A bachelor’s degree in psychology is an undergraduate degree that typically takes four years to complete. At most universities, students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in psychology. Generally speaking, BA degrees tend to require more liberal arts general education courses, while BS degree requires more science general education coursework. A bachelor’s degree provides a solid basis for further graduate study in psychology and offers graduates a limited selection of entry-level career options.
Unlike other career fields, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is typically not a terminal degree. If you want to become a practicing psychologist, upon completion of your bachelor’s degree you’ll likely need to earn a master’s degree or doctorate degree in psychology. Most states now require that psychologists obtain a doctorate degree in psychology before they can receive a clinical license to practice.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) vs. the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Psychology will vary from university to university, so you’ll first want to look at the undergraduate course catalog of the school you’ll be attending to examine the difference between the degree programs. Start by taking note of the core classes for each degree, and then look at the electives and subject-matter courses required for each program.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology will include far more general education courses in liberal arts than a Bachelor of Science (BS) program. Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts degree may also be required to take foreign language courses as part of their general education requirements.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology degree will most frequently focus more on science and mathematics courses, as opposed to liberal arts. Additionally, the BS in Psychology may also include several clinical lab and statistics requirements and focus more on applied psychology and research methodology.
Which Bachelor’s Psychology Degree Is Better?
The short answer to the above question is, “It depends”. Some career and educational specialists suggest that students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology have greater flexibility and more career opportunities that students who pursue a BA in psychology. While this may be partially true, the most important factor in deciding which degree to pursue is to determine which educational track is best-suited to meet your personal interests, needs, skills, and professional aspirations.
If you’re certain you want to pursue a degree in psychology but also have a keen interest in other disciplines then pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology may be more advantageous than a Bachelor of Science degree. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is also a great launching pad for further study in education, law, political science, journalism, and business.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a great degree choice for students seeking science-related career opportunities, or for those who want to pursue a graduate degree in psychology or a related field. Students with an interest in the sciences can also benefit from a Bachelor of Science in Psychology as it offers ample study in biological science and research methodology.
Before determining which degree is best for you, meet with an advisor in the psychology department of the school you’ll be attending for further advice.
Below is a list of accredited colleges and universities offering over 1390 bachelor’s degree programs in psychology. The list includes schools offering both campus and online psychology programs.
| American Public University System – Charles Town, WV |
Bachelors in Arts Psychology – Abnormal Psychology |
| Ashford University – Clinton, IA |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Barclay College – Haviland, KS |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Bellevue University – Bellevue, NE |
Bachelor of Science in Behaviour Science |
| Bethany University – Scotts Valley, CA |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Brandman University – Orange, CA |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Buena Vista University – Storm Lake, IA |
Online Bachelors Completion in Psychology (for working adults) |
| California Baptist University – Riverside, CA |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Christian Behavioral Science |
| Central Methodist University – Fayette, MO |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Central Michigan University – Mount Pleasant, MI |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu – Honolulu, HI |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| City University of Seattle – Bellevue, WA |
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology – Child and Adolescent Services |
| Columbia College – Columbia, MO |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Clinical |
| Columbia Southern University – Orange Beach, AL |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Corban University – Salem, OR |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Family Studies |
| Dallas Baptist University – Dallas, TX |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| DePaul University – Chicago, IL |
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Sciences |
| Drexel University – Philadelphia, PA |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Eastern Illinois University – Charleston, IL |
Bachelor of Science in Counseling |
| Eastern Oregon University – La Grande, OR |
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies – Business & Psychology |
| El Camino College-Compton Center – Compton, CA |
Major in Psychology |
| Fayetteville State University – Fayetteville, NC |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Florida Tech University – Melbourne, FL |
BA in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy |
| Fort Valley State University – Fort Valley, GA |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Hodges University – Naples, FL |
Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology |
| Indiana Wesleyan University – Marion, IN |
Bachelors of Science in Addictions Counseling |
| Lander University – Greenwood, SC |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Counseling |
| Liberty University – Lynchburg, VA |
Bachelors of Science in Psychology – Counseling, Clinical or Research |
| Linfield College – McMinnville, OR |
Major in Social and Behavioral Sciences – Counseling |
| Lynn University – Boca Raton, FL |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Madonna University – Livonia, MI |
Major in Psychology – Addiction Studies |
| Mercy College – Dobbs Ferry, NY |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Metropolitan State University – Saint Paul, MN |
Bachelor of Science in Alcohol and Drug Counseling |
| Mid-Continent University – Mayfield, KY |
Bachelor of Science: Psychology & Counseling (Traditional, Evenings, and Online) |
| Middle Tennessee State University – Murfreesboro, TN |
Major in Psychology |
| Midway College – Midway, KY |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| National University – La Jolla, CA |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Neumann University – Aston, PA |
Accelerated Degree in Behavioral Science |
| Northwest Christian University – Eugene, OR |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Nova Southeastern University – Fort Lauderdale, FL |
Major In Psychology |
| Oklahoma Wesleyan University – Bartlesville, OK |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Ottawa University – Ottawa, KS |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Palo Alto University – Redwood City, CA |
BS in Business Psychology |
| Park University – Parkville, MO |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Peru State College – Peru, NE |
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Counseling |
| Plymouth State University – Plymouth, NH |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Contract |
| Prescott College – Prescott, AZ |
Major in Counseling Psychology |
| Regent University – Virginia Beach, VA |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Substance Abuse |
| Robert Morris University – Moon Township, PA |
Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology |
| Rocky Mountain College – Billings, MT |
Major in Psychology Education |
| Rutgers The State University of New Jersey-Newark – Newark, NJ |
Major in Psychology |
| Saint Joseph’s College of Maine – Standish, ME |
Bachelor of Science in General Studies – Psychology |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College – Saint Mary-Of-The-Woods, IN |
Major in Psychology |
| South University – Montgomery, AL |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester, NH |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Child & Adolescent Development |
| Southwestern Assemblies of God University – Waxahachie, TX |
Bachelor of Arts in Counseling |
| Texas State University-San Marcos – San Marcos, TX |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Union Institute & University – Cincinnati, OH |
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies – Psychology and Human Development |
| University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| University of Great Falls – Great Falls, MT |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Addictions Counseling |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo – Hilo, HI |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake – Houston, TX |
Major in Behavioral Sciences – General |
| University of Houston-Victoria – Victoria, TX |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| University of Maine at Machias – Machias, ME |
B.A. in Psychology and Community Studies |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell – Lowell, MA |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| University of Memphis – Memphis, TN |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth – Duluth, MN |
Bachelor of Applied Science – Psychology |
| University of Minnesota-Morris – Morris, MN |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, ND |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Milwaukee, WI |
Major in Psychology |
| Utah State University – Logan, UT |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Victory University – Memphis, TN |
Bachelor of Science in Education – History and Psychology |
| Walden University – Minneapolis, MN |
B.S. in Forensic Psychology |
| Washington Adventist University – Takoma Park, MD |
BS in Psychology |
| Western New Mexico University – Silver City, NM |
Bachelor of Arts in Rehabilitation Services |
| Alabama State University – Montgomery, AL |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Athens State University – Athens, AL |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Auburn University – Auburn University, AL |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Auburn University at Montgomery – Montgomery, AL |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Birmingham-Southern College – Birmingham, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| Faulkner University – Montgomery, AL |
Bachelor of Arts in Counseling |
| Huntingdon College – Montgomery, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| Jacksonville State University – Jacksonville, AL |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Judson College – Marion, AL |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Oakwood University – Huntsville, AL |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Samford University – Birmingham, AL |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Spring Hill College – Mobile, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| Talladega College – Talladega, AL |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| The University of West Alabama – Livingston, AL |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Troy University – Troy, AL |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Tuskegee University – Tuskegee, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| The University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| The University of Alabama at Birmingham – Birmingham, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| The University of Alabama in Huntsville – Huntsville, AL |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| University of Mobile – Mobile, AL |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| University of Montevallo – Montevallo, AL |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| University of North Alabama – Florence, AL |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| University of South Alabama – Mobile, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| Alaska Pacific University – Anchorage, AK |
Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Psychology |
| University of Alaska-Anchorage – Anchorage, AK |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Barclay College – Haviland, KS |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Bellevue University – Bellevue, NE |
B.S. in Behaviour Science |
| Bethany University – Scotts Valley, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Brandman University – Orange, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Buena Vista University – Storm Lake, IA |
Online Bachelors Completion in Psychology (for working adults) |
| California Baptist University – Riverside, CA |
B.A. in Psychology – Christian Behavioral Science |
| Central Methodist University – Fayette, MO |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Central Michigan University – Mount Pleasant, MI |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu – Honolulu, HI |
B.A. in Psychology |
| City University of Seattle – Bellevue, WA |
B.A. in Applied Psychology – Child and Adolescent Services |
| Columbia College – Columbia, MO |
B.A. in Psychology – Clinical |
| Corban University – Salem, OR |
B.S. in Psychology – Family Studies |
| Dallas Baptist University – Dallas, TX |
B.A. in Psychology |
| DePaul University – Chicago, IL |
B.A. in Applied Behavioral Sciences |
| Drexel University – Philadelphia, PA |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Eastern Illinois University – Charleston, IL |
B.S. in Counseling |
| Eastern Oregon University – La Grande, OR |
B.A. in Liberal Studies – Business & Psychology |
| Fayetteville State University – Fayetteville, NC |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Florida Tech University – Melbourne, FL |
BA in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy |
| Fort Valley State University – Fort Valley, GA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Indiana Wesleyan University – Marion, IN |
Bachelors of Science in Addictions Counseling |
| Lander University – Greenwood, SC |
B.S. in Psychology – Counseling |
| Liberty University – Lynchburg, VA |
Bachelors of Science in Psychology – Counseling, Clinical or Research |
| Linfield College – McMinnville, OR |
Major in Social and Behavioral Sciences – Counseling |
| Lynn University – Boca Raton, FL |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Madonna University – Livonia, MI |
Major in Psychology – Addiction Studies |
| Mercy College – Dobbs Ferry, NY |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Metropolitan State University – Saint Paul, MN |
B.S. in Alcohol and Drug Counseling |
| Mid-Continent University – Mayfield, KY |
Bachelor of Science: Psychology & Counseling (Traditional, Evenings, and Online) |
| Middle Tennessee State University – Murfreesboro, TN |
Major in Psychology |
| Midway College – Midway, KY |
B.A. in Psychology |
| National University – La Jolla, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Northwest Christian University – Eugene, OR |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Nova Southeastern University – Fort Lauderdale, FL |
Major In Psychology |
| Oklahoma Wesleyan University – Bartlesville, OK |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Ottawa University – Ottawa, KS |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Park University – Parkville, MO |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Peru State College – Peru, NE |
B.S. in Criminal Justice – Counseling |
| Plymouth State University – Plymouth, NH |
B.S. in Psychology – Contract |
| Prescott College – Prescott, AZ |
Major in Counseling Psychology |
| Regent University – Virginia Beach, VA |
B.S. in Psychology – Substance Abuse |
| Robert Morris University – Moon Township, PA |
B.S. in Applied Psychology |
| Rocky Mountain College – Billings, MT |
Major in Psychology Education |
| Rutgers The State University of New Jersey-Newark – Newark, NJ |
Major in Psychology |
| Saint Joseph’s College of Maine – Standish, ME |
B.S. in General Studies – Psychology |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College – Saint Mary-Of-The-Woods, IN |
Major in Psychology |
| South University – Montgomery, AL |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Southwestern Assemblies of God University – Waxahachie, TX |
B.A. in Counseling |
| Texas State University-San Marcos – San Marcos, TX |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Union Institute & University – Cincinnati, OH |
B.A. in Liberal Studies – Psychology and Human Development |
| University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Great Falls – Great Falls, MT |
B.A. in Psychology – Addictions Counseling |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo – Hilo, HI |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake – Houston, TX |
Major in Behavioral Sciences – General |
| University of Houston-Victoria – Victoria, TX |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Maine at Machias – Machias, ME |
B.A. in Psychology and Community Studies |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell – Lowell, MA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Memphis – Memphis, TN |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth – Duluth, MN |
Bachelor of Applied Science – Psychology |
| University of Minnesota-Morris – Morris, MN |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, ND |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Milwaukee, WI |
Major in Psychology |
| Utah State University – Logan, UT |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Walden University – Minneapolis, MN |
B.S. in Forensic Psychology |
| Western New Mexico University – Silver City, NM |
B.A. in Rehabilitation Services |
| Alabama State University – Montgomery, AL |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Athens State University – Athens, AL |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Auburn University – Auburn University, AL |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Auburn University at Montgomery – Montgomery, AL |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Birmingham-Southern College – Birmingham, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| Faulkner University – Montgomery, AL |
B.A. in Counseling |
| Huntingdon College – Montgomery, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| Jacksonville State University – Jacksonville, AL |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Judson College – Marion, AL |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Oakwood University – Huntsville, AL |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Samford University – Birmingham, AL |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Spring Hill College – Mobile, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| Talladega College – Talladega, AL |
B.A. in Psychology |
| The University of West Alabama – Livingston, AL |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Troy University – Troy, AL |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Tuskegee University – Tuskegee, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| The University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| The University of Alabama at Birmingham – Birmingham, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| The University of Alabama in Huntsville – Huntsville, AL |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Mobile – Mobile, AL |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Montevallo – Montevallo, AL |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of North Alabama – Florence, AL |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of South Alabama – Mobile, AL |
Major in Psychology |
| Alaska Pacific University – Anchorage, AK |
B.A. in Counseling Psychology |
| University of Alaska-Anchorage – Anchorage, AK |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Alaska-Fairbanks – Fairbanks, AK |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Argosy University – Phoenix, AZ |
B.A. in Psychology – Advanced Studies in Psychology |
| Estrella Mountain Community College – Avondale, AZ |
Major in Psychology |
| Northern Arizona University – Flagstaff, AZ |
B.A. in Liberal Studies – Psychology |
| Ottawa University – Phoenix, AZ |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Paradise Valley Community College – Phoenix, AZ |
Major in Psychology |
| Southwestern College – Phoenix, AZ |
Major in Behavioral Studies |
| University of Arizona – Tucson, AZ |
B.A. in Psychology – Cognition and Neural Systems |
| Arkansas State University – State University, AR |
B.S. in Psychology – Cognitive Psychology |
| Arkansas Tech University – Russellville, AR |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Central Baptist College – Conway, AR |
B.A. in Psychology & Social Services |
| Harding University – Searcy, AR |
Major in Psychology |
| Henderson State University – Arkadelphia, AR |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Hendrix College – Conway, AR |
B.A. in Psychology |
| John Brown University – Siloam Springs, AR |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Lyon College – Batesville, AR |
Major in Psychology |
| Ouachita Baptist University – Arkadelphia, AR |
Major in Psychology |
| Philander Smith College – Little Rock, AR |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Southern Arkansas University – Magnolia, AR |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, AR |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock – Little Rock, AR |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Arkansas at Monticello – Monticello, AR |
B.S. in Psychology |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – Pine Bluff, AR |
B.S. in Psychology |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith – Fort Smith, AR |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of Central Arkansas – Conway, AR |
B.A. in Psychology |
| University of the Ozarks – Clarksville, AR |
B.A. in Psychology of Human Behavior |
| Williams Baptist College – Walnut Ridge, AR |
B.S. in Psychology |
| Alliant international University – San Diego, CA |
B.A. in Forensic Behavioral Studies – Criminal Justice |
| Azusa Pacific University – Azusa, CA |
Major in Psychology – Child Life Specialist |
| Biola University – La Mirada, CA |
B.A. in Psychology – Clinical/Counseling |
| California State University-Northridge – Northridge, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, CA |
B.S. in Psychology – Child Development |
| California State University-Fullerton – Fullerton, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona – Pomona, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| California State University-Bakersfield – Bakersfield, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| California State University-Channel Islands – Camarillo, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| California State University-Chico – Chico, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| California State University-Dominguez Hills – Carson, CA |
B.A. in Behavioral Science |
| California State University-East Bay – Hayward, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| California State University-Fresno – Fresno, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| California State University-Long Beach – Long Beach, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| California State University-Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| California State University-Monterey Bay – Seaside, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| California State University-San Bernardino – San Bernardino, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| California State University-San Marcos – San Marcos, CA |
B.A. in Human Development – Counseling Services |
| California State University-Stanislaus – Turlock, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Chapman University – Orange, CA |
B.A. in Psychology |
| Claremont McKenna College – Claremont, CA |
Major in Psychology – Human Neuroscience |
