What can you do with an online psychology degree?

A psychology degree opens careers in counseling, social work, human resources, marketing research, mental health services, education, and healthcare administration. A master's or doctorate is required for licensed therapist or psychologist roles.

How much does an online psychology degree cost?

Online psychology bachelor's degrees cost between $7,000 and $30,000 total at accredited schools. Master's programs (MS/MA in Psychology or Clinical Mental Health Counseling) range from $15,000 to $45,000.

Psychology Guide 2025

Best Online MSW Programs — BCBA Masters & School Psychology 2026

Compare accredited online psychology programs from bachelor's through doctorate. Find APA-accredited schools, licensed counseling programs, FAFSA-eligible options, and career salary data for psychology graduates.

Explore Financial Aid All Online Colleges

$90K

Avg Clinical Psychologist Salary

$51K

Avg Counseling Psychologist (Entry)

Projected Job Growth (2023–2033)

Psy.D / Ph.D

Required for Licensed Psychologist

Online MSW, BCBA Masters & School Psychology Programs — 2026 Guide

The best online MSW programs CSWE accredited are required for LCSW/LMSW licensure in all 50 states. CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accreditation is the only credential recognized by state licensing boards. Top CSWE-accredited online MSW programs include USC Dworak-Peck, University of Denver, Fordham University, Simmons University, and UT Arlington. Advanced standing options compress the MSW to 12 months for BSW holders. Social work masters programs and masters in therapy prepare graduates for LCSW, LMHC, LPC, and LMFT licensure.

BCBA masters programs (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) require BACB-approved coursework and 1,500–2,000 supervised hours. Top online BCBA programs: Florida Tech, Ball State, The Chicago School, Endicott College. Online school psychology programs (NASP-approved) lead to school psychologist certification and median salaries of $85,000+. ABA certification online is also available as a standalone post-graduate credential. LMHC degree and masters in therapy programs prepare graduates for mental health counselor licensure.

CSWE MSW Programs ↓ Salary & Careers ↓ MSW & BCBA FAQ ↓

Best Online MSW Programs CSWE Accredited — BCBA & School Psychology 2026

University	Degree Level	Program	Total Tuition	FAFSA	Licensure Track
Capella University	MS / PhD	Clinical Mental Health Counseling	$22,000–$55,000	✓ Yes	✓ CACREP
Southern New Hampshire Univ.	BS / MS	Psychology / Applied Psychology	$9,600–$18,000/yr	✓ Yes	Non-Licensure
Walden University	MS / Psy.D	Clinical Psychology / School Counseling	$18,000–$65,000	✓ Yes	✓ APA Accredited
Liberty University	BS / MS / PhD	Psychology / Counseling	$11,700/yr	✓ Yes	Varies
Grand Canyon University	BS / MS	Psychology / Clinical Mental Health	$8,500–$18,000/yr	✓ Yes	✓ CACREP
Arizona State University	BS	Psychology (Undergraduate)	$8,050/yr	✓ Yes	Pre-Graduate

Psychology Careers & Salary Data 2025

Psychology degrees unlock careers across healthcare, business, education, and government. The degree level you hold significantly impacts salary and licensure eligibility — a bachelor's opens entry-level roles while a master's or doctorate is required for independent clinical practice.

Career	Required Degree	Median Salary (BLS)	Licensure Required
Clinical Psychologist	Doctoral (Psy.D / Ph.D)	$90,130	✓ Yes
Licensed Counselor (LPC/LMHC)	Master's + supervised hours	$53,710	✓ Yes
School Psychologist	Specialist/Ed.S or Master's	$81,500	✓ Yes (state)
Marriage & Family Therapist	Master's (MFT)	$56,570	✓ Yes
Human Resources Specialist	Bachelor's	$64,240	No
Social & Community Manager	Bachelor's	$50,000	No
Research Analyst	Bachelor's / Master's	$67,000	No

Online MSW, BCBA & School Psychology FAQ

Can I become a licensed therapist with an online degree?

Yes — if the program is CACREP-accredited (for counseling) or APA-accredited (for psychology). After completing a licensed mental health counseling master's program, you must accumulate 2,000–4,000 supervised clinical hours and pass the NCE or NCMHCE exam to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

What is the difference between a Psy.D and a Ph.D in Psychology?

A Psy.D (Doctor of Psychology) is practice-focused — designed for clinical work. A Ph.D in Psychology is research-focused and required for academic or research careers. Both qualify you for licensure as a clinical psychologist. Psy.D programs are generally shorter (4–5 years) while Ph.D programs take 5–7 years.

How much does an online psychology master's degree cost?

Online master's programs in psychology or clinical mental health counseling range from $15,000 to $45,000 total. Capella University, Walden, and Grand Canyon offer competitive pricing. Federal financial aid (including Graduate PLUS Loans) is available at accredited programs.

What can you do with a bachelor's in psychology (without a master's)?

A bachelor's in psychology qualifies you for entry-level roles in human resources, social services, case management, research assistance, sales, marketing, and community outreach. Most clinical and counseling roles require a master's degree and state licensure.

Is CACREP accreditation important for counseling programs?

Extremely important. CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accreditation is required or preferred for licensure in most states. Many state licensing boards give preference to graduates of CACREP-accredited programs when approving supervised hours or exam eligibility.