What is an online bachelor’s degree in psychology?

An online bachelor's degree in in psychology is a college degree that students can earn online that can help them prepare for a career in the study and application of psychology. This 120-credit program covers topics like analyzing human behavior, sharpening quantitative skills, increasing communication proficiencies, and more. The program can help students prepare to work in clinical, private, corporate and nonprofit positions. Please note that this program does not lead to initial professional licensure in the field of mental health. Students pursue a graduate or doctoral program or take additional coursework after obtaining a bachelor's degree to seek licensure, and requirements vary by state.

How long does it take to get an online bachelor’s degree in psychology?

This 120-credit program is offered year-round. The time it will take you to complete your degree depends on your goals, the number of transfer credits you have, your desired courseload each semester, and whether you can benefit from one or more of our fast paths to credit. These include credit for prior learning and credit for military education and training.

How much does an online bachelor’s degree in psychology cost?

As with all of our tuition rates, UMGC's psychology program is offered at a very competitive rate, which appears at the top of this page. We also offer a low in-state rate for Maryland residents and a reduced tuition rate for military servicemembers and their spouses and dependent children. UMGC has scholarships for those who qualify, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks, all to make our degrees more affordable.

What background do I need to get an online bachelor’s degree in psychology?

You do not need any specific background or experience in psychology to enroll in and graduate with our online degree in psychology. All students meeting the UMGC undergraduate admission requirements can enroll in this program.

Are any certifications available for those with an online bachelor’s degree in psychology?

You do not need any certifications to enroll in or complete this program. Please note that our undergraduate psychology program does not lead to initial professional licensure in the field of mental health. You must pursue a graduate or doctoral program or take additional coursework after obtaining a bachelor's degree to seek licensure. Please consult with the applicable state board for more information.

What UMGC student organizations are available to psychology students?

Pi Gamma Mu (Social Science Disciplines) Pi Gamma Mu recognizes outstanding scholarship in the social sciences. UMGC's Maryland Theta chapter was recently added to the society’s Roll of Distinction and was also the winner of the 2020 UMGC Student Organization Awards Best in Show Activities and Events Award. It is available to undergraduate students. Membership is by invitation only. You must have completed at least 45 credits toward your degree to be eligible. If you have earned at least 20 credits in social science coursework (including at least 9 credits at UMGC) and have a GPA in the top 35 percent, you may be invited to join. For more information, please email marylandtheta@umgc.edu.Behavioral & Social Science Student Association The Behavioral and Social Science Student Association provides resources on careers in social science-related fields. Activities have included guest speakers, discussions on making an impact in your community, and sharing research opportunities. It is available to students, alumni, staff, and faculty. Students and alumni can join the Behavioral and Social Science Student Association group on CareerQuest.

Online Bachelor's Degree: Psychology

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

120 credits
Transfer up to 90 credits
All courses available online
Select hybrid courses available

TUITION RATES

$330 per credit (in-state)
$499 per credit (out-of-state)
$250 per credit (military)
Other fees may apply

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Advance in your career with an online bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Maryland Global Campus. Increase your marketability by learning career-relevant skills in critical thinking and scientific reasoning. Expand your knowledge base under the direction of experienced faculty members who bring their practical expertise to the classroom. Earn your degree on your own time with our convenient online courses and save time and money with our generous transfer credit policy. Why wait? Take the first step and apply today!

Build Crucial Skills in Analysis, Reasoning, Communication, & Research

UMGC’s online psychology program is designed to help students build career-relevant skills in behavioral analysis, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, effective communication, and skeptical inquiry. This program is designed to help students understand the psychological approaches and methods that may be able to solve current problems and anticipate emerging trends. Our psychology courses are taught by working professionals who are experts in several diverse and cross-cultural subject areas, allowing for a broad-based and in-depth education that is rooted in practical experience. Perfect for mid-level professionals looking to advance in their careers or prepare for graduate study, the conceptual, clinical, and theoretical skills acquired in this program may help psychology majors stand out in the market and become effective problem-solvers in their organizations.

Here are a few benefits of this online degree program:

As part of our commitment to providing students with lifetime career services and counseling, those enrolled in this program are encouraged to join the Behavioral and Social Science Student Association. This academic club promotes career development and ongoing education and fosters community with like-minded students.
Eligible psychology majors can join Pi Gamma Mu, which recognizes outstanding scholarship in the social sciences. UMGC’s Maryland Theta chapter was recently added to the society’s Roll of Distinction and was also the winner of the 2020 UMGC Student Organization Awards Best in Show Activities and Events Award.
We offer competitive tuition rates for Maryland residents, as well as discounts for military servicemembers and their spouses and dependents.

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2025–2026 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Read the Catalog

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each bachelor’s degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all bachelor’s degrees.

See Degree Requirements

Develop Career-Ready Skills in Psychology

The knowledge and skills that you cultivate in this program are highly valued by employers and can easily translate to almost any modern industry. Graduates of this program develop crucial skills in critical thinking, scientific research, data analysis, problem solving, interpersonal awareness, counseling, and adaptability. Our program directors refresh and update the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve these learning goals:

Apply Concepts

Apply relevant concepts, theories, empirical findings, and historical trends to personal, organizational, and social issues.

Think Critically

Implement critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, technology-based information literacy, and the scientific approach to solve problems related to current and emerging trends in psychology.

Communicate Effectively

Communicate ideas, concepts, arguments, and perspectives during effective interactions with diverse groups in a variety of contexts.

Conduct Research

Model scientific reasoning by designing, participating in, and evaluating psychological research.

Use Ethical Principles

Use ethical principles of psychology to evaluate psychological science and practice within professional and personal settings.

Promote Diversity

Analyze the complexity of human diversity and how it influences our understanding of behavior

Unlock Your Career Potential

This program is designed to help you prepare for higher-level education in psychology as well as entry-level or mid-level career paths in a variety of industries, including business, healthcare, law enforcement, and higher education. Potential job titles within specific psychology careers include case manager, social services coordinator, mental health technician, data analyst, public relations specialist, and academic advisor. Please note: Psychologist roles often require a master’s degree or doctoral degree.

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Psychology Degrees

Practice Real-World Skills in Your Psychology Courses

Throughout your curriculum, your instructors will assign coursework that will help you prioritize real-world skills and experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following course projects:

Develop a community outreach proposal, demonstrating how a positive psychology construct/theory can be applied in a practical manner to bring about a positive impact for others. Operationally define relevant concepts to anchor how they will be employed throughout the proposal and how they are employed in the outreach design. Detail the rationale for the program/intervention.
Plan, execute, and document a concise research study employing naturalistic observation within a public or communal setting to investigate a research question rooted in principles of social psychology. Utilize the study's outcomes to elucidate and assess the underlying factors that influence behaviors.
Perform a comprehensive case conceptualization by scrutinizing a client's profile, choosing a diagnosis, formulating a treatment plan, and substantiating decisions with the utilization of empirical evidence and scholarly resources.

Explore UMGC Psychology Insights

Gain insight from our faculty and staff and delve deeper into a range of topics, including the career potential of psychology majors and how to apply psychology-related principles to everyday activities.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Psychology?

Learn more about the knowledge and skills you can gain with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMGC.

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Psychology

Bachelor of Science

Online Bachelor's Degree: Psychology

Psychology

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

TUITION RATES

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Build Crucial Skills in Analysis, Reasoning, Communication, & Research