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Explore top online psychology courses

Study psychology online through courses and programs in human behavior, mental health, and workplace psychology. Learn from top universities and leading institutions and earn a certificate.

Key takeaways

  • edX offers flexible online psychology learning options, from courses that take 2-6 weeks to Professional Certificates that take 2-10 months.
  • You can study psychology through programs from leading institutions such as the American Psychological Association, Stanford, and Harvard.
  • Career outcomes vary by role, but the BLS reports that psychologists earned a median annual salary of $94,310 in 2024.

Popular online psychology courses with certificates

What is psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes — such as thoughts, feelings, and perceptions — and human behavior. Psychologists use quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze and predict behavior.

Psychology spans areas such as clinical, educational, organizational, social, and forensic psychology, with applications in schools, workplaces, legal systems, and communities.

Why learn psychology?

  • Explore a field with competitive pay and growth: Psychologists earn a median annual wage of $94,310 (2024), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth from 2024 to 2034.
  • Build toward versatile career options: Psychology training prepares you for roles in research, hospitals, schools, courts, and organizations.
  • Use psychology for everyday challenges: Learn to manage workplace conflict, understand behavior in areas like marketing, and reduce stress through mindfulness.

Browse online Psychology Certificates

Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

Stand out in your field

Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

Certificates

Jobs in psychology

Psychology spans a wide range of career paths, from licensed clinical roles to positions in education, counseling, and workplace learning. Because these roles vary widely in scope, the degree level, training, and licensure required can vary too.

Below are some possible positions in the field, along with salary data from the BLS:

Psychologist

Psychologists explore the mental, emotional, and behavioral patterns that shape how people connect with others and experience their environments. Depending on their specialty, they conduct research, assess and diagnose disorders, provide therapy, and apply psychological principles in diverse settings.

  • Required education: Doctoral or professional degree in psychology; licensure requirements vary by state and position.
  • Median annual salary (2024): $94,310
  • Job growth (2024-34): +6%

Why learn psychology online with edX

edX helps learners around the world grow their skills and careers. Join our learning community today!

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Hear what other learners have to say

"This course has helped me feel more in control of myself. It has taught me to forgive myself when I fail and to understand that things can change. If I let others help me with my work, I believe I can feel less stressed, happier, and able to do more with greater joy."

— Chichi Uccelli, Learner in Harvard University's "Unlocking the Immunity to Change: A New Approach to Personal Improvement"

How to get started in psychology

With edX, you can study psychology online through flexible courses and programs from leading universities and institutions, including the American Psychological Association (APA), Stanford, and Harvard, and work toward a certificate or credential.

Choose from short courses, self-paced Professional Certificates, or graduate-level options such as MicroMasters® programs. Here's how to get started.

1. Build foundations in psychology and research

Start with courses in social, developmental, positive, and clinical psychology, as well as in research design, statistics, and data analysis, to build a core knowledge base in the field. These topics can help you strengthen your foundation before moving into more advanced psychology studies.

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Frequently asked questions

Why should I learn psychology?

Psychology can help if you want to pursue a flexible career path, improve how you communicate and lead at work, or better understand yourself and others in daily life. On edX, you can start with flexible online courses and programs that match different goals and experience levels.

How long does it take to learn psychology?

The time it takes to learn psychology depends on your goal. On edX, short online psychology courses typically take 2-6 weeks, while Professional Certificates usually take 2-10 months.

Becoming a psychologist takes much longer and depends on where you plan to practice. A common path includes a 4-year bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a master's degree in psychology or a doctoral degree, with doctoral study often taking 5 years or more. APA notes that licensure requirements in the U.S. vary by state and usually include supervised experience and the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) exam. Requirements in other countries vary by location and licensing body.

How hard is it to learn psychology?

Psychology is often more rigorous than people expect. Introductory courses may feel accessible, but advanced study usually involves statistics, research methods, scientific reading, and analytical writing.

What are the steps to becoming a marriage and family therapist?

To become a marriage and family therapist, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, followed by a master's in marriage and family therapy or a related mental health subject. After graduation, you must complete supervised clinical experience, pass a licensing exam, and obtain state licensure to practice.