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School of Arts, Humanities & Education

Psychology

Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA)

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About our Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in psychology explores the intricacies of the human mind by focusing on developmental psychology, organizational psychology, and abnormal psychology. This online psychology degree program applies the science of behavior to various environments, including vocational, academic, and clinical. Designed for highly motivated individuals, the Bachelor of Arts in psychology prepares students for diverse career paths in human services, counseling, education, law enforcement, management, and more, while building a strong foundation in psychological science.

NOTE: A bachelor’s in psychology does not provide licensure; preparation for licensure; or professional certification required for mental health counselors, practitioners, or psychologists.

What You Will Do in our Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

  1. Exploration and articulation of core theories and concepts within psychological science, such as developmental psychology and abnormal psychology.
  2. Assessment and evaluation of psychological research using the scientific method and quantitative reasoning (descriptive and inferential statistics, for example) to unravel the mysteries of human behavior and address real-world challenges.
  3. Deep understanding of the roles, ethical norms, and responsibilities of psychology professionals in research methods, mental health, and professional practice.
  4. Acquisition of professional communication skills to effectively share psychology knowledge with audiences across clinical, academic, and workplace contexts.
  5. Building a portfolio of qualifications and skills that are highly valued by employers and graduate degree programs. These include proficiency in project management and collaboration, a strong work ethic, competency in modern technologies, and a keen sense of professional direction.

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits
120
Transfer up to 90 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$360 | $250*
$324**
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant or APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 5037

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Information and Digital Literacy is designed to provide students with sustainable and usable skills essential to success in both academic and professional settings. Students will learn best practices to locate and evaluate sources, and effectively communicate using digital literacy to become proficient 21st century learners.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4951

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Martin Luther King, Jr, said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to KEEP MOVING.” Making Writing Relevant is a composition course that will definitely keep you moving. It is not merely a required course; it is the type of course you will want to take because it moves you onto the path to success. Over eight-weeks, we will help you learn the most important components of a successful writer-communicator. We will teach you how to research properly, knowing you will need this skill in every course you take here at APUS and also in interactions in your professional and personal life. We will teach you the formatting style you will use in your field. We will provide a supportive community to strengthen and encourage you, and by the end of this nearly-all-you-need-to-know-about-writing course, you will be able to fly.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 3590

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This course is a survey of human development across the life span. Course content includes terminology, principles, and theories related to genetic and environmental influences on physical, cognitive, emotional and social development.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4651

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Volcanoes. Biochemistry. Space studies. Whether pursuit of scientific knowledge is for personal interest or career progression, ENGL221 gives you the knowledge and skills to understand how and why scientific writing is different from other writing styles. As a launch pad to study rocket science or gather data to advocate for environmental protection policies, this course will provide the groundwork for presenting relevant data to all scientific disciplines. We will learn the basics and practice writing various sections of a scientific paper, including the abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. ENGL221 will explore the unique structure, style, process, and documentation found in scientific writing. (Prerequisites: ENGL101 or ENGL110)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4894

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This is an introductory statistics course designed to help students achieve a basic understanding of the statistical methods available to analyze and solve the wide variety of problems encountered in the workplace. This course is designed for students who seek an understanding of descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The emphasis of the course will be on the proper use and interpretation of statistical techniques. MATH120 is the recommended mathematics general education course for students who will be required to take additional statistics courses such as MATH302 Statistics as part of their program of study.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3734

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The course introduces students to the art and science of Psychology. Course emphasis is on applying the "science of human behavior" to a variety of settings: vocational, personal, academic, and clinical. Course content introduces the history of psychology, major theories of personality and learning, current research and developmental issues. The course has a holistic approach and integrates the biological basis of behavior, social factors, learning and the unique coping styles of the individual to understand human behavior.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3743

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This course provides a broad overview of theories of personality. Course content includes psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic perspectives, and examines contributions of major theorists from each school, key theoretical points from each perspective, critiques of the value (and the limitations) of each theory.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4217

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This course focuses on laboratory and field research methods applied in the study of human behavior. Course content emphasizes the development of sound methods of hypothesis testing, data interpretation and formal research report writing, the review of empirical, peer-reviewed literature, the critique and interpretation of applied research and the ethical responsibilities and codes of conduct related to psychological research
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3580

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This course examines basic learning processes within the context of classical, instrumental, and operant learning situations. Course content focuses on classical conditioning, instrumental learning, principles of reinforcement, punishment and avoidance conditioning, stimulus generalization and discrimination, retention and forgetting, nature and functioning of memory, and learning and performance of motor skills. (Prerequisite: PSYC101)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3581

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This course provides an introduction to the study of how humans organize and interpret stimulation arising from their environments. Course content includes a review of theory, methodology, and research findings. Illustrative case studies will be explored, particularly with regard to disorders of perception. (Prerequisite: PSYC101)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3578

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This course examines the major antecedents of modern psychological theories and methodology. Course content focuses on the history of psychology as a field of scientific inquiry, including an overview of development of schools of thought, prominent figures, and key theories. (Prerequisite: PSYC101)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4213

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This course surveys anatomical structures and functioning as the biological bases for human functioning and psychological states. Topics investigated include sensory processing, movement, emotional expression, sleep, learning, memory, language, reproduction and psychopathology. (Prerequisite: CHFD342 and PSYC101)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3609

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This course surveys syndromes of psychopathology, by reviewing etiology, symptomatology, and treatment. Psychological, neurobiological, and genetic approaches to understanding mental disorders are considered. Topics also include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, personality disorders, memory disorders, and childhood disorders. (Prerequisite: PSYC101)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4201

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This course is designed to provide a basic survey of the application, empirical use and interpretation of a variety of statistics methods used in the social sciences. A key objective of the course is the instruction in best statistical practice through the use, exploration and analysis of empirical data. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and interpreting the meaning of statistics. The practical aspects of statistics are emphasized and students are instructed in the use of the standard statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) which is widely used in the social sciences and in the labor force. NOTE: Students must have access to required software: SPSS (Statistics Package for the Social Sciences); see Course Materials for current version requirement. APUS does not supply this software. (Prerequisite: MATH120)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Choose 18 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 3744

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This course addresses the research and theory of child development from conception through the end of childhood. Topics include the child’s emotional, perceptual, and intellectual development, with attention to the social, cultural, and biological context in which children develop. Practical applications of theory and research will be emphasized.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3739

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This course is an overview of the biological, psychological, cultural, and behavioral aspects of human sexuality and family life. The overall theme of the course focuses on attitudes and responsible sexual behavior. Key topics include how culture, society, and history have impacted our understanding of human sexuality.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3585

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This course is a study of theories, research and practical interventions concerning the psychological development of the child from conception to puberty. Course content focuses on biological, intellectual, emotional and social development, and the dynamics of family, peer, school and other environmental influences.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3599

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This course is an examination of physical, cognitive, emotional and social development in the first 3 years of life. Course topics include developmental milestones, abnormal development and disease, parenting, family dynamics and appropriate care practices and environments from infancy through 36 months of age.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3741

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This course introduces students to historical and contemporary theories of social psychology, key theorists’ contributions to the field of and practical applications of theoretical concepts in the real world of the individual functioning in group settings. The focus of study includes social judgments and decisions, attitudes and perception, social influence, attraction, aggression, altruism and group pressure and their influences on human behavior, cognition and emotion, along with exposure to the methods of social scientists who study group influence on human behavior in the field. (Prerequisite: PSYC101)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3586

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This course focuses on the role of drugs in society, licit and illicit substances, the use and abuse of medical drugs, and the state of the field in terms of prevention and treatment for substance abuse and dependence. (Prerequisite: PSYC101)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3591

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This course is an in-depth study of the developmental processes from the transition to adulthood through old age. Course content examines the ways adults construct meaning, including intellectual, moral, and personality development. Gender and culture are highlighted, and particular emphasis is placed on understanding the influence of context on adult development. (Prerequisite: PSYC101)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3194

|
This course is an introduction to historic and contemporary terrorist groups and their motives and strategies. The psychological and social impact on individuals, communities and global societies of the achievement of terrorist goals as well as recruitment methods, the influence terrorist groups exert on their members and factors influencing the establishment and dissolution of terrorist groups will be examined.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3612

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This course focuses on the psychological and physiological human response to natural and man-made disasters. Using clinical research and case histories, students will examine normal and abnormal psychological reactions, the recovery process and principles of mental health care for victims of mass disasters. Differences between natural and man-made disasters are examined and factors that mitigate post-traumatic effects are reviewed. Psychological aspects of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) disasters are also considered.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3613

|
This course is a study of acute and chronic behavioral response to battle. Students will review, analyze, and evaluate the range of psychological responses to combat, from "normal" reactions to variations of "Combat Stress Reaction." Case studies from combat action will provide material for application and synthesis of the concepts presented in the course. Topics include the U.S. military approach to psychiatric management of combat, POW experiences, mental adaptation for future warfare, and stress associated with other forms of conflict, such as peacekeeping. (Prerequisite: PSYC101)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 3619

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The Senior Seminar in Psychology is the capstone course for the bachelor of arts in psychology degree. Students will examine what they have learned during their program and how these concepts and skills apply to a specific occupational path in the psychology profession. Students will also examine the requirements to seek careers in psychology as well as the options for graduate study. (Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of 105 hours towards your program)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

What Is Psychology?

Psychology is the study of the mind and how we behave. According to the American Psychological Association, the science of psychology explores brain function and behavior as well as environmental factors that influence behavior. 

Psychology knowledge can be employed to:

  • Study how people relate to one another in everyday life
  • Help to improve health and well-being
  • Explore how children develop and think
  • Analyze criminal behavior
  • Delve into the root of emotions 
  • Understand behavior in the workplace
  • Influence consumer behavior such as purchasing decisions

 

Why Is Psychology Important?

Students pursuing a psychology degree gain opportunities to understand themselves, to understand those around us, and to help others, such as those struggling with mental health challenges, behavior disorders, or addiction. Psychology professionals may choose an area of focus such as:

  • Enhancing educational settings by designing effective teaching methods 
  • Supporting human growth and well-being
  • Exploring how people adapt over their lives
  • Studying how to help those with developmental challenges
  • Fostering better communication

 

Demand for Psychology Skills

Psychology students can acquire knowledge that may benefit them in a wide range of career opportunities.  

When it comes to psychology skills, projected job growth is high in substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health, with an 18% anticipated increased demand for these roles between 2022-32. 

People often assume psychology majors are looking to pursue a career in counseling but there are many other career paths for those with a psychology degree. Many people with a bachelor’s degree in psychology work in fields outside what is traditionally thought of as the psychology discipline. Their knowledge of how the human brain works can serve them well in many fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found those with a psychology degree working in fields such as:

  • Management
  • Social services
  • Human resources
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Office and administrative support

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed April 2024] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm. Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Psychology is a great field for learning critical thinking, how to write, do research, and provide the groundwork for a variety of different kinds of fields.
Rachel Christian Cain
PhD, Assistant Department Chair

Novel Applications of Psychology

According to the American Psychological Association’s latest trends report, psychology offers the means for tackling major societal problems, ranging from fighting misinformation to supporting childhood mental health. A bachelor’s degree in psychology can help prepare for emerging workforce opportunities in the corporate world, such as fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion and enhancing employee well-being. 

A bachelor’s in psychology also prepares students for the growing field of industrial-organization psychology, which involves studying human behavior in organizations. These specialized skills can be used across everything from impacting consumer behavior to coaching employees, improving manufacturing efficiency, developing market strategies, and optimizing work/life. 

student

Getting Started with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

APU’s undergraduate degree program offers opportunities to learn the varied ways that the science of psychology is used and determine an area of greatest interest. Students seeking a bachelor's in psychology can explore a broad range of topics, such as abnormal behavior, cognitive psychology, health psychology, mental health, as well as research methodology. 

Students are well served to take research courses early so that they can apply scientific research and principles throughout their learning.

Career Opportunities with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Although an advanced degree is required to practice psychology in roles such as counselor and clinical psychologist, bachelor’s degree holders can enter the workforce in any number of fields. There are diverse career paths that benefit from the knowledge gained through a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Some of these include sales, marketing, professional services, and teaching. 

Students also gain knowledge about research methods with an undergraduate degree, enabling them to study topics such as health sciences. After attaining an undergraduate psychology degree, students not only have learned the fundamentals of psychology and psychology research but will have gained soft skills such as listening and problem-solving techniques that are beneficial across most every career path.

There's not a field out there that doesn't involve psychology in some form or fashion. There's room for people in psychology in just about every discipline.
Tonia Parker
PhD, MPH, Department Chair

Continuing your Psychology Education

Roughly 14% of people who earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology go on to pursue additional education, earning an advanced degree in the field. Typically, it’s advantageous for bachelor’s degree graduates to move on directly to a doctoral degree, which provides the specialized skills and focus in a specific area of interest, such as developmental psychology, health psychology, or school psychology. 

The highest need for psychology professionals is in hospitals, with a projected increased demand of 26 percent by 2030, according to the American Psychological Association. This is followed by the need for psychologists in individual practices, schools, outpatient care centers, higher education, and individual and family services settings. (These roles will require academic study beyond APU’s bachelor’s in psychology.)

 

Why Attend American Public University?

Highly regarded education. American Public University is part of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 

Academic support every step of the way. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to your success. American Public University was recognized for participating in the launch of the Excellence in Academic Advising project as part of the Charter Cohort of NACADA, a professional association for academic advising. Our academic advisors work with you as a partner to offer advice, answers, and support from the moment you contact us through graduation. They are here to help you find the right degree path, balance your course load, access study and student resources, gain expertise and support from professors, and more. 

Mental health support. The University offers wellness support through free access to TalkCampus for 24/7, affordable peer-to-peer support, and UWill, which provides free access to licensed counselors online.

Recommended by fellow students. More than 90% of students report that the program met their expectations, and more than 40% of our students were referred by others. 

Affordability. We strive to offer students high-quality education that is affordable. In addition to reasonable tuition rates, we offer no-cost ebooks for undergraduate degrees, no-cost admissions applications for undergraduate and master’s-level programs, and no cost for the evaluation of transfer credits.

Award-winning online education. American Public University is a five-time recipient of the Online Learning Consortium Effective Practice Award. Our collaborative online environment features discussion boards, forums, and social media to make it easy to connect with classmates and professors. 

Designed for working professionals. Approximately 90% of American Public University students are working professionals, and we help them thrive through flexible programs, including rolling admissions and the ability to log in anytime to complete weekly assignments. The majority of online bachelor's degree students in our psychology program work while attending classes part time. Students benefit from small class sizes and support from faculty who understand their need to balance work, life, and home responsibilities.

A rich online community. As one of the top 10 online universities for working adults, we’ve built an enriching environment to forge friendships with fellow students that make your time here more meaningful. Choose from activities, including student clubs, volunteer opportunities, mentoring, leadership roles, as well as virtual peer networking. You can also join psychology-related organizations, such as our mental health awareness group Active Minds, Psychology Club, and Pi Gamma Mu honor society for the social sciences. 

Data current as of December 31, 2023

 

Standout Faculty 

Our psychology program is led by a team of experienced faculty members who are committed to our students and our mission. The majority of our psychology faculty have been teaching here for more than a decade. Psychology majors learn from professors with diverse expertise from private practice, clinical settings, and consultative work, ranging from preparing Olympic hopefuls to working in clinical psychopharmacology. 

Paying for your Online Bachelor’s Degree

Explore ways to pay for your undergraduate degree, such as:

Frequently Asked Questions about an Online Psychology Degree

Typically, students looking to be psychology majors will choose a bachelor of science if they wish to continue on to medical school to pursue careers as psychiatrists. But students can go on to doctoral study in psychology with a bachelor of arts. A bachelor of science usually requires additional science courses outside of psychology.

An undergraduate psychology degree provides a valuable way to gain foundational knowledge of an expansive field. Students can choose to either immediately enter the workforce or prepare for a doctorate in the field to gain the necessary skills to work as a school psychologist, rehabilitation specialist, or other clinical counselor.

Students who are self-starters will do best in a psychology program, which requires strong writing, research, and analytical skills. Those with a strong work ethic, strong attention to detail, and the ability to advocate for themselves tend to thrive in the program. 
Depending on the career path, often undergraduate degree holders in psychology will move on to a doctorate instead of a master’s degree. If you are looking to be licensed as a mental health counselor (titles vary), a master’s degree is required at a minimum. Check your state requirements for guidance. Further education in a doctoral program is required to become a clinical psychologist. In addition to earning a PhD or PsyD, clinical psychologists typically need special training to earn a license to practice. 

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Admission Requirements

  • All APU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

Materials Cost

Software and/or lab equipment required for some courses in this program must be purchased at the student’s expense, and are not included in the university book grant. 

 

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.