Although some schools choose not to seek accreditation and may still deliver effective courses, it is worth considering schools listed on the U.S. Government Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Programs and Institutions. The psychology programs at these schools have been deemed by the U.S. Secretary of State for Education as "reliable authorit(ies) as to the quality of postsecondary education." A link to the database is included in the References section at the foot of this article.
The University of Phoenix is the second-rated online school as of March 2009 according to collegecrunch.org, who ranked 25 top providers "offering the most thorough and marketable education." The psychology courses available online from Phoenix also feature as an editor's pick on getdegrees.com and receive a four out of five star user rating. Education-Portal.com lists it as a reputable institution. The psychology courses offered range from associate to doctorate.
Online Campus
University of Phoenix
3157 E. Elwood St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
866-766-0766
phoenix.edu
Capella "endeavors to provide a quality education while maintaining a personal relationship with their students." The psychology courses feature in the editor's pick on getdegrees.com and receive a five-out-of-five user rating. The psychology courses offered include a Bachelor of Science in general psychology and a wide variety of postgraduate qualifications.
Capella University
Capella Tower
225 S. Sixth St., Ninth Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402
888-227-2736
capella.edu
The psychology courses available online from Walden also feature as an editor's pick on getdegrees.com and receive a four-out-of-five star user rating. The range of online courses available from Walden is comprehensive. They include 10 bachelor's, 21 master's, 13 doctorate and three post-degree qualifications.
Walden University
155 Fifth Ave. S. Ste. 100
Minneapolis, MN 55401
waldenu.edu
Socialpsychology.org list sites that offer free resources. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is just one reputable school that allows access to course resources -- audio, video files, lecture notes and assignments. Yale University also allows access to a range of course materials and although not leading to a qualification, the chance to explore the subject of psychology and follow a first class course is available at no cost. The Reference section at the bottom of this article includes a link to these resources.