Want to earn your ASU Online Psychology BS?
Here’s how: apply online, meet the GPA requirement, choose your courses, and study from anywhere at your own pace. ASU’s program is fully accredited, affordable, and designed for busy students aiming for a psychology career or graduate school.
Are you thinking about getting your psychology degree but need the flexibility to learn online? You’re not alone. Many students today are working, parenting, or simply need a schedule that fits their life. The ASU Online Psychology BS offers a smart, flexible way to earn a respected degree without stepping foot on campus. Whether you’re just starting college or coming back after a break, this guide will walk you through everything—from admissions and costs to career options and student reviews.
Let’s break it down step-by-step and help you decide if this program is right for you.
What is the ASU Online Psychology BS Program?
Overview of the degree and its focus
Arizona State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology that you can complete fully online. It’s designed for students who want to understand human behavior, mental health, and how people think, feel, and act. The program teaches you scientific thinking, research skills, and how to apply psychology in real life.
The BS track focuses more on science and math compared to a BA. You’ll take courses in biology, statistics, and research methods. This makes it a good choice for students who plan to go to graduate school, work in mental health, or explore research-based careers.
ASU is a well-known public university, and its online programs are run by the same faculty as on campus. The online psychology degree gives you the same high-quality education but with the flexibility to study when and where it works for you.
You can learn more about ASU Online and their full program offerings on their official site.
Why choose a Bachelor of Science over a BA?
The BS in Psychology is often better for students who want a science-based approach. While a Bachelor of Arts (BA) may focus more on social science and liberal arts, the BS includes extra coursework in math, lab science, and research methods.
If you plan to work in areas like neuroscience, clinical psychology, or want to go to medical or graduate school, a BS degree gives you better preparation.
If you’re unsure, ASU offers academic advising to help you decide based on your goals. You can explore the differences on sites like APA’s career guide for psychology students.
Accreditation and recognition of the ASU online platform
ASU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which ensures your degree is valid and respected by employers and other schools. This matters if you plan to transfer credits or apply for advanced degrees.
The ASU Online platform has also earned top rankings. It’s been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, making it a trusted choice for remote learners.
You can confirm accreditation directly from the Higher Learning Commission or visit ASU’s accreditation page.
Admission Requirements and How to Apply
GPA and high school/transfer prerequisites
To apply for the ASU Online Psychology BS, you need to meet these basic requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 (4.00 scale) for Arizona residents |
| 3.00 for out-of-state applicants | |
| High School Courses | 4 years English, 4 years math, 3 years science |
| Transfer Credits | Must be from accredited institutions |
| SAT/ACT | Not required for admission |
Transfer students should have a 2.50 college GPA if they have completed 24+ credits. Those with fewer credits will also need to meet the high school criteria.
Check exact requirements on the ASU Admissions page.
Application deadlines and process
ASU has rolling admissions, which means you can apply any time. However, to start in your chosen semester, follow these general deadlines:
| Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | July 1 |
| Spring | December 1 |
| Summer | April 1 |
Application steps:
- Complete the online application.
- Pay a $70 application fee ($85 for international).
- Send transcripts and documents.
- Check your My ASU account for updates.
ASU also provides personal enrollment coaches to help with every step.
Support for transfer students and military applicants
If you’ve taken classes before, you can transfer up to 64 credits from a community college or more from a four-year school. ASU’s Transfer Guide helps you match past courses.
For veterans and active military, ASU is a Yellow Ribbon school. That means they offer special tuition support and advisors who understand military needs. Learn more at ASU’s military and veteran services.
Curriculum and Credit Hour Breakdown
Core psychology courses and specializations
The program includes 39 major-specific credits out of 120 total credits. These core classes build your understanding of brain function, behavior, and emotional processes.
Core courses include:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Research Methods
- Statistical Methods in Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
You can also take electives like Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, and Developmental Psychology, depending on your interests.
General education and elective credits
The full degree requires:
- 35–40 credits in general education (math, English, science)
- 39 credits in psychology core and electives
- 40–46 credits in additional electives or transfer credits
If you already have college-level credits, ASU may count them toward these areas. Use their Transfer Credit Guide to see what counts.
Format: Asynchronous vs. synchronous learning
ASU Online uses mostly asynchronous learning. This means you can log in anytime to watch lectures, submit work, and complete quizzes. There are weekly deadlines, but no live class times.
Some professors may offer optional live sessions, but they aren’t required. You’ll use tools like:
- Canvas (learning portal)
- Slack or Zoom for discussions
- ProctorU for online exams
This setup gives you maximum flexibility while still staying on track each week.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
Per-credit cost and total estimated tuition
The cost of the ASU Online Psychology BS is based on how many credits you take. As of 2025, the per-credit cost is between $561 and $661. The total degree is 120 credits, so you can expect to pay between $67,000 and $79,000 over the full course of the program.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Tuition Element | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cost per Credit | $561 – $661 |
| Total Credits | 120 |
| Estimated Total Tuition | $67,000 – $79,000 |
| Additional Fees | Varies by course or tools |
Tuition rates can change, so it’s best to check the ASU Tuition Estimator for the latest details. ASU also lets you pay per term, which helps spread out your costs.
Financial aid eligibility for online students
Online students can apply for federal financial aid, just like on-campus students. You’ll need to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to get started. ASU’s school code is 001081.
Types of aid available:
- Grants: Money you don’t pay back
- Loans: Borrowed money with interest
- Work-study: Part-time job to help with costs
ASU also provides tools to help you understand your aid, like the FAFSA Help Center and an ASU financial aid calculator.
ASU-specific scholarships and grants
ASU offers exclusive scholarships for online learners. These include merit-based awards, need-based grants, and special aid for Arizona residents. Some examples:
| Scholarship Name | Who It’s For |
|---|---|
| New American University Scholarship | First-time freshmen |
| ASU Online Transfer Grant | Transfer students |
| RaiseMe Micro-Scholarships | Earned by completing online tasks |
To find these, use the ASU Scholarship Portal. Applying early improves your chances of receiving aid.
Learning Flexibility and Online Platform
Accessing classes via ASU’s online portal
Students use Canvas, ASU’s main learning system, to access all course materials. Once enrolled, you get a personal My ASU dashboard, where you can view:
- Weekly lessons
- Reading lists
- Assignment deadlines
- Grades and feedback
Everything is online, including lectures, quizzes, and discussion forums. You’ll also get access to 24/7 tech support, which is available through ASU’s help center.
Mobile-friendly learning and tech support
You don’t need a fancy laptop or extra tools to learn. ASU Online is built to work on most devices. You can join your class, watch videos, or post in a forum from your phone, tablet, or computer.
ASU recommends these minimum tech specs:
- Stable internet connection
- Modern web browser
- Word processor (like Google Docs or MS Word)
If anything goes wrong, ASU’s tech support can help with login issues, broken links, or system errors. You can chat live or call the support team.
Balancing work/life/school as an online learner
One of the best things about ASU Online is that you can learn on your schedule. You don’t need to log in at the same time as other students. Each course has weekly goals, but you choose when to complete them.
This is perfect if you work full-time, take care of family, or live in another time zone. Many students say they study at night or on weekends.
ASU also offers tips for time management and online success through its online student support services.
ASU’s Accreditation and Reputation
Regional accreditation (HLC)
ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a trusted agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This means the university meets national standards for quality and learning outcomes.
Accreditation ensures that:
- Your degree is valid
- You can transfer credits
- You can apply for financial aid
You can confirm this by visiting the HLC official website.
Faculty credentials and research credentials
ASU Online classes are taught by the same professors who teach on campus. These instructors often hold PhDs, publish in top journals, and bring real research experience into your lessons.
Some professors are even part of national psychology associations, such as the American Psychological Association. This means you’re learning from people at the front of the field.
ASU also runs labs and research centers focused on mental health, cognition, and social science, giving you insights from active studies.
How ASU ranks among online psychology programs
ASU is ranked in the Top 10 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
It’s also been praised for:
- Innovation
- Online learning tech
- Military support services
These rankings show that ASU is a trusted, high-performing choice for online students.
Career Opportunities with a Psychology BS Degree
Entry-level psychology career paths
With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, you can begin a career in many entry-level roles. These jobs often focus on helping people, studying behavior, or working in office settings. Common roles include:
- Case Manager
- Mental Health Technician
- Human Services Assistant
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Research Assistant
These roles don’t require a license and are a good way to gain experience. Many graduates work in nonprofit agencies, hospitals, or government offices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this field are growing steadily.
Preparation for grad school or counseling licensure
If you want to be a licensed counselor, clinical psychologist, or social worker, you’ll need a graduate degree. ASU’s BS in Psychology prepares you with the courses and research experience you need to apply for programs like:
- Master’s in Clinical Psychology
- Ph.D. in Psychology
- MSW (Master of Social Work)
- MA in Counseling or Therapy
The program includes key topics like abnormal psychology, research methods, and statistics, which are often required for grad school. Learn more about grad school options through the APA Grad Guide.
In-demand roles: HR, marketing, case management
A psychology degree also works well in fields beyond mental health. Many students go into:
- Human Resources (HR) – Hiring, training, and employee wellness
- Marketing and User Research – Understanding customer behavior
- Case Management – Supporting clients in health or legal systems
- Behavioral Coaching – Helping with habits or performance
Psychology teaches people skills, data reading, and decision-making, which are valued across many industries.
Alumni Stories and Real-World Outcomes
Student reviews and testimonials
ASU Online students often share positive feedback. Many say the flexibility, support, and high-quality classes helped them succeed. For example:
“As a full-time worker and mom, I needed a school that let me study late at night. ASU made it possible.” – Psychology BS graduate, 2024
ASU displays verified reviews on ASU Online Student Testimonials to help new students see what to expect.
Alumni spotlight: Career transitions and growth
Many ASU psychology grads have made big changes in their lives. Some examples:
- A warehouse worker who became a behavioral health tech
- A military vet who moved into rehabilitation services
- A former waitress who now works in child psychology research
The online format allowed them to keep working while earning a degree. Some have even gone on to master’s programs or taken leadership roles in healthcare teams.
Networking through ASU Online
Even though you’re not on campus, you still get access to a large alumni network. ASU has more than 500,000 graduates worldwide. You can join:
- Online student groups
- Alumni mentorship programs
- Psychology student clubs
You also get access to career advisors, resume tools, and job boards through ASU Career Services.
Comparing ASU’s Psychology BS with Other Online Programs
What sets ASU apart (curriculum, faculty, cost)
ASU stands out because of its strong reputation, affordable tuition, and experienced faculty. Unlike some schools that use adjunct-only instructors, ASU’s online courses are taught by the same full-time professors who teach on campus.
The curriculum is science-based, which helps if you plan to go into research or medicine. ASU also provides round-the-clock student support, which many smaller schools don’t offer.
Plus, ASU’s tuition is competitive for the value you get. You can compare costs and outcomes with tools like College Scorecard.
Popular alternatives (SNHU, Purdue Global, etc.)
There are many other online psychology programs, including:
| University | Program Type | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| SNHU | BA in Psychology | Fast-paced terms, low cost |
| Purdue Global | BS in Psychology | Strong adult learner support |
| Liberty University | BS in Psychology | Faith-based curriculum |
| University of Phoenix | BS in Psychology | Large alumni network |
Each program has pros and cons. Some are more flexible, others offer special topics like addiction studies or faith-based counseling.
Choosing the right online psychology program for you
To pick the best program, think about:
- Your career goals (mental health, HR, research)
- Whether you prefer a science-based or liberal arts focus
- Cost, flexibility, and support services
- Accreditation and graduation rates
If your goal is quality education with a strong brand, ASU is a great pick. But if you need lower costs or a shorter timeline, another school may fit better.
FAQs About the ASU Online Psychology BS
Is it 100% online or hybrid?
The ASU Online Psychology BS is fully online. You won’t need to attend campus for any part of the program. All coursework, tests, and discussions are done through the internet.
Can I finish faster with transfer credits?
Yes. If you bring in transfer credits, you may finish in less than four years. Many students with community college credits complete the degree in 2–3 years.
ASU has a Transfer Guide to help you see how your past classes count.
Will “online” appear on my diploma?
No. Your diploma will say “Bachelor of Science in Psychology” from Arizona State University. It won’t mention “online.” This means your degree is the same as one earned on campus.
Ready to Start Your Journey with ASU Online?
Step-by-step application checklist
- Visit asuonline.asu.edu
- Choose “Apply Now”
- Create an account
- Complete the online form
- Pay the application fee
- Submit your transcripts
- Watch for updates in your My ASU dashboard
Link to ASU application page
To begin, head to the ASU Online Application Page. You’ll find full instructions and support options.
You don’t need to wait for the “perfect time” to get started. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just exploring new goals, ASU’s online psychology degree can help you take the next big step. Your journey toward a better future starts today—apply now and invest in yourself.