Online bachelor’s degrees in psychology offered by Missouri universities provide a flexible pathway for students to understand complex psychological principles and human behavior. These programs cater to diverse career aspirations, ranging from clinical practice to industrial-organizational roles.
Whether you are a busy professional, a remote learner, or simply looking to transition into a new field, Missouri’s online psychology programs offer the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in various professional settings.
Below are descriptions of some of the popular online psychology bachelor’s programs in Missouri worth your consideration!
Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in Missouri
Here is a list of some of the popular schools offering online psychology bachelor’s degrees in Missouri:
- University of Missouri – Columbia
- William Woods University
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Grand Canyon University
- Capella University
- Purdue Global
- Liberty University
- Southern Hampshire University
University of Missouri – Columbia
Online Bachelor of Arts – Psychology
The University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) offers a fully online psychology bachelor’s degree program. This research-focused Bachelor of Arts introduces you to the theories and principles behind human behavior while preparing you to gather data and make evidence-based decisions.
Courses for this program are 100% online, with no campus visits required. Successful completion of the program requires 120 credit hours of coursework, which may include transfer credits from other regionally accredited institutions.
During the program, you will be introduced to multiple psychology subdisciplines, trained to go beyond opinion and speculation, and will build on a strong liberal arts foundation. You will be prepared for various paths post-graduation — from entering a behavior-centric field to applying for an applied psychology or human services graduate program.
This collaborative online bachelor’s in psychology focuses on critical thinking, applied statistics, and quantitative and qualitative methods, and exposes you to diverse related career paths. You will learn to observe people, conduct patient evaluations, and assess mental health disorders.
For the 30 credit hours of psychology requirements, distribution courses split across two areas make up 12 credit hours. These areas include:
- Clinical/social/development: Understand the processes and external factors behind individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, including cultural, biological, and lifespan influences. Learn how these aspects shape mental health evaluations and diagnostic procedures.
- Cognitive/neuroscience: Gain insight into the mechanisms of the mind and the role experiences play in behavior patterns.
Overall, this program allows you to:
- Transform your knowledge about the human mind, behavior, and mental health
- Strengthen your foundation in research, critical thinking, and the scientific method
- Familiarize yourself with psychological theories and trends to write and speak about complex behavioral concerns
- Prepare to use data analysis and research to evaluate human behavior
- Get introduced to psychology’s many applications and subfields, including child and lifespan development, workplace psychology, counseling, and mental health
- Gain a better understanding of human relationships and development
- Commit to supporting diverse clients and groups
- Develop an understanding of the field’s professional ethics, including how power and privilege may influence research, community relationships, and client interactions
If you have fewer than 24 hours of applicable college-level coursework, you may apply as a freshman. If you have 24 or more credit hours of applicable college-level coursework, you may apply as a transfer student.
You will need to fulfill the following admission requirements:
For freshmen:
- Earn the minimum test score on the ACT or SAT.
- Freshman applicants have the option of being reviewed with or without test scores; please see the Freshman Admission Requirements link below for more information.
- Complete 17 specific high school courses with good grades.
- For a list of test scores and high school courses, review the Freshman Admission Requirements.
For transfer students:
- Complete at least 24 credit hours of applicable college coursework, including the equivalent of MATH 1100 or ENGLSH 1000 with a grade of C- or better.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in your college coursework.
- If English is not your native language, submit a TOEFL score of at least 79 (internet-based test), an IELTS score of at least 6.5, a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of at least 59, or a Cambridge C1 Advanced score of at least 195.
William Woods University
Online Bachelor of Arts – Psychology
The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program at William Woods University allows you to build a strong foundation of experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to thrive in any area of psychology and the numerous career opportunities in the field. This program follows all American Psychology Association (APA) Guidelines for Undergraduate study, ensuring you receive a education that prepares you for any career path you choose.
You will be required to complete a minor and a year of a foreign language. The major in psychology is designed to prepare you for various careers and graduate school. The program focuses on giving you the foundational knowledge necessary to be proficient in whichever area of psychology you choose. You will also focus on understanding and predicting behavior, critically evaluating empirical research, and developing counseling skills. Numerous opportunities for research and internships will be available to you.
After earning your undergraduate degree, you will have the opportunity to hold advisory, research, treatment-led, or therapeutic roles in various fields, including healthcare, education, mental health, therapy, casework, counseling, sales and marketing, top and mid-level management, and human resources.
The online program allows you the flexibility to continue working while you pursue your degree, so you can immediately apply the information you are learning. With many subfields such as human development, clinical, sports, social, industrial, and organizational, psychology complements study in other fields.
During the program, you will take courses such as:
- Elementary Statistics: This pre-calculus introduction to statistics covers elementary probability, measures of central tendency and variation, normal distributions, sampling, confidence intervals, estimation, hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation. Emphasis is on the use of graphing calculators and the utility of mathematics as a problem-solving tool, with extensive discussion of applications in natural science, social science, and business.
- General Psychology: This course introduces psychology as a scientific discipline, surveying the biological basis of behavior, motivation, learning, sensation, perception, memory, thinking, and language.
- Careers in Psychology: In this course, you will explore the career paths available to psychology majors, develop career goals, and create specific plans for gaining employment in the field. Graduate study opportunities and job prospects for those pursuing advanced degrees will also be discussed.
- Social Psychology: This course provides an understanding of how the social world affects individuals’ lives. You will learn key theories that explain the power of situations in shaping thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Topics include perception, prejudice, attitudes, conformity, group dynamics, attraction, aggression, and prosocial behaviors, with an expectation to apply social psychology theory to social situations.
- Statistics for the Social Sciences: This course focuses on descriptive and inferential statistics in the design, analysis, and interpretation of data in psychological research. You will learn to effectively present data, with a practical application emphasis.
- Cognitive Psychology: This course provides an understanding of how the human mind processes information. You will gain appreciation for how the mind accomplishes day-to-day tasks and what happens when something goes wrong. Topics include sensation and perception, attention, memory, imagery, language, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Abnormal Psychology: This course studies the factors leading to pathological behavior, types of abnormal behavior, and current therapy methods.
- Advanced Research Project: You will complete a research project in an area of psychology, guided through the research process, including literature review, methodology, and data analysis. This course is repeatable for credit.
- Psychology Seminar: This capstone course integrates prior learning and explores leading research and controversial issues in psychology. Based on your curricular needs and interests, you will employ skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation on topics inherent to the psychology major.
- Research Methods: This course examines the application of basic research methodology concepts to social work, including problem formulation, research design, measurement, sampling, and data analysis. It also covers the role of research in social work and the interpretation and critical analysis of research reports.
Admission requirements for the program include:
- Minimum high school GPA: 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Minimum ACT score: 19
- Minimum SAT score: 980
Northwest Missouri State University
Online Bachelor of Science – Psychology
The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program from Northwest Missouri State University provides you with the resources and credentials necessary to gain a better understanding of the brain, human behavior, and mental functions.
The program requires 120 credit hours to graduate, broken down as follows: 44-47 credit hours from the Northwest Core (general education), 4 credit hours from a university seminar, 27 credit hours dedicated to major-specific courses, 9 credit hours from advisor-approved electives, and additional credits to complete a minor and fulfill the total requirement.
Some of the core courses that you will take include:
- Abnormal Psychology
- Theories of Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychology at Work
- Developmental Psychology
- Biological Psychology
- Psychology of Gender and Race
- Psychology of Personality
- Social Psychology
- General Statistics
In this online psychology bachelor’s program, you will engage in the scientific study of human thoughts and actions. You will improve your critical-thinking skills through the study of scientific research methods and evidence-based practices, increase your understanding of individual behaviors, motivations, and thought processes, and learn about the biological and social influences on human development, cognitive abilities, relationship formation, and personality development.
The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, preparing you with the necessary knowledge and skills to make significant contributions to the workforce after graduation. It encourages critical and decisive thinking.
The curriculum’s profession-based component, shaped by the Professional Advisory Board at Northwest, ensures you can apply what you learn in real-world situations. This board, comprising industry experts, meets annually to discuss employment trends and skills needs, providing feedback that is integrated into course outcomes.
Upon completing this online program, you will be capable of:
- Leveraging your strong research background and knowledge of psychology’s scientific basis
- Employing fundamental research methods in psychology, including design, data analysis, and interpretation
- Applying psychological concepts to address personal, social, and organizational challenges, considering factors like race and gender
- Demonstrating creative and integrative problem-solving abilities
- Establishing a meaningful professional path post-graduation
To enroll in this program, you must meet one of the following criteria:
Transfer Criteria
If you have 24 or more transferable credit hours:
- A minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
If you have fewer than 24 transferable credit hours:
- You must follow freshman admission guidelines and maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- If transferring from non-regionally accredited institutions, you will be considered as a freshman and cannot transfer credits
Returning Students (previously enrolled as degree-seeking at Northwest)
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA for any coursework completed since your last attendance
- Submit a probation essay (if applicable) detailing your previous time at Northwest, activities since leaving, and strategies for future success
Freshman Criteria
- Provide a high school transcript indicating graduation date or GED/HiSET completion
- Optional submission of ACT/SAT scores for scholarships or placement purposes
Home-Schooled Students:
- ACT or SAT scores must be sent directly from the testing agencies
- A transcript of high school courses with grades is required
- Minimum ACT score of 21 or equivalent SAT score
- GED score of 660 or higher
- HiSET score of 75 or higher
Southeast Missouri State University
Online Bachelor of Science – Psychology
The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southeast Missouri State University equips you with an in-depth understanding of human behavior, mental functions, and psychological principles. The curriculum in this online program includes cognitive psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology, giving you a strong base in the discipline. This flexible online degree allows you to balance your education with work and personal life.
To earn this psychology degree, you need to complete at least 120 credit hours, which include general education and at least 39 credit hours of senior division coursework. The program also requires you to select a minor, giving you the chance to broaden your knowledge in an additional area of interest alongside your psychology studies.
Core courses of the program include:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Career Development in Psychology
- Ethics and Diversity in Psychology
- Introduction to Behavioral Statistics
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Advanced Topics in Psychology
- Historical Development of Psychology
In the interactive online classes, you will cover all facets of human behavior and mental processes. You will have the chance to:
- Understand the foundational processes like learning and memory, alongside studies in cognitive, social, developmental, and clinical/personality psychology.
- Manage your educational pursuits alongside work, internships, or other personal responsibilities through online coursework.
- Acquire essential knowledge in statistics and research design, which are crucial for psychological studies.
The program offers numerous practical experiences through applied course projects, research opportunities, and field experiences. Faculty advisors will work with you to tailor your educational path to fit your personal needs and career ambitions.
Earning this undergraduate degree not only prepares you for roles within the field of psychology but also enhances your qualifications for diverse career paths. Your understanding of human behavior will be a valuable asset in various roles across sectors like marketing, human resources, business training, or criminal justice. This degree opens doors to opportunities that include:
- Engaging closely with experienced faculty in small classroom settings.
- Starting with courses focused on career planning and development to help identify your career aspirations and the education needed to achieve them.
- Engaging in and developing psychological research.
- Gaining professional research experience through participation in Southeast’s annual Student Research Conference and various internship opportunities.
Grand Canyon University
Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Grand Canyon University (GCU) is designed to provide you with both specialized and versatile skills, opening up a range of career paths and options for further specialization. GCU focuses on producing graduates who are ready to excel in the workplace or continue their education in graduate school.
If you have a strong interest in helping others reach their full potential and are curious about the scientific aspects of human behavior, this psychology program could be the perfect fit for you.
To graduate from this program at GCU, you must accumulate 120 credits. Online courses are typically eight weeks long, while those offered on campus last up to 15 weeks. Here’s how the credits are distributed:
- General Education Requirements: 34-40 credits
- Major: 48 credits
- Open Elective Credits: 32-38 credits
- Total Degree Requirements: 120 credits
The core courses are aligned with the objectives set by APA, ensuring that you are well-prepared for professional growth. The BS in Psychology also provides a solid base for further academic studies.
Hosted by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the online BS in Psychology offers a comprehensive overview of essential human thoughts and behaviors across all life stages. The curriculum explores the ongoing influence of social, cultural, and environmental factors on human behavior.
During your undergraduate journey, you will enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills, improve your communication abilities, and learn how to apply these skills in various professional environments. You will explore different behaviors and thought processes and acquire knowledge in research best practices, including scientific observation, data collection, and analysis.
The curriculum establishes a strong foundation in psychology and allows for specialization through electives such as performance and sport psychology or forensic psychology. Key focus areas of this program include:
- Innovative thinking and effective communication
- Ethical research practices
- Developmental psychology from childhood through aging
- Neuroscience and abnormal behaviors
You will also complete a capstone course, which involves creating a proposal for a research project that addresses a specific psychological issue. This project will integrate and apply the knowledge and skills you have gained throughout the course.
With a BS in Psychology from GCU, you could enter entry-level positions in private sectors, nonprofits, schools, or social service agencies. Potential roles include:
- Social and community service managers
- Human service assistants
- Community and social service specialists
For more advanced positions or to become a clinical or counseling psychologist, further studies at the master’s or doctoral level are typically necessary, along with obtaining state-specific licensure.
Applying to GCU is straightforward and does not involve any fees. You simply need to submit high school or college transcripts for full admission consideration. There is no essay requirement for the application process.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Psychology Degree Online?
The time it takes to complete an online psychology degree typically varies depending on several factors, including the program’s structure, whether you attend full-time or part-time, and any previous credits you may transfer in. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Most online bachelor’s degrees in psychology require around 120 credit hours. If you study full-time, you can usually complete the degree in about four years. If you’re a part-time student, it might take longer, depending on how many courses you take each semester.
- Master’s Degree: An online master’s degree in psychology generally takes about two to three years to complete if you are enrolled full-time. Part-time students might take longer, depending on their course load.
- Doctorate Degree: A doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. or PsyD in psychology, can take anywhere from four to seven years to complete, depending on the program specifics, whether you’re studying full-time, and the nature of your dissertation or other graduation requirements.
Accelerated programs or those that offer year-round courses might allow you to complete your degree faster than traditional programs. Additionally, if you are able to transfer credits from previous postsecondary education or leverage professional experience for credit, you could also shorten your time to graduation.
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