30 Best Online Accelerated Psychology Degrees [2024 Guide]
By Joy Miller
Edited by Tania Staley
Updated on September 20, 2024
We’ve identified 30 accredited accelerated online psychology degree programs. Compare schools and see what you can do when you graduate with a psychology degree.
Psychology is an in-demand field with an estimated 7% growth rate and an average annual salary of $92,740 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
You may be able to start your psychology career in 2 years or less by taking online accelerated classes.
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Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer accelerated psychology degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University offers an accelerated online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. This program requires the completion of 120 credit hours (40 classes). Each class is 7.5 weeks long.
The program features a 4+1 accelerated option, allowing students to earn a master’s degree in just one additional year. This flexible format supports a swift transition into the psychology field or advanced studies.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Azusa Pacific University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology completion program is designed for transfer students with at least 15 units. This flexible program requires a total of 120 units, including 48 program units, and offers both online and regional location options. It provides hands-on field experience and research opportunities, preparing students for diverse careers in psychology.
Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Bellevue University’s online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program, requiring 127 credits, offers an accelerated path with significant credit transfer opportunities, including full associate degrees and military training.
With flexible online courses and four start dates per year, students can progress quickly while benefiting from practical research opportunities and a comprehensive curriculum.
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Biola University’s online Bachelor of Science in Psychology requires 120 credits. It offers 7-week and 15-week course options and can be completed in 2 to 4 years. The program accepts up to 70 qualifying transfer credits and grants credits for Prior Learning Assessments of work and volunteer experience, enabling a faster path to graduation.
Biola offers a comprehensive, faith-integrated education.
Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Brescia University’s online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program offers flexible, affordable courses tailored for adult learners, allowing degree completion in as little as 2 years. It provides a strong foundation in psychological principles, preparing students for various careers or advanced studies. The program boasts a 100% graduate school acceptance rate.
Brescia University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Bryan College offers an online Bachelor of Applied Psychology with a structured 120-credit curriculum. The program is designed to be accessible, accepting transfer credits, including those from prior college-level work, ensuring that students can potentially accelerate their education. Applicants with 12 or more college credits can transfer these credits, easing their degree completion.
Bryan College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
California Baptist University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a 50-unit program that can be completed in 16 months with a full-time course load and prior completion of general education and elective requirements.
The program offers accelerated, asynchronous courses starting every 8 weeks, with three semesters per year, enabling faster degree completion. Transfer-friendly policies also allow students to consolidate undergraduate credits.
California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Colorado Christian University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology. Students can benefit from CCU’s generous transfer policies, potentially completing their degrees faster. The program offers three emphases and can be finished in as little as five semesters, with options to transition into accelerated master’s programs.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Psychology requires 120 credits, including 42 upper-division credits. Students can transfer up to 90 credits and earn credits through prior learning assessments, enabling faster completion. The program offers flexible study options and specialized minors to enhance career readiness.
Colorado State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado Technical University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a 182-credit program designed for flexibility and accelerated completion. Students can transfer prior college credits and utilize CTU Fast Track exams to test out of courses, potentially finishing the degree up to 30% faster. This allows students to leverage their existing knowledge and experience to reduce the time needed to graduate.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University – St. Paul offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that can be completed in 2 years. This 120-credit program allows up to 90 transfer credits and provides practical field experience. It’s designed to be flexible, catering to various career paths in psychology with options for accelerated completion through transfer credits and multiple start dates throughout the year.
Concordia University – Saint Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Eastern Kentucky University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology that requires the completion of 120 credits. Degree completion can be accelerated by transferring up to 90 credits.
The program offers 8 concentrations and uses 8-week accelerated terms, facilitating quicker degree completion. This setup is ideal for students aiming to customize their education to align with specific career aspirations in various psychological fields.
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fisher College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that can be completed online or on campus. It requires the completion of 120 credits, but up to 90 qualifying transfer credits are accepted. The program features an 8-week term structure, allowing quicker completion, and tailored educational paths, including a Human Services concentration.
Fisher College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Greenville University offers a 120-credit online Bachelor of Science in Psychology that can be completed in 2 to 4 years. Students can transfer up to 90 credits to expedite their degree completion. This faith-based program prepares students for careers in human and social services, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and mental processes.
Greenville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Indiana University – East offers a flexible, online Bachelor of Science in Psychology that requires the completion of 120 credit hours. It is designed to be completed faster through accelerated courses and multiple start dates. The program is transfer-friendly, accepting up to 90 credits from 4-year institutions and 64 from 2-year colleges, allowing for even faster degree completion.
Indiana University – East is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
King University’s online Bachelor of Science in Psychology requires the completion of 124 credits. The program features accelerated 5-week courses and allows transfer credits to fulfill some requirements, enabling it to be finished in just 16 months. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for diverse careers in psychology.
King University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with 8 specialization options. This flexible program features 8-week courses and allows students to transfer up to 75% of their degree credits.
The curriculum is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, preparing them for various careers or further academic endeavors in psychology.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Loyola University – Chicago offers a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology through its School of Continuing and Professional Studies. This flexible 120-credit program, available online and on-campus, includes Counseling and Organizational tracks. It accepts up to 60 transfer credits and 11 non-traditional credits. It is designed to accommodate adult learners and accelerate completion.
Loyola University – Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
McKendree University offers a flexible online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that requires the completion of 120 credits. The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, supporting a faster path to graduation. Students can streamline their studies by transferring previous coursework, which helps shorten the duration of their degree program significantly.
McKendree University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Mercer University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology designed for flexibility, with online and on campus options. It requires the completion of 120 credits and allows up to 64 credits to be transferred from associate degree work. A minimum of 32 credits must be completed at Mercer.
The program features study-abroad opportunities, and multiple start dates are offered each year
Mercer University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Northeastern University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a comprehensive 120-credit curriculum that can be completed online. The program offers three concentrations and the PlusOne option, which allows students to apply credits toward their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This approach accelerates time to graduation and prepares students for advanced psychology careers.
Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Ohio Christian University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology requires 120 credit hours. The program offers flexibility through transfer credit acceptance and a 5-week course format. These options allow motivated individuals to complete their degrees faster.
Ohio Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Old Dominion University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology, featuring a 120-credit curriculum with courses in experimental design, clinical psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology. ODU supports efficient degree completion by offering a free unofficial transfer evaluation and pathways from various colleges to maximize credit transfer.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Park University offers a flexible, online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The curriculum covers diverse psychological aspects, preparing students for a variety of career paths and further studies. Up to 75 transfer credits are accepted, allowing students to accelerate their education significantly and tailor their learning experience to their professional goals.
Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Regis University offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology that can be completed online or on campus. This flexible program allows up to 81 transfer credits and provides accelerated 5- and 8-week terms. It covers diverse topics, such as behavior and health psychology, equipping students for various professional roles or further academic pursuits.
Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. It offers five concentrations: Addiction Studies, Child and Adolescent Development, Forensic Psychology, Industrial Organizational Psychology, and Mental Health.
With 8-week terms and up to 90 transfer credits allowed, the program is designed for flexibility.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Trevecca Nazarene University offers an online BA in Psychology designed for working adults. This 120-credit degree-completion program can be completed in approximately 18 months. For students with fewer than 40 credits, an associate program is available to cover general education and introductory courses, with all courses available online.
Trevecca Nazarene University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Florida offers an online BA in Psychology. The program requires the completion of 120 credits, and up to 60 credits can be transferred in, which can significantly accelerate degree completion. The program’s flexible online format ensures broad exposure to key psychology disciplines, preparing graduates for diverse careers or further study.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online BS in Psychology that requires the completion of 120 credits. Students can transfer up to 90 credits from previous institutions.
The program features courses in behavioral analysis, scientific reasoning, and critical thinking. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in various fields or further academic pursuits. Flexible online and hybrid course options are available.
The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Westfield State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that requires 120 credits. The program offers flexible learning formats, including on-campus, online, and remote synchronous options. Transfer students can bring in up to 90 credits from regionally accredited institutions, with a maximum of 79 credits from two-year colleges, facilitating quicker degree completion.
Westfield State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Accelerated psychology degree programs are available at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Click on the one that fits your situation to jump to that section.
Each degree level builds on the previous one and opens new doors and higher salary opportunities for psychology professionals.
Because people have so many needs and challenges, there are many psychology specializations. Focusing on a specific niche can give you the skills to help people overcome their unique challenges.
Some of the options and concentrations available in psychology are:
Within each concentration, there are branches you can explore to specialize further. There are specializations in research, theories, and treatments. Once you earn your bachelor’s in psychology, you can look into getting a master’s or even Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).
Earning a master’s in psychology provides the opportunity to specialize even further in a specific area of psychology, and pursuing an accelerated master’s in psychology program can allow you to do so quickly.
Some universities with accelerated psychology programs even offer one-year master’s programs.
You may enroll in one of these popular options:
Though you can’t be a licensed psychologist with a master’s degree alone, you can offer counseling services. Many non-profit and Christian organizations employ master’s of psychology graduates to serve as front-line service providers.
Businesses also value psychology master’s holders in human resources, marketing, and sales. Assisting in law enforcement is another option.
In a Psychology PhD program, you can delve deeper into a particular area of focus, center on ethical issues, and engage in writing at the professional level. You can also gain skills in analyzing data and statistics and conducting research. You may need to complete an internship during your doctoral program.
To become a licensed psychologist, you’ll need a doctorate. Once you’ve achieved this level of education, you can apply for certification in your state.
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for psychologists is $92,740. The clinical and counseling field, including school psychologists, is the most in-demand. You could also teach up-and-coming psychologists at the university level or engage in original research.
A degree in psychology can give you insight into not only the minds of others but also your mind.
Your growth professionally and personally will be through classes like:
All this knowledge on how the human mind works can empower you to impact behaviors.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology will not make you a doctor or psychologist, but a bachelor’s degree can start you on the path to becoming a psychologist.
Many psychology majors go on to earn graduate degrees, but you can begin a career with a psychology degree. You could work in marketing, sales, advertising, rehabilitation, real estate, social work, child care, parole counseling, or career counseling. There is no shortage of jobs.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), here are a few jobs you could pursue:
| Career | Annual Median Salary |
| Psychologists | $92,740 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $77,030 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $67,650 |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $61,710 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $58,510 |
| Social Workers | $58,380 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $55,960 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $53,710 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists | $49,690 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $44,040 |
Some psychology professions require a minimum of a master’s or doctoral degree, like a master’s in behavioral psychology.
Salaries also vary by experience and location, with metropolitan areas typically being more lucrative than rural areas.
In psychology, you often have to do a lot of reading and writing. You might also have to complete an internship. Luckily, you don’t need to spend as much time per class as the traditional schedule dictates.
Like traditional classes, accelerated classes are set with a particular start date and due dates. You study the same material and complete the same assignments. The difference is that you can do it in less time. It’s not uncommon to complete a class in 5, 6, or 8 weeks.
Because these classes are so short, many universities offer start dates each month. There is no reason for you to wait until the beginning of the next fall or spring semester to get into your course of study.
Accelerated classes can give you the flexibility of time, as do online classes, but they add the flexibility of location as well.
In an online program, you won’t need to commute or move to campus. You can choose a university across the county and take advantage of its unique concentration options without having to move there.
You won’t need to change or quit your job to get to class at a set time. You can log in and watch or listen to the lectures when it’s convenient for you. It’s class on-demand. You can learn and complete your assignments on your schedule within the allotted timeframe for the course.
Taking accelerated classes is helpful, but it’s not the only way to accelerate your degree. The four options listed here in our guide can cut years off the time it takes to complete a psychology degree.
This is for those who took a previous run at college but didn’t complete a degree. Don’t forget those credits. They may still count toward your psych degree as long as:
Even if the class doesn’t satisfy one of the requirements for your current degree, it might still count as an elective. Any credit you can transfer takes the place of a class you now do not need to take, saving you time on your path to earning your degree.
You could also transfer credits from an associate degree in psychology or a related field.
You don’t necessarily have to go to class to get college credit. Instead of registering to take Human Growth and Development, for example, you could take an exam. Even if you don’t already know the material, you can pick up a study guide and take the test. As long as you earn 50%, you can get credit for the class without any score being reflected in your GPA.
Many schools will allow you to earn up to 30 credits, or a year of college, through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Each exam costs $89 and usually consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam.
An hour and a half, plus some studying ahead of time, is a lot faster than taking the class, even an accelerated class, and $89 is a lot less expensive than tuition.
Have you completed any workplace certificates or training? Were you in the military? That training may count for credit. Again, credit for classes you don’t have to go to!
It’s usually referred to as Credit for Prior Learning or Prior Learning Assessment. You could earn credit for your work, military, volunteer, or life experience.
Liberty University, for example, offers credit if you have experience in:
And these are just a few examples.
You may be eligible to submit a portfolio with your training, experiences, and credentials to your university and earn up to 15 credits for what you have already done. Those 15 credits could knock out another semester of classwork.
Now you know how to get credit without attending class, but you will eventually have to complete some courses. The trick here is to take accelerated classes and take more per semester. Not everyone has the time to do this, but if you can commit to your degree program full-time, you can finish in 18 to 24 months.
If you take the typical university schedule of 30 credits each year, it can take 4 to 5 years to finish your degree, but most universities will allow you to take up to 18 credit hours each semester, including the summer. If you take 18 credits each term, you can earn 54 credits in one year.
This could knock the time it takes to complete your degree to less than 3 years.
If you also test out of 30 credits, that will knock off another year, bringing it down to about 2 years. If you submit a portfolio for prior learning or transfer in 15 credits, you could be done in 18 months.
Although it depends on the individual, completing a psychology degree in 2 years (or less) is possible through this strategic combination of methods.
Not only can these strategies save you time, but they can save you money as well. Taking fewer classes means less tuition and money for books out of your pocket.
For the classes you need to take, don’t forget about all the sources of financial aid available to you. The first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will show you the government grants and loans you qualify for.
You can also apply for financial aid from:
Spend time researching these options to ensure you can reduce your costs for school as much as possible. Completing your degree fast is much easier if you don’t have to worry about money.
No matter how fast you plan to complete your degree, the first thing to check before you apply to a school is its accreditation. Accreditation is an official designation that gives your school (and degree) credibility.
Your college or university as a whole should be accredited by one of these regional boards:
You can also check to see if the school’s psychology programs are certified by one of these organizations:
If the school you choose to attend is regionally accredited, that’s often good enough. Programmatic accreditation simply provides that extra bit of assurance that you’ll be receiving a high-quality education in that specific area.
Yes, you can get a psychology degree online. Though you might need to complete an internship, none of your normal classwork requires in-person labs or hands-on experience. You can listen to lectures, read the assigned texts, and complete your assignments without visiting campus.
Because psychology is an in-demand field, many universities offer online programs.
How long it takes to get a psychology degree online will depend on your experience, workload, and other factors.
Some universities follow the traditional semester schedule, even for their online programs. In that case, a bachelor’s degree will typically take 3 to 4 years, depending on whether the school will allow you to take more than the normal number of classes per semester.
A faster option is to enroll in an accelerated bachelor’s in psychology. By doing so, you could finish in half the time, even less if you have prior credits to transfer in, take advantage of CLEP tests, and submit a portfolio for prior learning. The fastest you can finish is usually 18 months to 24 months.
It depends. It is best to look for an online school for psychology that is regionally accredited. Beyond that, the name of the school doesn’t matter as much as the curriculum. Does the college or university offer the concentration you want to focus on?
Another consideration is how flexible the schedule is. Do they have accelerated classes? Will they allow you to complete your classes faster if you want to? Or are you locked into a traditional semester format?
Finally, a school doesn’t need to be fully online, but it should have some experience delivering distance education. Many reputable universities are launching online campuses to mirror or augment their physical campus offerings.
The field of psychology is experiencing an increased demand for trained professionals.
There are a rising number of jobs in:
If you have the time and dedication, you can complete your degree quickly, perhaps in less than 2 years.
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