The American University Bachelor program Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Human behavior
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Decoding the Human Experience: Why an Online B.S. in Psychology is Your Gateway to Applied Change
Psychology is more than just the study of the mind; it is the rigorous science of human connection, behavior, and complexity. For those driven by a desire to understand what makes people tick and a passion for supporting others in their most vulnerable moments, The American University’s online Bachelor of Science in Psychology offers a robust, bridge-building curriculum designed for the modern practitioner.
This program is meticulously crafted to dissolve the barrier between academic theory and real-world impact. It doesn’t just teach you the history of psychological thought; it provides the literal toolkit required to function proficiently in high-stakes, applied service settings—from psychiatric facilities to community health centers.
A Multidisciplinary Foundation
The curriculum is built on an integrated foundation that treats psychology as both an art and a hard science. By blending general and applied science with research methods and technical writing, the program ensures that graduates are not just empathetic, but evidence-based. You will learn to navigate the intricate landscape of human relations and development, mastering the nuances of how individuals grow, struggle, and thrive across the lifespan.
From Theory to Practice: What You Will Achieve
The goal of this B.S. program is to transform students into critical thinkers who can hold their own in professional environments. Upon completion, you will be prepared to:
Become a Discriminating Evaluator: You will move beyond reading peer-reviewed journals to dissecting them—critiquing research designs, identifying gaps in generalizability, and understanding the core strengths (and potential pitfalls) of psychological studies.
Navigate Ethics and Diversity: In a globalized world, practice is never one-size-fits-all. You will analyze the critical roles of ethics and multicultural diversity, learning to deliver care that is both principled and culturally competent.
Apply Science to Reality: Theory is only as good as its application. You will learn to take psychological concepts, tests, and measures and apply them to complex, real-world case studies, effectively bridging the gap between a textbook and a patient.
Find Your Professional Voice: Through rigorous technical writing, you will learn to integrate your own perspective with established psychological frameworks, ensuring your professional communication is clear, authoritative, and deeply informed.
Your Path to a Career of Impact
For many, the dream of a career in psychology feels daunting. The American University’s online B.S. program demystifies this path, specifically preparing graduates for entry-level roles—such as psychiatric aides and psychiatric technicians—where the demand for skilled, compassionate professionals is constant.
Whether you are looking to enter the healthcare workforce immediately or are laying the groundwork for graduate studies, this degree provides the academic rigor and the practical "boots-on-the-ground" skills needed to make a tangible difference.
Are you ready to turn your curiosity about the human mind into a career of service and science? The journey starts here.
How the curriculum is built
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program offers a comprehensive academic framework that balances rigorous theoretical knowledge with the essential practical skills required for success in applied service environments. By delivering a broad survey of psychological principles, the curriculum establishes a robust foundation that integrates general and applied sciences, empirical research methods, and professional technical writing. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the complexities of human relations and development, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to translate scientific understanding into proficient, evidence-based practice within diverse professional settings.
Major Requirements | Total Required Semester Hours: 33
Major Requirements
Major Requirements
Major Requirements
GENERAL EDUCATION | Total Required Semester Hours: 36
Group A | Total Required Semester Hours: 18
| Course code | Course title |
|---|---|
| EH 3341 | Technical Writing |
| PSY 4501 | Research Methods In Psychology |
| PSY 3350 | Theories of Personality |
| PSY 3019 | History and Systems of Psychology |
| PSY 2010 | Abnormal Psychology |
| PSY 1010 | GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY |
Group B | Total Required Semester Hours: 6
| Course code | Course title |
|---|---|
| PSY 3150 | Developmental Psychology |
| PSY 3140 | Social Psychology |
Group C | Total Required Semester Hours: 9
| Course code | Course title |
|---|---|
| PSY 4560 | Psychological Assessment |
| PSY 3505 | Psychology of Adjustment |
| PSY 3380 | Psychology of Learning |
History
| Course code | Course title |
|---|---|
| HY 1020 | WESTERN CIVILIZATION II |
| HY 1120 | AMERICAN HISTORY II |
Humanities and Fine Arts
| Course code | Course title |
|---|---|
| ART 1301 | ART APPRECIATION I |
| PHL 1010 | CRITICAL THINKING |
English Composition
| Course code | Course title |
|---|---|
| EH 1010 | English Composition I |
| EH 1020 | English Composition II |
Mathematics
| Course code | Course title |
|---|---|
| MAT 1302 | ALGEBRA I |
Natural Science
| Course code | Course title |
|---|---|
| BIO 1100 | Non-Majors Biology |
| CHM 1030 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY I |
Social and Behavioral Science
| Course code | Course title |
|---|---|
| BBA 2401 | PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS 2 |
| PS 1010 | AMERICAN GOVERNMENT |
| SOC 1010 | INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY |
Electives | Total Required Semester Hours: 36
| Course code | Course title |
|---|---|
| BSL 4080 | Creative Thinking and Problem Solving |
| BHR 3551 | Human Relations and Development |
| ITC 3001 | Personal Computer Fundamentals |
| BHR 4601 | Staffing Organizations |
| BHR 4680 | Training and Development |
| BBA 2026 | ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION |
| BBA 2551 | INTERCULTURAL MANAGEMENT |
| BBA 3361 | PROFESSIONALISM IN THE WORKPLACE |
| BBA 3602 | Principles of Management |
| BBA 3626 | PROJECT MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW |
| BBA 3826 | Managerial Decision Making |
| BBA 2010 | Introduction to Business |
| BBA 3301 | FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT |
Tuition and ways to save
Transfer credits are accepted. Textbooks are included. Payment options, the learning partners discount and scholarships are available. Admissions issues a written quotation before enrollment.
Transfer credits accepted
Previous study may count toward this program. Admissions reviews transfer credit.
Textbooks included
Textbooks are included in the cost of the program.
Payment options
Choose a payment plan set out in your written quotation.
Scholarships and partner discounts
Ask Admissions about scholarships and the learning partners discount.
Study on your schedule
The program is designed for working professionals and anyone balancing study with other commitments.
LifePace Learning®
Start any time. Progress through a course in as little as four weeks or as long as ten weeks. There are no required login times and no set start or completion dates.
Term enrollment
Work at your own pace within set course start and end dates. A term lasts about nine weeks, with weekly assignments to keep you on track. There are eleven term start dates each year.
Other programs you may consider
Start this program
Contact Admissions to confirm eligibility, transfer credit, and the next term start.




