Bachelor’s in Psychology

Pros | Cons

• Many Employers in Psychology Insist That Applicants Hold A Bachelor's in Psychology

  Once students have earned a bachelor's in psychology, a number of competitive career opportunities become available.

  • A diversity of careers to choose from, especially when compared to associate in psychology degree holders.
  • The bachelor's in psychology may be the minimum degree required by an employer, meaning applicants with more advanced degrees or specializations will be favored.

• It's a Flexible Degree

  Earning a bachelor’s in psychology degree grants an overview of psychology topics and specialties that encourages the development of career goals and pathways. The bachelor's degree in psychology students earn gives students a strong basis to progress to either a career or further educational pursuits.

  • Prepared for further education, bachelor's in psychology holders can enter workforce in a variety of career paths
  • Often need more education to pursue licensure in clinical fields

• The Degree Has Predictable Costs

  Because four-year bachelor's degrees are so common, there are plenty of pathways and options to fund your bachelor's in psychology degree. Scholarships are also very prevalent due the popularity of the bachelor's in psychology degree. See our psychology scholarship database for more information.

  • Numerous payment plans, options and psychology scholarships
  • Despite financial support, a recent Hamilton Project report stated that graduates of a bachelor's degree in psychology program tend to have a disproportionately high "early repayment burden."

What are the admissions requirements for a bachelor's in psychology program?

• Minimum Education Level

  High school diploma or GED

• Transcripts

  High School

• Recommendations

  2-5

• Writing Sample

  Personal statement of intent, writing sample

• Standardized Tests

  ACT/SAT

• Additional Required Materials

  Immunization records

How Can I Guarantee My Acceptance Into a Bachelor's in Psychology Program?

Degree Completion Specifics

• Number of Required Credits
  160

  Typical Length of Program

  4 years

  Culminating Experience Project/Paper/Exam

  Program dependent

  Practicums/Internships

  Program dependent

Core Concepts

• Essential Skills
  Students in a bachelor's in psychology program can expect to build skills that, as psychologists, they will use on a day-to-day basis, such as social development, interpersonal effectiveness, critical-thinking, collaboration, trust-building interaction with clients and effective oral/written communication.

  Common Issues/Addictions/Themes

  These lessons can focus on counseling strategies, prevention and treatment of a number of disorders, addictions and hurdles.

  Research

  Research strategies are the theme of such courses; here, students will develop skills and strategies that, as psychologists, they will needs to effectively analyze and treat adults and children.

  Developmental Psychology

  Students in these classes will explore how the body and brain change as individuals age.

  Organization Psychology

  This subfield gives special attention to the way social involvement impacts a person’s feelings, decision-making, sense of self and general development.

Concentrations

• Mental Health/History of Psychology

  A look at mental health over the course of the past century, as well as how psychology has evolved throughout major social and cultural shifts. Treatment, prevention and diagnosis are also examined.

• Abnormal Psychology

  Abnormal psychology is, as the name suggests, a look at psychopathology and an overview of abnormal, antisocial behavior.

• Child/Developmental Psychology

  This concentration focuses on childhood developmental psychology, covering topics such as cognitive skills in infants, toddlers, children, juveniles and young adults. This topic can often include the psychology of sexual development.

• Industrial / Organization Psychology

  Workplace psychology offers students a glimpse into the psychology behind group functions, working together and industrial conventions, which can be a very useful skill to have for business-minded students.

• Exercise/Sports Psychology

  These courses emphasize research and promotion of exercise science, as well as the role psychology plays in the regular maintenance of the body. Injuries, eating disorders and the characteristics of a successful athlete are often a focus of such courses.

Career Options

• Case Management

  Average Annual Salary

  $59,970

• Human Resource Specialists

  Average Annual Salary

  $55,640

• Rehabilitation Specialist

  Average Annual Salary

  $38,520

• Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides

  Average Annual Salary

  $48,940

Other Wages and Careers in Psychology by Degree Level

• Master'sDegree Page

  Typical Duration

  2 - 3 years

  Median Annual Wage

  $58,563

  Sample Careers

  Mental Health Counselors

  Marriage and Family Therapists

  School Counselors

  Probation Officers/Correction Specialists

  Geriatric Clinical Psychologist

  Sports Psychologist

  Licensed Counselor

  Learn More

• PhDDegree Page

  Typical Duration

  4 - 7 years

  Median Annual Wage

  $77,017

  Sample Careers

  Clinical Psychologist

  Counseling Psychologist

  Research Psychologist

  Learning Disabilities Specialist

  University Clinical Psychologist

  School Psychologist

  Forensic Psychologists

  Human Factors/Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

  Criminal Psychologist

  Learn More