OVERVIEW
An Online Psychology Degree That Sets You Up for Success
Earning a psychology degree can set you on the path to becoming a mental health professional or open doors to employment across a variety of other industries. Whether you plan to pursue further education to become a therapist or begin your career after finishing your bachelor’s, this psychology program is an excellent starting point.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree will explore the ins and outs of developmental psychology and the theories and practices used by today’s mental health experts to identify and treat abnormal psychology. You'll gain valuable research and learning skills that help you create evidence-based strategies that address real psychosocial issues. You'll also learn about:
- Theories of personality
- Psychopathology
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Neuropsychology
- Mental health awareness and education
95%* of graduates finish similar programs in
less than 4 years
WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance when you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
*WGU Internal Data
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,085
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students reduce the ultimate cost of their degrees. Finish faster, pay less!
Average salary increase
$11,059*
Leavitt School of Health undergraduates report an average salary increase of $11,059 after completing their WGU degree.
*WGU Internal Data
COURSES
Psychology Courses
Program consists of 34 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff. This program features scaffolded learning throughout the standard path, requiring the standard path order to be followed for optimal student success outcomes.
WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology curriculum was designed, and is regularly updated, with input from the professionals on our Health Professions Program Council, ensuring that this psychology degree teaches important healthcare best practices and keeps up with the latest trends in the industry. The psychology courses you’ll complete will help you gain the kind of expertise you need for a successful start in mental health services.
Part of this psychology program includes realistic experiences as a professional in a team setting via virtual simulation. You’ll learn to apply psychologically sound approaches to interpersonal communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
This psychology degree program prepares students for lifelong learning by helping them develop vital research, analysis, and communication skills that will benefit them in any career they choose. Students will also gain discipline-specific knowledge and skills as they delve deeper into cognitive psychology, health psychology, social psychology, neuropsychology, and other psychological areas of study.
The B.S. Psychology program is an all-online program that you'll complete by studying and working independently with instruction and support from WGU faculty. Most of your courses can be accelerated based on your prior knowledge and hard work.
An unofficial estimated 14 courses are fulfilled by your associate degree leaving 27 courses.
This is an unofficial estimate of your transfer credit. You may recieve more or less credits depending upon the specific courses taken to complete your degree and other credits you may have.
Below are the anticipated courses that will be fulfilled based on your indication that you have earned an associate degree. During the enrollment process this information will be verified.
34 Courses
Program consists of 34 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Capstone Project
Special requirements for this program
At the end of your psychology program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your study and effort. This project includes creating an evidence-based strategy to address a real-world psychosocial issue of your choosing.
Skills For Your Résumé
As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for.
- Research: Demonstrated expertise in communicating messages using the most appropriate manner tailored to the intended audience, ensuring effective message delivery and reception.
- Critical Thinking: Applied logical reasoning to real-world problem-based inquiries.
- Problem Solving: Implemented problem-solving skills to efficiently resolve issues, employing systematic approaches to address challenges and achieve desired results.
- Psychology: Applied psychological theories to explain behavior, providing insights into human actions and motivations within various contexts.
- Psychology: Identified factors affecting psychological well-being, recognizing and addressing key elements influencing individuals' mental health and resilience.
“The completion of my WGU BS degree has motivated both my children to go back to school and finish their degrees. They're saying 'well if Mom can do it.' I am happy at this point in my life to be able to still influence my children in a positive way."
—Jayne Harrower
B.S. Healthcare Graduate
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
TRANSFER CREDITS
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.
Flexibility You Need
Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
Strong Alumni Network
When you enroll in this healthcare program at WGU, you join an impressive network of healthcare professionals. This network is key in helping boot credibility and respect for your degree from WGU.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
COST & TIME
An Affordable Psychology Degree
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A Psychology Bachelor's Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology—Designed to Fit Your Life
Online. Flexible. Student-focused. These are just some of the qualities that make our programs a great fit for today’s working students—and make WGU a different kind of university.
Our degree programs allow you to speed up your progress—no waiting for other class members to catch up or for a new semester to start. Taking a course covering concepts you’ve been applying for years? Review the online course material, take the online assessment, and move on. Taking a course in a subject you’ve never tried? Maximize all available resources to ensure you’re comfortable with the material by the time you take the assessment.
" I had a great educational experience at WGU, and the course instructors had a positive impact on the study curriculum. Each course was very organized, easy to follow and learn, and the educators are very attentive. I gained a greater understanding of research that is aimed at establishing facts and quality improvement.”
—Nasiba Ruziyeva
WGU Healthcare Graduate
CAREER OUTLOOK
A Psychology Degree Opens the Door to Multiple Careers
Earning your bachelor’s in psychology can get you started in a healthcare-focused career or qualify you to pursue employment in management, social services, education, and other fields. This program contains coursework that will help you learn about various fields of psychology, including:
- Social psychology
- Consumer behavior
- Neuropsychology
- Psychopathology
- Substance abuse and addiction
After earning your psychology degree, you may want to pursue a master’s degree or additional certifications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 49% of bachelor’s grads in psychology go on to earn an advanced degree. But whether you want to become a counselor, a social worker, or a researcher starting your education with a B.S. Psychology degree provides a strong foundation for future learning.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2023 Harris Poll Survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
18%
The number of positions for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to increase 18% from 2022 to 2032.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Apply Your Psychology Knowledge and Skills to Excel in Your Chosen Career
WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology is designed to provide you with a comprehensive set of skills that can be applied across industries. This program incorporates several career-boosting competencies, including courses in the areas of substance abuse, research methods, psychopathology, adult psychology, neuropsychology, mental health education, and more.
*This program does not lead directly to licensure for these roles/positions. The program prepares graduates to seek additional education required for these types of roles/positions.
Possible Jobs
- Behavior technician
- Market research analyst
- Psychiatric technician
- Academic advisor
- Social services specialist
- Patient navigator
- User researcher
Possible Work Settings
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Businesses
- Community care facilities
- Research facilities
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable.
ADMISSIONS
Bachelor of Psychology Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent AND demonstrate program readiness through one of the following:
Option 1: Submit transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Option 2: Possess a bachelors or associates degree (A.A or A.S. acceptable) from an accredited post-secondary institution.
Option 3: Submit high school transcripts for review with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Safety Notice: WGU and the Leavitt School of Health are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of all patients, community members, and key stakeholders that interact with WGU students at various clinical/host sites. Interactions might include direct patient interaction, observation experiences, laboratory experiences, project development, or conducting research.
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