How Long Does It Take to Get a Psychology Degree Online?

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Martha Robinson

Are you interested in pursuing a career in psychology but unsure about the time commitment required to obtain a degree? With the flexibility of online programs, it’s now easier than ever to earn a psychology degree without sacrificing other priorities. In this article, we’ll discuss how long it takes to get a psychology degree online and what factors can impact your timeline.

Types of Psychology Degrees

Before diving into the timeline, it’s essential to understand the different types of psychology degrees available. Here are the most common ones:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: This is an undergraduate degree that typically takes four years to complete.
  • Master’s Degree: A master’s degree can take anywhere from one to three years to complete depending on whether you’re attending full-time or part-time.
  • Doctoral Degree: A doctoral degree can take anywhere from five to seven years or longer depending on your specialization and research requirements.

Factors That Affect the Timeline

Several factors can impact how long it takes to obtain a psychology degree online. Here are some of them:

  • Scheduling: Online programs offer more flexibility compared to traditional programs, however, scheduling is still an important factor. If you’re attending school part-time while working full-time, it will take longer than if you’re devoting all your time to your studies.
  • Credit Transfer: Depending on your previous education and experience, you may qualify for credit transfer which can shorten your timeline.
  • Courses Offered: Some courses may only be offered at certain times of the year or may not be offered every semester which can affect how quickly you complete your program.
  • Specialization: If you’re pursuing a specialization like clinical psychology or neuropsychology, it may take longer because of additional research requirements.

Timeline for Online Psychology Degrees

Now that we’ve covered the different types of psychology degrees and factors that can impact your timeline, let’s discuss how long it takes to obtain a psychology degree online.

  • Bachelor’s Degree: An online bachelor’s degree in psychology typically takes four years to complete if attending full-time. Part-time programs can take longer depending on your schedule.
  • Master’s Degree: An online master’s degree in psychology typically takes one to three years depending on whether you’re attending full-time or part-time.
  • Doctoral Degree: An online doctoral degree in psychology typically takes five to seven years or longer depending on your specialization and research requirements.

In Conclusion

Obtaining a psychology degree online is a great way to pursue your career goals without sacrificing other priorities. The length of time it takes to obtain a degree will depend on several factors such as scheduling, credit transfer, courses offered, and specialization. However, with proper planning and dedication, you can earn your online psychology degree in a reasonable amount of time.