Distance Learning Schools for Psychology

Accreditation

• Because psychology and counseling professions are licensed by states, it is important that your chosen degree program meet the requirements for licensing. All states require that programs and classes used to meet the licensing requirements be accredited. While it may be possible to get a waiver, it is highly unlikely one would be granted. If you intend to seek a waiver, get the information in writing from the licensing agency before pursuing a psychology degree from a nonaccredited program.

Types

• Three major psychology degrees are available using distance education. The bachelor's degree, which is normally earned after four years of on-campus study, is the first and most basic degree. For licensing and actual counseling, you will need at least an additional year of study to get a master's degree. For most teaching positions at the university level and for private practice work, you will need a doctorate. This is either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D., depending on the designation preferred by your school.

Time Frame

• You will have the option to move at your own pace with a distance education program and you will likely be given some credit for work and life experience, depending on your program. However, you should generally consider that it will take at least as long to obtain a degree in psychology through distance education as it would for on-campus study.

Benefits

• Distance education programs for psychology programs are much less expensive than attending classes in a traditional manner. You also may be able to work within the field while studying for your degree. This can take the place of required internships.

  Because you have the option of working at your own pace, you can potentially earn your degree in less time. You will also not need to disrupt your family and work life to earn your degree.

Potential

• According to the U.S. Department of Education, distance education programs are projected to have above average growth for the next 10 years. This is credited to the expansion of the Internet and the cost of distance education programs falling while on campus tuition rates are rising.

  Because psychology degree programs require very little in the way of laboratory work, these programs are well-suited for distance education.