The first image that comes to mind for me when I think “psychology” is a man or woman in a suit, sitting in an office with a patient lying down on a big couch. Although many psychologists do work with individuals to help solve personal problems, there are actually a variety of jobs you can get with either a campus-based or distance learning psychology degree.

Jobs in this field often have a minimum requirement of a master’s degree, but one of the advantages of studying psychology is that distance learning programs in psychology are more plentiful than those in many other subjects. If your distance learning or online psychology degree program is accredited, you should qualify for the same jobs you could get with a campus-based psychology degree.

Levels of Distance Learning and Online Psychology Degrees

There are distance learning psychology degree programs available at every level, from certificates and associate degrees to master’s and doctoral degrees. The greatest job opportunities and the potential for the highest earnings, advancement, and responsibility come with the highest level of education. Many psychology jobs require at least a master’s degree; most prefer a doctoral. Competition for traditional on-campus psychology graduate programs is intense, making the distance learning psychology degree program all the more attractive.

Jobs for Doctoral Degrees in Psychology

• Professor: Teach it!
• Clinician: Maintain a private or community practice working with individuals or groups in need of help with relationships and solving problems
• Researcher: Contribute to the science and evaluation of psychology

Jobs for Master’s Degrees in Psychology

• Industrial-organizational Psychologist: Enter a work environment and design new organizational systems to improve production and overall happiness
• Psychology Assistant: Help psychologists with research and evaluation
• Counselor: Work with individuals or groups on different issues such as substance abuse and domestic abuse

Jobs for Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology

• Research Assistant: Work with psychologists assisting with research and evaluation
• Administrative Assistant: Work with psychologists assisting with administrative duties
• Marketing Assistant: Use your expertise in human behavior to help businesses properly target the right customers
• Psychology Assistant: Work with psychologists assisting with research and evaluation
• Government: Work in federal, state, and local governments in one of a variety of jobs

Where to Look for Distance Learning and Online Psychology Degree Programs

The first and most important thing to know about the schools and programs you consider is that they are accredited. Accredited distance psychology degree programs can be found at community colleges, online colleges, career colleges, and traditional “brick and mortar” colleges.

Before committing to a distance learning psychology program, call the school’s financial aid office, the admissions office, and the psychology department to make sure you get prompt, courteous service and all the information you need. Also talk to current and former students about their experience with the distance psychology degree program. This is your time and money, so it is worth your while to find out as much as you can before you commit.

Help Yourself, Help Others

When it comes to helping people, it’s inspiring to think of the far reach you’ll have with a distance learning or online psychology degree. There’s also the added satisfaction of having challenging, interesting, and engaging work.

A distance learning psychology degree can open the door to many jobs in many fields— couch not included!