Online International Psychology Programs

International psychology is a specialized field. It is concerned with the emerging practice of psychology in various parts of the world. International psychologists sometimes travel to gain a better understanding of clients who come from different backgrounds or to do research in the field. They are prepared to assume leadership roles in multinational organizations or in domestic organizations that have international missions.

The fact that international psychology is an emerging field is a likely reason that not many colleges or universities offer an international psychology program online. There are degrees and certificates available for students who want to have a career as an international psychologist, but they will likely be only available in person.

Choosing the Right Online International Psychology Degree Program

International psychologists work in a variety of positions, including as consultants, in government positions, in international businesses, and at other organizations. Choosing the right program in international psychology is important for students who want to have the best opportunities to get hired for their desired careers.

Students need to check for the accreditation of an international psychology program before enrolling in the program or school. It is important to realize that there are international psychology programs that are not accredited and may not lead to licensure.

The minimum degree in international psychology is a master's degree. Students who want to work as international psychologists need to earn a doctorate degree and have their licensure. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) provides comprehensive exam, licensing, and credentialing information. The “APA Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA) is the primary programmatic accreditor” in the U.S. for the professional education and training of psychologists.

Bachelor's Degree

Students who want to work as international psychologists are likely to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology. Many colleges and universities offer general online psychology programs. Some schools, such as the University of Colorado Denver, offer both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Master's Degree

Earning a master's degree in international psychology prepares students for careers in the public or private sector. There are a variety of options for earning a master's degree in international psychology. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers two online programs at the master's level.

The Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology, International Psychology Concentration prepares students to learn how to "address the mental health needs of a global community." The curriculum covers areas such as attitudes and values, acculturation, stereotyping behavior, and the international psychology of gender. Students complete the degree in one year of full-time study or two years if they choose part-time study.

The Master of Arts (MA) in International Psychology program consists of two years of full-time study. Students learn to "use the theory and practice of psychology to provide services to individuals and groups working in international settings." Students choose between three concentrations, including management and leadership, environmental advocacy, or trauma and group conflict.

Some master's degree programs in international psychology are specialized programs, such as the MA International Disaster Psychology: Trauma and Global Mental Health degree offered by the University of Denver. Students receive training in general clinical psychology, and specialized education and training to work with individuals, groups, and communities who are affected by civil conflicts, traumatic events, pandemics, or natural disasters.

Doctorate

Earning an online doctorate degree in international psychology prepares students to excel in their chosen fields. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online Ph.D. in International Psychology program for students who want to rise to leadership positions within multinational organizations or agencies.

The program prepares students for their future as international psychologists through coursework, field experience, and through real-world training opportunities. Choose the trauma services concentration or the organizations and systems concentration.

Which International Psychology Degree is Right for Me?

	Bachelor’s Degree	Master’s Degree	Graduate Certificate	PhD or PsyD
I am interested in gaining entry-level experience in international psychology	x
I want to get started in my international psychology career before I pursue more education	x
I want to pursue a non-patient-facing role in international psychology	x	x
I want to pursue or switch to a niche international psychology specialty		x	x
I already have an international psychology degree and want to gain specialized knowledge			x	x
I want to conduct research in international psychology		x		x
I want to become a licensed international psychologist and treat patients				x
I want to work in academia				x

International Psychology Degree Program Curriculum

There are general and specialized courses in international psychology degree programs, which are sometimes based on concentration options.

Bachelor’s: Psychology courses in a bachelor's degree program usually do not include international psychology courses. Some courses in a bachelor's degree program include Principles of Learning and Behavior and Psychology of Perception.

A bachelor's degree program in psychology usually consists of four years of full-time study.

Master’s: A master's degree in international psychology usually requires students to complete about 36 credit hours. Students must complete a field experience and real-world training experience. They may complete the requirements on a full-time or part-time basis.

Sample courses include International Psychology and Diversity, and Global Mental Health and Human Rights.

Doctorate: Students enrolled in a doctorate program in international psychology complete the degree in about three years of full-time study.

Students may travel to enhance their studies. Some countries visited by students at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology include Brazil, Indonesia, and Rwanda.

Sample courses include Acculturation Psychology and Psychology of Organizations and Systems from a Global Perspective.

International Psychology Degree Program Clinical Requirements

Psychology programs usually require students to complete an internship, a field experience, or another real-world experience. Students who enroll in a master's degree program complete a field experience based on their concentration or degree.

Because you’ll be completing your degree online, you’ll need to make sure that your international psychology program offers internships in your own community.

List of Online International Psychology Degree Programs

Looking for an online international psychology degree program near you? Browse our state-by-state school listings below.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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