Bachelor's Degree
Psychology
Online Degree Program
CLASSES START
Jan 6th
36 Mo. Program Length | 120 Credits |
Online Format | Up to 90 Transfer Credits |
Bachelor's Degree
Psychology
Online Degree Program
Earn a degree in psychology with Herzing University
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Transfer credit | Up to 90 approved credits |
| Format | 100% online classes |
| QuickPaths | Option to earn up to 12 dual credits towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Social Work (MSW); transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University |
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online bachelor's programs in 2024
Overview: Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a 120-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a wide variety of potential career pathways.
The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in personality theory, health psychology, social psychology, statistical methods in psychology, cognitive psychology, forensic psychology, and much more.
Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.
Virtual services
Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.
Lifelong support
We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.
Learn More Today!
Curriculum
Classes & curriculum details
The Herzing University Bachelor of Science in Psychology curriculum is designed based on the Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major as stipulated by the American Psychological Association (APA).
The bachelor’s degree includes 8 behavioral health courses totaling 25 credit hours. Courses prepare students with a foundation of behavioral health entry-level skills that can be applied to a range of diverse career paths. This core is unique to Herzing and will allow students in Psychology to work in settings that improve the health and wellness of individuals and communities.
All didactic (lecture-style) classes are delivered online, and there is no field work, practicum, or internship included as part of the program.
| Programs | Monthsi | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Psychology | 36 | 120 |
i. Average number of months for students to complete the program attending full-time
Required Courses in Behavioral Health
All courses, 25.00 semester credit hours, are required.
OR BU 550 Research Methods and Decision Making
OR MSW 520 Generalist Social Work with Individuals/Families/Groups
Required Courses in Psychology
All courses, 39.00 semester credit hours, are required.
Open Elective Courses
A minimum of 18.00 semester credit hours is required. Eligible students can take up to 12.00 credit hours of graduate level coursework to complete a portion of the open electives requirement.
Dual Credit Graduate Level Course Options for Open Electives Requirement
Dual credit options are available for open electives requirement for students who qualify. See Academic Information for full requirements under title Earning Graduate Credits as an Undergraduate Student.
Required Courses in General Education
Students enrolled in this bachelor's degree must complete a minimum of 36.00 semester credit hours in general.
Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 36.00 semester credit hours required in general education may be made up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines.
Personal and Professional Development Courses
A minimum of 2.00 semester credit hours is required.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition & Cost
The cost of tuition for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is $430 per credit.
You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.
Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.
You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.
Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.
Requirements
Admissions requirements
Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Psychology bachelor's degree program include:
- Prior education requirement. Completion of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Entrance testing. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to succeed in college-level courses via prior ACT/SAT scores, completion of prior college credit, or additional entrance testing.
- Availability of time, personal commitment, and a professional attitude. We exist to help enthusiastic students fully committed to reaching their highest career goals. Our faculty and leadership are dedicated to helping you reach them.
You will need to meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor and complete an enrollment application to be admitted into the program.
If you have any additional questions regarding admissions into the program, please contact our admissions team.
Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District Of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.
Degree pathways: build a foundation for graduate study
Choose Herzing University and several degree pathways at the master’s degree level are potentially available for you in the future.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Earn dual credit in the BSPS program
Advance your education in behavioral health and pursue a master’s degree in social work, an important step towards becoming a clinical social worker.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Earn dual credit in the BSPS program
Step towards becoming a leader in business. Our MBA program includes coursework preparing you for success across many different industries.
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MHA)
Become a behind-the-scenes leader in the delivery of healthcare. You can utilize skills acquired in a psychology bachelor’s degree program to qualify for an MHA program in the future.
Master of Science in Nursing – Direct Entry (MSN-DE)
You may potentially find your calling in the field of nursing. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you may be eligible to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best online bachelor’s degree programs in 2024.
Herzing University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Accreditation & Recognition
Our accredited & recognized online school
We strive to earn rank as one of the top private, nonprofit universities in the United States. Just as you work every day to become the best version of yourself, so do we as a university.
We are proud to have attained institutional accreditation in addition to industry recognition for our accomplishments helping students earn a college education and find career success.
Meet our Leadership
"Students in the psychology program will learn a wide variety of skills that will help them thrive in all work settings including understanding human behavior, motivation, learning and cognition, research, communication skills and relationships.
The unique core in behavioral health opens the doors for numerous careers in the helping professions as well as several graduate paths at Herzing that will allow students to make even more of an impact on people’s lives."
Dr. Wilson is an established social work professor with over 20 years of teaching experience and 15 years as a social work program director in higher education. Dr. Wilson has extensive practice and teaching experience in crisis response, crime victimization, child abuse and neglect, family violence, mental health, and suicide prevention. She has delivered numerous professional presentations, continuing education sessions, and chaired numerous dissertations focusing on social issues. Dr. Wilson is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Missouri, a member of NASW, and has provided service to many community boards. Dr. Wilson has received several teaching recognitions and was awarded the Jane Bierdeman-Fike Humanitarian Award in 2019.
Elizabeth Wilson
PhD, MSW, LCSW
Now Through Dec 31st
Fields you can enter
According to a study from the American Psychological Association (APA), these are the most common primary jobs for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology:
- Sales
- Professional services
- Management/supervision
- Teaching
- Accounting/finance/contracts
- Employee relations
- Research
Salary and job outlook can vary widely by occupational category.
With a psychology degree, you can show employers you have the versatile education to thrive in many different types of roles.
Careers
What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in psychology?
Skills and knowledge developed in a psychology bachelor’s degree program are applicable to all sorts of different types of jobs.
The cognitive, communication, interpersonal, social, and technological skills included in a psychology program can help you succeed in a wide variety of occupations.
Potential jobs you can pursue with a psychology degree include:
- Community and Social Service Specialist
- Human Resource Advisor
- Market Research Analyst
- Psychiatric Technician
- Public Relations Representative
- Career/Employment Counselor
- Personnel Recruiter
- Psychometrist
- Research Assistant
- Victims’ Advocate
Position yourself to join the growing field of behavioral & mental health
Now is an excellent time to consider earning an education if you’re considering working in the areas of substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health.
According to a study from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), almost 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness.
There is a great need for mental health professionals to provide support for those suffering from anxiety, alcoholism, addictions, depression, and additional mental health issues.
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and you can potentially qualify for a growing number of positions in the mental health field, pending employer and licensing requirements.
Note: jobs titled “Mental Health Counselor” typically demand a master’s degree education. Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology can help you qualify for a master’s degree program in the future if you choose to advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most psychology degrees across all levels are named as a general “Psychology” major or concentration.
Some psychology degrees feature concentrations in:
- Counseling Psychology
- Miscellaneous Psychology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Keep in mind many specialties in the psychology field may require a master’s degree education or higher.
Our psychology bachelor’s degree program offers a curriculum designed to teach a broad array of knowledge and skills. This can help you qualify for more types of jobs after graduation and position you for many different educational opportunities at the graduate level in the future.
Our bachelor’s degree program can be completed in as few as 36 months to (3 years, 9 semesters).
You can potentially transfer credit from prior college coursework into our program and complete the program faster. Please contact admissions for additional information on transferring credit.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology is not enough education on its own to become a forensic psychologist.
Our degree program does include an Introduction to Forensic Psychology course, which covers basic concepts in the field, but will not fully prepare you to get certified or work in the field immediately upon graduation.
For instance, in order to apply for Forensic Psychology certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology, you’ll need to first earn a doctoral degree, among additional training and experience requirements.
However, you do need to start somewhere. If you have yet to earn an undergraduate degree, earning a bachelor’s in psychology is a logical first step down the educational pathway to specialized future studies in forensic psychology.
Psychology coursework does not typically differ significantly for Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) programs.
As U.S. News and World Report describes, BA programs generally focus on liberal arts and humanities, while BS programs place greater emphasis on math and science.
Our program is a Bachelor of Science as our general education requirement includes Statistics and Science. Our career-focused curriculum emphasizes technical and vocational skills required to succeed in your work and advance in the future.
Yes, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology is worth it!
You can develop skills relevant to all sorts of different types of jobs and pave the way for a unique career path tailored to your strengths and preferences.
To become a psychologist, such as a clinical, counseling, school, or developmental psychologist, you’ll need to advance your education to the master’s or doctoral level.
Specific degree requirements can vary by specialty, licensing laws in your state, and certification requirements.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology can be a good steppingstone towards the longer educational pathway to becoming a licensed psychologist.
Psychology focuses on understanding individual human behavior and functioning, emphasizing an interpersonal skillset transferable to many different professions.
Human services focuses on the leadership and management of social service agencies designed to address social problems, emphasizing how to provide services.
In general, the difference is psychology more commonly regards individuals while human services more commonly regards communities. Our psychology and health and human services curriculums reflect this basic difference.
However, both fields are close neighbors in the field of behavioral health. Pursuing one major now does not necessarily mean you cannot advance in the other in the future!
Because you can take your career path in so many different directions after earning a psychology degree, there is no single answer to this question.
Here are estimated salary figures for some potential career possibilities based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:*
| Job / Career | Per year | Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Technicians (BLS) | $43,650 | $20.99 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (BLS) | $60,080 | $28.89 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists (BLS) | $67,880 | $32.64 |
| Training and Development Managers (BLS) | $138,450 | $66.56 |
| Human Resources Managers (BLS) | $154,740 | $74.39 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers (BLS) | $150,940 | $72.57 |
All salary data courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. | ||
Please keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list, and degree requirements for jobs in these categories can vary by employer.
Yes, but it may be more appropriate to say psychology is an important element in the delivery of human services—among other fields.
Psychology represents a discipline that is a crucial component in human services, though a degree in psychology can be applied in jobs outside of the generally accepted category of “human services” jobs.
There are a few important factors to consider when choosing between pursuing a career in psychology or nursing, including:
- Varied scope of job possibilities
- The abstract vs. tangible nature of study and practice
- Educational requirements
- Future areas of career specialization
Learn more about the biggest differences between careers in psychology and nursing, and how you might choose based on your personality, preferences, and skills.
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Disclosures
Disclosures
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
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