Psychology courses | 10 best courses for you to choose from!

Introduction

Psychology is one of the most fascinating fields of study because it helps us understand how people think, feel, and behave. With the growing demand for mental health professionals, psychology courses have become increasingly popular among students and working professionals alike. Whether you want to explore human behavior, build a career in counseling, or simply learn how the mind works, there’s a course available for every level—from short-term certificate programs to advanced diplomas and degrees. In this blog, we’ll walk you through different types of psychology courses, their duration, what they cover, and how they can help shape your future career.

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Often referred to as the father of psychology, Wilhelm Wundt laid the foundation for psychology as a formal academic discipline.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychology involves the systematic study and understanding of mental processes and behavioral patterns. While it primarily focuses on human thoughts, emotions, and actions, it also includes the study of animal behavior.

The term psychology comes from the Greek words “psyche” meaning mind or soul, and “logos” meaning study or science. Therefore, psychology is widely understood as the science of the mind or the science of the soul.

Psychology aims to understand why individuals think, feel, and act the way they do. To achieve this, the field operates around four key goals: Description, Explanation, Prediction, and Control of behavior.

Given its broad scope, psychology is divided into several branches, each focusing on specific aspects of mental and behavioral functioning.

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The Branches of Psychology

Psychology is a vast area of study that is divided into different specializations, or branches, based on certain factors. 

Let’s look at 10 major branches of Psychology and what they are-

Behavioral Psychology 

Behavioral psychology or behaviorism is based on the approach of understanding the behavior of humans and animals. It works under the concept that environmental factors mold all behaviors. So the behaviors exhibited by an individual or an organism are a result of their conditioning. 

Clinical Psychology 

Clinical psychology deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. A good deal of people get confused between clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. The main difference is a clinical psychologists can not prescribe medications and they do not have medical training. Hence, this field is more about understanding, observing, diagnosing, analyzing, and treating mental illnesses and behavioral disorders. 

Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology deals with the study of mental processes of perceiving, remembering, and thinking. It studies all aspects of cognition such as memory thinking, reasoning, language decision making, etc. This field also merges the applications of the cognitive psychology approach and cognitive neuroscience.

Developmental Psychology 

Developmental psychology studies the growth of people throughout their lives. It analyses inter and intra-individual changes. Additionally, it analyzes how people grow and evolve from the moment of birth until they die.

Social Psychology 

Social psychology studies how people’s thoughts, feelings, and actions are affected by others. It’s the branch of psychology that also deals with the behavior of people in a social setting. This includes studying group behavior, interactions, nonverbal communication, social thinking, community behavior, and social influence.

Educational Psychology 

Educational psychology focuses on teaching and learning processes such as the relationship between intelligence and school performance. It is also concerned with how better teaching techniques can benefit both teachers and students. The main areas of work for educational psychologists include teacher training, curriculum planning, instruction design, and research and development. 

Organizational Psychology 

Organizational psychology applies psychology to solve the problems of industries and organizations. It does so through intelligence and aptitude tests of selected employees. Additionally, they apply psychology to problems of management and training to improve communication within the organization and help increase the overall employee performance. 

Counselling Psychology 

Counselling psychology focuses on our educational, social, and also career adjustment problems. For example, people with specific questions like career choices or educational programs will consult counselling psychologists. 

Health Psychology 

Health psychology explores the relationship between psychological factors and diseases. Good health and the ability to cope with illnesses are affected by psychological factors. Such as thoughts, emotions, and stress management. This is part of a growing field of Psychology, called psychoneuroimmunology. It focuses on the relationship between psychological factors and the immune system.

Environmental psychology 

Environmental psychology is the study of our relationships with our environments. It explores how our environment affects our emotions. One way it does this, for example, is by considering the amount of stress we experience in a particular setting. 

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Psychological Disorders

Psychological disorders, also known as mental disorders, are clinical conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, behavior, and overall functioning. These disorders influence how individuals perceive the world and respond to everyday situations. The study, diagnosis, and treatment of these disorders form the foundation of psychology. Below are some of the major categories of psychological disorders:

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders involve unhealthy, rigid patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Individuals with these disorders often struggle to relate to others, manage emotions, and function socially or professionally.

Personality disorders are grouped into three clusters:

Cluster A – Odd or Eccentric Behavior

Characterized by unusual or distorted thinking patterns.
Examples: Paranoid Personality Disorder, Schizoid Personality Disorder, Schizotypal Personality Disorder.

Cluster B — Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Behavior

Marked by intense emotions, impulsivity, and unpredictable actions.
Examples: Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Histrionic Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder.

Cluster C — Anxious or Fearful Behavior

Associated with excessive fear or anxiety.
Examples: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), Avoidant Personality Disorder, Dependent Personality Disorder.
Note: OCPD is different from OCD.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders involve an unhealthy preoccupation with food, body weight, and body shape. These disorders can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Common symptoms include restricted food intake, binge eating, purging behaviors (vomiting or misuse of laxatives), and compulsive exercising.

Examples: Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa.

Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders involve an uncontrollable urge to consume drugs or alcohol despite knowing their harmful effects. Individuals may use substances in large amounts, struggle with withdrawal symptoms, and develop tolerance—needing higher quantities to achieve the same effect. This disorder often disrupts work, relationships, and social functioning.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders significantly affect a person’s emotional state. Individuals may experience extreme and prolonged mood shifts that do not align with their situation. These may include deep sadness, irritability, or episodes of elevated mood and hyperactivity known as mania. These mood changes can interfere with daily life, relationships, and behavior.

Examples: Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Cyclothymic Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.

Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders

These disorders develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic or highly stressful events. Not everyone exposed to trauma develops a disorder; individual reactions vary based on experiences, resilience, and early-life stress. With timely treatment, most trauma-related disorders can be effectively managed.

Examples: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Adjustment Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder (ASD).

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Free Psychology Courses Online

A wide variety of high-quality free psychology courses are available online, covering everything from introductory concepts to specialized areas of study. Many of these courses are offered by top universities through platforms like MIT OpenCourseWare, edX, Coursera, and Udemy, making it easy for learners to access credible academic material at no cost.

These courses differ in their format and structure. Some provide written learning materials, while others include engaging video lectures or even live sessions. Depending on the platform, learners may also experience different levels of flexibility—some courses can be completed in just a few hours, while others may span several weeks.

Common topics covered in free online psychology courses include:

• Foundations of Psychology
  
• Brain, Behavior, and Memory
  
• Psychological Research Methods
  
• Well-being and Mental Health Improvement

Free psychology courses are valuable for anyone looking to expand their knowledge without financial pressure. However, they often come with certain limitations. Most free options offer limited or no direct access to instructors for doubts or personalized guidance. 

Free Online Introductory Psychology Courses

These beginner-friendly courses offer a solid foundation in major psychological concepts, theories, and research methods. They are ideal for learners exploring psychology for the first time.

Introduction to Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University

Offered through the Open Learning Initiative, this self-paced course introduces the history of psychology along with major theories related to development, intelligence, and psychological disorders. It also covers the basics of psychological research. While the course is free, it does not include certificates, scored assessments, or academic credit.

Introduction to Psychology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Available on MIT OpenCourseWare, this course covers core concepts such as cognitive processes, emotion, perception, memory, learning, personality, and child development. It also introduces the foundations of psychopathology. Students receive access to a free online textbook, readings, and practice exams with solutions.

Introduction to Psychology, Yale University

This Open Yale Course explores essential theories related to perception, memory, and decision-making, while also diving deeper into topics like dreams, humor, love, and hunger. Learners can download reading materials and practice exams, though certificates are not provided.

Introduction to Psychology, University of Queensland

Hosted on edX, this seven-week self-paced course focuses on mental health and therapeutic approaches. Students learn about psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, as well as concepts like intelligence, personality, and stress. The course can be audited for free or upgraded for assessments and a certificate for $249.

Free Online Psychology Courses on the Brain, Behavior, and Memory

These courses explore how the brain works and how it influences human thoughts, emotions, decisions, and behaviors.

Abnormal Psychology, Doane University

This eight-week edX course introduces the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and examines biological, environmental, and social factors that contribute to abnormal behavior. Students may audit the course for free or pay $119 for a certificate.

The Psychology of Thrill Seekers, Emory University

Through five modules, this course explains why people seek excitement or risk. It covers the psychological and biological factors behind sensation-seeking behavior. Learners complete the flexible two-week program using case studies and research articles.

Social Psychology, Wesleyan University

Available on Coursera, this seven-module course explores persuasion, decision-making, group behavior, and the factors that shape human actions. Students can take it for free or subscribe to Coursera Plus for assignments and a certificate.

Free Online Psychology Research Courses

These courses focus on research design, data collection, and analysis—essential skills for anyone interested in psychological research or academic study.

Introduction to Psychological Research Methods, University of Queensland

This edX course covers hypotheses, study design, data collection, analysis, and how psychological findings are shared within the research community. Students can audit the seven-week course for free or upgrade for a certificate at $249.

Qualitative Research in Psychology, American Psychological Association (APA)

Learners study the foundations of qualitative research, including interviews, observations, and philosophical approaches. Delivered through edX, the course is self-paced over eight weeks, with an optional certificate for $129.

Methods for Quantitative Research in Psychology, APA

This Coursera course introduces statistical and data-driven research methods used in psychology. It includes nine modules and 21 assignments, forming the first part of a three-course series. Students may access the course for free or earn a certificate via Coursera Plus.

Free Online Psychology Courses to Improve Well-Being

These courses help learners understand mental health, build emotional resilience, and apply psychology principles to everyday life.

Be a Better Learner Using Psychology, APA

Designed for students and lifelong learners, this edX course teaches how to improve learning, memory, and study techniques using psychological principles. It is self-paced over eight weeks, with an optional $129 certificate.

Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health, Harvard University

This six-week edX course helps learners understand stress and manage anxiety using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. It includes research-backed tools to prevent burnout. Certificates are available for $219.

Positive Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

A free Coursera course with six brief modules, offering an overview of positive psychology concepts and research. Learners explore how to apply these principles to enhance their quality of life. Certificates are available through Coursera Plus.

Psychological First Aid, Johns Hopkins University

This six-hour Coursera course trains students in the RAPID model for responding to crisis situations. It includes five modules and four application assignments. Enrollment and completion certificates are free.

The Science of Happiness, University of California, Berkeley

This 11-week edX course introduces key findings from positive psychology research and teaches practical strategies for building happiness and meaningful social connections. A certificate can be purchased for $169.

Careers in Psychology

Pursuing Psychology provides you with an array of career options. Following are some of the jobs in the field of Psychology-

• Psychiatrist 
• Industrial/Organisational psychologist
• Neuropsychologist
• Clinical psychologist
• Counseling psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Psychotherapist
• School counselor
• Research professional
• Sports psychologist
• Educational psychologist
• Child psychologist

Key Takeaways

• Psychology offers a wide range of learning pathways, from short-term programs to full-length degrees, making it accessible for students with different goals and time commitments. When choosing a program, always consider the psychology course duration that best fits your schedule and career plans.
• If you’re looking to build foundational knowledge quickly, a certificate course in psychology is an excellent starting point. These courses often focus on specific skills or topics and can be completed in a relatively short period.
• For more in-depth training, psychology diploma courses provide a broader curriculum, offering both theoretical understanding and practical exposure to different psychological concepts.
• To explore all available options, check out our psychology courses list, which includes certificate programs, diploma courses, and specialized online courses designed for learners at every level.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any queries, reach out to us or drop a comment below!

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What’s Next?

Now that you have a clear understanding of what psychology is and the wide range of psychology courses you can explore online, you’re ready to dive deeper into this fascinating field. Psychology offers endless opportunities to learn about the human mind, behavior, emotions, and the factors that shape our everyday actions.

As you continue your learning journey, remember one important rule: never self-diagnose. It’s perfectly fine to read about psychological disorders to expand your knowledge, but only licensed mental health professionals can diagnose or treat these conditions.

If you’re curious to explore further, check out our blogs on cognitive psychology, forensic psychology, and effective strategies for managing anxiety and depression. See you in the next blog!

FAQs

Question 1. Can psychologists prescribe medication?
Answer. No. Psychologists are not legally authorized to prescribe medication. Only psychiatrists who have medical training can prescribe medicines for mental health conditions.

Question 2. When should I see a psychologist?
Answer. There is no “perfect” time to seek help. However, you may consider visiting a psychologist, therapist, or counselor if you are experiencing persistent stress, anxiety, emotional difficulties, or mental health concerns that interfere with your daily life. Professional support can help you manage and work through these challenges effectively.

Question 3. What is the main goal of psychology?
Answer. The primary goal of psychology is to understand how people think, feel, and behave. Psychologists study human behavior to explain why individuals act in certain ways. For example, why some people are more risk-taking or why they make specific decisions.

Question 4. Why is psychology important?
Answer. Psychology is essential because it helps us understand human behavior and mental processes. This knowledge allows individuals, professionals, and societies to improve well-being, relationships, performance, and overall quality of life.

Question 5. What are the major schools of psychology?
Answer. Psychology has several foundational schools of thought. The most well-known include:

• Structuralism
  
• Functionalism
  
• Psychoanalysis
  
• Behaviorism
  
• Gestalt Psychology
  
• Humanistic Psychology

Each school offers unique perspectives on how the mind works and how behavior is shaped.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Sr. Content Writer

Aastha Arya is a Senior Content Writer at iSchoolConnect who writes about topics covering study abroad trends, exclusive news updates and prolific college courses. She has a 4-year of experience in this field and also likes to keep tabs on recent events, visa policy changes, and many other concerns that affect international students.

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