Explore online psychology and counseling programs from schools offering flexible options for students and working adults. Compare programs in psychology, counseling, behavioral health, and related fields to find an educational path that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Explore Online Psychology and Counseling Programs
Looking for an online psychology or counseling program? Browse schools and programs to explore your options and find a program that fits your educational background and professional goals.
Program availability, admissions requirements, tuition, accreditation, and delivery formats vary by school. Review individual program details and contact schools directly for the most current information.
Explore Psychology and Counseling Programs Online
Psychology and counseling are broad fields that can lead to a variety of educational and career paths. Depending on your interests, you may explore programs focused on psychology, counseling, mental health, human services, behavioral health, or related areas.
Online programs are available at different education levels, from certificates and associate degrees to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The right program for you will depend on your career goals, previous education, and whether your intended career requires professional licensure or certification.
Types of Online Psychology and Counseling Programs
Psychology
Psychology programs explore human behavior, thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. Students may study topics such as developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, and research methods.
A psychology degree can provide a foundation for careers in areas such as human services, social services, behavioral health, education, business, and other fields. Some psychology careers require graduate-level education or additional professional credentials.
Counseling
Counseling programs are designed for students interested in helping individuals, couples, families, or groups address personal, emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns.
Graduate counseling programs may prepare students for careers as professional counselors, depending on the program and applicable state licensing requirements. Students interested in becoming licensed counselors should carefully review the educational, supervised experience, examination, and other requirements in the state where they intend to practice.
Mental Health and Behavioral Health
Programs focused on mental health and behavioral health may prepare students to work in settings that support individuals and communities dealing with mental health, substance use, behavioral, or social challenges.
Depending on the program, students may study topics related to mental health services, behavioral health, case management, community support, or human services.
Human Services
Human services programs focus on helping individuals and communities access resources and support. Coursework may cover topics such as social services, case management, community outreach, advocacy, and human development.
These programs may be a good fit for students interested in helping professions without necessarily pursuing a clinical counseling career.
Applied Psychology
Applied psychology programs focus on using psychological principles in practical settings. Depending on the program, students may explore areas such as organizational behavior, industrial-organizational psychology, consumer behavior, or other applications of psychology.
These programs may appeal to students interested in applying psychology outside of traditional clinical practice.
Psychology and Counseling Programs by Degree Level
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs provide focused education in a specific area and may be useful for students seeking additional knowledge or professional skills. Some certificates may be designed for students who already hold a degree or have experience in a related field.
Associate Degrees
Associate degree programs in psychology or related fields can provide foundational knowledge and may serve as a starting point for students who plan to continue their education at the bachelor’s level.
Bachelor’s Degrees
A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field can provide a broad foundation in human behavior and psychological concepts. Graduates may pursue entry-level roles in human services, social services, behavioral health, business, education, and other fields.
A bachelor’s degree alone typically does not qualify someone to practice independently as a licensed psychologist or licensed professional counselor. Advanced education and additional requirements may be necessary for those careers.
Master’s Degrees
Master’s programs are common for students pursuing advanced careers in counseling, psychology-related fields, behavioral health, and other areas. Depending on the program, a master’s degree may be part of the pathway toward professional licensure.
Students pursuing a licensed counseling or other regulated profession should confirm that the program meets the specific requirements of the state where they intend to practice.
Doctoral Degrees
Doctoral programs in psychology and related fields provide advanced education and training. Depending on the degree, program, and career path, graduates may pursue careers involving clinical practice, research, teaching, assessment, or leadership.
Students interested in becoming licensed psychologists should carefully review state licensing requirements and confirm that the program they choose provides the appropriate educational preparation.
How to Choose an Online Psychology or Counseling Program
When comparing online psychology and counseling programs, consider the following factors:
Career goals: Determine what type of career you want to pursue and what level of education or professional credential it requires.
Degree level: Consider whether a certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree is appropriate for your goals.
Accreditation: Review the accreditation status of the institution and, when applicable, the specific program. Accreditation requirements can vary depending on the field and career you plan to pursue.
Licensure requirements: If you plan to become a licensed counselor, psychologist, or other regulated professional, verify the educational and other requirements in the state where you intend to practice.
Program format: Online programs may be fully online or may include in-person requirements such as internships, practicums, clinical experiences, or other supervised training.
Admissions requirements: Review prerequisites, previous education requirements, application materials, and any required exams.
Cost and financial aid: Compare tuition and fees and explore potential financial aid, scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and other funding options.
Program length: Consider how long the program will take to complete and whether the schedule works with your personal and professional responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Psychology and Counseling Programs
Can I earn a psychology degree online?
Yes, many colleges and universities offer psychology degrees online at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Some programs can be completed entirely online, while others may include in-person requirements depending on the program and career path. If you plan to pursue a licensed profession, review the program’s requirements and confirm that it meets applicable state licensing standards.
Can I earn a counseling degree online?
Yes, online counseling programs are available, particularly at the graduate level. However, programs designed to prepare students for professional counseling licensure typically include supervised clinical experiences, practicums, internships, or other requirements that may need to be completed in person. Requirements vary by program and state.
What is the difference between a psychology degree and a counseling degree?
Psychology and counseling overlap in their focus on human behavior and mental health, but they can lead to different educational and career paths. Psychology programs often provide a broader study of human behavior, psychological theory, and research, while counseling programs are generally more focused on developing skills for providing counseling and mental health services. The education and licensing requirements depend on the specific career you want to pursue.
What types of psychology and counseling programs are available online?
Online programs are available in areas such as general psychology, applied psychology, counseling, mental health counseling, behavioral health, human services, and related fields. Program availability varies by school and education level.
How long does it take to complete an online psychology or counseling program?
Program length depends on the degree level, field of study, curriculum, and whether you attend full time or part time. Certificate and associate programs may take less time to complete than bachelor’s programs, while master’s and doctoral programs typically require additional coursework and, in some cases, supervised experiences or other requirements.
Are online psychology and counseling programs accredited?
Many online psychology and counseling programs are offered by accredited colleges and universities. Depending on your career goals, you may also need to consider specialized or programmatic accreditation. If you plan to pursue professional licensure, verify that the program meets the educational requirements for the license you intend to obtain in the state where you plan to practice.
Can I work while earning an online psychology or counseling degree?
Many online programs offer flexible scheduling that may allow students to continue working while completing their education. However, requirements vary by program. Counseling programs that include practicums, internships, or supervised clinical experiences may require students to dedicate additional time to in-person training.
Can I become a psychologist with an online psychology degree?
An online psychology degree can be part of an educational pathway toward a career in psychology, but becoming a licensed psychologist generally requires advanced education and additional supervised training. Requirements vary by state and by the type of psychology career you plan to pursue. Students interested in becoming licensed psychologists should research the requirements in the state where they intend to practice.
Can I become a licensed counselor with an online counseling degree?
An online counseling degree may be part of the pathway toward professional counseling licensure, but requirements vary by state. Programs leading to licensure may include specific coursework, supervised clinical experiences, examinations, and other requirements. Before enrolling, verify that the program is designed to meet the licensing requirements in the state where you plan to practice.
How do I choose an online psychology or counseling program?
Start by identifying your intended career and determining the education and credentials required for that career. Then compare programs based on factors such as accreditation, degree level, curriculum, tuition, financial aid, program format, admissions requirements, and program length. If your career requires professional licensure, confirm that the program meets the applicable requirements before enrolling.