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Psychology courses online

Psychology explores the hidden drivers of human thoughts and behavior. Learn how the mind works through psychology courses and degrees, and discover how to use that knowledge to kick-start your psychology career.

Why learn psychology?

Learning psychology can enhance several aspects of your life — and help others, too. People learn psychology for many different reasons, including to:

  • Understand human behavior: Human psychology explores the scientific mechanisms behind complex behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, which may help you connect with others in both personal and professional contexts.
  • Improve cross-functional communication skills: Conflict resolution, social dynamics, and body language are just a few of the psychological aspects of communication. Knowledge of psychology can even enrich your business communications, marketing, change management, and teaching skills.
  • Develop self-reflection: While many psychology-related skills help other people, learning psychology can also equip you with tools to make better decisions, regulate your emotions, and analyze your behaviors.
  • Help people: If you choose to become a counselor, marriage and family therapist, or clinical psychologist, you'll interact with clients daily, helping them navigate interpersonal challenges and mental health conditions.

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Psychology programs offered through edX

Deciding which psychology program is right for you depends on your personal and professional goals, education level, schedule, and budget. You should also consider the career prospects and salary potential of each program offering.

Courses

Introductory online courses are ideal for beginners and those who want to learn psychology for personal growth. They cover fundamental psychology concepts that can build into a psychology career or help you improve your relationships, self-awareness, and stress management.

Advanced psychology courses are also available for professionals who want to explore the latest best practices and research.

Certificates

Online certificates offer education in a specialized area, such as substance use counseling or conflict management. Psychology certificates are ideal for professionals who want to showcase their skills to advance their careers.

Executive education programs

Business and/or psychology leaders may benefit from executive education programs designed to build leadership skills and enhance their understanding of workplace dynamics or organizational behavior.

Degrees

A master's program in psychology equips you with the skills and field experience you need to pursue a career as a marriage and family therapist (MFT), a licensed professional counselor, school counselor, or an industrial-organizational psychologist.

A doctorate in psychology allows you to become a licensed clinical psychologist, conduct independent research, and teach at the university level. It also enables further specialization in fields like neuropsychology, developmental psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology.

Jobs in psychology

Studying psychology can allow you to work in a variety of industries. Below are some of the possible positions in the field, with salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Substance use, behavioral, and mental health counselor

These counselors advise and support clients in managing conditions like addiction, depression, and other conditions. As a substance use, behavioral, or mental health counselor, you may work in a wide variety of environments, including the offices of other healthcare providers and private practices.

  • Required education: Master's degree with a state-issued license
  • Median annual salary (2024): $59,190
School counselor

A school counselor helps students prepare for their future by offering career and college guidance and helping them develop necessary social and academic skills. They may work in public or private school environments.

  • Required education: Master's degree with a state-issued license
  • Median annual salary (2024): $65,140
Market research analyst

Market research analysts study consumer behavior and business conditions, examining available data to help companies make decisions and evaluate potential products and services.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree
  • Median annual salary (2024): $76,950
Training and development specialist

A training and development specialist plans, creates, and executes organizational training programs. Their tasks may include assessing organizational needs through surveys and interviews, creating guides, developing training modules, and hosting courses.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree
  • Median annual salary (2024): $65,850

Learn psychology online with edX

Discover how edX can help you prepare for a career in psychology with engaging online courses, professional certificates, and degree programs.

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Frequently asked questions about learning psychology

Why should I learn psychology?

Learning psychology can provide valuable insight into how people think and behave. Studying psychology can lead to a variety of flexible, well-paying careers, such as school counseling, substance use counseling, and general therapy.

How long does it take to learn psychology?

It depends on your goals. If you're curious about psychology, consider taking a course for 4-12 weeks. Most psychology careers require a graduate degree in psychology or a related discipline — which can take 2-6 years. You will also likely need a state-issued license, which may take a few more months to earn. A bachelor's degree program in psychology takes around four years to complete.

How hard is it to learn psychology?

Studying the mind can be as easy as taking a few psychology courses, while higher-level positions require advanced degrees, which require more effort and time.

What are the steps to become 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.

Last updated June 10, 2025