Best Online Psychology Degrees For Students Interested In The Human Mind

The human brain is the most complex organ in our bodies and is responsible for everything from intelligence to behavior. Unfortunately, when things go wrong, the brain is also responsible for various mental health conditions and unhealthy behavioral patterns. Understanding the human mind has fascinated people for ages, and multiple occupations have sprung up from this endeavor. Students who are interested in the human mind and would like to make a difference in the lives of others will find the following online degrees a great place to start. 

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is one of the most popular online degrees for students interested in the inner workings of the human mind. This degree is great for anyone interested in better understanding human behavior and prepares students for a career in psychology. A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree can assist students with honing their skills in data analysis, theories of personality, research and assessments, and social psychology. To become full-fledged psychologists, students who complete the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree must continue on to complete a master's degree and, in some cases, a doctorate. 

Master of Arts in Counseling

There are various concentrations available in psychology that allows students to focus on specific career paths. The Master of Arts in Counseling degree is ideal for students who want a career where they take an active role in improving the mental health of others. This degree can help hone the skills needed to work with patients suffering from behavioral or emotional issues. Students gain knowledge on how to develop a professional counseling identity, develop strategies for supporting and advocating for clients, and assess clients' needs effectively. Coursework may include diversity in counseling, theories of counseling, prevention, and intervention of crisis and trauma, as well as diagnosis of emotional and mental disorders. 

Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis

An estimated one in 100 children has autism, although many are not diagnosed until much later in life (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders). Earning an online degree in applied behavior analysis can help students to provide care and education for this growing community. The degree is aimed at individuals interested in education and behavioral health disciplines, such as special education teachers, case managers, social workers, and school psychologists. Core courses may include fundamental elements of behavior change, behavioral interventions, consultation, system change, supervision, behavioral assessments, and functional analysis. In addition to core coursework, students can typically also select concentrations, such as autism spectrum disorders, advanced topics in ABA, or social, emotional, and behavioral wellness. 

Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development

The Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development is a concentration in psychology that will help students work with young people of various ages in various settings. This degree concentration is helpful for multiple career paths, including those in education, healthcare, and social services. This concentration focuses on the unique cognitive, social, psychological, and physical needs of young people. In addition to the major courses in psychology, the child and adolescent development concentration might have courses in educational psychology, experiential learning, disorders of childhood and adolescence, and counseling process and techniques. 

Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy

Students who would like to help couples and family work through their problems can opt for an online master of arts in marital and family therapy degree. The focus of this degree is relationships and interaction patterns, and it is aimed at students interested in becoming marriage and family therapists. They can then go on to work with families and individuals in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, social service agencies, and private practices. In addition, various specializations are available within the Marital and Family Therapy degree field, such as couples therapy, LGBTQ couples and family therapy, military family therapy, medical family therapy, and more. Courses may include treatment planning and family traditional family therapy, legal, ethical and professional development in marriage and family therapy, as well as psychopathology, diagnosis, and systemic treatment.

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is a concentration aimed at students who would like to explore the intersection of law and mental health. Students who complete this type of degree can find employment in various parts of the justice system and may be responsible for determining the mental state of criminal defendants, helping families with legal complications, or finding ways to assist mentally ill criminals through intervention programs. Course topics may include research methods, forensic psychology, correctional psychology, and psychology and law. Students with this degree have gone on to work as behavioral health specialists, counselors, social workers, psychiatrists, and more. 

Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology

Sports can take a toll on the physical condition of athletes, but they also need people to help them with any mental issues that could impact their performance. Students who complete an online bachelor of science in sport and performance psychology degree can take the first steps towards working in this field. Course topics include everything from exercise physiology and cognitive psychology to social implications of sport and performance and theories of counseling. Potential career paths for graduates range from sports psychologists and performance coaches to athletic coaches, athletic directors, and other mental health professionals. 

Conclusion

There are many online options available for degrees focussed on the human mind. In addition, some courses that cannot be completed entirely online also have hybrid options available that offer students greater flexibility. In addition to completing the online degree programs, most careers in the psychology field also require students to get their licensure, which might differ by state. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the online degree program chosen by students has the proper accreditation, which will make it easier to complete additional exams and fulfill the relevant licensure requirements.