Psychology is the study of why people think and behave the way they do. Factors such as depression and other mental disorders, marriage and family problems, job stress, addiction, and a growing elderly population contribute to increased demand for psychology services in the United States.* Working as a psychologist requires a doctoral degree; however, with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Kaplan University you may qualify for many entry-level jobs in community mental health centers, vocational rehabilitation centers, and correctional programs.

 Program Highlights 

The Kaplan University Bachelor of Science in Psychology program offers a broad liberal arts education combined with an in-depth look at how psychology relates to your everyday life. The program is designed to help you:

  • Examine the major concepts, values, theories, studies, research methods, and historical trends in psychology as they apply to human behavior, learning, and development
  • Gain a deeper understanding of psychological theory and methodology
  • Study diversity and the cultural conditions that motivate people
  • Utilize the scientific approach to evaluate behavior and mental processes relating to personal, social, and organizational issues

A Fast Track to a Master’s Degree

Students enrolled in Kaplan University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology can choose to complete the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Psychology-to-Master of Science in Psychology option. Designed for high-potential undergraduate students interested in earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology, the accelerated option allows you to work toward your Bachelor of Science in Psychology while simultaneously completing four core courses in the Master of Science in Psychology. If you successfully complete these courses with a minimum course grade, and have applied and been accepted to the Kaplan University Master of Science in Psychology, you will enter a shortened version of the master’s degree program.

The accelerated option allows you to earn your Kaplan University Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Science in Psychology at a faster pace and lower cost than completing each degree separately.

Qualification for the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Psychology-to-Master of Science in Psychology option is subject to eligibility requirements. Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.


 Emphasis Areas for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology 

Developing your skills in a specific area of psychology may complement your liberal arts education and help you stand out to employers in a competitive job market. Our online psychology program allows you to nurture your unique interests as you plan for your future career. Focus on the area of emphasis that best suits your career goals.
    Explore behavioral development from birth to adolescence. Study the various approaches to understanding and helping children with special needs and diverse backgrounds. Gain insight into the importance of social relationships created and maintained during childhood. Career options for graduates include coordinating services for children with developmental disabilities or serving as a child care worker or a child welfare caseworker.
    Undergo extensive examination of design, analysis, and application of learning theories and behavioral principles to understand what motivates human behavior. Study the skills required for a myriad of jobs, including working with autistic children and adults with special needs and assisting certified behavioral analysts who conduct research or create behavior modification programs.
    Identify the risk factors for substance abuse and investigate prevention, evaluation, and treatment strategies. Selecting this emphasis area may help you prepare for careers in clinical and educational settings working with youth and adults, or for jobs in abuse treatment programs and public health program initiatives.

 Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology 

    Courses Credits
    Communication Course 5
    Mathematics Course 5
    Communication Course 5
    Arts and Humanities Course 6
    Physical Science Course 6
    Social Science Course 6
    Courses Credits
    College Success Strategies for the Psychology Professional 5
    Statistics 5
    Contemporary Issues in Psychology 5
    Introduction to Cognitive Psychology 5
    History of Psychology 5
    Child and Adolescent Psychology 5
    Research Methods I 6
    Personality Development 6
    Screening and Assessment 6
    General Biology I—Human Perspectives 5
    Introduction to Psychology 5
    Emphasis Area Courses 24
    Bachelor’s Capstone in Psychology 6
    Courses Credits
    Open Electives* 59
    Courses Credits
    Exceptional Needs Children 6
    Language and Speech Development and Disorders 6
    Working With Children in a Diverse World 6
    Social Relationships in Childhood 6
    Courses Credits
    Exceptional Needs Children 6
    Applied Behavioral Analysis I 6
    Applied Behavioral Analysis II 6
    Program Design and Evaluation 6
    Courses Credits
    Health Psychology 6
    Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment 6
    Clinical Psychology 6
    Case Management 6
    Total Program Requirements 180

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

With a bachelor's degree in psychology, you may pursue employment as a research or administrative assistant, a technician, a teaching assistant, or in other areas such as sales, service, or business management. Jobs are available in early childhood education, residential care, community and human services, and counseling clinics. This program can also help prepare you for continued graduate-level education in psychology, which can significantly broaden your career opportunities and earning potential.† 

 Already Have College Credits? 

Let us evaluate your transcripts. You may qualify for our Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Psychology program and be eligible to earn your bachelor's degree from Kaplan University online in as little as two years.‡

Earn a psychology degree online from an accredited institution on a flexible schedule that works with your busy life, with no commuting to and from campus.§ For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free). 

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$371.00
Total program requirements180
Total cost of tuition$66,780.00

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective June 5, 2010, a minimum tuition deposit, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, is required at the time of enrollment. The deposit will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

Chat with a representative about your financial aid options

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* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Psychologists, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm (accessed May 2008).
† While many of Kaplan University's degree programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue continued graduate- or doctorate-level education, the University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any graduate or doctoral programs.
‡ Speak to an Admissions Advisor or refer to our University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.
§ Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The HLC can be reached at 312.263.0456 or www.ncahlc.org.