Are you interested in learning about the human mind and behavior but find it challenging to commit to a traditional college degree due to time constraints? An online psychology bachelor’s degree could be the ideal solution for you.
Opting for an online program allows you the flexibility to study at your own pace, equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in this vibrant field.
In this guide, we will examine some of the popular schools that offer online psychology bachelor’s degrees in Maryland. This information will assist you in making a well-informed decision and embarking on the path toward a rewarding career in psychology.
Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in Maryland
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online psychology bachelor’s degrees in Maryland:
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- George Mason University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- PennState World Campus
- Regent University
- Grand Canyon University
- Purdue Global
- UMass Global
University of Maryland Global Campus
Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
You can advance your career with an online bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland Global Campus. This degree can help you increase your marketability by acquiring skills in critical thinking and scientific reasoning.
Under the guidance of experienced faculty who apply their real-world expertise in the classroom, you’ll expand your knowledge. You can complete your degree on your schedule with our convenient online courses and take advantage of transfer credit policy to save both time and money.
The UMGC online psychology program is designed to enhance your skills in behavioral analysis, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, effective communication, and skeptical inquiry. You’ll learn about psychological approaches and methods that address current issues and predict future trends. The courses, led by practicing professionals who are experts in various interdisciplinary and cross-cultural fields, provide a comprehensive education rooted in practical experience.
This program is ideal if you are a mid-level professional aiming to progress in your career or preparing for graduate studies. The conceptual, clinical, and theoretical skills you gain could make you a standout in the job market and an effective problem solver within your organization.
The program requires you to complete a total of 120 credits:
- 33 Required Major Credits
- 41 General Education Credits
- 46 Minor & Elective Credits
Throughout your studies, your instructors will focus on assignments that enhance real-world skills and experience. Previous course projects have included:
- Developing a community outreach proposal to apply a positive psychology construct/theory practically, creating a beneficial impact. You will define relevant concepts, detail how they are integrated into the proposal, and provide a rationale for the chosen program or intervention.
- Planning, executing, and documenting a research study using naturalistic observation to explore a social psychology question in a public setting, and using the findings to analyze the underlying factors influencing behaviors.
- Performing a case conceptualization by examining a client’s profile, selecting a diagnosis, creating a treatment plan, and backing your decisions with empirical evidence and scholarly resources.
The skills you develop in this program are highly valued across various modern industries. Graduates acquire vital skills in critical thinking, scientific research, data analysis, problem-solving, interpersonal awareness, counseling, and adaptability. Program directors regularly update the curriculum to help you achieve key learning outcomes:
- Apply Concepts: Use relevant psychological concepts, theories, empirical findings, and historical trends to address personal, organizational, and social issues.
- Think Critically: Employ critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and a technology-informed scientific approach to solve contemporary and emerging psychological problems.
- Communicate Effectively: Engage effectively with diverse groups across various contexts, conveying ideas and perspectives clearly.
- Conduct Research: Demonstrate scientific reasoning through the design, participation in, and evaluation of psychological research.
- Use Ethical Principles: Apply ethical principles to evaluate psychological science and practice in both professional and personal contexts.
- Promote Diversity: Analyze how human diversity influences behavior understanding.
Here are some benefits of this online degree program:
- You are encouraged to join the Behavioral and Social Science Student Association as part of our commitment to provide lifetime career services and counseling. This club promotes career development, continuing education, and builds community among students with similar interests.
- As an eligible psychology major, you can join Pi Gamma Mu, the international honor society that recognizes excellence in the social sciences.
- This program prepares you for advanced studies in psychology and various entry and mid-level career paths in business, healthcare, law enforcement, and education. Potential roles include case manager, social services coordinator, mental health technician, data analyst, public relations specialist, and academic advisor.
To apply to this program, you should:
- Complete the application for admission.
- Submit your high school transcript or equivalent if you have fewer than 12 credit hours.
- International applicants may need to provide additional materials.
George Mason University
Online Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts – Psychology
At George Mason University, you have the opportunity to pursue either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology entirely online. This online format maintains the same level of coursework and instruction quality as the in-person courses, designed by experienced faculty members in collaboration with instructional designers. You will be taught by the same faculty who teach the on-campus classes and have similar access to academic advising and instructor interaction through virtual meetings and online office hours.
The 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Psychology emphasizes math and science within the psychology field. In this program, you will explore behavior and its implications in various contexts, including health and well-being, child and adolescent development, education, social situations, the workplace, and technology usage.
To complete your BS, you must earn at least 39 credits in psychology and 35 credits in supporting courses, with 24 of those credits at the 300 and 400 levels, spanning basic, applied psychology courses, and electives.
The 120-credit Bachelor of Arts in Psychology leans towards liberal arts and includes general education courses with a foreign language requirement. This degree offers a wide array of courses such as social psychology, abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, biopsychology, and special topics like forensic psychology and romantic relationships. To earn your BA, you must complete 37 psychology credits, with 24 credits at the 300 and 400 levels.
George Mason’s proximity to Washington, D.C., enriches the department’s active involvement in research that influences public policy and national defense. Graduates from these programs find career opportunities in diverse fields such as human resources, data analysis, user interface design, and social media marketing.
During your study, you will have the chance to engage in various activities, including:
- Conducting an independent research project in collaboration with a faculty member.
- Gaining hands-on research experience in a faculty lab.
- Participating in service learning courses that allow you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, like combining a class in abnormal psychology with service at a mental health facility.
You can also opt for concentrations such as clinical psychology, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, developmental psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, human factors and applied cognition, or work and organizational psychology. Courses within these concentrations can also fulfill other degree requirements.
Mason Online offers great flexibility, ideal if you need additional accommodation in your undergraduate journey or if you’re looking to attend from anywhere in the world.
Program outcomes for both BS and BA include:
- You will gain a comprehensive understanding of key psychological concepts, principles, and themes.
- You will develop a functional knowledge across psychology’s content domains and learn to apply this knowledge effectively.
- You will utilize scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena, engage in innovative problem-solving, and conduct basic research incorporating sociocultural factors.
- You will apply ethical standards in evaluating psychological science and practice, build interpersonal relationships, and foster community values at all levels.
- You will improve your communication skills across various formats and interact effectively with diverse groups.
- You will apply psychological knowledge and skills towards achieving your career goals, enhance your self-efficacy, self-regulation, project management, and teamwork abilities, and develop a meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.
If you are qualified, you may enter the accelerated BA/BS to MA program in psychology with a concentration in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. This accelerated path allows you to complete both degrees after earning a minimum of 138 credits, fulfilling all university requirements for the master’s degree.
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
By earning your psychology bachelor’s degree online from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), you will learn advanced psychological theories, engage with case studies and practical experiences, and develop skills applicable to any field where understanding human behavior is crucial.
This program includes a 12-credit certificate in Data Literacy in Psychology, equipping you to integrate data with theory and effectively communicate your findings to both scholarly and professional audiences.
Throughout your studies, you will have opportunities to apply classroom knowledge through practical learning experiences and internships. These opportunities not only help you refine your career goals but also allow you to build a resume that stands out to future employers.
The program offers the flexibility to follow a general track or to choose from various career-specific concentrations. With 39 free electives, it is also an ideal choice if you plan to transfer credits.
Designed to prepare you for success in a diverse, global society, the program provides insights into numerous career paths and emphasizes research skills, culminating in a capstone project. Each course is structured to build towards this project, with content organized into weekly sections to help you manage your studies effectively.
You could potentially save on time and costs with SNHU’s transfer policy, which allows up to 90 credits to be transferred towards your bachelor’s degree and 45 credits towards an associate degree from previous studies. This policy could reduce your tuition costs by up to 75%. Additionally, you may earn college credit for prior work experience and benefit from military discounts or employer tuition assistance, if available.
Being part of Southern New Hampshire University connects you to a robust network of over 300,000 students, alumni, and staff. This community can support you well beyond graduation. The instructors at SNHU, who bring real-world experience, will guide you in understanding and navigating the complexities of the field. Furthermore, SNHU’s extensive, nationwide alumni network can provide access to a wealth of internship and career opportunities.
PennState World Campus
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
At PennState World Campus, you can enroll in a 123-credit online Bachelor of Arts program in Psychology. This program is connected with nearly every aspect of our society, preparing you with essential research, analytical, and writing skills applicable across various job sectors.
The curriculum includes foundational courses in introductory psychology, psychology as a science and profession, basic research methods, and a culminating experience. You can also choose additional courses related to your specific interests and needs, allowing you to customize your degree to your personal and professional goals.
The principles of psychology are utilized in many fields, including human resources, rehabilitative therapies, educational testing, and business practices. This bachelor’s program, a joint effort between Penn State College of the Liberal Arts and Penn State World Campus, equips you with multifaceted skills that are highly valued by employers.
In the BA in Psychology at PennState, you will gain a deep understanding of how people think and behave. You will also acquire foundational education skills such as effective communication, ethical understanding, appreciation of diversity, and social adeptness. These skills will prepare you for a successful career in various fields or for further advanced studies.
Throughout the program, you have the opportunity to learn from some of the most respected faculty members of the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts, which is globally recognized for its expertise in liberal arts disciplines.
If you are interested in studying both standard and abnormal behaviors, their research methodologies, and practical applications, this major is designed for you. Graduates often pursue rewarding careers in human service agencies, industrial settings, or research labs. Others continue their education in medical or law school, or advance to master’s or doctoral programs.
To apply, you must be a high school graduate or have a completed GED. Applications are processed online and require a nonrefundable application fee.
Admission into the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology via the World Campus is contingent upon meeting specific Entrance-to-Major (ETM) requirements. When applying, select the BA/BS degree in Psychology. If you meet the ETM criteria at the time of application, you will be directly admitted into the program.
Regent University
Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Regent’s 120-credit online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is designed to deepen your understanding of human behavior and enhance your ability to think about psychological topics logically and responsibly. You will study the functions of the human mind and become familiar with effective theories and practices.
To graduate from Regent with a bachelor’s degree, you need to complete general education courses, at least one major area of study, and enough electives to total 120 semester credit hours.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required to graduate and remain in good academic standing. Certain areas of study may also demand a minimum grade in all major-specific courses.
Throughout the program, your coursework will include key subjects such as:
- 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 how personality influences behavior
- Prepare for further educational pursuits and career advancement
Career opportunities following this program include:
- Therapy
- Executive management
- Social work and human services
- Marketing and sales
- Healthcare
To apply for this program, you must:
- Submit an application to Regent University
- Complete the admissions questionnaire
- Provide your unofficial transcripts
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
Regent University is recognized as one of the top military and veteran-supportive institutions in the United States. Participating in an admissions event, especially online, can provide valuable insights as you plan your educational journey. These events are an excellent opportunity to clarify your goals, explore your calling, and address any questions you might have about the admissions process, military benefits, and financial aid options.
What is the Difference Between a BA and a BS in Psychology?
The difference between a BA and a BS in psychology primarily lies in the focus and structure of the curriculum. A BA in psychology typically includes a broader range of liberal arts courses, emphasizing social sciences, humanities, and a foreign language, making it more versatile and focused on human behavior in social contexts.
Conversely, a BS in psychology is generally more focused on the scientific and technical aspects of psychology, incorporating more coursework in math, science, and research methods, preparing students for more scientifically oriented or research-focused careers in psychology.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Psychology After Getting a Bachelor’s Degree?
The duration to complete a PhD in psychology after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree typically ranges from 5 to 7 years, depending on several factors:
- Program Structure: Some PhD programs include a master’s degree component, which can extend the overall time. Other programs may offer direct entry from a Bachelor’s degree into a PhD program, allowing you to bypass a standalone Master’s degree.
- Full-time vs. Part-time Enrollment: Studying full-time can obviously shorten the duration compared to part-time study, which might be necessary if you are balancing work or other commitments.
- Dissertation: The time it takes to complete your dissertation can significantly affect your total time in the program. The dissertation involves conducting original research, analyzing data, and writing your findings. The complexity of the research and the time it takes to collect and analyze data can vary widely.
- Field of Specialization: Some areas of psychology may require longer training and research periods due to the nature of the studies and experiments, such as clinical psychology, which often requires extensive clinical hours and internships.
- Individual Progress: Personal factors, including your ability to pass required exams, complete coursework, and meet dissertation milestones, also play a role in how long it will take to complete your PhD.
Overall, you should expect to dedicate at least five years to complete a PhD in psychology if you are entering from a bachelor’s degree program.