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Psychology is defined as the scientific study of the human mind and behavior by the American Psychology Association (), especially as it relates to our emotional well-being and our relationships with family, friends, and colleagues throughout our lives. Psychology is relatively new as a formal scientific discipline, with most of the best-known and widely accepted concepts emerging in the 20th century. 

A bachelor's degree in psychology online or in-person provides students with a broad overview of this field, including the application of psychological concepts to everyday life. Students who envision themselves working as counselors, therapists, or researchers may want to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology as a springboard for the more advanced degrees they'll need to become mental health professionals. Graduates with this versatile degree are also qualified to move into a number of other occupations and industries. However, there are also more specialized, career-focused pathways, such as a bachelor's in counseling psychology. 

An online bachelor's degree in psychology is designed to introduce students to different personality types and the life stages of human development. Graduates should be equipped with the skills and insights to help clients understand and modify their behavior, improve their relationships, handle stress more effectively, and make healthier choices. Even if graduates choose to follow a career path other than becoming a counselor or clinical psychologist, they can still benefit from the deeper understanding of human interaction and the enhanced communication skills that typically come from earning this degree.

Bachelor's programs in psychology usually result in one of two degrees 鈥� a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). While the two types of degrees share many core courses and topics of study, each has a distinct emphasis that may influence which a student might want to pursue.

BA programs generally look at psychology from the perspective of the social sciences, which is the study of society, the impact of people's behavior on social issues, and the relationships among individuals. With this emphasis, graduates are more likely to be prepared for careers in counseling, clinical psychology, and other occupations that center on human behavior and interaction. 

Conversely, BS programs tend to focus on research, data, and statistical analysis. The skills and knowledge developed through this type of program may be more aligned with occupations in research and data analysis.

The curriculum for a psychology bachelor's degree program aims to provide students with a solid foundation in the field, covering multiple topics in human behavior. While elective course offerings and concentrations can vary based on the program, students can expect to take introductory classes in human development, cognition, and research methods. 

Below are some common courses that many colleges include in their psychology programs:

• Abnormal Psychology: In this course, students typically learn about the most common psychological disorders. Subjects include anxiety and mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use, schizophrenia, and dissociative disorders. This course typically focuses on causation and diagnosis, along with treatment options for each condition.
• Behavioral Analysis and Modification: This course introduces the theory and practice of treating psychological problems by modifying patient behavior. Students are expected to examine positive and negative reinforcement, clinical and nonclinical treatment settings, and ethics in intervention.
• Cognitive Psychology: Students take this class to learn about human cognition processes associated with perceiving the world, solving problems, and making decisions. In some programs, this course also covers the history of cognitive theory alongside the latest technology-driven research.
• Research Methods in Psychology: In this introductory class, the coursework gives students hands-on opportunities to learn how to design psychology studies and experiments, collect data, and formulate conclusions. Faculty may cover ethical research, the difference between causation and correlation, and how research papers are written and presented.
• History and Systems of Psychology: This course typically builds on introductory courses by exploring the history of psychology in greater detail. Students discover how the major systems of psychology 鈥� structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, psychoanalysis, and Gestalt psychology 鈥� developed. Coursework may also cover the evolution of psychological practice in the U.S.
• Lifespan Development: Sometimes divided into two semesters, a course on lifespan development looks at how individuals grow and develop from conception through multiple stages and finally to death. Specifically, coursework covers common issues such as personality, emotion, learning, behavior, and human interaction at each of the major life stages.

Most bachelor's programs end with a capstone course in the final semester. The purpose of a capstone project is two-fold: It gives students an opportunity to demonstrate what they've learned in previous courses, and it allows students to create a significant asset for their portfolios, which they can use as part of their job search efforts. Project requirements typically ask students to conduct research and apply both psychological theory and data in order to address real-world scenarios, such as drug addiction, gender issues, and personal development.

Most psychology bachelor's programs end with a capstone course, which allows students to create a significant asset for their portfolios.

Some programs also require students to fulfill a one-semester internship, which may involve approximately 120 hours of work in a mental health setting. Internships offer opportunities to gain practical experience in the field.

Some programs allow students to select an area of psychology for specialized study. Psychology concentrations typically aim to foster a unique set of skills and area knowledge, thus qualifying graduates for distinct careers based on their education. Below is a list of concentrations commonly offered in psychology programs.

• Child Psychology: As the name implies, this concentration studies how children develop and interact with others. Child psychologists work with children and their families to diagnose and resolve behavioral and emotional problems. A related specialization is school psychology, which focuses on supporting young students by addressing issues that may hinder a child's ability to learn in the classroom and build healthy relationships with peers and teachers. 
• Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychology courses focus on how to use evidence-based research to provide ongoing, comprehensive behavioral and mental healthcare for individuals, families, and groups. Clinical psychologists work directly with patients and in consultation with other healthcare professionals to diagnose mental disorders and develop treatment plans. 
• Counseling Psychology: With the counseling psychology concentration, students explore the practical application of the theories and concepts of psychology as a means of helping people understand their behavior and manage their emotions more effectively. Many students who choose this specialization intend to earn at least a master's degree in order to become licensed therapists.
• Developmental Psychology: Developmental psychology looks at the changes in brain function, motivation, social interactions, and physical condition humans typically experience as they progress through their lifespan. Developmental psychologists help patients of all ages understand and adapt to common life changes, and they diagnose and treat mental, emotional, behavioral, and social disorders that may result from the inability to adapt.
• Forensic Psychology: A concentration in forensic psychology combines the study of psychology with the study of law. Forensic psychologists often work in some part of the judicial system 鈥� police departments, rehabilitation centers, law firms, universities, and so forth 鈥� either as employees or consultants. When a person is accused of a crime, they typically apply the principles of psychology to the crime in an attempt to understand the accused's motives and behavior.
• Health Psychology: This concentration focuses on people and families who are experiencing illness. Students learn how to become counselors who help patients develop coping strategies, apply psychological theories in family settings, and support individuals with mental health challenges associated with their illnesses.
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Industrial-organizational psychology is the study of human behavior within organized groups, such as corporations, political parties, and teams. I/O psychologists typically work with or consult with various types of groups, helping the members understand the dynamics within the group and how to improve efficiency and communication. 
• Social Psychology: In this concentration, students typically learn about the psychology of community-level behavior. Some take classes in social justice to better understand how cultural, political, and economic factors shape community values. Social psychologists often conduct research with the goal of solving social problems.
• Sports Psychology: Students who opt for a sports psychology concentration study athletes, both as individuals and as members of teams. Sports psychologists usually work directly with athletes on performance enhancement while also helping individuals and teams work together more effectively. 

You can follow several different career paths with a psychology degree. Although you'll need an advanced degree to qualify for most psychology-related jobs, a psychology bachelor's degree makes an excellent foundation for earning an advanced degree in the field. A bachelor's degree could also prepare you for human resources specialist, teacher, and wholesale sales representative occupations.

To become a licensed therapist or psychologist, students must continue in higher education by completing a psychology master's degree or either a doctoral program in psychology or clinical psychology. However, the insights into human behavior and data analysis skills that come from studying psychology help prepare bachelor's degree holders for diverse career opportunities in fields such as business, social services, criminal justice, and education. 

The following are just a few of the many possible career paths:

Most work in psychiatric or substance abuse hospitals. They assist in providing care by listening to patients' concerns, recording their conditions and vital signs, administering medications, and leading therapeutic and recreational activities. This occupation is often physically demanding, and psychiatric technicians are prone to illness and injury. Although a bachelor's degree in psychology is not required to become a psychiatric technician, it may make a job candidate more attractive. Importantly, some states require technicians to be licensed.

• Salary: $45,100 per year, $21.68 per hour
• Job Growth: 18% (much faster than average)
• Required: postsecondary certificate or at least a high school diploma 

In the field, a bachelor's degree in psychology qualifies a graduate for a direct-service position, such as a caseworker or mental health assistant. Caseworkers help identify clients' specific needs for social services, such as healthcare, home placement, and food assistance. They connect clients with appropriate resources and routinely follow up to ensure consistent care. Mental health assistants specialize in working with clients who have mental health issues. Most states require social workers in these kinds of nonclinical roles to be licensed or certified.

• Salary: $61,330 per year, $29.49 per hour
• Job Growth: 6% (faster than average)
• Required: Bachelor's or master's

typically work for large manufacturing companies, selling products to large, individual commercial clients. Representatives identify prospective buyers, assess each buyer's needs to determine which products would meet those needs, and negotiate final sales prices and delivery schedules. Employers that sell complicated or technical products 鈥� such as manufacturing equipment or pharmaceuticals 鈥� often prefer to hire job candidates with a bachelor's degree.

• Salary: $76,460 per year, $36.76 per hour
• Job Growth: 0% (little to no change)
• Required: Bachelor's or on-the-job training

usually work for large corporations or consulting firms, where they collect data and analyze market conditions to determine the sales potential of a product or service. They also monitor and forecast sales trends and measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. In some work environments, analysts may collaborate with other team members to present their data and statistical findings in accessible ways.

• Salary: $76,950 per year, $37.00 per hour
• Job Growth: 7% (much faster than average)
• Required: Bachelor's 

If you are looking to obtain a graduate degree in philosophy, check out our lists of the most affordable online psychology master's or affordable psychology PhDs. 

In most states, professionals who routinely interact with clients or patients as part of their work are required to obtain a state license before going into practice. This is true of psychologists, therapists, clinical social workers, lawyers, and others. Licensure requirements vary by state and occupation, but they usually involve earning a specific degree from an accredited college or university, submitting an application to the state board governing the relevant occupation, and passing an examination. For some occupations, applicants must also accumulate a certain number of hours of supervised training, often referred to as clinical experience.

In most states, psychologists, therapists, and clinical social workers are required to obtain a state license before going into practice.

The offers four levels of certification based on education and experience, and applicants must pass an exam to be certified.

Psychology majors who plan to become licensed therapists and psychologists may want to consider earning specialty board certifications in addition to state licensure. The APA recommends starting to prepare for these certifications while in graduate school. Many specialty certifications are centered around specific groups, such as children, couples and families, and older adults, while other certifications focus on treatment types, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The following are some of the possible advantages and disadvantages to factor into the decision:

Potential Benefits

• Psychology programs often build versatile, valuable skills. The coursework and assignments for most bachelor's-level psychology classes are designed to develop oral comprehension, verbal communication, analysis, and critical thinking abilities, which can be applied to almost any occupation.
• Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of psychology degrees has likely increased along with the demand for mental health professionals. Importantly, due to the pandemic 鈥� including associated trauma and stress. The skills learned in a psychology bachelor's program could be valuable for those wanting to help.
• Online learning gives students more degree options. By considering distance education programs, students have a better chance of finding the program that best fits their goals and budget without leaving home.

Potential Drawbacks

• Graduates may experience difficulty finding work in the field of psychology with only a bachelor's degree. Most require a master's or doctoral degree.
• An online psychology major may have to work harder to build a network of peers. Without the ability to connect in person, online students may have to put more effort into establishing relationships with classmates and instructors.

Determining whether a psychology degree is the right educational path is a highly personal decision based on unique circumstances, such as financial needs and other obligations. Individuals must establish for themselves whether the time and money they'll invest in earning a bachelor's degree in psychology are worth the potential rewards. 

In general, therapy and counseling have the potential to be fulfilling career choices for those who are naturally empathetic and want to help others lead happier, healthier lives. The study of psychology is most likely to appeal to students who demonstrate natural abilities for teamwork, collaboration, listening, and verbal communication. Since psychology also involves data analysis and statistics, it's a good fit for students who show a strong aptitude for higher-level math.

Beyond this, you'll want to decide whether to pursue a psychology degree online. Online programs are usually more flexible than traditional programs, although some programs feature synchronous classes that require you to log on at specific times, as opposed to asynchronous classes that you can engage in anytime. Students with strong time management skills may be better suited for online courses, while students who require more structure may prefer on-campus classes.

For more information on this program's value, check out our article about the benefits of a psychology degree.

Online bachelor's programs in psychology typically require students to earn 120-124 credit hours. Full-time psychology students generally need about four years to complete these requirements, while part-time students may need an additional year or two. Some students may be able to finish their degree in less time via an accelerated online program or previously accumulated transfer credits 鈥� perhaps through earning an associate degree or by obtaining credit for prior military or work experience.

As a prospective student, you will naturally want to consider whether a psychology degree will equip you for the career you have in mind. Be sure to choose a program that offers the specialization that most interests you, and if you plan to go on to graduate school, make sure the program prepares you for advanced study. 

It's also important to choose a school that is accredited. Accreditation is a process in which recognized agencies evaluate and confirm that a college or university meets standards of educational excellence. Enrollment in an accredited program impacts your ability to receive federal financial aid, transfer credits, and apply for licensure after graduating, and it may influence your acceptance into a graduate program. 

• : Joining the APA as a Student Affiliate gives students access to professional and career information. The APA's website also provides for undergraduate and graduate psychology students.
• : There are a number of professional psychologists' associations dedicated to a wide variety of ethnic minority groups that offer discounted student memberships. Members are entitled to educational resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs.
• : Students who join their state's psychology association may be able to participate in state-focused conferences and other career-building events.
• : Undergraduate and graduate psychology students who are accepted into the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology are eligible for several key benefits, including grants, scholarships, and career placement assistance.