To practice psychology clinically, you must earn at least a master’s, but preferably a Ph.D. To practice counseling, earning a master’s in psychology or social work is the minimum for licensure in most states. A bachelor’s degree in psychology prepares students for graduate education.
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Is a Bachelor’s in Psychology Program for You?
A bachelor’s in psychology degree is the best fit for students with little or no college-level education who seek a strong foundational curriculum in psychology.
Elective courses offer students a glimpse of available specialties, such as abnormal psychology or psychiatry, a degree that includes a medical component. Graduates possess a clear understanding of the duties of nearly all psychology professionals. See below for some major traits of a bachelor’s in psychology, followed by the pros and cons associated with each trait.
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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.
Pro
A diversity of careers to choose from, especially when compared to associate in psychology degree holders.
Con
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.
Pro
Prepared for further education, bachelor’s in psychology holders can enter workforce in a variety of career paths
Con
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.
Pro
Numerous payment plans, options and psychology scholarships
Con
Despite financial support, a recent study by the American Psychological Association stated the median student loan debt for current psychology students is typically more than $100,000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs
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Which degree in psychology is the best?
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I have a bachelor's in psychology, now what?
With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can pursue some entry-level careers in the field. However, many psychology careers require a graduate degree. Many graduates of bachelor’s programs in psychology go on to pursue a master’s in the field to prepare for more advanced careers.
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Where can you work with a bachelor's in psychology?
Bachelor’s programs in psychology give graduates a range of versatile skills in communication and the social sciences, making them great candidates for several careers. Individuals may pursue careers in employment counseling, human resource advising, writing, or customer service.
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What's the difference between a BA and a BS in psychology?
Students can choose from a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS) in psychology at some schools. Degree-seekers who wish to pursue a psychology career may benefit most from earning a BA. BS degrees emphasize studies in science, with more courses in topics such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
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How much can you make with a bachelor's in psychology?
Earning potential varies based on several factors, including location, employer, industry, and experience. According to PayScale, those with a BA in psychology earn an average annual salary of $60,000.
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s in Psychology Program?
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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?
Individuals can demonstrate their interest in psychology in many ways. Some students in bachelor’s in psychology programs, particularly those pursuing or who have pursued employment in a relevant field, can participate in an internship with a licensed psychologist in anticipation of their acceptance into a bachelor’s degree in psychology program. Aspiring psychologists can also subscribe to relevant psychological journals and join professional organizations in the field.
What Should I Expect in an Undergraduate Program in Psychology?
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
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Essential Skills
Students in a bachelor’s in psychology program build skills such as social development, interpersonal effectiveness, critical thinking, collaboration, and effective oral and written communication.
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Common Issues/Addictions/Themes
These lessons can focus on counseling strategies, prevention and treatment of several disorders, addictions, and hurdles.
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Research
Degree-seekers develop skills and strategies that, as psychologists, they can use to effectively analyze and treat adults and children.
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Developmental Psychology
Students explore how the body and brain change as individuals age.
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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
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Mental Health/History of Psychology
This concentration examines mental health over the course of the past century and how psychology has evolved throughout major social and cultural shifts. Students explore treatment, prevention, and diagnosis.
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Abnormal Psychology
This concentration looks at psychopathology and provides an overview of abnormal, antisocial behavior.
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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 often includes the psychology of sexual development.
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Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Learners gain a glimpse into the psychology behind group functions, working together, and industrial conventions, which proves especially helpful for business-minded students.
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Exercise/Sports Psychology
These courses emphasize research and promotion of exercise science and the role psychology plays in the regular maintenance of the body. Courses typically focus on injuries, eating disorders, and the characteristics of successful athletes.
What Kinds of Psychology Careers Can I Pursue with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
Professionals with a bachelor’s in psychology degree often seek clinical practicum and may continue with their studies while interning or working. Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology can look forward not only to opportunities with outpatient services, schools, nonprofits, and hospitals, but also in private businesses, sales, and the judicial system.
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in psychology can pursue some of the positions below. Read on to see average salaries for each position according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Social and Community Service Managers
Human Resource Specialists
Rehabilitation Counselors
Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides
What Do Higher Education and Career Advancement Opportunities Look Like After a Bachelor’s in Psychology?
Other Wages and Careers in Psychology by Degree Level
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