Who of you think to obtain a online degree in the field of psychology have the opportunity to pursue careers in a range of fields. Graduates of qualified online degree programs within the field of psychology will be able to apply for jobs in the private and public sectors and within a variety of settings.
Psychology is among the top 10 majors declared by incoming freshmen students. Therefore it’s not surprising to find that it is also a popular major for college students at online schools.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for psychology related careers is expected to grow at a faster than average rate, making online psychology degrees a worthwhile investment for the future.
For those looking to earn an online psychology degree, I have put together a list of the best online colleges and universities offering online psychology programs in 2012.
1. Kaplan University
Kaplan University is a well regarded institution of higher learning offering a range of educational services and opportunities. The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree offered at Kaplan University explores human behavior and cognition. The liberal arts curriculum provides a comprehensive education in general core areas of study developing skills in problem solving, analytical and critical thinking and communication. The in-depth psychology aspect of the program equips students with the knowledge and skills to evaluate and analyze concepts, theories, research methods, statistics and trends as they apply to human development and behavior. Students also explore diversity and cultural differences as they affect human behavior. The program offers three areas of specialization; child development, applied behavioral analysis and substance abuse. Courses included in the program include contemporary issues in psychology, introduction to cognitive psychology, history of psychology, child and adolescent psychology, personality development, screening and assessment and general biology.
2. Liberty University Online
Liberty University, the world’s largest Christian university, came in #25 in the list of the top 25 online colleges and universities of 2011 and #2 in the list of the top 10 online Christian colleges and universities and 2011. Liberty University Online offers an Associate’s degree and Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, as well as a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling and both master’s and doctoral degrees in Counseling.
3. University of Phoenix
Among the oldest online colleges offering distance learning options to college aged students, the University of Phoenix is renowned for many of its long standing, accredited degree programs. Through the College of Social Sciences, Phoenix students can pursue a psychology degree at the undergraduate or graduate level. The undergraduate program focuses on mental processes and human behavior, and does not require clinical studies. Instead, students are required to do intensive research, then analyze and explore established theoretical principles. Courses offered through this program include human motivation, cognition, personality, and organizational as well as general psychology. In the advanced degree program, students can anticipate coursework focused on the psychology of learning and education, lifespan development, and multicultural psychology.
4. Ashford University
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree offered at Ashford University is a challenging program which provides a thorough understanding of human behavior, mental processes and emotions. Students are required to complete credits in general education courses, psychology courses and in elective credits. The curriculum includes study in human development, group dynamics, physiology, research and statistics and explores contemporary theories and therapies. Courses included within the program include introduction to psychology, adult development and life assessment, child and adolescent development, social psychology, abnormal psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, statistics for the behavioral sciences, theories of personality and physiological psychology. Ashford permits students to transfer up to 90 credits towards the completion of their bachelor’s degree program. Certain program restrictions may apply to residents of Arkansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, and non-US residents.