The parameters surrounding qualification in psychology, though exact, are not as exacting as those for the more clinical area of psychiatry. More than anything else, qualifying as a psychologist calls for intense academic study. Qualification via correspondence courses has long since been an acceptable form of doing this, and it is possible to earn a diploma, certificate, or even a degree online.

The courses now available through various course providers span the entire field of psychology. In the United States and most of the rest of the Western world, an individual who qualifies in any of these fields is an eminently employable and much sought-after professional. Such a person can pursue a career in various fields, such as clinical psychology, school psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, counseling psychology, and research psychology.

Moreover, a degree in psychology earned online or otherwise enables the individual to pursue a career on a self-employed basis, too. In fact, a survey has shown that more than a quarter of all active psychologists are independent professionals today.

While a bachelor's degree in psychology may not prove to be as lucrative as a doctoral or Master's degree, it still adds considerable weight to one's professional profile. Via the Internet, one can now earn recognized bachelor's degrees such as Bachelor of Business Administration - Organizational Psychology; Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; and Bachelor in Behavioral Sciences - Psychology.

Among the Master's degrees available are Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - Industrial/Organizational Psychology; Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - Clinical Psychology; Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - Educational Psychology; Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Organizational Psychology; and Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - General Psychology.

Various specialized and officially accredited doctorates in psychology can now also be pursued entirely online.