What is a Psychology Bachelor's Degree?
A psychology bachelor's degree is a foundational degree that explores various psychology-related topics such as human behavior, brain function, assessment, and treatment. While many bachelor's programs in psychology have concentrations for students to focus their studies on a particular topic, the majority of the degree teaches general psychology that serves as the introduction for exploring more advanced and specific areas of the field later on. Psychology bachelor's degrees are either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). Both degrees qualify students for the same careers, but a BA degree has more social sciences courses while a BS degree has more life science courses; both types of degrees are primarily research-focused. A bachelor's degree in psychology is the minimum requirement or first step to pursue many careers, such as counselors, psychologists, therapists, and researchers.
The Top Bachelor's Programs in Psychology
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adelphi University | $40310 | 74% | 73% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 2 | University of California-Davis | $14495 | 39% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | University of California-Irvine | $13727 | 27% | 84% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $11390 | 74% | 69% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $9598 | 77% | 44% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $11465 | 52% | 84% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | Duquesne University | $39992 | 74% | 81% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 8 | University of California-Riverside | $13853 | 57% | 76% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $11639 | 87% | 56% | 83% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | Georgia Southern University | $6463 | 54% | 50% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | Georgia College & State University | $9530 | 80% | 64% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | University of Pittsburgh-Bradford | $14158 | 73% | 40% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | $13529 | 62% | 56% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | University of California-San Diego | $14415 | 31% | 87% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | University of Kansas | $11166 | 93% | 67% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | Young Harris College | $29367 | 65% | 42% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $16389 | 64% | 82% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 18 | William Penn University | $26100 | 58% | 34% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 19 | Birmingham-Southern College | $18241 | 54% | 69% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | Suffolk University | $40104 | 84% | 58% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 21 | University of California-Santa Cruz | $13991 | 51% | 75% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $7396 | 55% | 69% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | Mercer University | $25828 | 74% | 66% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $11154 | 77% | 71% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 25 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $9063 | 80% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | University of California-Los Angeles | $13240 | 12% | 92% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | Rider University | $44460 | 71% | 67% | 100% | No | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 28 | Michigan Technological University | $17134 | 74% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | Davidson College | $52991 | 18% | 91% | 72% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | Haverford College | $56698 | 16% | 90% | 52% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | Providence College | $52438 | 47% | 87% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 32 | State University of New York at New Paltz | $8502 | 45% | 77% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | University of Denver | $52515 | 59% | 77% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | Cornerstone University | $25360 | 78% | 60% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | University of Akron Main Campus | $11636 | 73% | 46% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 36 | University of West Georgia | $6395 | 59% | 45% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | Wilmington College | $26775 | 78% | 55% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 38 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $19718 | 57% | 83% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 39 | Fordham University | $54008 | 46% | 83% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 40 | University of Georgia | $12080 | 45% | 87% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | University of Northwestern-St Paul | $32210 | 92% | 68% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | Texas A & M University-Commerce | $8958 | 43% | 43% | 91% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 43 | University of Connecticut | $17226 | 49% | 84% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | University of North Texas | $11044 | 74% | 56% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 45 | SUNY at Fredonia | $8717 | 71% | 64% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | Ithaca College | $45274 | 73% | 74% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | CUNY Queens College | $7538 | 49% | 56% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | CUNY Brooklyn College | $7440 | 45% | 54% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | University of Vermont | $18802 | 67% | 77% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | University of Oregon | $12720 | 82% | 74% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Psychology Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
The field of psychology is vast, with many different directions you can take your career in. To reflect this, there are just as many psychology concentrations to choose from. Concentrations allow students to specialize their education through courses that tailor to their academic and professional needs. In the case of psychology, concentrations allow students to focus on a certain type of psychology that usually has to do with a specific population. A few examples can include:
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Some programs won't have concentrations, but will allow students to earn an undergraduate certificate in a psychology-related area, such as forensic psychology or behavioral health.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
The core curriculum for a bachelor's degree in psychology typically focuses on general topics within the field that are designed as a basis for advanced or specific study later on. For example, a foundational course in behavioral neuroscience can prepare a student to choose a neuroscience concentration, where they will study the topic in more detail. Common courses in undergraduate psychology programs include:
- General Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Statistics and Research Methods
- Cognition/Cognitive Psychology
- Psychology of Personality
- Industrial Psychology
If a school has concentrations available, the concentration courses will usually be taken after the core courses, typically in junior and senior years. In addition to the core curriculum, many schools require a capstone or research project.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Psychology?
On average, bachelor's degrees take at least 4 years to complete when studying on campus as a full-time student, with around 120 credits required to graduate. Each year is generally broken up into 2 semesters, with around 18 credits required per semester. Each course you take lasts one or two semesters and is worth a certain amount of credits; some courses will be worth more credits than others. If studying part-time, then the time to graduate can take longer.
How to Choose a Psychology School and Bachelor's Program
With so many options for a psychology degree, it can be difficult to know where to start looking. A great resource to tackle this first step is the National Center for Education Statistics' College Navigator. You can search for schools by location, majors offered, institution type, and religious affiliation, among other search options. They provide helpful statistics such as student-faculty ratio, graduation rate, tuition prices, acceptance rate, and more.
When choosing a psychology program, think about your personal, academic, and professional goals. If you want to work in a specific area of psychology, such as forensic psychology, see if a program offers it as a concentration. If you want to find peers with similar psychology-related interests as you, look for schools that offer clubs or organizations for psychology students to join and network. Research and experience are valuable for psychology students looking to pursue advanced study or start their careers. Students should look for colleges that offer opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research or pursue internships.
All of this information can usually be found on a school's website, but if you have any questions, an academic advisor can be contacted by phone or email. Their contact information is typically on the program's page or in the faculty and staff directory.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Psychology Degrees
Accreditation is the process of ensuring a school or program is meeting educational standards. These standards are determined by accrediting agencies that are made up of members who are experts in education as well as professional fields, such as law or psychology. The two main types of accreditation are institutional and programmatic accreditation.
Institutional accreditation is when a university as a whole is accredited, meaning the entire school is recognized for providing quality education. Examples of institutional accrediting agencies are the Higher Learning Commission and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Programmatic accreditation is when a specific program within a school is accredited, meaning that program is independently recognized for providing quality education. The American Psychological Association is an example of an agency that grants programmatic accreditation to psychology degrees. However, the APA only grants accreditation to doctoral and master's-level training programs. Most undergraduate psychology programs are only accredited through institutional accreditation.
Psychology Licensure & Certification
Psychology-related careers have different licenses and certifications that all require varying levels of experience and education. However, psychological professionals are required to be licensed to practice.
Psychologists need a license to practice in all states, which requires a Ph.D., an internship, and at least 2 years of professional experience supervised by a licensed professional. There are 15 psychology certifications offered by the American Board of Professional Psychology, such as rehabilitation and clinical health psychology. Certification is not required in most places, but it demonstrates professional excellence.
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors who work in private practice must have a license, which requires a master's degree and a certain amount of supervised experience. The licensing requirements for those who do not work in private practice vary by state, with some just requiring an exam and no special degree. The Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network has information on each state's requirements.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology?
Most psychology-related careers require an advanced degree and a certain amount of supervised clinical experience. However, there are entry-level options for a major in psychology. Common careers that typically accept bachelor's degrees in psychology involve working with people who have addiction problems, behavioral disorders, or criminal backgrounds, such as an addiction counselor or a correctional treatment specialist. These positions usually don't involve one-on-one counseling, so a license isn't typically required, making them a great option for those who don't have the prerequisites for one.
The job outlook for these careers is positive as well, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reporting a 25% increase in employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, and a 4% increase for probation officers and correctional treatments specialists between 2019 and 2029..
How to Become an Addiction Counselor
Addiction counselors, also known as substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, work with people who suffer from drug addiction, alcohol dependency, and uncontrolled behaviors that disrupt their quality of life, such as eating disorders. They can work with individual clients and in group sessions and are usually employed in psychiatric hospitals, treatment centers, and halfway houses, among other places. Some of them work with specific populations, such as teenagers. Addiction counselors help clients overcome their addictions or disorders by guiding them in how to deal with stressors in positive ways. They may also help them navigate personal relationships, rebuild a professional life, and maintain recovery.
Addiction counselors may work alongside other professionals in the mental health field, such as psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists, along with medical professionals, such as physicians and registered nurses. The educational and license requirements for addiction counselors vary by state, but most need at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or another related field, and some may need to pass a general license exam. Those who give one-on-one services usually need a master's degree and a license to practice. PayScale states that addiction counselors have an average annual salary of $39,970 as of 2021.
How to Become a Correctional Treatment Specialist
A correctional treatment specialist, sometimes known as a correctional counselor, develops rehabilitation plans for criminal offenders who are on parole. These plans are intended to help them reintegrate into society and maintain their parole status. A correctional treatment specialist usually starts a case by evaluating an inmate who is up for parole; they use psychological tests and assessments to determine if the parolee can be released safely. They usually report their findings to a parole officer or board. Once an inmate is released, it is the specialist's job to help them find education and job training, a place to stay, and treatment for any mental problems or addictions they may have. They may also help the parolee get back into contact with their families or even seek family counseling with them.
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or a related field is suitable for a career as a correctional treatment specialist. Most have to complete a training program and may be considered trainees at their place of employment for up to a year. They must also pass a certification test. The specific requirements vary by jurisdiction. The BLS states that probation officers and correctional treatment specialists have an annual median wage of $54,290 as of 2019.
Career Advancement in Psychology
Career advancement in psychology requires an advanced degree, usually a master's or doctoral degree. A common career with an advanced psychology degree is a psychologist. Different from psychiatrists, psychologists study mental processes, behaviors, and their causes and treatments. They can provide treatment, conduct original research, and act as consultants. There are many types of psychologists, such as a clinical psychologist, research psychologist, and a forensic psychologist. There are even psychology careers that involve math.
The education requirements for psychologists include a Ph.D. in Psychology, a certain amount of supervised clinical experience, and a license to practice. Certification is usually optional, but is required in some cases. The American Board of Professional Psychology has 15 specialty boards that grant certification in specific areas, such as child and adolescent psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology. Each certification reflects the direction a psychologist takes their career in and each has their own requirements.
What Other Kinds of Psychology Degrees Are There?
Psychology is a common subject to study and is available at many different levels of education, from an associate's degree to a doctoral degree and even as a certificate. Each degree level has its own purpose for students, such as preparing for advanced study in the future, qualifying for entry-level or top-level job positions, or just brushing up on knowledge and skills. Typically, the more advanced the degree is, the more options there are for concentrations and careers.
Associate Degrees in Psychology
Associate degrees in psychology are commonly titled as an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) in Psychology. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and are designed for transfer to a bachelor's program. Students learn the basics of general psychology and, depending on the school, may be able to take some psychology electives to specialize their study. Psychology associate degrees typically last 2 years when studying full-time and require around 60 credits.
Master's Degrees in Psychology
Master's degree programs in psychology, known as a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS), are professional degree programs that are usually the minimum educational requirement to receive a license to practice privately in a psychology or other mental health profession. More concentrations are usually available at this level, such as clinical, forensic, counseling, organizational psychology, or clinical neuroscience, among other concentrations. An internship is usually required or encouraged in order to gain valuable practice. Students generally must write a thesis or submit a research project at the end of the program. Master's psychology programs typically last 2 years and require around 36 credits.
Doctoral Degrees in Psychology
Doctoral degrees in psychology are either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). Both degrees are intensive, hands-on, research-based programs of study that awards graduates with the top educational credential in their field. PhD psychology programs allow for specialized study in many areas, including social, developmental, clinical, and cognitive psychology; many PsyD programs are for clinical psychology, although there are concentrations available such as clinical forensic, child, adolescent, and family, and clinical health psychology. PsyD programs have more focus on preparing students to become top practitioners while PhD programs focus more on research, but both types of degrees can qualify one for board certification and top positions in universities as well as private practice. Students work closely with faculty members to perform original research and must write a dissertation on a topic of their choice. Doctoral psychology degrees can vary in length due to the flexibility of the program, but may last around 5 to 7 years with 72 to 86 credit hours required.
Certificates in Psychology
Depending on the school, a certificate in psychology can be a stand-alone program that anyone can sign up for, or it may be a program that is exclusive to enrolled students who want to earn a specialized education alongside their major. Either way, certificates in psychology cover the basic concepts of the subject, much the same as associate and bachelor's programs do, just with less courses. In some cases, earning a certificate in psychology can qualify you for a psychology graduate program if you don't have a degree in the field. Certificates generally don't qualify you for any jobs, although they may be a beneficial addition to a resume. These programs can last anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years, but it varies by program.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Psychology Degrees
Figuring out how to pay for college can be stressful, but there are several ways students can find help. Students can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see which federal student loans and grants they qualify for. Additionally, students can apply for scholarships, grants, contests, and fellowships to get money for college. Each scholarship will have different application criteria, such as major, geographical location, academic standing, or ethnicity, among other criteria.
For psychology students, there's the Fontana Transport Inc. Scholarship Program, open to low-income, underrepresented high school seniors pursuing degrees in psychology. Recipients can receive up to $5,000.
The Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship is open to Delaware residents who are majoring in the social sciences. Recipients receive full tuition, room and board, and books at the University of Delaware or Delaware State University.
JED's Student Voice of Mental Health Award is open to undergraduate students with notable work towards raising awareness towards mental health issues. The award amount is $3,000 and the recipient will receive recognition on the scholarship's website.