How to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology: A Complete Guide

By Athena KanMay 28, 2024Updated May 20, 2026

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A bachelor's degree in psychology is a four-year undergraduate program covering the scientific study of human behavior, cognition, and mental processes. The degree is the required academic foundation for graduate school admission and the first step toward licensure as a psychologist, and it qualifies graduates for entry-level roles in social services, human resources, and healthcare.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $94,310 for psychologists as of May 2024.

Psychology programs for you

Southern New Hampshire University

BA Psychology with concentration in Mental Health

Online

Complete your degree at your own pace
24/7 online accessibility

STUDENT FAVORITE

Financial aid (may be available)

Houston Christian University

B.A. - Psychology - Online

Online

Earn an online degree exploring cognitive, social, and mental health topics
Gain practical research, communication, and critical thinking skills

Financial aid (may be available)

Houston Christian University

B.A. - Psychology to Master of Arts in Psychology (5 Year Accelerated) - Online

Online

Earn an online degree and master clinical assessment and therapeutic skills
Gain early access to graduate-level psychology courses as an undergraduate

Financial aid (may be available)

Colorado Technical University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Organizational Behavior

Online

Complete your psychology degree online with 5-week class format
Learn psychological concepts, leadership, and organizational behavior

Financial aid (may be available)

Key Points

A bachelor's degree in psychology requires approximately 120 credit hours and takes four years of full-time study to complete.
The degree is the academic prerequisite for master's and doctoral programs, which are required to become a licensed psychologist.
Psychologists earned a median annual salary of $94,310 as of May 2024, with earnings varying by specialization and work setting.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% employment growth for psychologists from 2024 to 2034, faster than the national average.
Bachelor's graduates qualify for entry-level positions in human resources, social services, market research, and behavioral health support without additional graduate education.

What is a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. Derived from the Greek words psyche (soul or life) and logos (study), it examines how individuals think, feel, and act, both on their own and in social contexts. Researchers and clinicians use evidence-based methods to study mental processes and inform treatment, education, and policy.

A bachelor's degree in psychology introduces students to psychological theories, research methodology, and statistical analysis. The degree builds analytical thinking, written communication, and interpersonal skills that apply across a wide range of industries.

Programs are offered as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). A BA typically includes more coursework in the humanities and social sciences, with greater elective flexibility. A BS places greater emphasis on research methods, statistics, and the biological foundations of behavior. Students who plan to pursue research-intensive graduate programs often benefit from a BS foundation.

Careers With a Bachelor's in Psychology

A bachelor's in psychology qualifies graduates for entry-level positions that draw on behavioral analysis, communication, and research skills. Human resources is one of the most common direct-hire paths for new graduates, given the overlap between psychological principles and workforce management. Other career areas include:

Social and community services: case management, rehabilitation support, and program coordination
Marketing and market research: consumer behavior analysis, advertising strategy, and survey design
Education: academic advising, career counseling, and admissions support
Mental health support: mental health technician and case aide positions in clinical settings
Criminal justice: probation officer, victim advocate, and forensic investigator roles

Becoming a licensed psychologist requires graduate education beyond the bachelor's level. Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists must earn a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), complete several thousand hours of supervised clinical experience, and pass state licensing exams.

The bachelor's degree is also an accepted entry point for graduate programs in social work, counseling, and education policy for students who want to work in human services without pursuing licensure as a psychologist.

How to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Step 1: Meet Admission Requirements

Admission to a bachelor's program in psychology requires a high school diploma or GED. Most universities ask for official academic transcripts and a minimum GPA. Some programs also request letters of recommendation or a personal statement.

Standardized test requirements differ by institution. Some schools require SAT or ACT scores, while others remain test-optional. Review each program's current admissions page for their specific requirements before applying.

Step 2: Complete Your Coursework

A psychology bachelor's curriculum is structured around American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines. Core courses include introductory psychology, research methods, and statistics, often with a laboratory component. Students also take coursework in subfields such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.

Most programs require 120 credit hours to graduate. Many offer concentrations that allow students to specialize before entering the workforce or applying to graduate school. Common concentration areas include mental health, child and adolescent development, addictions, and forensic psychology.

Step 3: Gain Practical Experience

Most programs require applied work before graduation: an internship at a community mental health center, a research assistantship in a faculty lab, or a capstone project analyzing original data. These experiences help students identify their direction after graduation and build the applied record that graduate admissions committees and employers look for.

Step 4: Graduate and Decide Your Path

Graduates entering the workforce can target roles in human resources, social services, or behavioral health support. Those pursuing licensure as a psychologist will need to apply to doctoral programs (PhD or PsyD), which typically take five to seven years and include supervised clinical hours. Career services and graduate school information sessions during senior year can help clarify which path fits.

Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs

Dreambound connects students with accredited online psychology programs from universities across the country. Each program listed below follows the same core curriculum as its on-campus counterpart and can be completed on a flexible schedule.

BA Psychology | Southern New Hampshire University
Psychology (BS) | Abilene Christian University Online
B.S. Psychology/Mental Health | Columbia Southern University
BA Psychology/Mental Health and Counseling | Waldorf University

Paying for Your Psychology Bachelor's Degree

Tuition costs vary by institution, program format, and whether the student attends a public or private college. Students enrolled in accredited programs may be eligible for several forms of financial assistance:

Federal Grants and Loans: Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Institutional Scholarships: Many colleges and universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships directly to admitted students.

Dreambound's program search includes financial aid filters to help students find programs that match their funding situation.

More programs to explore

Southern New Hampshire University

BA Psychology with concentration in Addictions

Online

Complete your degree at your own pace
24/7 online accessibility

STUDENT FAVORITE

Financial aid (may be available)

Waldorf University

BA Psychology/Mental Health and Counseling

Online

Online format for flexible learning
Foundation for roles in counseling and social work

Financial aid (may be available)

Colorado Technical University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Online

Complete your psychology degree online with 5-week class format
Learn psychological concepts, leadership, and organizational behavior

Financial aid (may be available)

Houston Christian University

B.A. - Psychology - Marriage and Family Studies - Online

Online

Earn an online degree integrating faith with marriage and family psychology
Gain practical skills in communication and ethical relationship support

Financial aid (may be available)

Psychologist Salary and Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $94,310 for psychologists as of May 2024. Earnings vary by specialization: clinical and counseling psychologists report a median of $95,830, while school psychologists earn a median of $86,930. Psychologists working in government, research, and applied behavioral health settings may see different figures depending on employer type and geography.

The BLS projects 6% employment growth for psychologists from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. Clinical and counseling psychologists are projected to see stronger growth at 11% over the same period, driven by rising demand for mental health services in hospitals, schools, and community health centers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bachelor's degree in psychology enough to be a psychologist?

No. A bachelor's degree is the academic prerequisite for graduate school, not a license to practice. Becoming a licensed psychologist requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), several thousand hours of supervised clinical experience, and passing state licensing exams.

What jobs can I get with only a bachelor's in psychology?

With a bachelor's degree in psychology, you can qualify for entry-level positions in human resources, market research, social services, sales, and public relations. These roles leverage the communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills developed during your undergraduate studies.

What is the difference between a BA and a BS in Psychology?

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) includes broader liberal arts coursework and more elective flexibility. A Bachelor of Science (BS) places greater emphasis on research methods, statistics, and the biological foundations of behavior. Students planning research-intensive graduate study often benefit from a BS.

Where do psychologists work?

Psychologists are employed in hospitals, private practices, schools, government agencies, corporate settings, and nonprofit organizations. Work environment varies by specialization: school psychologists work primarily in K-12 settings, while clinical and counseling psychologists are most commonly found in healthcare facilities and mental health centers.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychologists earn a doctoral degree in psychology and are trained in psychotherapy and psychological assessment. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) who complete a residency in psychiatry and can prescribe medication in addition to providing therapy. Both treat mental health conditions, but through different training paths and clinical methods.

Your Path Forward With a Psychology Degree

A bachelor's degree in psychology prepares graduates for direct entry into social services, human resources, and behavioral health roles, and it is the required starting point for anyone pursuing licensure as a clinical, counseling, or school psychologist. With a national median salary of $94,310 and projected job growth above the national average, psychology offers a strong return on a four-year investment.