Psychology consistently ranked among the five most popular undergraduate college majors each year between 2016 and 2023, according to an annual study from Student Choice, a credit union servicer focused on education loans. 

Meanwhile, online education has become a common choice for those pursuing college degrees. In 2023, according to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 53 percent of all college students took online courses. 

But why are so many college students choosing psychology as their major? And what are the benefits of choosing online psychology programs, whether individuals are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a specialized graduate degree such as a master’s in industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology? 

What Is an Online Psychology Program?

Psychology is a social science that studies behaviors and the mental processes that influence them. Students in psychology programs explore topics such as learning and memory processes and statistics and research design. 

There are a variety of focus areas within this field of study. Those pursuing an entry-level online psychology degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, may learn about all the different types of psychology, including: 

• Cognitive psychology: The study of how people think 

• Social psychology: The study of interactions between individuals and groups 

• Developmental psychology: The study of how people change during their lives 

• Clinical/personality psychology: The study of thoughts and feelings that people have over time and how to address them to improve their health and well-being 

What Is an Online I/O Psychology Degree Program?

Another type of psychology, industrial/organizational, is a common area of concentration. In fact, it ranks among the fields that most psychologists focused their careers on in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  

I/O psychology studies the human element in the workplace. Students pursuing a master’s degree in I/O psychology, for example, explore how psychology applies to corporate activities like performance appraisals and organizational development. They learn how to interpret statistics and evaluate information to help organizations enhance the workplace environment. 

Online Psychology Programs vs. On-Campus Psychology Programs

Students who pursue psychology degrees online do so virtually, attending classes digitally — and often at a time that works with their own schedules. With in-person psychology degree programs, students attend classes on the university’s campus at set times.  

Even in online programs, in-person opportunities for real-world career experiences, such as internships, are often available for students studying psychology. 

Why Pursue an Online Psychology Degree?

Psychology is a sought-after college degree for many reasons, from the versatility of the degree to the strong demand for its related careers. Following are five benefits that an online psychology degree can offer. 

1. Versatility of the Degree

Psychology isn’t just one of the most popular college majors; it’s also among the most versatile. Studying psychology allows students to learn more about its different types, from clinical psychology to I/O psychology.  

Additionally, an online psychology degree program can prepare students for a broad range of careers in fields such as: 

• Advertising 

• Education 

• Healthcare 

• Marketing 

• Politics 

2. Demand for Psychology Careers

The BLS projects that the demand for many jobs associated with psychology will have faster-than-average growth between 2023 and 2033.  

Psychologists, for example, will have 7 percent employment growth over the decade, according to the agency’s projections. The average growth projection for all careers is 4 percent. 

3. Opportunity To Make a Difference

Many psychology careers, particularly those in which professionals work one-on-one with clients or coordinate community programs, provide the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. In roles like these, psychology professionals help people overcome challenges and improve their lives. 

4. Chance To Specialize Studies

Students may choose to pursue a general psychology degree, which typically also allows for exploration of the various branches of the discipline. They also may concentrate specifically on one of the types of psychology, such as I/O psychology or clinical psychology. 

5. Flexibility of Scheduling

It may be no surprise that the majority of college students take at least some classes online. The flexibility of this type of learning allows students to manage work and other commitments even as they pursue their degrees, which often makes an online program a good choice for those pursuing psychology majors. 

Online Psychology Program Career Outcomes

Earning a degree from an online psychology program at the undergraduate or graduate level can prepare students for a host of careers, such as the following: 

Caseworker

Psychology graduates may pursue careers as caseworkers. Individuals in this community and social service profession help people address and overcome challenges such as child welfare or community issues.  

Employment Counselor

In the employment counselor role, professionals help students and clients prepare for careers. They help clients create employment plans, assisting them with developing skills and exploring career paths. 

Human Resources Specialist

Another career that an online psychology program can prepare students for is human resources specialist. Those in this role are responsible for recruiting and interviewing job candidates and also may work in roles related to employee compensation and training. 

I/O Psychologist

I/O psychologists often work with corporate executives and training and development professionals. They assist with addressing concerns related to productivity, workplace culture and employee testing. 

Correctional Treatment Specialist

Psychology graduates also may seek careers as correctional treatment specialists. Professionals in this role develop rehabilitation plans for people who are on probation or parole, focusing on areas like education and employment training. 

Study Psychology Online From a Nationally Ranked Institution

If you’re exploring the benefits of online psychology programs and looking for a good fit for your current schedule and future career, then discover Southeast Missouri State University Online’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology degree programs. 

The bachelor’s in psychology degree program explores the various facets of psychology while also offering an optional pre-counseling track. The master’s in I/O psychology provides an opportunity to pursue an advanced degree focused either on research or an internship. And both programs feature the flexibility of online learning with individualized support from a nationally recognized university. 

Discover how SEMO Online’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in I/O Psychology degree programs can help you pursue your professional goals.