Top Online Psychology Degree Programs for 2024

Ever since I can remember, I've been fascinated by what makes people tick. Why do we think, feel and act the way we do? What influences our behaviors and shapes our personalities? As someone who loves learning about human nature, I've always been drawn to the field of psychology.

 

Unfortunately, pursuing a university degree in the subject wasn't really an option for me given my career and family commitments. That's why I was so excited when online learning platforms like Coursera started offering free psychology courses from top schools. Being able to take intro classes virtually on my own schedule has been a total game-changer.

 

Over the past few years, I've completed several MOOCs exploring everything from research methods to happiness, relationships, mental health and more. The experience has helped satisfy my innate curiosity while providing valuable insights I still reflect on daily. Whether it's at home with my own kids or in conversations with coworkers, I now have a much deeper understanding of human behavior.

 

 

I've found online psych education to be every bit as rigorous as traditional programs too, despite the flexible nature. Lectures, readings and assignments still take commitment to complete. But getting to learn from renowned profs on my couch more than makes up for late night study sessions. The diverse formats also keep things interesting - you never know if you'll be conducting virtual experiments or just reflecting on yourself that week.

 

This article aims to share some of the top courses I've taken that others may find equally fascinating and applicable. My goal is to help more independent learners gain affordable access to high-quality psychology education. So whether you're looking to boost your career or just satisfy your brain's endless wonder of what makes people tick, read on for some options worth considering!

 

1. Introduction to Psychology (Coursera)

 

Taught by Yale University, this course provides a comprehensive overview of psychology’s major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends. With over 2.6 million students enrolled, it is one of the most popular online psychology courses globally. The interactive coursework makes dense topics engaging and memorable through video lectures, readings, and quizzes. You’ll gain insight into how the human mind develops, how people learn and remember, personality, psychological disorders, and therapies. This course is ideal for complete beginners to establish a solid foundation in core psychology principles.

 

2. The Science of Well-Being (Coursera)

 

Offered by Yale University again, this course explores the psychological basis of happiness. You’ll learn effective strategies based on the latest research for becoming happier and more resilient. Topics include mindfulness, savoring life’s joys, gratitudeExpress, compassion, optimism, and character strengths. Interactive lectures and various assessments allow you to monitor and improve your own well-being over five weeks. Over 1.4 million students have taken this extremely popular course, finding value both personally and professionally through its evidence-based techniques. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to enhance their emotional health and relationships.

 

3. Psychology Fundamentals (edX)

 

This course from West Texas A&M University introduces major themes of contemporary psychology including research methods, biological foundations, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, memory, thinking and language, motivation and emotion, lifespan development, personality, stress and health, psychological disorders, and therapies. Comprehensive weekly study modules utilize video lectures, readings, quizzes, and writing assignments to engage all learning styles. Earning a verified certificate requires passing graded assessments. With over 50,000 students enrolled, this introductory course provides a solid grounding in core psychological concepts as a foundation for further study or applied use.

 

4. Emotional Intelligence at Work (LinkedIn Learning)

 

Taught by Harvard professor and emotional intelligence expert Travis Bradberry, this hands-on course focuses on developing the “soft skills” prized by employers. You’ll discover your emotional intelligence strengths and weaknesses, learn to recognize emotions in yourself and others, and improve difficult conversations, conflict resolution, feedback, and stress management using case studies. Short video lessons make the content easily digestible for busy professionals. While not formally assessed or affiliated with an academic institution, this course is very applied and designed to enhance your career success through strengthening emotional skills.

 

 

5. Introduction to Positive Psychology (Coursera)

 

Positive psychology represents a relatively new branch of the field that focuses on human flourishing rather than psychopathology. This introductory course from the University of Pennsylvania explores key topics including character strengths, gratitude, optimism, happiness, resilience, and more. Weekly readings, video lectures, and discussions allow you to actively apply positive psychology principles to your own life. Overall, it provides a solid foundation for further research or practice in this growing area. Earning a certificate requires passing graded quizzes, making this a slightly more rigorous option compared to some MOOCs.

 

6. Introduction to Psychology Experiments (Udacity)

 

For a hands-on perspective, this course from Udacity and Harvard teaches the process of designing, conducting, analyzing, and communicating psychological experiments through an interactive online lab format. Each module focuses on a classic study, allowing you to replicate experiments on perception, learning and memory, social influences, and judgment and decision making. Reviewing open datasets provides insights into research methods, ethics, and analyzing real data. This “learn by doing” approach is ideal for career-oriented or higher education-bound students wanting tangible research experience to supplement conceptual knowledge.

 

7. Introduction to Buddhism and Modern Psychology (edX)

 

Offered in partnership between Rice University, Harvard Divinity School, and Naropa University, this course examines intersections between Buddhist psychological concepts and modern Western psychology. Topics span mindfulness, compassion, nonattachment, insight, and more through a lens of both ancient wisdom and current research. Exploring these synergies enhances understanding of human cognition, emotion, and behavior. While not a conventional psychology course, it represents an interesting cultural and philosophical perspective that can complement core foundations learned elsewhere, attracting over 20,000 global students since 2016.

 

 

These online psychology courses really do offer something for everyone. Whether you want to boost your career options, better understand your own mind and emotions, apply practical tips to daily life, or simply satisfy your curiosity about human nature - there are impactful learning opportunities to be found.

 

As someone who has taken several of these courses myself, I can truly say they are enlightening experiences. You leave feeling empowered with knowledge that sticks with you well after the final exam. Personally, I've found great value in developing my emotional intelligence skills through courses on Lifeskilled and happiness through Yale's popular program. The lessons have enhanced all of my relationships both personally and professionally.

 

While no substitute for a full degree, these flexible online programs make high-quality learning much more accessible to busy people everywhere. The diverse formats also keep things interesting - you never know if you'll be reading a fascinating case study, doing hands-on experiments, or reflecting on your own habits.

 

Overall, considering all the benefits to your growth and the affordable prices, I can wholeheartedly recommend giving one of these psychology MOOCs a try if you have any curiosity about human behavior or ways to boost your life. You might be surprised what a fresh perspective you gain on yourself and others! Let me know if any of the course descriptions pique your interest - I'm always happy to discuss my experiences further.