Bachelor program

The American University Bachelor program Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Human behavior

About the program

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.

Curriculum

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

Requirements

Group A | Total Required Semester Hours: 18

Requirements

Group B | Total Required Semester Hours: 6

Course codeCourse title
PSY 3150Developmental Psychology
PSY 3140Social Psychology
Requirements

Group C | Total Required Semester Hours: 9

Course codeCourse title
PSY 4560Psychological Assessment
PSY 3505Psychology of Adjustment
PSY 3380Psychology of Learning
Requirements

History

Course codeCourse title
HY 1020WESTERN CIVILIZATION II
HY 1120AMERICAN HISTORY II
Requirements

Humanities and Fine Arts

Course codeCourse title
ART 1301ART APPRECIATION I
PHL 1010CRITICAL THINKING
Requirements

English Composition

Course codeCourse title
EH 1010English Composition I
EH 1020English Composition II
Requirements

Mathematics

Course codeCourse title
MAT 1302ALGEBRA I
Requirements

Natural Science

Course codeCourse title
BIO 1100Non-Majors Biology
CHM 1030GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
Requirements

Social and Behavioral Science

Course codeCourse title
BBA 2401PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS 2
PS 1010AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
SOC 1010INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Paying for school

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.

Credits

Transfer credits accepted

Previous study may count toward this program. Admissions reviews transfer credit.

Books

Textbooks included

Textbooks are included in the cost of the program.

Payment

Payment options

Choose a payment plan set out in your written quotation.

Savings

Scholarships and partner discounts

Ask Admissions about scholarships and the learning partners discount.

Flexible online learning

Study on your schedule

The program is designed for working professionals and anyone balancing study with other commitments.

LifePace

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.

Terms

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.

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Next step

Start this program

Contact Admissions to confirm eligibility, transfer credit, and the next term start.