Bachelor of Arts (BA): Psychology Degree Overview
Individuals in the field of psychology study human behavior and the mind. A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology educates students in the fundamental areas of the field while exposing them to basic principles in humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. A bachelor's degree can lead to careers in social services, counseling, human services or community relations.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Students within a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology program learn about concepts, theories, strategies and tactics that apply to human behavior. Some programs offer the opportunity to pursue a concentration or specialization in the field, such as human development or organizational studies. Majoring in psychology might improve an individual's critical-thinking, problem-solving, communication and leadership skills. Furthermore, psychology students are encouraged to engage in research and participate in internships and other hands-on activities to enhance the learning experience. Individuals interested in applying to a B.A. in Psychology program need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Course Topics
These programs generally offer education in human behavior and related sciences. Students can get an overview of several areas of psychology, such as abnormal, physiological and developmental psychology. They could find themselves studying such topics as:
- Perception
- Psychological research methods
- Cognitive psychology
- Child development
- Personality theories
Popular Career Options
A bachelor's degree in psychology generally doesn't prepare graduates to become psychologists; a graduate degree, most often a doctorate, is often necessary for that profession. However, individuals who obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology can qualify for psychologist positions in federal government agencies and a variety of other careers. Other possible directions a graduate might take include those in social work or social services, human resources, community relations, education, research or counseling assistance. Individuals might choose to pursue such positions as:
- Case managers
- Human resource specialists
- Counseling aide
Continuing Education, Licensure and Board Certification
The B.A. in Psychology is ideal for students who intend to pursue graduate training in psychology or a related field. Graduate programs, such as Master of Science in Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology programs, allow students to focus on personal interests, and graduation from these programs can meet eligibility requirements for licensure as a clinical, counseling or school psychologist. All states require licensure for psychologists who work directly with patients. Professionals can also opt to obtain board certification through organizations, such as the American Board of Professional Psychology or the American Academy of Clinical Psychology, to establish their expertise.
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18 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- All programs require applicants to have graduated high school in 2008 or earlier
- Must be 22 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Bachelor
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- BS in Psychology
- BS in Psychology - Human Development, Education and Health
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- BS in Psychology - Organizational Studies
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Bachelor
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- BS in Human Services - Psychology
- BS in Psychology - General Psychology
- BS in Psychology - Psychology Preparation for Graduate Schools
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- BS in Human Services - Child and Adolescent Development
- BS in Human Services - Self-Designed
- BS in Psychology - Addictions
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Bachelor
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- BS in General Psychology
- BS in Psychology
- BS in Applied Psychology
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- BS in Forensic Psychology
- BS in Psychology of Religion
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must have completed 12 college credits
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (18 campuses)
- Washington (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arkansas (2 campuses)
- Arizona (4)
- California (17)
- Colorado (3)
- Florida (6)
- Georgia (3)
- Hawaii (1)
- Idaho (1)
- Indiana (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Louisiana (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (3)
- Mississippi (1)
- Nevada (2)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Oregon (1)
- Tennessee (3)
- Texas (8)
- Utah (2)
- Virginia (2)
- Wisconsin (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
