Popular Online Bachelor's in Psychology in Oregon [2024] - Best Accredited Psychology Bachelor's Degrees in Oregon (2024)

If you are interested in the workings of the human mind and behavior but find it challenging to commit to a traditional college schedule, pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in psychology could be a great option for you.

Opting for an online program provides the flexibility to study at your own pace and still gain the essential knowledge and skills for a successful career in this vibrant field.

This guide will introduce you to some of the popular options for online bachelor’s in psychology in California, helping you make a well-informed decision.

Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in Oregon

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online psychology bachelor’s degrees in Oregon:

Oregon State University
Oregon Institute of Technology
Eastern Oregon University
George Fox University
Regent University
National University
Liberty University
Grand Canyon University
Arizona State University Online

Oregon State University

Online Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science in Psychology

At Oregon State University (OSU), by enrolling in the online bachelor’s degree program in psychology, you will gain a solid understanding of why and how humans behave, think, and feel in the ways they do. This program not only tackles the scientific aspects of psychology but also emphasizes a humanistic perspective, enhancing your appreciation for human diversity and the empirical methods used to solve complex problems.

Once admitted, you will collaborate with an academic advisor to carefully plan the completion of your degree. The program, grounded in science, emphasizes research methods, problem-solving, quantitative analysis, statistics, and data analysis as key components of the curriculum.

You will need to complete a minimum of 180 quarter credits to graduate, which includes at least 60 upper-division credits. Your coursework will involve:

OSU’s Baccalaureate Core (general education)
B.A. or B.S. requirements
College of Liberal Arts Core
Major requirements in Psychology

The psychology major at OSU is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the core areas of psychology and familiarize you with the research methods used by psychologists. This program allows you to specialize in various areas in preparation for graduate studies or BA/BS-level positions in diverse fields such as mental health, corrections, rehabilitation, business, and more. You are also encouraged to engage in research activities, laboratory courses, independent studies, and internships to further your career goals.

Moreover, as an undergraduate, you have the opportunity to pursue an honors degree online in your major, which includes collaborating with faculty on research and completing a comprehensive thesis.

Advantages of an OSU online degree include:

All courses are developed by OSU’s world-class faculty, renowned for their research and innovation.
Oregon State holds institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
OSU’s Ecampus is consistently recognized among the top online education providers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
You receive the same degree as on-campus students.

You also have the option to complement your psychology major with a minor in user experience research by combining psychology and computer science. This will equip you with skills in human-computer interaction and research design, preparing you for roles such as UX design researcher or UX psychologist.

Upon completing the program, you will be able to:

Understand and explain key psychology concepts, principles, and themes.
Conduct and evaluate basic psychological research.
Apply psychological principles to practical scenarios and everyday life.
Exhibit strong written and oral communication skills across various formats.
Uphold ethical standards in evaluating psychological science and practice.
Recognize and respect human diversity.
Apply your knowledge and skills towards fulfilling career goals and effective team collaboration.

Oregon State University’s admissions process is holistic, considering your academic performance, personal statement, essay responses, experiences, talents, and achievements. While OSU is test-optional, any submitted test scores are considered as part of a broader assessment.

Oregon Institute of Technology

Online Bachelor of Science – Applied Psychology

At Oregon Tech, you can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, which allows you to apply a broad and in-depth understanding of psychology by utilizing specific skills in various areas of the field.

To earn your degree, you must complete 180 credits, including a core program of 71 credits. You will also need to select 54 elective credits that align with your interests and career goals, with the help of your advisors. If you choose to undertake an externship, note that you are limited to a maximum of 32 credits in this area. All core courses must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” to qualify for the degree.

The core curriculum at Oregon Tech is designed to meet American Psychological Association standards and focuses on the practical application of knowledge and skills. It covers Developmental, Abnormal, Social, Cognitive, and Counseling Psychologies, among others, including Behavior Modification and Research Methods.

As this is an applied program, both core and elective courses emphasize skill-based learning. This approach helps you identify personal strengths, apply knowledge to real-world scenarios, create and implement new ideas, and prepare to enter the workforce or continue on to graduate programs. The entire program can be completed online.

The core curriculum includes courses such as:

Basic Counseling Techniques: Here, you learn essential theories and practice skills needed for effective counseling.
Social Psychology: This course explores the surprising ways social forces influence human behavior.
Biopsychology: You will study the biological foundations of behavior, including the interaction between the brain and the body.
Behavior Modification: You learn how to modify behavior using applied behavior analysis techniques.
Field and Career Preparation: Explore diverse career paths and prepare for graduate programs, externships, and internships in psychology.

Additionally, you can customize your degree with a range of electives that allow you to focus on areas such as education, health, counseling, or business, depending on where you want to make an impact.

Externships are a significant component, pairing you with agencies and organizations to apply your coursework practically in various settings, available even during summer terms. Other applied experiences include research and independent study projects, allowing further exploration into specific psychology topics.

Educational objectives of the program include:

Prepare you with effective interpersonal skills for a variety of practical settings.
Equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for immediate employment or further study in psychology and related fields.
Offer opportunities to apply psychology training in business and human service organizations or prepare for graduate programs.

Student learning outcomes of the program include:

Understand and use major research methodologies in psychology.
Recognize and adhere to ethical standards in psychology, including the APA Code of Ethics.
Develop basic counseling and effective communication skills.

Admission to Oregon Tech considers your unweighted college-preparatory GPA, recalculated based on 14 core courses. SAT and ACT scores are optional; you may submit them to potentially enhance your application, but they are not required. Admission is offered if you have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with a 2.5 GPA or higher also considered, unless you have deficiencies in both math and science, which would result in an automatic denial.

If you are a transfer student, you will need to fulfill the following requirements:

Send official transcripts to Oregon Tech from all post-secondary institutions you have attended or from which you have received any college credits.
Provide proof of high school graduation or equivalency by submitting your final high school transcript or GED scores. You may fulfill this requirement with sufficient college credits.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher. If you have attended multiple colleges, your GPA from each will be averaged to determine your cumulative GPA.
Have completed College Composition (WR 115) or higher with a grade of C- or better.
Must also have completed Intermediate Algebra (MATH 95) or higher with a grade of C- or better.

Eastern Oregon University

Online Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

At Eastern Oregon University (EOU), you’ll explore a wide array of psychology topics such as learning and memory, thinking, sensory perception, psychological disorders, and social interaction through the online psychology bachelor’s program. Industry experts at EOU enhance your learning experience by sharing mental health interviews and films, alongside class presentations that deepen your understanding of the subject.

Earning your degree online at Eastern Oregon University is highly beneficial as it requires no campus attendance, allowing you to access the same high-quality professors, content, and opportunities as on-campus students, but in a digital format. The faculty are not only based on campus but are also seasoned professionals skilled in delivering engaging and innovative online education.

The program is structured for utmost flexibility, potentially allowing you to study full-time, which involves taking 3-4 classes every 11 weeks and completing 180 credits to graduate with a bachelor’s in psychology. All coursework and experiences, including designing your own research project, are geared towards preparing you for careers in the helping professions. You’ll sharpen your scientific writing, research evaluation, and choose a specialized track to tailor your degree.

George Fox University

Online Bachelor of Arts – Psychology & Mental Health Studies

At George Fox University, majoring in psychology and mental health studies sets you on the course to significantly impact lives as a counselor, psychologist, therapist, or educator. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, George Fox offers this major entirely online.

Your journey begins with a synchronous cohort launch on Zoom, setting the stage for 16 months of sequential online coursework alongside your peers. Each major course is presented consecutively in an accelerated format lasting five to six weeks, while general education and elective courses span eight weeks.

To earn your bachelor’s degree, you need to complete 120 semester credit hours distributed as follows:

A minimum of 62 entry credits for the major
22 credits from general education, electives, or life-learning experiences
36 credits from Psychology & Mental Health Studies courses

Major courses of the program include:

Worldview & Identity
Child & Adolescent Development
Adult Development & Aging
Research Methods & Statistics
Abnormal Psychology
Personal & Professional Ethics
Addiction Disorders
Cognition, Memory, & Language
Trauma & Coping
Field Experience

Courses are designed to accommodate your schedule, allowing you to engage with content and assignments throughout the week at your convenience. Expect to dedicate about 12-14 hours weekly for major courses and 10-12 hours for general education or elective courses.

In the major, you will explore:

Historical and modern contributions to human behavior and mental health
Ethics in the helping professions and decision-making systems
Human developmental stages from infancy to adulthood
Research methodologies both quantitative and qualitative
Behavioral disorders, their types, nature, and causes

George Fox employs an adult learning approach designed for working adults, focusing on discussions, simulations, and collaborative learning that leverages your personal and professional experiences for a deeper understanding of the subjects.

Assignments extend beyond the classroom, involving readings, research, and writing on pertinent topics. In-class activities emphasize presentations and collaborative discussions, with minimal use of tests for assessment in major courses.

Here’s how to apply:

Start by submitting unofficial transcripts for a preliminary evaluation of transfer credits.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for financial aid.
Apply to George Fox University, providing two professional references who can attest to your suitability for this field, preferably from your experiences in educational or child-oriented settings.
Request official electronic transcripts from every institution where you’ve studied to be sent directly from those institutions.
Following a group interview, you will receive an admissions decision within two weeks. To secure your cohort spot, promptly pay a $200 enrollment deposit. Delay may result in a waitlist placement.
After your deposit, connect with a financial aid counselor to explore scholarships and grants.

Regent University

Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Regent University’s online Bachelor of Science in Psychology, consisting of 120 credits, offers you a profound understanding of human behavior and equips you with the ability to think about psychological topics both logically and responsibly. This program allows you to explore how the human mind functions holistically while you learn effective theories and practices.

To earn your bachelor’s degree, you are required to complete general education courses, at least one major area of study, and enough electives to total 120 semester credit hours.

You need to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for graduation and to remain in good academic standing. Certain areas of study may also require a minimum grade in all major courses.

The core courses you will undertake include:

Introduction to Psychology
Philosophical Foundations
Developmental Psychology
Research Methods
Abnormal Psychology
Physiological Psychology
Cognitive Psychology

By the end of the program, you will have the skills to:

Analyze scientific research
Understand how personality affects human behavior
Prepare for further education and career development

Your potential career options may include roles in therapy, executive management, social work, marketing, sales, and healthcare fields.

To enroll, you need to:

Apply to Regent University
Complete the admissions questionnaire
Provide your unofficial transcripts
Complete the FAFSA application

As one of the United States’ military and veteran-supportive colleges, participating in an admissions event can provide insights into your educational journey. These online events are designed to help you refine your educational and career goals while providing answers to questions about the admissions process, military benefits, and financial assistance.

How Long Does an Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Take?

The duration of an online psychology bachelor’s degree varies depending on several factors, including whether you attend full-time or part-time, the specific program’s requirements, and any transfer credits you may bring in. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in psychology requires around 120 credit hours, which can generally be completed in about four years if attending full-time. Part-time students might take longer, potentially five to six years, depending on how many courses they take each term.

Some online programs offer accelerated paths that allow students to complete their degree in less time, sometimes in as little as two to three years, by taking more courses per term or having shorter terms throughout the year.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Psychology in Oregon?

With a bachelor’s in psychology in Oregon, you have access to a wide array of career opportunities due to the state’s diverse economy and rich academic and health resources. Graduates commonly find employment in mental health counseling, where they work in clinics, hospitals, or private practice. The state’s educational system also provides opportunities for school psychologists who focus on student mental health and educational success.

In addition, Oregon’s proximity to tech hubs like Portland enables psychology graduates to venture into roles in human resources, organizational development, or user experience (UX) design, where they apply psychological principles to improve workplace efficiency and product design. Marketing roles also value psychology backgrounds for consumer research and behavior analysis.

Beyond the private sector, public advocacy and community health organizations offer roles for those interested in applying psychology to social justice and public health initiatives. Research positions are also prevalent, particularly at universities and private research firms focusing on cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral studies.

Moreover, the state’s focus on public policy and community services provides opportunities for psychology graduates to influence policy-making, particularly in areas related to mental health and public welfare. For those interested in further specialization, Oregon’s educational landscape supports continued studies in graduate programs, leading to more specialized roles in clinical psychology, counseling, or academic research.