Study Psychology in New Jersey
Enrolling in an online psychology degree offers a flexible pathway for students aiming to understand the complexities of human behavior and mental processes. These programs cater to a diverse audience, including working professionals and those seeking to balance education with personal commitments.
With a variety of institutions providing accredited psychology degrees in New Jersey, students have the opportunity to specialize in various areas of psychology, preparing them for a wide range of careers or further education. These program combine rigorous academic standards with the convenience of online learning, making it easier than ever to pursue your passion for psychology from anywhere in the state.
In this guide, we will explore some of the popular online psychology programs available in New Jersey.
Online Psychology Degrees in New Jersey
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online psychology degrees in New Jersey:
- Rider University
- Rowan University
- William Paterson University
- Bloomfield College
- Felician University
- Arizona State University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- University of Arizona Global Campus
- Capella University
Rider University
Online Bachelor of Arts – Psychology
As a working professional or someone considering a career change, enrolling in Rider’s 120-credit online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology program will equip you with the necessary skills and credentials to progress in your career. This program prepares you for a broad range of careers in fields such as business, education, and social services.
Offered through Rider’s Continuing Education Program, this program caters specifically to adult learners aged 25 and over. It focuses on developing a solid foundation in psychology’s theories and scientific methods, enhancing your understanding of both yourself and the surrounding world.
Designed to facilitate a smooth transition for students with an associate degree, the program allows the transfer of up to 72 credits from a two-year institution (with a maximum of 90 credits). Furthermore, you may qualify to receive college credit for knowledge gained through previous learning experiences.
The curriculum of Rider’s 100% online psychology program emphasizes foundational and core courses in psychology. You will enhance your critical thinking and communication abilities, acquire skills in conducting and analyzing basic research, and develop both interpersonal and intrapersonal knowledge through academic and co-curricular activities.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introductory Counseling Skills
- Professional Development in Psychology
- Statistics and Research Design
- Sensation and Perception
- Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
- Youth and Adolescent Development
- Learning and the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
- Health Psychology
- Professional Issues in ABA
- Developmental Psychopathology
- Theories of Psychotherapy
- Positive Psychology
- Psychology and Law
The program includes courses in the five foundational areas of Psychology—Biological, Cognitive, Development, Social and Personality, Mental and Physical Health—to lay the groundwork for specialized interests.
Additionally, three courses in statistics and research design are offered to develop skills in understanding scientific evidence and managing spreadsheets, a competency highly valued by employers. A professional development course for sophomores prepares you for life after graduation, including writing a professional resume and planning your career path with the assistance of Rider’s Career Development and Success center.
The psychology major addresses the diverse needs of students, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various topics within the psychology field. It emphasizes the development and application of oral, written, analytical, and critical-thinking skills to psychological issues, enabling you to apply psychological knowledge to solve real-world problems.
This program encourages personal growth, self-awareness, leadership skills development, and a deep understanding of human development and diversity. The curriculum prepares you for various professional domains, including psychology, human services, corporate roles, education, and graduate studies. It also emphasizes the importance of developing writing skills, understanding statistical data analysis, and gaining practical experience through fieldwork placements within the community.
Rider’s psychology faculty members support student involvement in research projects, with many seniors receiving substantial financial aid offers for graduate school due to their high-quality research. Opportunities for co-authoring journal publications with faculty and presenting at conferences are available, thanks to the open access to laboratories and faculty supervision.
Learning outcomes of the program include:
- Theory: You will show your understanding of key ideas, various perspectives, and important discoveries in psychology. You will also learn how to use this knowledge to tackle issues in the real world by taking part in internships, conducting community-based research, and seizing leadership chances.
- Research: You will acquire the skills to design, conduct, and critically assess research in psychology that enhances understanding of human behavior, acknowledges diversity, and appreciates individual differences. You will be able to effectively share scientific findings and concepts both verbally and in writing.
- Practice: You will enhance your knowledge of how to interact with others and understand yourself, which will help you in self-discovery and personal development. This includes leadership abilities and appreciating human diversity. You will use what you have learned in psychology to achieve your goals after graduation.
Engaging in independent empirical research under faculty supervision is a key component of the undergraduate experience at Rider, particularly for those aiming for further education. Such research experience is sought after by graduate schools, which often offer financial aid to students with a strong research background.
Internships in your junior or senior year offer practical experience in your field of interest, whether it involves working with children, individuals facing substance abuse, those with developmental disabilities, mental health issues, or families affected by domestic abuse, ensuring a suitable placement for your specific interests.
Application process for the program include:
- Complete the undergraduate application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your transcripts.
- Submit one Letter of recommendation.
- Submit your test scores.
- Submit your essay.
Rowan University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Rowan University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree is recognized for its adherence to the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines, ensuring you become a well-informed citizen in psychological matters.
Upon completing this program, you will find yourself well-equipped to venture into a wide array of sectors such as human services, sales and marketing, and community activism, among others. Furthermore, it opens paths to advance your studies in psychology and related areas through graduate programs.
To earn your bachelor’s degree from Rowan University, you must complete 120 semester hours of approved coursework, including 30 semester hours at Rowan. The online B.A. in Psychology program contributes 33 semester hours towards this requirement, with a possibility of completion within 4 to 5 consecutive semesters.
During the program, you will take various core psychology courses, including:
- Psychology as a Career and a Discipline
- Sensation and Perception
- Psychology of Happiness
- Abnormal Psychology
- Psychology of Addiction
- Child & Adolescent Development
- Human Factors Psychology
This program introduces you to the field of psychology and behavior studies, preparing you for bachelor-level careers across various industries and sectors. It equips you with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level, non-clinical positions in mental health and social service agencies and lays the groundwork for further education in psychology and related fields.
The program also allows you to explore psychology’s multifaceted nature, emphasizing social, biological, environmental, and cultural influences on behavior. A structured sequence of classes, including a summer session, allows for a manageable course load.
Throughout the program, you will gain insights into human behavior facets, such as motivation and abnormal psychology, enhancing your critical thinking and ethical decision-making capabilities. These skills are invaluable across all career paths.
Your studies will cover areas like counseling psychology and personality theories, preparing you for roles such as rehabilitation specialist and career counselor. The program aims to enhance your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and awareness of cultural diversity’s impact on psychology.
To apply for this program, you will need to submit the following:
- A completed application form.
- A $65 non-refundable application fee.
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges.
- An Associate’s Degree or 24 transferable college credits.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.0.
Understanding the financial challenges of education, Rowan University offers various financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships. All students, including those enrolled in online programs, must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online to apply for financial aid.
William Paterson University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
You can study the human mind, emotions, and behaviors by enrolling in the online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program offered by William Paterson University. This program will allow you to enhance your data analysis and writing skills, which are highly valued in today’s job market. Additionally, the program broadens your understanding of psychological theories, equipping you with the tools to analyze and predict human behavior across various social settings.
By completing this online bachelor’s degree in psychology, you will acquire skills that not only improve your current job performance but also prepare you for further professional and educational pursuits. The coursework, which is 100% online, is designed for individuals who are balancing their careers with their studies.
To earn your BA in Psychology online, you are required to complete 29 credit hours of core psychology courses and nine credit hours of psychology electives. You will also need to fulfill additional University Core Curriculum and elective credits to reach the 120-credit requirement for the BA degree. There is an option to transfer up to 90 approved credit hours, which can reduce both the cost and time needed to complete your degree.
You will required to complete the following core courses:
- Experimental I – Applied Statistics: This introductory course to statistical methods in the behavioral sciences covers topics like probability theory, hypothesis testing, and both descriptive and inferential statistics. It teaches you to select and utilize various statistical tests and use software for data analysis and graph creation. A Psychology Lab Fee is applied upon enrollment in this course.
- Experimental II – Research Methods: Building on previously acquired skills, this course focuses on experimental techniques in the behavioral sciences, adhering to ethical research guidelines. It emphasizes using advanced software for data management and analysis. This writing-intensive course requires at least 15 pages of formal writing.
- Lifespan Development: You will explore human development from conception to death, including physical, cognitive, and social-emotional aspects within their environmental and socio-cultural contexts.
- Social Psychology: The course offers insights into social psychological theories, research, and applications, drawing from various disciplines to understand human social interactions. Topics include attitude formation, social influence, social cognition, and more.
- History and Systems of Psychology: This course traces the evolution of psychological thought from ancient Greece to modern times, focusing on key concepts and the development of psychological schools of thought.
- Personality: Examining the nature of personality theory, this course covers significant theoretical contributions across various perspectives.
- Physiological Psychology: You will study the relationship between brain functions and behavior, exploring current research and methodologies.
- Cognitive Psychology: This course focuses on human cognitive processes, including attention, perception, memory, language, and problem-solving, with a focus on theoretical principles.
Admission to this online program, designed for working professionals with multiple start dates throughout the year, requires:
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Official transcripts from all attended colleges or a high school transcript if there’s no prior college experience.
- Applicants must be at least 4 years post-high school or 2 years post-high school with at least 60 college credits.
- Completion of an online application and a $50 application fee submission.
Felician University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The 120-credit online psychology program at Felician University is specifically designed for working professionals who seek to balance their studies with their demanding schedule. In this program, you are required to enroll in two classes each term. These classes are structured to build upon each other, leading to a final project that enables you to combine and apply all that you have learned.
You will benefit from Felician’s online classes, which are structured to provide personalized attention from approachable and skilled faculty members. These classes can be customized to align with your career aspirations, supported by professors who bring a wealth of practical experience from various fields such as clinical and social psychology, neuroscience, and counseling. Moreover, you have the opportunity to seamlessly progress to the Master’s in Psychology program at Felician.
As a psychology student at Felician, you will be trained to analyze human behavior, thoughts, and emotions critically and scientifically. Your education will start with fundamental coursework covering the history, theory, research methods, and behavioral neuroscience of psychology. Subsequently, you will go deeper with electives that match your personal interests and professional objectives.
The curriculum is designed in accordance with the APA’a guidelines for undergraduate psychology programs. This ensures the education you receive not only meets the demands of contemporary psychology practice but also enhances your job prospects.
Felician is committed to offering the faculty support and practical learning experiences essential for your success. The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program includes chances to conduct research, obtain field experience, and broaden your professional network, allowing you to start on your career immediately after graduation or to fulfill the prerequisites for your graduate studies in psychology.
Understanding the importance of hands-on learning, the program includes internships, which you may find through our partnership with CarePlus New Jersey, one of the state’s leading mental health treatment facilities.
An integral part of the program involves conducting independent research, preparing you for graduation and your future career. You will design, condict, and present original research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in psychology.
Upon completing the psychology major at Felician, you will:
- Have a thorough understanding of psychology’s key concepts, theories, empirical findings, and historical developments.
- Apply psychological principles to address personal, social, and organizational challenges.
- Utilize fundamental research methodologies in psychology, including designing studies, analyzing data, and interpreting results.
- Show proficiency in collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information, and in making evidence-based judgments.
- Gain insights into your own and others’ behaviors and mental processes.
- Implement effective strategies for personal management and self-improvement.
- Formulate practical plans for applying your psychological knowledge, skills, and values in careers that fulfill your personal ambitions and societal needs.
Graduating from Felician’s psychology degree program equips you for careers in various sectors, including social and community services, business, criminal justice, and education. Felician psychology graduates find employment in roles such as employment counselors, marketing consultants, mental health workers in hospitals, personnel analysts, probation officers, rehabilitation assistants, research assistants, and writers, among others.
How Long is an Online Psychology Degree?
The duration of an online psychology degree varies depending on several factors, including the type of degree, the structure of the program (full-time or part-time), and the specific requirements of the institution offering the degree. Here is a general outline based on the type of degree:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology: Typically requires about 120 credit hours to complete. For full-time students, this usually takes 4 years. However, some online programs offer accelerated options that can shorten this time, or you might take longer if you choose to study part-time.
- Master’s Degree in Psychology: Generally requires 30 to 40 credit hours, which full-time students can complete in 1 to 2 years. Part-time students will take longer, depending on how many courses they take each term.
- Doctoral Degree in Psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.): The time to completion can vary widely, from 4 to 7 years or more, depending on the program’s requirements, whether the student is full-time or part-time, and the dissertation or capstone project.
Is Psychology a Good Major Right Now?
Choosing psychology as a major can be a good decision based on several factors, including your interests, career goals, and the current job market. Psychology is a versatile field that offers insights into human behavior, mental processes, and social interactions, making it relevant to a wide range of industries.
We have short-listed some considerations to determine if psychology is a good major for you right now:
- Career Opportunities: Psychology graduates can pursue various roles in healthcare, education, business, social services, and research. There’s a demand for professionals with psychological expertise in many sectors, including mental health services, human resources, marketing, and user experience research.
- Further Education and Specialization: Many careers in psychology, especially those in clinical, counseling, and research roles, require advanced degrees (Master’s or Doctorate). If you are willing to undertake further education, a psychology major can be a strong foundation for a rewarding career.
- Skills Development: Psychology majors develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, research methodology, data analysis, and understanding of human behavior. These skills are transferable to many other fields, making psychology graduates versatile in the job market.
- Growing Awareness of Mental Health: There’s an increasing awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing, leading to a greater need for mental health professionals. This trend suggests that careers related to psychology might see continued growth.
- Personal Fulfillment: If you have a passion for understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, studying psychology can be immensely satisfying. It can also equip you with knowledge that’s applicable in everyday life and various professional contexts.
- Job Market Trends: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in the field of psychology will grow by 6% till 2032.