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Top 5 Psychology Degree Programs

A closer look at our “top five” reveals why these bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are excellent choices for online degree programs.

Psychology degree programs are among the most popular programs at both on-campus and online colleges and universities. This field’s popularity stems from human fascination about how the mind works and what makes us do the things we do. Aspiring psychologists are often motivated to help others cope with emotional challenges and psychological disorders, facilitating the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Psychology is a broad field that offers graduates a diverse range of careers in areas such as research, clinical work, public health, criminal justice, workplace psychology, and even marketing.

Top 5 Psychology Degree Programs

Salaries for Psychologists

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for psychologists was $79,010 in May 2018, and the top 10% earned more than $129,520.1 While salary is based on a range of criteria, the right credentials could give you a career advantage. Here are some specific degree programs to consider:

Top 5 Psychology Degree Programs

  1. PhD in Psychology
    Doctoral students in online psychology degree programs may be able to choose from a wide variety of specializations ranging from educational and research psychology to health and social psychology. This terminal degree can help prepare you for some of the most influential positions in the psychology profession including researcher, consultant, college professor, staff psychologist, and political strategist, to name a few.2

  2. PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
    In this emerging, highly focused area of psychology, doctoral students can learn to address important issues in a range of settings, including organizations, colleges, and universities, and as independent consultants. Industrial and organizational (I-O) psychologists use their skills and insights into human behavior to help organizations become more successful and productive. Online psychology degree programs in this field may offer specializations in areas such as consulting psychology, general practice, and evidence-based coaching. The median annual salary for I-O psychologists in 2018 was $97,260.1

  3. MS in Forensic Psychology
    A popular specialized master’s program, this online degree program prepares students to study criminal behavior, assess forensics, and apply their knowledge to enhance criminal facilities and programs. Online universities offering this degree program may also feature specializations to further focus your studies in areas such as victimology, psychology and the legal systems, working with police departments, and cybercrimes. With a master’s in forensic psychology, graduates can pursue many career tracks, such as forensic treatment specialist, law enforcement advocate, jury consultant, and victims’ advocate.2
  4. MS in Developmental Psychology
    Those who are interested in the study of psychology in terms of the intellectual and cognitive changes that occur over the course of a lifetime may wish to consider developmental psychology. Specializations might include child and adolescent development, health and human development, adult development and gerontology, or even international perspectives in developmental psychology.
  5. BS in Psychology
    On-campus or online bachelor’s degree programs cover current theories, approaches, and perspectives within the practice of psychology. Depending on the specific psychology degree program curriculum, students may be able to choose from concentrations in areas such as addictions, child and adolescent development, workplace psychology, and more. Career options are plentiful for those who start with this degree, ranging from drug abuse counselor and behavioral management aide to researcher and laboratory assistant.2 The median starting salary for those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology was $58,000 in 2019.3

Explore Walden University's online psychology degree programs for graduates and undergraduates. Get the help you need to continue your education and advance your career goals. Earn your degree in a convenient online format that fits your busy life.


1 Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-5
2 Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of a degree program.
3 Source: www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Arts_(BA)%2C_Psychology/Salary

Find information on costs, occupation types, completion rates, and median loan debt for these programs at www.WaldenU.edu/programdata.

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