Most psychologists earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree to begin their career paths, but education doesn’t always stop there. Many practicing psychologists take certification courses to stay up to date on the best practices and new research in the field. However, there are also affordable or free online psychology courses and certificates for learners of all levels.
Enrollment in these certification programs can help teach fundamental psychological principles as well as more advanced concepts related to substance abuse treatment methodologies and more.
Top Online Psychology Certificates
Certificate programs can be used to enhance the skills learned in online psychology degree programs or as stand-alone credentials. Although these certificates won’t replace a degree for licensure, they are valuable ways to learn skills at your own pace with flexible start dates and learning schedules.
1. University of Kentucky Online
Students at the University of Kentucky can complete a graduate certificate in applied behavioral analysis. This certificate focuses on the behavioral aspects of the field of psychology. Learners will study social psychology skills as they relate to human development. Students will need to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field to enroll in this online learning program.
Students will pay $753 per credit for a total of 21 credit hours.
2. Wesleyan University (with Coursera)
Wesleyan University offers an Introduction to Abnormal Psychology certification through the Coursera learning platform. This flexible program requires about 14 hours of coursework that can be completed at your own pace. This five-module program covers topics like anxiety, stress, and trauma in the context of a person’s overall mental health. Students don’t need any previous experience to take these psychology courses.
Coursera has free enrollment opportunities and financial aid programs to receive a certification.
3. American Psychological Association (with Coursera)
This certificate is offered through a partnership of the American Psychology Association and Coursera. Students complete three modules on anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders and how they relate to substance abuse and addiction. This specialization takes most students around three months, but courses can be completed around your schedule.
Learners can audit this course for free, but earning the certificate requires additional payment.
4. Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers the chance to earn the Applied Positive Psychology Graduate Certificate. This certificate blends elements of organizational and developmental psychology to help promote wellness, communication, and positive development in a variety of settings. Students are required to have an undergraduate degree before enrolling, but it doesn’t have to be a psychology degree.
All students at CSU pay the same in-state tuition rate of $770 per credit hour and students can qualify for financial aid programs to reduce these costs.
5. National University
Students can complete their Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Psychology through National University. This certificate allows multiple specialization options including forensic psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, educational psychology, and more. Each specialization has a unique four-course curriculum.
Students can qualify for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to help cover the $4500 total costs associated with this certificate program.
6. University of Michigan (with Coursera)
Students can learn about emotional intelligence through the Emotional Intelligence: Cultivating Immensely Human Interactions certificate program offered by the University of Michigan through Coursera. This four-module certificate program is designed for intermediate learners, but there is no degree requirement.
This certificate can be audited for free, but students will have to pay to access their certificate.
7. Arizona State University
Arizona State University students can earn an online graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis. This certificate is often taken in tandem with a graduate psychology program or alone to prepare for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification exam. This program includes psychological principles that can be used in organizations like schools, businesses, and health facilities.
This certificate program costs $643 per credit hour for 21 total credit hours.
8. University of Maryland Global Campus
The Clinical Mental Health Care undergraduate certificate from the University of Maryland Global Campus teaches the fundamentals needed to work in clinical psychology settings. Students who complete this program will be prepared to work with licensed physical and mental healthcare providers. These online psychology courses won’t qualify you for state licensure, but they can lead to entry-level positions.
In-state students pay $324 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $499 (for 18 credit hours).
9. Eastern Kentucky University
Students can complete a Graduate Certificate in Psychology in applied behavior analysis from Eastern Kentucky University. This program is recognized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to help students with a master’s degree prepare for its certification exam. Students can transfer up to 12 credits of the 30 required for this certificate.
EKU has a tuition rate of $703 per credit hour with multiple financial aid opportunities.
Is a Psychology Certificate Worth It?
Most psychology certificates are worth it. These programs provide convenient and affordable higher education to satisfy continuing education requirements or help students pursue entry-level career opportunities.
To ensure your certificate provides all the benefits you’re seeking, confirm that the program is offered by a school or third party with the necessary accreditation status.
What Will I Learn in a Psychology Certificate Program?
Most psychology certificate programs focus on a single topic within the field. Common subjects include psychological research, substance abuse and interventions, and organizational psychology. If you’re trying to learn about a certain topic, you should be able to find a certificate for your goals.
How To Choose the Right Program
Choosing the right program ultimately comes down to your overall goals. Some certificates cover general psychology, but most have a singular focus. Start by looking for certificates that teach what you want to learn before reviewing other factors like course length, tuition cost, and accreditation status.
Find Online Courses and Certificates Today
Online degrees and certificates can lead to career advancement, but it’s important to find the best programs for your goals. Our resources can help you find more information on various psychology certificates and degrees, including what you need to do to submit your application and begin learning today.