Bachelor of Psychology Degrees

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Bachelor's in Psychology Programs

Individuals looking to pursue a career in psychology should consider obtaining a Bachelor degree in the field. A bachelor degree in psychology offers a wide range of entry-level positions. For example, degree holders can work can assist in both research and the mental health field.

Getting a bachelor's degree in psychology opens doors to many entry-level positions in the field. However, if clinical work and counseling are an end goal, a Bachelor's degree is only the first step. Graduate level education (MA, Phd, or PsyD) is needed to become a licensed mental health professional. Both entry level jobs or further education require a bachelor's degree in psychology. Because of this, choosing an undergraduate degree can help you accomplish future goals.

Are there Psychology Bachelor degrees online?

Yes, there are many BS and BA psychology degree programs offered online. In fact, psychology is one of the more common majors in the United States making it easier to find an online option. Getting an online degree can also be helpful if a student is looking for a specific concentration that may not be available at local colleges.

Online and in-person degree programs are a significant time commitment. A full-time student can expect to dedicate up to four years obtaining a bachelor's degree. Online degree programs can offer added flexibility of studying on their own time. Many online programs also have part time and full-time options, which make it easier to have a work/life/school balance.

To pursue an online degree, having a computer with access to the internet is needed. This allows access to course material and the ability to complete assignments.

Who is the Bachelor of Psychology For?

A Bachelor's degree in psychology opens doors to entry-level positions in the psychological field. In fact, many organizations need technicians or assistants to maintain daily functioning. A clinical assistant can help with patient intakes in a clinical setting while a research assistant helps with research. Both technicians and assistants typically work under a supervisor with higher education.

Individuals who want to be a clinical psychologist need more education after their bachelors degree . A Master's degree or above is required for all state licensure boards. Additionally, some advanced positions in psychology like being a professor require advanced degrees. However, many of these positions do not need state or national licensure in clinical work.

Professionals looking for entry-level jobs in psychology should consider gaining a Bachelor's degree in the discipline. Psychology degrees typically offer wide-ranging topics and positions in the field, such as becoming an assistant that helps in treatment analysis or a school counselor that helps children improve their studying capacity and prepare them for higher education.

Holding a license in psychology will open the door to clinical work and practicing under an independent firm, and a Bachelor's degree is the first step in gaining that opportunity. Entrance into the Master's in Psychology degree and doctorate programs in psychology all require undergraduate education. There are different types of Bachelor's degrees to consider when looking for a job after graduation or pursuing further studies to receive state licensure.

Bachelors Degrees in Psychology

• Bachelors in Clinical Psychology
• Bachelors in Counseling Psychology

Differences between a BA and BS in Psychology

There are some differences between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS). A BA and a BS can help shape different career paths. A BA degree may be a good fit for students that want to further explore career options or who want to do clinical work. Many BA programs offer flexibility and are less specialized than BS programs. This allows students to explore a wider range of careers within the field. Additionally, the structure of many BA programs allow students to take multiple electives.

BS programs have more focus on math and science. These programs typically require more statistics and research method courses than BA programs. Because of this, BS programs can be a great fit for those interested in a research career or a career in academia.

Online Vs. In Person Bachelor's Degrees

Many times, online programs are almost identical to on-campus programs. Students may consider completing a hybrid version of the program. A hybrid option means that students can take both online and on-campus courses. However, not all universities offer this option.

Each program will require students to complete core classes for your psychology degree. These classes can range from Introduction to Psychology to Abnormal Psychology. A bachelor's program in psychology can also require elective classes. These classes allow students to explore various topics in psychology. For instance, students can take ethics courses or child psychology classes.

Since almost all major universities have psychology programs, it is important to find a school that aligns to your goals. Researching the programs to see what would be the best fit for you can help narrow down your search. Here is a list of in-person and online programs to help your search.

In depth review of some of the top Bachelor of Psychology degrees

Fordham University's BS in Psychology

This New York university has a BS in Psychology for students interested in the study of human behavior. This degree promotes critical thinking and analysis within the field of psychology. In this program, students have access to university resources that prepare them for a career or future graduate studies.

Major Graduation Requirements

A total of 124 credit hours are needed to graduate with a Bachelor's degree. Thirty three of those credits come from required psychology courses. Students are required to take Foundations of Psychology, Research Methods, and Statistics. The remaining credits are applied toward other psychology courses and electives.

In addition to higher level classes, lab courses are also required within the program. These courses help prepare students to conduct research and write reports.

Fordham Community Mental Health Clinic

The Fordham Community Mental Health Clinic provides multiple services at a lower cost to clients in the New York City area while also giving students the direct client experience needed to become a successful psychologist. Services that the health clinic offers include child and adult psychotherapy, cognitive assessment for ADD, ADHD, and other learning disabilities, and detecting other disabilities formed.

University of Michigan

University of Michigan's Bachelor of Psychology ranks among the top in the nation. This psychology program offers concentrations in: biopsychology, clinical, cognitive, developmental, personality, and social contexts. Undergraduate courses give students the opportunity to learn human behavior through research.

University of Michigan offers students another program option within Psychology. This program is the Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN) major. This major focuses on combining natural science with the study of human behavior.

The department also offers a multitude of opportunities for psychology and BCN majors. For instance, students can participate in research, service learning opportunities, and study abroads. These opportunities help students develop skills to succeed in future careers or academics.

Major Requirements

Students are required to take an Introductory Psychology course and Statistics. These classes must be taken before declaring a psychology major. After this, 32 credits of required classes are needed for graduation.

University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin offers both a BS and BA in Psychology. University of Austin at Texas is dedicated to providing knowledge surrounding human behavior. Students are trained to think critically about human behavior through research and coursework.

Requirements for the BS Program

This program was made for students who plan on going into medicine or other health fields. Compared to the BA program, this program focuses heavily on natural science and math. In fact, this program requires 25 hours of science and math courses. Thus, having a strong background in math and science can be beneficial.  However, the BS requires less foreign language hours than the BA program. The Psychology department recommends this program ONLY for students who are planning on going to medical school or professional health fields.

Requirements for the BA Program

This program may be a good fit for students planning on pursuing higher education or other careers after graduation. Unlike the BS program, the BA program allows for more elective courses. This can help students gain skills for their career or future graduate coursework. For instance, students can take more coursework in business, writing, or communications. Additionally, there is more required coursework in foreign languages than the BS program. If students are planning on becoming a psychologist, this program may be a better fit.

Florida International University's BA in Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is available through the Department of Psychology, both at the Miami campus and completely online. Both formats of the program are identical to each other and requires 120 total credit hours to fulfill curriculum requirements. This program is ideal for students that are looking to break into the psychology field or pursue graduate-level education within the discipline.

There are multiple concentrations to consider for the major, including experimental, social, and developmental psychology. Each student pursuing online education is complemented with a success coach, which will be a guide throughout the program. To complete the program, the vast majority of courses (core curriculum, major, foreign language, etc.) must be passed with a grade of C or higher and 36 total credit hours are needed for the major.

Minor in Psychology Requirements

For students looking to gain overall theory in psychology along with a different major, they can consider a minor in the discipline. This is a fully customizable minor that requires 15 credit hours of upper-level courses. Courses selected will need to be approved by the school faculty, and there are some courses and lab sessions that are not eligible in the minor.

Program Admission Requirements

In order to get into the program, applicants must submit an online form with fee, along with SAT or ACT testing scores and proof of obtaining a high school transcript. Transfer students that have less than 60 credit hours completed will also need to send their high school transcript. Applicants should note that there are different deadlines for first-year and transfer students.

Kansas State University's Bachelors

The Department of Psychological Sciences provides a major and minor opportunity in psychology. The Psychology department offers both a BS and BA in psychology. This undergraduate degree is recommended for those that are looking at a career in therapy, human services, or law enforcement.

Major Admission Requirements

Students will need to complete 30 credit hours of major-related coursework. Additionally, the student must have at least a 2.5 GPA , 15 credit hours earned at KS, and have a sophomore standing.

Alternative Credit Hour Opportunities

There are alternative ways to earn credit outside of the classroom. This can include work experience and research with faculty. Students can also connect with faculty members for research opportunities that meet requirements.

Graduate School Preparation

Students looking to enter graduate-level education should consider recommendations set by KSU. Understanding what post graduate studies you want to pursue can be a guide in choosing appropriate coursework.

Portland State University's Undergraduate Programs in Psychology

Portland State University offers undergraduate major and minor programs in psychology. 56 total credit hours are needed for the psychology major. These courses include a combination of research methods, electives, and higher level courses.

Minor Completion Requirements

For students pursuing the psychology minor with a different major, 28 total credit hours are needed. Regardless of major or minor studies, the student must take a course in Psychology as a Natural Science and Social Science. The remaining 20 credit hours are needed in the 300 and 400 course level, similar to the major requirement.

Students should be prepared to take statistical courses in social science as much of the curriculum requires analysis and knowing various research methods. This is also required if the class has statistics designated as a prerequisite or it is a 400-level course.

Pathways Through Psychology

Students can take three sets of concentrations through the Pathways Through Psychology program. This allows more flexibility and more specific coursework in particular subjects. The program includes categories in education, research methods, neuropsychology, and social psychology. These pathways allow students to gain knowledge and skills within a particular branch of psychology.

University of Illinois's BS in Psychology

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Students can select concentrations within the program. Students cannot select more than one concentration in this program.

However, the Interdisciplinary concentration allows for the most flexibility. Clinical psychology is one of the concentrations available. Students in this concentration gain skills for direct contact with clients. Developmental Psychology is also offered. Within this concentration, there is emphasis on how to develop over the course of their life.

To declare the major, students will need to complete an introductory psychology course. Students also need to pass a biological or cognitive course, and a specialty course within one of the concentrations.

Transfer Requirements

Transfer admission for the sophomore level includes already meeting the completion of an introductory psychology and statistics course. At least one more psychology course should also be completed, and both are recommended to have a 3.0 GPA or higher. The same requirements apply for a junior transfer, but with an additional psychology course needed.

University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV)'s BA in Psychology

UNLV offers an online and in-person BA of Psychology. The BA at UNLV focuses giving students a broad overview of psychological topics. This program man be a good fit for students planning on pursuing higher education or careers in education, medicine, or related fields.

Note: While the online program is available nationwide, some states that may not be eligible for the program.

Foundational Course Topics

The foundational courses cover concepts within the field of Psychology. Topics covered within these courses can include Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Cognitive Psychology.

Program Admission Requirements

A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate. Of those hours, 54 credit hours fulfill major requirements. These credit hours include psychology courses, social sciences, and foreign language. In addition to those hours, five foundational and nine credit hours of higher level psychology are needed. UNLV requires incoming freshman to have 3.0 GPA or higher in the core subjects of English, math, social science, and natural sciences.

Licensure Requirements for the Bachelor of Psychology

To become a licensed Psychologist, a Master's or doctorate degree is needed. After graduation, a passing grade on the national exam and supervised clinical hours is needed for licensure . These requirements change depending on the state. If this is a goal, a Bachelor's degree is the first step to graduate-level education in Psychology.

A BA or BS in the field can helpful when pursuing a career or higher education in Psychology. A BS may be more fitting for PhD programs while a BA may be more helpful in clinical settings. This is due to BS programs focusing on more research and statics that are needed in PhD programs. BA programs on the other hand help students gain a broad range of knowledge about the field.

A bachelor's degree in Psychology can also offer a multitude of career options. For example, social work assistants help licensed social workers in a clinical setting. Individuals with Bachelor degrees can also become research assistants. Research assistants help conduct scientific research.

Psychology Career Opportunities with a Bachelors in Psychology degree

Having a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology doesn’t limit you to only careers in the field. For example, human resources, journalism, and advertising can also accept a degree in Psychology. This is because Psychology degrees teach students communication and critical thinking skills. These skills are important for many fields, making a degree in this field applicable in many careers.

According to PayScale, the average salary for professionals with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology is around $62,323. As stated above, holding a bachelor’s degree can lead to many different career paths. This results in a range of possible salaries. For instance, a research assistant can make around 40,000 a year while an advertiser can make around 55,000 a year.

Human resources specialists and managers help with employee performance in an organization. Responsibilities typically include reviewing applicants and conducting interviews. They may also be part of the training process and new employee on-boarding processes.

Many of the high-paying locations for HR workers include states such as California, Colorado, and North Carolina. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington ranks as the highest-paying state. New Jersey and New York are the highest along the East Coast.

Many advertising positions require many skills that bachelor degrees in Psychology teach. Since a Bachelor’s degree usually requires courses in statistics and research methods, professionals have the ability to collect and analyze information. This leads to skills in developing successful marketing strategies for an organization.

Another career opportunity that takes advantage of statistical analysis is criminology. Criminology aims to identify the reasoning behind criminal activity through qualitative reasoning. They may review information at the crime location and conduct interviews with suspects or witnesses. This could also include theory and evaluation of criminal behavior and identifying any patterns.

American Psychological Association (APA)

American Psychological Association (APA) is one of the most popular associations in the field. Their goal is to provide education and resources to Psychology professionals and the public.

The APA has resources that can be helpful to those with an undergraduate degree in the field. For example, the APA provides graduates with career tools such as tips for interviewing and resume building. They also offer tools to help individuals reach their academic and career goals.

The Psychology Help Center at the APA also provides resources in specific areas in the field. For example, the Help Center provides education in trauma care for professionals in clinical settings. This resource can be a great place to when looking for help in a specific area or topic.

Top Psychology Degrees

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