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Bachelor of Science in Psychology

bachelor of science in psychology

Description

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.

Ready to Get Started ?

Curriculum

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

Group A | Total Required Semester Hours: 18

  • 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>

Major Requirements

Group B | Total Required Semester Hours: 6

  • PSY 3150 Developmental Psychology>
  • PSY 3140 Social Psychology>

Major Requirements

Group C | Total Required Semester Hours: 9

  • PSY 4560 Psychological Assessment>
  • PSY 3505 Psychology of Adjustment>
  • PSY 3380 Psychology of Learning>

GENERAL EDUCATION | Total Required Semester Hours: 36

History

  • HY 1020 WESTERN CIVILIZATION II>
  • HY 1120 AMERICAN HISTORY II>

Humanities and Fine Arts

  • ART 1301 ART APPRECIATION I>
  • PHL 1010 CRITICAL THINKING>

English Composition

  • EH 1010: English Composition I>
  • EH 1020: English Composition II>

Mathematics

  • MAT 1302 ALGEBRA I>

Natural Science

  • BIO 1100 – Non-Majors Biology>
  • CHM 1030 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I>

Social and Behavioral Science

  • BBA 2401 PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS 2>
  • PS 1010 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT>
  • SOC 1010 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY>

Electives | Total Required Semester Hours: 36

  • 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>
bachelor of science in psychology

Tuition Rates

Our goal is to provide the strongest online academic programs at an affordable rate. On average, our tuition is less than half the cost of our competitors.

Ways to Save

Paying for school is possible. At THE AU, there are many Ways to Save including scholarships, Learning Partnerships and more.
  • Transfer Credits Accepted
  • Textbooks Included
  • Payment Options
  • Learning Partners Discount
  • Scholarships

Flexible Online Learning Options

Giving our students the flexibility they need to fit education into their busy schedules is at the core of our mission. Our courses are designed to accommodate working professionals, moms, dads, and anyone else who is balancing school with other life commitments.

LifePace Learning®

Start anytime with LifePace Learning®. Progress through your course in as early as four weeks or as long as 10 weeks.

  • No Required Login Times
  • No Set Start Dates or Completion Dates
  • Complete Assignments at Your Own Pace
  • Enroll 365 Days a Year

Term Enrollment

Complete assignments at your own pace while working within set course start and end dates. A term lasts approximately nine weeks.

  • No Required Login Times
  • Weekly Assignments Keep You on Track
  • Choose From 11 Term Start Dates Per Year
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