Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Programs

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
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Updated on September 11, 2024
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Want to finish your psychology degree in less time? Learn about earning an accelerated psychology degree online from a top-ranked program.

Psychology majors explore group dynamics, human development, and personality theory. You’ll also strengthen in-demand research, analytical, and critical thinking skills as a psych major. And with an accelerated bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can graduate in less time.

While earning a bachelor’s in psychology typically takes four years, accelerated programs can speed up that timeline. Depending on the program, you’ll take classes on an accelerated schedule or during summer sessions to finish more credits each year.

Featured Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Fastest Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

#1 Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Programs

Ottawa University-Online

  • Location-markerOttawa, KS
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,976
  • Out-of-state$11,976
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,253
  • Out-of-state$11,253
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance Rate97%
  • Students Enrolled218
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Programs

University of Bridgeport

  • Location-markerBridgeport, CT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$32,860
  • Out-of-state$32,860
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$19,096
  • Out-of-state$19,096
  • Retention Rate55%
  • Acceptance Rate73%
  • Students Enrolled3,563
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment58%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Programs

Westfield State University

  • Location-markerWestfield, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$970
  • Out-of-state$7,050
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$1,890
  • Out-of-state$1,890
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled5,013
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment52%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Programs

University of Idaho

  • Location-markerMoscow, ID
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,396
  • Out-of-state$27,632
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,272
  • Out-of-state$27,508
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled11,524
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Programs

Charter Oak State College

  • Location-markerNew Britain, CT
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,656
  • Out-of-state$10,056
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,288
  • Out-of-state$9,720
  • Retention Rate67%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,618
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Programs

Newberry College

  • Location-markerNewberry, SC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$25,650
  • Out-of-state$25,650
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,940
  • Out-of-state$5,940
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate57%
  • Students Enrolled1,242
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment3%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Programs

Concordia University-Saint Paul

  • Location-markerSaint Paul, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$23,900
  • Out-of-state$23,900
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,550
  • Out-of-state$8,550
  • Retention Rate61%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled5,218
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment69%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Programs

University of Saint Mary

  • Location-markerLeavenworth, KS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$30,580
  • Out-of-state$30,580
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,160
  • Out-of-state$11,160
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate82%
  • Students Enrolled1,325
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment29%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Programs

Greenville University

  • Location-markerGreenville, IL
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,260
  • Out-of-state$29,260
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,568
  • Out-of-state$8,784
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled1,111
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Accelerated Online Psychology Degree Programs

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

  • Location-markerAlbuquerque, NM
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,605
  • Out-of-state$23,942
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,050
  • Out-of-state$19,422
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate97%
  • Students Enrolled22,139
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment53%
  • AccreditationYes

What Courses Will I Take in an Accelerated Psychology Program Online?

During an accelerated psychology program, you’ll explore topics like human development, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. You’ll also strengthen your analytical and research skills while studying experimental methods. Here are some common courses you might take during an accelerated bachelor’s in psychology.

  • minus

    Social Psychology

    Explore how individuals react in social settings, including topics such as group behavior, conformity, and attitude formation. Is individual behavior socially determined? And how do leadership, social dynamics, and mass media play a role in social psychology? The course also examines research methods in social psychology.
  • minus

    Personality Theory

    How do individuals develop personality characteristics? And when do personalities form? This course examines key theories of personality development, including research methods and the impact of human development, social psychology, and family dynamics on personality development.
  • minus

    Child Development

    As children move through developmental stages, they experience physical, social, cognitive, and emotional changes. In child development classes, psychology majors explore the stages of development from a psychological perspective. The course covers the role of social environment, cultural factors, and gender on child development.
  • minus

    Biopsychology

    Examine the biological basis for human behavior in biopsychology courses. Often closely linked with neuropsychology, these courses explore the role of sensory systems, cognitive function, and nerve impulses on behavior. Learners also study foundational theories in biopsychology and the field’s research methods.
  • minus

    Abnormal Psychology

    Discover the psychology behind abnormal and deviant behavior, including an examination of rare and common psychological disorders. The course emphasizes the classification, assessment, and treatment of these disorders, with a focus on symptoms, therapeutic techniques, and terminology.

High-Paying Careers in Psychology

What are the highest-paying psychology jobs? You’ll qualify for several in-demand careers with a bachelor’s in psychology. Or you can advance your education to qualify for additional job opportunities.

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts examine customer demand, pricing strategies, and potential sales. They draw on strong analytical skills to reach evidence-based conclusions.

A background in psychology helps market research analysts understand potential consumers and develop profiles for target customers. With experience or a master’s degree, market research analysts can become marketing managers.

  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$74,680
  • Job Outlook:8%

Human Resources Specialist

Human resources specialists manage employee relations and administrative tasks for organizations. They specialize in areas like recruiting, benefits, and training.

Psychology majors bring the communication and analytical skills needed for HR careers. An understanding of human behavior can help HR specialists screen job applicants, implement employee retention policies, and resolve employee disputes.

  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$67,650
  • Job Outlook:8%

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists communicate an organization’s brand to influence their public image. They craft press releases, coordinate with media organizations, and run social media campaigns.

Careers in public relations require strong writing and communication skills, which a bachelor’s in psychology can strengthen. Psych majors also bring their understanding of human behavior and motivation to PR careers.

  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$66,750
  • Job Outlook:6%

Training and Development Specialist

Training and development specialists research an organization’s workforce development needs and run programs to improve employee skills. They may conduct surveys and interviews to inform training programs or craft custom training materials.

Careers in training and development or related fields such as instructional design require strong analytical and teaching skills. Psych majors apply their research and communication skills to work in training and development.

  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$64,340
  • Job Outlook:12%

Social and Community Service Managers

Social and community service managers oversee programs that provide social and community services. They evaluate data to determine public needs and the effectiveness of programs. Social and community service managers also manage grant applications.

A psychology degree strengthens the analytical and problem-solving skills required for social and community service careers. Management roles typically require several years of professional experience in the field.

  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$77,030
  • Job Outlook:8%

Psychologist

Psychologists evaluate people’s emotions, cognition, and processes to understand their behavior. Depending on their specialization, they may work in counseling or research roles. Clinical and counseling psychologists diagnose behavioral disorders, for example.

Most psychologists need a doctorate to practice. Earning a bachelor’s in psychology prepares graduates for master’s or doctoral programs in psychology.

  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$92,740
  • Job Outlook:7%

Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Psychology Degrees Online

A BA and a BS in psychology typically include the same upper-division major courses. However, with a BA you’ll take more humanities and foreign language requirements, while a BS includes more STEM requirements.

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