Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Psychology is one of the most popular bachelor degrees obtained by undergraduate students at colleges and universities throughout the world. Students that obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology commonly do so because they have the desire to help people. Psychology is best stated as the study of behaviors and emotions of the mind. By using scientific methods to conduct research a psychology student makes an attempt to understand human behavior. Psychology explores research methods, family counseling, cognitive development, and pharmacology.

While a bachelor's degree in psychology does not qualify you to work as a psychologist it can open doors for you to begin a career in clinical psychology or other related professions. Fortunately, a psychology degree provides a surplus of job opportunities due to its flexibility. With this degree you can attain a job in other professional areas in the division of human or social services such as sales, management, advertising, counseling, public relations, writing/journalism, social work, or human resources. The biggest advantage of a degree in psychology is its adaptability.

Just as most other degrees, a degree in psychology requires a certain amount of general studies courses. Review the general studies requirements of the university or online organization of your choice before you begin taking classes to ensure that you taking the appropriate general studies courses in order to obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology. Some colleges recommend particular psychology, chemistry, physics, anthropology, philosophy, and biology courses to be taken during your core studies. Core classes can include multiple psychology based classes such as introduction to psychology, personality theories, social psychology, cultural psychology, biological psychology, and abnormal psychology.

There are also classes such as child and adolescent development. Elective courses in the requirements for a bachelor's of psychology degree are generally selected from the human science area. Classes may include, but are not limited to, counseling, psychotherapy, adulthood, or marriage and family. These electives are in addition to the electives required during the general studies courses. In order to meet the requirements of earning a bachelor's of psychology degree a minimum of 36 credit hours are required and you must earn a grade of at least a C in all courses required in the core area.

Typically, most programs take four years to attain a degree; however, it is sometimes possible to complete the required coursework in a three year period. Many universities offer both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science in psychology. You will need to decide which degree best meets your goals and desires before you enter the program. Generally, the difference in the two programs is found in the general education courses that are required. The Bachelor of Arts usually involves taking courses related to languages and humanities, while the Bachelor of Science demands more science related courses. A degree can also pave the way for you to further you education is you choose to do so.

Psychology Schools

Are you considering pursuing your bachelor’s degree in psychology? Are you hesitant only because you don’t know what this educational avenue will do for your future career path? Continue reading to discover what you need to know about this degree program and what employment opportunities will be available upon completion.

A psychologist works to study the extensive neurological and physiological processes of humans. This includes in-depth studies of factors such as a person’s cognition, personality, emotions, and perceptions. By completing your associate’s degree program you could begin working in a wide variety of industries that are related to psychology. Keep in mind, there are many industries that are not related to psychology, but that employ psychologists, such as the health care field, the media, or the legal field. Generally speaking, an associate’s degree is considered to be a paraprofessional degree. Basically, this means that in your professional capacity you will be closely supervised by an individual with a higher educational degree.

It is important to note that if you are not sure if the field of psychology is aptly suited for you, then an associate’s degree is a great way for you to get your foot in the door and try your hand in this career field. Of course, before you will be eligible to practice psychology in the capacity of a therapist, a psychologist, or a counselor you will need to further your level of education. Your ultimate career goals should help to determine the level of educational degree that will be necessary for you. For instance, if you plan to work as a forensic psychologist you will need to obtain your doctorate degree in psychology. However, if you want to work in a therapy position then you should complete your master’s degree program.

Upon completion of an bachelor degree program you will be well suited to seek employment as a counselor’s aide, as a case worker in the mental health profession, a service type position that would have you helping individuals with developmental disabilities, a teen mentor, a case worker for government benefits, a criminal justice worker, a crisis interventionist, or in a service position for family support. In addition, some marketing or sales corporations have positions available for individuals with an bachelor’s degree in psychology. It is important to understand that there are many positions that this educational degree program make available; students should choose an area of employment that allows them to best serve the psychological needs of a specific population. In addition, the number of employment options in the field of psychology continues to rise.

More and more positions are becoming available for individuals at all degree levels. However, if you aren’t satisfied with the positions that are feasible options for you with your associate’s degree, then pursuing a higher degree level will be a great idea for you.

You should expect it to take approximately two years for you to complete an bachelor’s degree program. This degree program, which requires about 64 credit hours, will contain course work such as developmental psychology, abnormal behavior, marriage and family, and social psychology. Of course, thanks to technological advances in our society it is completely possible for you to finish this degree program from the comfort of your own home. If a campus based instructional format suits your learning style better, it is very likely that you can find a college or university that offers a program to fit your goals. If a little bit of both educational worlds seems ideal to you, then consider a hybrid degree program.