Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It is a multifaceted discipline and includes many sub-fields of study, such as human development, sports, health, clinical, social behavior, and cognitive processes.  

Breaking into this field typically requires a postsecondary psychology degree. Psychology degrees may involve a range of on-campus and online psychology courses covering personality theory, social psychology, human sexuality, and more. 

Online psychology courses are highly flexible, allowing students to complete classwork on their schedule.

Let’s explore the benefits of taking online psychology courses. We’ll also feature the seven online psychology courses you won’t want to miss from University of Bridgeport’s online Bachelor’s of Psychology program.

The Benefits of Online Psychology Courses

There are many reasons that pursuing an online psychology program might be right for you. Some of the benefits of taking online psychology courses include:

• Students can set their schedules.
• Students can take psychology classes online from home, at the library, and even at a coffee shop (wherever is convenient and comfortable).
• Students don’t have to worry about commuting, transportation costs, or other on-campus fees.
• Online courses often cost less than in-person, on-campus classes.
• Students may have more options for online psychology classes than they would for on-campus courses.

The Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology Online at UB

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology Online at UB provides students with a detailed awareness of the field of psychology, including its historical background, paradigms, methods, research findings, and applications.

By addressing the general areas of developmental, personality, social, cognitive, and abnormal psychology, students develop the verbal, qualitative, analytical, and technological skills necessary for work in psychology.

This accelerated, online degree consists of the following:

• 43 credits of university core curriculum classes
• 24 credits of psychology core classes
• 15 credits of psychology elective courses
• 38 credits of free elective courses

Find complete course descriptions in the online course catalog system.

Must-Take Online Psychology Classes at UB

So, as you build your class schedule and plan your psychology courses, you may be wondering: Which are the best psychology courses offered online? Which classes are “musts” in the curriculum? Here are seven online psych courses worth considering.

1. Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to Psychology offers a broad overview of topics and typically focuses on different theories and the evolution of psychology. Students study the relationship between personality and biology and develop a basic understanding of psychology subfields. 
 
Topics include experimental psychology and how it impacts our understanding of human behavior, the brain and cognitive abilities, mental illness, and treatments.

2. Abnormal Psychology

This course examines the various psychological disorders and theoretical, clinical, and experimental perspectives of the study of psychopathology. Emphasis is placed on terminology, classification, etiology, assessment, and treatment of the major psychological disorders.

Students should be able to distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior patterns and demonstrate knowledge of etiology, symptoms, and therapeutic techniques by the end of this course.

3. Social Psychology

Social psychology is the scientific study of the interplay between individual and social groups. This course examines how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect and are affected by the actual, imagined, and implied presence of others.

Topics discussed in this Social Psychology online course include:

• Impression formation
• Conformity and social influence
• Self-perception
• Stereotyping and discrimination 
• Social impact and group behavior

Students are encouraged to think about how research in social psychology can inform events around the world, in their own lives, and how it can help to better the human experience.

4. Personality Psychology

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), personality psychology studies the nature and definition of personality, its development, structure, trait constructs, dynamic processes, variations, and maladaptive forms.

 This online psychology course explains how humans act and how individual behaviors remain consistent and coherent. Students explore personality psychology’s main theories and methods, how they developed, and the role of cognitive processes.

5. Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology focuses on the science of how we think. It deals with people’s conscious and unconscious mental processes and thoughts, such as attention, perception, memory, action planning, and language.

The primary purpose of this online psychology course is to introduce students to the scientific study of the mind. Students will also begin to understand cognition’s central role in their everyday lives. Various research techniques are also employed in cognitive psychology, including behavior research, functional brain imaging, and computational modeling.

Cognitive psychology courses typically include formal and informal writing assignments, demonstration experiments, and class polls and discussions.

6. Research Methods

Peer-reviewed research greatly influences how licensed psychologists treat patients. In the research methods online psychology course, students will compare, contrast, and analyze the research methods and studies in psychology.

Students learn how to perform adequate research and analyze studies’ strengths and weaknesses through:

• The formulation of hypotheses
• Development of testable objectives
• Experimental design
• Subject selection
• Data collection
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Report preparation

7. Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is the application of clinical specialties to the legal arena. Professionals in the field apply tools, research, and ideas from psychology to legal situations.

This online psychology class examines laws and how social psychology affects courtroom procedures. Students read case studies, the credibility of witness testimonies, and the role psychologists play in trials.

Enrolling in an online psychology degree program is an excellent way to launch a successful career on your own schedule and timeline, especially if you work full-time and have other responsibilities.

Learn more about our BS in Psychology Online program at UB. Applications are open and financial aid is available. Your future starts today!