Psychology programs online are very popular – but what are they about? “Psychology” is the theory of the human mind. It can give us some idea of why we behave in a particular way and in this way enable us to help people function more effectively. It is sometimes classed as a science and sometimes as a social science – in the end, it really depends on the exact nature of the program, the specializations offered and the department within which it is offered.

Many students who are are unable to attend on campus classes take psychology programs online rather than on-campus psychology degrees. They prefer their psychology study online because it gives them flexibility and control over their study program. Psychology study online is possible at the associate, bachelor, master and doctoral levels.

What do you study in psychology programs online? In a general pschology program you learn about physical, cognitive, emotional, or social aspects of human behavior. You are introduced to a variety of research methods including controlled laboratory experiments, observation, interviews, questionnaires, clinical studies, and surveys.

Psychology programs online at bachelor’s level will usually introduce students to core knowledge of: Psychology; Statistics; Conditioned Learning; Physiological Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Perception; Motivation. A typical online Masters program may include the following: Biology; Human Motivation; Research Design; The Cognitive Approach; Clinical psychology; Tests and Measurement; and, Social Psychology. A thesis may be required in addition or in place of some of the courses.

In addition to studying general psychology, you may choose to specialize in one of several areas, including: Developmental Psychology (Infant, Child, Adolescent, Adult And Elderly); Educational Psychology (Including School Psychology); Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice; Health Psychology; Sports Psychology; and, Substance Abuse.

Many schools offer psychology programs online. Make sure the program you take is accredited by an appropriate accrediting body, such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), or the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE).

Accredited online psychology degrees provide many career opportunities in private sector (e.g., marketing, personnel management), public sector (e.g., teaching, social/community work, mental health care in hospitals, clinics and schools). Salaries are high, e.g., in the US, as an HR Manager with 5-9 years experience, you would earn over US57,000 per annum

Adam Atodl writes for the website “Online and Distance Learning” where you can get more information on psychology programs online, including a counseling psychology degree online. Visit the website for more information.