Free Online Lectures and Courses for Psychology

Updated on August 18, 2026

The human mind is complex and mysterious, functioning in ways we are only beginning to understand. At the forefront of this research are psychologists, professionals who examine and unravel the reasoning behind why people think, act, and feel the way they do. Some psychologists delve into the unconscious mind to explore the intricacies of interpersonal relationships; others develop and refine theories to explain the human brain and then use that knowledge to assess and treat a number of disorders. Students can preview this academic field through several online psychology courses, made available for free from some of the best universities.

While careers vary, psychologists generally study human thought and behavior by observing, recording, and analyzing how people relate to each other and their environments. Psychologists work in many settings, with some providing mental care, some researching human behavior, and others developing new programs and treatments for pathologies. They can be university professors, therapists, social workers or researchers. A small number of professionals work as industrial-organizational psychologists, helping companies improve employee efficiency and morale. Regardless of which specialization psychologists choose, they aim to better understand thoughts, emotions, feeling, and behavior by exploring patterns, identifying causes, and testing theories via research and treatment.

Sample Courses

Students pursuing a degree in psychology expect to take a number of foundational courses that will prepare them for more in-depth classes later. These include introductory courses in biology and chemistry as well as psychological theory, practice, and research methods. Additional coursework will focus on topics like neuroscience and cognitive, developmental, abnormal, and social psychology to give students a fuller perspective of the field. Students can also take more advanced courses in specific topics, such as psycholinguistics or a course on law and psychology.

Possible Specializations

Even at the bachelor's level, students choose a concentration within their psychology major in order to further focus their studies. One of the most familiar specializations is clinical psychology, which assesses, diagnoses, and treats emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders. This path prepares students for careers as counselors and therapists in hospitals and care centers. There are many other specializations as well, which include counseling psychology, developmental psychology, forensic psychology, industrial organizational psychology, school psychology, and social psychology.

Degree Types

In addition to their specialization, students need to consider which degree level they wish to pursue. Here's what students can expect to take away from the different degrees in psychology:

Associate

While there are associate programs in psychology, they do not prepare graduates for work in the majority of psych-related careers. However, an associate's can provide training for assistant-level positions in health care facilities, or can provide aspiring careerists in psychology with the foundation needed to work towards higher levels of education.

Bachelor's

One of the ways to start a career in psychology is through a bachelor's in psychology. While most hoping to work as researchers or advanced clinicians will need to go on to higher levels of education, those who graduate from a bachelor's program will be poised to take on work in a wide range of other industries, such as social work or substance abuse counseling.

Master's

For many careers, like school, career, and rehabilitation counseling, a master's in psychology is required to gain licensure and find work in the field. Others, however, will find that additional education beyond this level is necessary to remain competitive and find work. Students interested in master's level programs should note that they do not need a bachelor's in psychology to be accepted, but will need some in the core sciences.

Ph.D.

Those hoping to work in clinical psychology will need to continue their education through the doctoral level, especially in order to gain licensure in the field. A Ph.D. in psychology requires students to complete a clinical internship as well as independent and innovative research, though some schools offer Psy.D. programs that do not require a dissertation.

In addition to these degrees, students can pursue certification through professional organizations like the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). These kinds of certifications may be required by certain employers and lend additional weight to the resumes of those already working in the field.

Ideal Candidates for Psychology

Even before enrolling in a psychology program, students can begin developing skills that will serve them well in their chosen profession. Psychologists need to be excellent communicators, as their work requires them to listen closely and work with people from many backgrounds. They will need to build their patience, observational skills, and trustworthiness if they are to successfully interact with patients. They must also be extremely analytical and have strong problem solving skills, as they not only listen to patients but need to understand, diagnose, and suggest appropriate treatments.

Career Pathways

While nothing is certain, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, those in psychology can expect a bright job outlook for the next decade. The number of jobs is expected to grow overall by 22% through 2020, with the greatest demand seen for those specializing in industrial-organizational psychology, a field expected to expand by 35%. Most of these in-demand careers in psychology will require a doctoral degree, and even in those where a master's will suffice, a Ph.D. will make it easier to find high-quality employment.

Psychologists need a lot of expertise to do their jobs well and often receive compensation that's commensurate with their level of education. The average salary for psychologists is $68,640, but many specializations make a good deal more, with those in industrial-organizational psychology averaging $87,330 per year. Like other fields, earnings in psychology depend on a number of factors, including geographic location, education, experience, and area of expertise.

If you want to learn more about what it means to be a psychologist, there are a wide range of options to help guide you. Reach out to professional organizations, find students already enrolled in degree programs, talk to psychologists in your community, and get in touch with colleges and universities to find out more.

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Psychology Journals & Trade Magazines

Journals

BMC Psychology

This is the most recent open-access journal published by BMC and provides peer-reviewed articles on a number of psychology topics.

Cardiovascular Psychology and Neurology

This journal publishes original research and articles exploring the correlation between cardiovascular disorders and behavioral or emotional alterations.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Open-access platform for "rapid and comprehensive scientific communication on child and adolescent mental health across different cultural backgrounds."

Child Development Research

The articles in this open-access, peer-reviewed journal explore new and revisited research of all aspects of child development.

Europe's Journal of Psychology

Written for and by psychologists, this free electronic journal, published quarterly, encourages discussion between professionals in this field.

Evolutionary Psychology

Empirical, philosophical, historical, and socio-political perspectives on human psychological traits as functional products of natural selection.

Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy

A broad-based, open-access journal dedicated to the most exciting research in the field of addiction.

Journal of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

Publishes recent developments in the psychological and sociological study of alcohol and drug dependence.

Journal of Child and Adolescent Behavior

Exploring development during childhood and adolescence, this open-access journal how each change influences behavior in young people.

Mental Illness

This open access, online-only journal publishes articles that explore the latest in the diagnosis, cause and treatment of mental illness.

Open Journal of Medical Psychology

Aiming to promote discussion among professionals, this journal publishes the latest research and reports related to the fields of medical psychology.

Psychology

Psychology is an international journal and platform for psychologists and academics to discuss the latest advancements in the field of psychology.

Psychology & Society

Original work published by current undergraduate and graduate students in the field of social, cultural, or developmental psychology.

The Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality

This electronic journal, updated regularly, explores human sexuality through peer-reviewed research articles, book reviews and scholarly posters.

Psychology Grants & Scholarships

Grants

Lizette Peterson-Homer Injury Prevention Grant Award

  • Deadline: October 1

  • Award Amount: $5,000

Awarded to students or faculty of an accredited university, this grant funds research focused on the causation and prevention of injuries in children and adolescents.

National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates

  • Deadline: August 27

  • Award Amount: varies

This funding program is designed to help instructors or institutions create and encourage research opportunities for undergraduate students.

Wayne F. Placek Grants

  • Deadline: March 1

  • Award Amount: $15,000

Supports scientific research to increase the public's understanding of homosexuality and to alleviate associated stress in the LGBTQ community.

Scholarships

AFSCME/UNCF Union Scholars Program

  • Deadline: February 28

  • Award Amount: $5,000

Open to sophomore and junior students of color studying the social sciences, including psychology who would like to participate in a union organizing campaign.

American Psychological Foundation Graduate Student Scholarships

  • Deadline: June 30

  • Award Amount: varies

Various scholarships available through the American Psychological Foundation to assist graduate students of psychology with research costs.

APA Scholarships, Grants, and Awards

  • Deadline: varies

  • Award Amount: varies

American Psychological Association's searchable database of professional and academic scholarships, grants, and awards.

Benton-Meier Scholarships

  • Deadline: June 1

  • Award Amount: $2,500

Provides financial support for graduate students doing innovative research in neuropsychology.

Epilepsy Foundation: Behavioral Sciences Student Fellowship

  • Deadline: Spring

  • Award Amount: $3,000

A fellowship for undergraduate and graduate students whose studies are related to epilepsy research or clinical care.

Esther Katz Rosen Graduate Student Fellowship

  • Deadline: April 15

  • Award Amount: $20,000

Established in 1974 by the bequest of Dr. Esther Katz Rosen to support the "advancement and application of knowledge about gifted children."

Maylon Smith Scholarship Award

  • Deadline: February 1

  • Award Amount: $1,000

Open to graduate students working to advance research into the psychology of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Melanie Merola O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship

  • Deadline: March

  • Award Amount: $2,500

Open to candidates pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in the mental health field.

National Institute of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program

  • Deadline: March 1

  • Award Amount: $20,000

Open to students from "disadvantaged backgrounds committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research."

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

  • Deadline: August 1

  • Award Amount: $44,000

Sponsored by the National Science Foundations, recognizing outstanding graduate students in an NSF-supported field of study, including psychology.

Psi Chi Scholarships, Grants, and Awards

  • Deadline: varies

  • Award Amount: varies

List of scholarships, grants, and awards available to undergraduate and graduate members of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Student Research Grant

  • Deadline: June 1

  • Award Amount: $1,000

Awarded to members of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality who are pursuing advanced studies in sexuality research.

Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship

  • Deadline: May 15

  • Award Amount: $5,000

Supports graduate students interested in the application of psychology toward mitigating the stigma of mental illness.

Psychology Internships

Boston University Summer Term Psychology & Practice Track

In this 12 week instruction and internship program, students learn the theory and practical application of psychological research.

Children's National Medical Center

  • Deadline: November 1

A comprehensive APA-accredited internship program in child clinical and pediatric psychology to pre‐doctoral students in psychology.

Comparative Cognition Laboratory at Yale Summer Internship Program

  • Deadline: March 30

Several volunteer internships available to undergraduates interested in investigating cognition.

Massachusetts Mental Health Center

  • Deadline: November 9

This internship program gives predoctoral students experience working in a psychological clinic, providing therapy, and helping the severely mentally ill.

National Institute of Health Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research

  • Deadline: March 1

Competitive program places approximately 1000 students with various research institutes and center in the NIH.

NYU Child Study Center Psychology Internship

  • Deadline: September

Clinical experience with inpatients and outpatients from the NYU Child Study Center and the Bellevue Hospital Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Pace University Undergraduate Psychology Summer Internship Program

  • Deadline: January 31

Four psychology summer internships offering undergraduates the opportunity to gain supervised experience in the varied functions of a professional psychologist.

YAI: Internship Opportunities

  • Deadline: varies

YAI internship programs in the field of developmental and learning disabilities are available to undergraduate or graduate students looking to gain experience in health and human services.

Youth Villages: Summer Internship Program

  • Deadline: varies

Undergraduate and graduate students in social work, psychology, or related fields can intern with Youth Villages' professional staff helping seriously troubled children.

Psychology Student & Professional Organizations

Student Organizations

American Psychological Association of Graduate Students

Providing graduate students with the latest news and developments in psychology, APAGS acts as the "voice of student concerns within the APA".

American Psychological Association Science Student Council

APASSC speaks up for graduate students' needs, disseminates relevant information and encourages communication within psychological sub-specialties.

Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus

Open to undergraduate and graduate students, the APSSC is committed to "advancing the interests of scientifically oriented psychology."

Association of Neuropsychology Students in Training

ANST is the student organization of Division 40 (Clinical Neuropsychology) of the American Psychological Assoication.

Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International

Promotes scholarship, research, professionalism, leadership, advocacy, and excellence in counseling while pursuing academic and clinical excellence.

Cognitive Neuroscience Society Student Association

The CNSSA represents student affiliates by promoting and advancing the interests of scientific research, fostering student unity and organizing events.

European Federation of Psychology Students' Association

EFPSA advocates for the interests of psychology students across Europe while facilitating cooperation between the students, academics and professionals.

Psi Chi

The International Honor Society in Psychology aims to "encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship and advance the science of psychology."

The Association of Black Psychologists Student Circle

The ABPSI supports students of color in accessing scholarship opportunities, leadership development, professional networks, student support, and much more.

Professional Organizations

Academy for Eating Disorders

Organized to discuss the harm and treatment of eating disorders, the EAD is an international organization with over 1500 members focused on the patients.

American Psychological Association

Aiming to advance the fields of psychology, the APA encourages "the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society".

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

The ADAA works with professionals and patients to promote understanding, remove the stigma and advance the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders.

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

A multidisciplinary organization committed to the investigation and application of evidenced-based approaches to behavioral and cognitive treatments.

Association for Psychological Science

The APS advocates scientific psychology, especially in terms of "research, application, teaching, and the improvement of human welfare."

Canadian Psychological Association

Canada's professional psychological association responsible for the development and application of psychology for the public good.

Institute of Professional Psychologists

Advocacy group for professional psychologists, promoting appropriate standards of practice while furthering Psychotherapy as an ethical profession.

International Association of Applied Psychology

The oldest international organization of psychologists dedicated to promoting the science and practice of applied psychology.

International Council of Psychologists

Promoting social health, and focusing on human rights, the ICP strives to foster communication and development among a global group of psychologists.

International School Psychology Association

ISPA has been promoting the work of school psychologists worldwide since the 1970s.

International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development

Promotes the research of human development throughout the lifespan.

The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology

The membership board of American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology Specialists, the AACN furthers professional standards neuropsychologists.

The Association of Black Psychologists

An organization of Black psychologists dedicated to addressing the needs of Black communities and other ethnic groups.

The British Psychological Society

Britain's professional psychological association responsible for the development and application of psychology for the public good.