Selecting the ideal online psychology bachelor’s degree in Alabama can seem overwhelming. With a vast array of universities and programs available, it’s easy to feel lost in the multitude of choices and uncertain about which path to take.
We recognize how critical it is to make the right choice for your future career in psychology. Choosing incorrectly could mean enrolling in a program that falls short of your expectations, lacking the essential skills and knowledge you need to succeed. The consequences of a poor choice might include not only wasted time and money but also missed career opportunities.
We have thoroughly researched and gathered information on many of popular online psychology bachelor’s degree programs available in Alabama. With our guide, you can confidently make a well-informed decision and embark on your path toward a rewarding career in psychology in Alabama.
Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in Alabama
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online psychology bachelor’s degrees in Alabama:
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of West Alabama
- Faulkner University
- Troy University
- Regent University
- Purdue Global
- Grand Canyon University
- Liberty University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Online Bachelor of Science – Psychology
At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), you can complete the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in psychology entirely online, without any on-campus requirements. This flexibility allows you to complete coursework at your convenience, whether at home or abroad, and to interact with peers from various states and countries.
The psychology department at UAB features a large faculty, including over 75 secondary, adjunct, and clinical faculty from diverse disciplines. They are ready to help you identify the area of study that best fits your interests.
All psychology courses at UAB are delivered entirely online. They carry the same credit as on-campus courses and will appear identically on your transcript.
To earn your B.S. in psychology, you must complete a minimum of 38 semester hours in psychology and 6 semester hours in biology, chemistry, or physics. While a minor is recommended, it is not required. You must also complete general electives to reach a total of 120 semester hours needed for graduation.
Core courses of the program include:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Research Literacy in Psychology
- Psychopathology
- Brain, Mind and Behavior
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Psychology Capstone
Courses may be taught synchronously, where all participants log on at the same time, asynchronously, where you log on and participate according to your schedule, or a combination of both. You will access course content through UAB’s learning management system, which includes virtual classroom lectures, multimedia, chat, and discussion boards.
The psychology curriculum offers flexibility whether you choose to major or minor in psychology, or simply take courses. The department emphasizes the scientific method and encourages you to gain firsthand experience in research and the practical application of psychological knowledge in community and treatment settings. Numerous opportunities are available for you to work in laboratory, clinical, and field research settings under the guidance of faculty members.
Furthermore, community and treatment facilities provide additional settings for you to observe and apply psychological principles in solving individual and social issues.
In addition to being a major field of study within a liberal arts and science education, the B.S. in psychology prepares you for graduate studies and a variety of careers in fields such as teaching, counseling, social work, and many others including law and various health professions.
As a psychology major, you may be required to complete a general psychology examination when you declare your major, and a second examination upon completing your course requirements. These examinations are intended for program assessment purposes only and do not impact your GPA or graduation eligibility.
To apply to this program, follow these steps:
- Complete and submit the admission application with a $40 application fee via credit or debit card, or an application fee waiver.
- Submit your official high school transcript either electronically or by mail.
- Optionally, submit your ACT or SAT scores if you want them considered for admission and scholarship purposes.
If you are a transfer student, you must have:
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0 after completing 24 semester hours of college-level work.
- Good academic standing at all previous institutions.
- If you have fewer than 24 transferable credits, you must also meet the freshman admission requirements.
University of West Alabama
Online Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts – Psychology
At the University of West Alabama, you can develop a deep understanding of human behavior and functioning with an online bachelor’s degree in psychology. Unlike most large institutions, this program offers you a unique opportunity to assist faculty members in research as an undergraduate, setting it apart from typical psychology programs that focus mainly on experimental methodology and statistical training.
You are also encouraged to develop independent projects and present your original research at both regional and national conferences. Students who participate in research labs are significantly more likely to gain admission to graduate programs in psychology or related fields.
This program allows you to earn your degree entirely online, benefiting from one of the most affordable tuition rates in the state. It features smaller class sizes for more personalized attention from faculty members who are experienced scholars and practitioners with interests in a variety of topics including emotion, cognition, human development, intergroup relations, prejudice, neuroscience, and environmental psychology.
To graduate, you must complete the following requirements:
- General Education Basic Requirements: 50 hours
- Psychology Program Requirements: 36 hours
- Electives: 37 hours, which may include a minor or second major
The curriculum is designed to provide you with training in experimental methodology and statistical analysis, enhancing your research and analytical skills vital for a successful career in psychology. By assisting faculty with their research, you gain hands-on experience in conducting studies, analyzing data, and refining your writing and presentation skills. The program also offers you the chance to showcase your independent research projects at conferences, further enhancing your expertise.
The psychology degree covers a broad range of topics such as History and Systems, Statistics, Research Methodology, Social Behavior, Human Development, Personality Theory, Abnormal Psychology, Health Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Pathology, and more. This diverse curriculum allows you to explore various career paths in counseling, research, education, or other related fields.
Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to pursue careers in various fields and industries, leveraging their understanding of human behavior from multiple perspectives, including physiology, health, and intergroup interaction. Many alumni have found success in business, marketing, human resources, healthcare, criminal justice, and data analysis. Furthermore, the degree qualifies you for roles such as psychological researcher, professor, counselor, and clinician, enabling you to impact individuals’ lives meaningfully.
If you wish to continue your education, you can pursue master’s programs in counseling and experimental psychology or doctoral programs in clinical or experimental psychology, among other fields.
To apply for admission, simply follow these steps:
- Complete an online application.
- Submit an official transcript of your high school grades or GED scores.
- Submit official transcripts from any colleges or institutions you have attended.
The University of West Alabama has a generous transfer policy, allowing undergraduates transferring from two-year colleges to bring up to 60 credit hours and up to 90 credit hours from four-year colleges with matching courses and curriculums.
Furthermore, the university is dedicated to making education affordable by offering a range of grants, scholarships, and loans, with approximately 80 percent of students receiving some form of financial aid to support their studies.
Faulkner University
Online Bachelor of Science in General Clinical Psychology
At Faulkner University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Psychology requires completing 121 course hours. You have the opportunity to select from a wide range of electives, enabling you to explore your interests within psychology. This degree serves as a foundation for various careers and is an excellent starting point for advanced degrees in psychology or other fields.
Some of the courses that you will take may include:
- Introduction to Psychology: In this course, you will survey the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, focusing on areas such as perception, physiology, learning, memory, and development, alongside abnormal behavior and therapy.
- Foundations in Psychology: A seminar course designed to prepare you for psychology studies with an introduction to research, APA formatting, and service learning.
- Special Topics in Psychology: In this course, you will get a chance to learn about unexplored topics or deepen your knowledge of specific areas, fueling your interest in various psychological aspects.
- Developmental Psychology: This course examines human growth from conception to death, covering physical, psychosocial, emotional, cognitive, and moral development along with relevant theories.
- Marriage and Family Development: This course provides insights into the theories, principles, and research affecting physical, psychological, and emotional development within families, including contemporary diversity issues impacting family dynamics.
- Behavioral Statistics: This course introduces the statistical methods used in behavioral analysis, offering a grounding in descriptive and inferential statistics and probability theory.
- Theories of Personality: This course critically evaluates major historical and contemporary personality theories, analyzing their applications and underlying research.
- Psychology of Consumer Behavior: In this course, you will explore how psychological, social, and cultural factors influence consumer behavior and decision-making processes.
- Research Laboratory: This course integrates principles of research and statistical analysis in a lab setting, involving research design, data collection, and critical thinking.
- Social Psychology: In this course, you will examine how group and individual interactions influence thought and behavior, exploring topics like persuasion, prejudice, and social identity.
- Behavior Modification Theories: This course covers the principles of behavior modification and their practical applications to self and others, balancing theory, research, and practice.
- Internship in Psychology: Internship provides practical experience in clinical settings, placing you in psychology-related agencies where you complete observation and practice hours.
- Capstone Research Project: The culminating course for psychology majors.
Earning this degree qualifies you as an entry-level professional in various settings such as mental health centers, hospitals, prisons, and rehabilitation centers. You might find roles in government, social services, public relations, human resources, or business.
Job titles for graduates with this degree include:
- Human resources coordinator
- Preschool teacher
- Market researcher
- Caseworker
- Administrative assistant
- Clinic coordinator
- Intake specialist
- Research associate
With a clinical psychology degree, you can apply your understanding of human behavior in diverse settings, gain valuable work experience, and assess whether to pursue further education toward becoming a professional counselor.
Regent University
Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
At Regent University, you can pursue a 120-credit online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program that will enhance your understanding of human behavior and develop your ability to think about psychological topics logically and responsibly. In this program, you will focus on the holistic functioning of the human mind and learn about effective theories and practices.
To earn your bachelor’s degree, you must complete general education courses, at least one major area of study, and enough electives to total 120 semester credit hours.
You need to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate and stay in good academic standing. Certain areas of study may also require you to achieve a minimum grade in all major-specific courses.
Your core courses will include:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Philosophical Foundations
- Developmental Psychology
- Research Methods
- Abnormal Psychology
- Physiological Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
Upon completing the program, you will be equipped to:
- Analyze scientific research
- Understand the impact of personality on human behavior
- Prepare for further education and career advancement
Career opportunities after this program include fields such as:
- Therapy
- Executive management
- Social work and human services
- Marketing and sales
- Healthcare
To apply for this program, you should:
- Submit an application to Regent University
- Complete the admissions questionnaire
- Provide your unofficial transcripts
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Regent University is recognized as a supportive institution for military personnel and veterans in the United States. Participating in an admissions event can be beneficial as you make plans to pursue your degree. These online events are designed to help you refine your educational and career goals while providing answers to questions about the admissions process, military benefits, and financial aid.
Troy University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology
By choosing to major in psychology at Troy University, you join one of the university’s most popular programs, with over 1,000 students currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
As a psychology major at Troy, you will:
- Gain a solid foundation for further academic pursuits at the graduate level, which could lead to various professional careers in psychology or related fields such as health professions and social work.
- Acquire skills suited for employment at the bachelor’s level that are ideal for careers in mental health services, industry, human services, or any field where knowledge of behavior is advantageous.
- Prepare thoroughly to describe, understand, predict, and manage life events effectively.
The psychology degree program at Troy offers a dynamic, rigorous, and balanced curriculum with opportunities to specialize in areas such as developmental, abnormal, or forensic psychology. You can gain invaluable hands-on experience by participating in activities like the Troy Undergraduate Psychology Conference, studying abroad to explore how culture influences human behavior, or engaging in psychology-related field experiences.
At Troy, your education will be student-centered, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications of psychology. This approach equips you to further your education at the graduate level or to begin a career in sectors like criminal justice, social work, and human resources. You will benefit from instruction by Troy’s highly qualified faculty, and thanks to small class sizes, you will enjoy personalized attention and feedback, as well as more meaningful interactions with your peers.
Your coursework will cover a range of subjects, which may include:
- Developmental Psychology
- Sensation and Perception
- Psychology of Learning
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Cultural and Diversity Psychology
- Theories of Personality
- Forensic Psychology
Throughout your studies, you will develop key skills in research, analysis, critical thinking, and communication. These skills are sought after in many fields, including counseling, healthcare, education, business, marketing, and advertising. You will also grow personally by learning to handle life’s challenges and by enhancing your understanding of yourself and others.
Additionally, you can enhance your skills and network by participating in clubs and organizations such as the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Club, the Psychology Club, Psi Lambda (a service-learning club), and the Troy chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.
With a psychology degree from Troy, you are well-prepared for diverse careers in criminal justice, social work, education, law enforcement, government, business, marketing, advertising, communications, and human resources, among others.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in Alabama?
With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from an Alabama institution, you have a variety of career paths and opportunities available to you. While some psychology-related careers may require further education such as a master’s or doctoral degree, there are still many options with a bachelor’s degree alone. Here’s what you can do:
- Human Services Positions: You can work in community health centers, rehabilitation facilities, or social service agencies. Roles might include case management, career counseling, rehabilitation specialist, or a program coordinator.
- Business Roles: Understanding of human behavior can be highly valuable in business settings. You might find roles in human resources, sales, marketing, customer service, or management where skills in communication and understanding human interactions are prized.
- Mental Health Services: With additional certifications, you could work as a psychiatric technician or support worker in mental health facilities. These roles involve working directly with patients who have mental health issues, under the direction of a licensed practitioner.
- Educational Settings: Schools and educational organizations often need individuals with a background in psychology for roles such as academic advising, admissions counseling, or administrative support.
- Research and Administrative Support: You could work as a research assistant or in administrative positions within universities, private research firms, or government agencies that focus on social sciences research.
- Law Enforcement and Community Relations: Some graduates with a psychology degree may enter law enforcement, corrections, or community outreach roles, where they can apply their understanding of psychology to help manage and interact with individuals in the community effectively.
- Non-profit Organizations: Non-profits often seek individuals with psychology backgrounds for program development, administration, and working directly with clients or communities, especially in roles that require empathy and effective communication.
Further education can open additional career opportunities, such as clinical psychology, counseling, or specialized therapeutic roles, which require licensure and advanced degrees. However, even with just a bachelor’s degree, the foundational skills in understanding human behavior and systematic thinking are widely applicable and can serve as a strong base for a diverse career path.