learn more about our online business psychology degree concentration.
Designed to deepen your understanding of human behavior, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health prepares you to pursue graduate degrees in psychology and clinical counseling or careers that emphasize interpersonal relationship building.
The online mental health degree concentration allows you the opportunity to gain experience with community-based mental health service organizations.
"I chose the mental health concentration because I plan to be a mental health therapist after obtaining my master’s degree," said Anna Rose Zanin '23. "So this is the perfect bachelor’s for my future." [Note: This program does not directly lead to licensure since the licensure process and educational requirements for drug and alcohol counselors vary by state.]
Courses may include:
- Assessment and Testing
- Counseling Process and Techniques
- Mental Health and Society
Online psychology degree courses
Gain exposure to a variety of paths you could pursue in the workforce in SNHU’s psychology courses. You’ll get the opportunity to develop research skills and create a portfolio of work throughout the classes. Plus, it's an extremely transfer-friendly program.
Courses may include:
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Embedded certificate benefit
SNHU’s BA in Psychology includes a 12-credit embedded certificate in Data Literacy in Psychology. Develop the knowledge and skills you need to synthesize data and theory and communicate findings to academic and professional audiences. This is a free benefit of the program – with no additional cost or time!
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Upcoming term starts: January 06, 2025 | March 03, 2025
Next term starts:
Oct. 28, 2024
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
![How to Take an Online Class at SNHU](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O03iCa9IYes/sddefault.jpg)
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Dr. Josh Garrin
Position
Associate Dean
Joined SNHU
2018
Education
- PhD in Health Psychology from Walden University
- MS in Cognitive & Counseling Psychology from Pace University
- BS in Psychology and Journalism from SUNY New Paltz
Dedicated Instructors
SNHU instructors like Dr. Josh Garrin are at the heart of SNHU's mission of student success. With real-world business experience, and passionate dedication to our students and their learning, our faculty are with you every step of the way.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
It's easy, fast and free.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate tuition
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with an online psychology degree?
Bachelor's degrees open doors – and few open as many as a BA in Psychology. The online psychology degree provides a strong foundation in transferable skills that can be a gateway to a variety of careers. The BA in Psychology program also serves as an ideal springboard to pursue graduate studies in psychology, counseling or other social sciences.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers about the online psychology degree
Yes. Our online psychology degrees are among some of the most popular programs that students pursue.In an online BA in Psychology program, you'll go through the same type of curriculum and learn the same skills that you'd experience in a brick-and-mortar program:
- Conduct research
- Organize data
- Draw conclusions
- Evaluate your findings
- Learn to present your findings
You'll also get a deep dive into ethics as it relates to psychology. As a student preparing for a psychology-related career, you'll have a responsibility to both the information that you gather and the people you build relationships with in order to collect that data.
We've graduated thousands of students with online psychology degrees – many of whom have found success in a variety of organizations and industries after their online program. Many others have moved on to graduate school and beyond after completing their online degree in psychology.
Not only are students able to earn a psychology degree and build their skill sets online, but oftentimes, it's the only way possible. At first, Karinne Colón '20 didn't think she'd be able to have a personal experience without the in-person environment.
"I was tentative about attending school online," she said. "I thought that I would miss the interaction with my professors and peers. However, I did not find that to be an issue. The professors have been wonderful at finding ways to bring the information to life while providing meaningful support. There are also means for interaction with peers during classes, such as discussions and group work. I have never felt that something was missing because I attend school online."
What are you looking for in a college that offers its psychology degrees online? There are factors that you'll want to discuss with your admission counselor before making your decision. Some specific to our psychology program include:
- Curriculum. Review course requirements and electives to make sure the material you'll cover throughout the program meets your career goals.
- Internships and experiential learning opportunities.Hands-on experience can not only help prepare you and give you confidence for your career, but it can also help add depth to your resume, helping you move to the top of the pile.
- Community. Psychology is about the human mind, so you might think it's critical to connect with others in the same boat as you. Find like-minded students in places like our online psychology club.
- Value. Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country when you enroll in our online psychology program. In addition, undergraduate students have the opportunity to reduce costs further by transferring up to 90 credits into our bachelor's in psychology programs.
- Specializations. What's best for you also might mean earning a more focused online psychology degree. We offer multiple concentrations for our bachelor's in psychology programs, meaning you could focus on an area of the field that's of particular interest to you. For example, if you're leaning toward working in a business environment once you graduate, adding a concentration in industrial organizational psychology could help you stand out in the job market.
They can be. But it all comes down to accreditation.
Accreditation is the most important factor in being respected by other academic institutions – as well as employers. It's a credential that shows an institution has met specific standards – the same set of standards that all other colleges and universities must meet.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). NECHE is one of 7 regional higher education accrediting bodies in the country. All of our degree programs – including all of our bachelor's in psychology online degrees – are encompassed by NECHE accreditation. Online and on campus programs at Southern New Hampshire University and across the country go through the same rigorous process.
You can learn more about the accreditation of higher education institutions and regional accrediting bodies through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The amount of time it takes to earn your online degree in psychology all depends on you, your educational background and your goals.
Have you attended other colleges before? SNHU offers students a generous transfer policy, accepting up to 90 credits toward your program here. Our admission team provides free transfer credit evaluations, so you can see exactly where all your previously earned credits go on your program plan – and discover just what classes you have left to take before you can graduate with your psychology degree.
The types of credits that you transfer in to SNHU can also help determine how long it will take you to earn your degree. If you've already taken your general education courses – as well as a number of psychology credits – you'll position yourself to finish your degree faster.
In addition, you'll need to consider the number of courses you want to take each term. Think about the time you spend at work and your responsibilities to friends and family. While enrolling in multiple courses toward your psychology degree each term may, in theory, help you reach the finish line sooner, it may not be feasible for maximum success in each class. Your academic advisor can help you map out your courses so that you have a plan in place to reach your goals.
Tracey Burraston '15 , for example, has four children and a full-time job. The closest brick-and-mortar college is at least 75 miles away. Taking online classes at SNHU opened the door for her to earn her psychology degree while continuing to balance her other priorities.
“Living in … a rural area, I really needed an online program that would fit my life,” she said.
Read more about how Burraston and others have benefited from a degree at your own pace.
Not quite.
In order to call yourself a psychologist, you’ll need at least a master’s degree in psychology and, in most cases, you’ll need a doctorate.
If you're looking to become a psychologist, you’ll need to start by researching your specific state’s licensure requirements. These requirements differ from state to state, so you’ll want to pay close attention to the state you’re seeking licensure in.
There are also several disciplines that psychologists can choose, such as school, clinical or counseling. This information will indicate the required level of education and any additional requirements such as clinical hours and likely a licensure exam.
In any case, the bachelor’s degree is the first step toward becoming a psychologist and serves as a strong foundation to build your career.
Pursuing your bachelor's degree can be a powerful first step in building your career in psychology. At SNHU, our team of dedicated career advisors is here from day one of your program to help prepare you for success in the real world. SNHU’s Career Services offers 1:1 career counseling, webinars, weekly postings from recruiters and more.
To help you stand out to employers, you can:
- Explore internship and experiential learning opportunities: Internships offer a chance for real-world experience in the psychology field, often for academic credit toward your program.
- Attend virtual career events: Build your network and learn of career opportunities through employer spotlights and virtual career fairs hosted by career services.
- Connect with professionals: Learn how to leverage your network in order to gain a deeper insight into a variety of career paths by connecting with folks who are already working in your field of interest.
Whether you’re changing professions or starting from scratch, we have the resources to help you get going.
In short, yes! There are opportunities in business to flex your psychology skills, especially in roles like human resources, behavioral analysis or team building and training (just to name a few).
If you have a blended interest in psychology and business, consider adding a concentration in industrial organizational psychology (I-O psychology) to your psychology degree. This concentration is the perfect cross-over between the two fields and provides ultimate career flexibility.
If you're leaning more toward business, you can also consider the business administration bachelor's degree program with a concentration in industrial organizational psychology. Both degree programs have the option to enroll in the I-O psychology concentration, so you have the freedom to choose which is the right fit for you.
The difficulty of a psychology degree can vary depending on individual strengths and interests. There isn't necessarily an "easiest" psychology degree. However, some people may find that general psychology programs, which cover a wide range of topics, are less challenging than specialized areas like clinical or neuropsychology.
Keep in mind that the perceived difficulty of a degree can also depend on the quality of the program, your professors and your study habits.
The choice between online and in-person psychology courses depends on your learning style, schedule and personal preferences. In-person classes offer face-to-face interaction with professors and peers, which can be beneficial for some students.
On the other hand, online classes provide flexibility and may be more convenient for those with busy schedules or those who prefer self-paced learning. The "better" option depends on what works best for you.
SNHU has been offering courses online since 1995, giving us over 25 years to refine our approach to online learning. Plus, you'll have 24/7 access to student support and resources, meaning you're never alone even while learning from a distance.
SNHU provides cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your online psychology degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, speak with your admission counselor or academic advisor.
Sources & Citations
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm (viewed Nov. 9, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm (viewed Nov. 9, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm (viewed Nov. 9, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm (viewed Nov. 9, 2023)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.