Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Description and Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is designed to provide you with content knowledge of the major concepts, values, theories, psychological studies, research methods, and historical trends in psychology as they apply to human behavior, learning, and development. This degree will prepare you to pursue career opportunities in various fields where you may implement your psychological knowledge, skills, and values. The program may prepare you for graduate work to pursue more specialized careers. You will study how psychology relates to everyday life and the importance of culture and diversity. Courses are designed to help you develop and use psychological skills, critical thinking, and the scientific approach to problem solving to evaluate behavior and mental processes while applying psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.

Concentration

You can personalize your degree with a concentration in business foundations. The business foundations concentration will allow you to gain competencies in the fundamental concepts of business administration. You will develop an understanding of the four functions of management, the components of a marketing strategy, and the financial performance of an organization.

Accelerated Master's Degree Options

If you are interested in earning a master's degree, consider an accelerated master's degree option. Refer to the Progression Requirements section for details.
 

Program Length

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program consists of a minimum of 180 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a bachelor of science degree.

Program Outcomes

Discipline-Specific Outcomes

  1. Knowledge Base: Explain the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, enduring conflicts, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
  2. Research Methods: Apply basic methodology in psychology including research design, data analysis, and the interpretation and evaluation of findings.
  3. Critical Thinking Skills: Use analytical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach in solving problems related to behavior and mental processes.
  4. Application: Apply the appropriate psychological principles, theories, and concepts to personal, social, and organizational issues and problems.
  5. Values in Psychology: Analyze the underlying ethical standards, values, and considerations in theory and practice in the disciplines of psychology.
  6. Information and Technological Skills: Use contemporary tools and technologies to communicate psychological principles and concepts effectively in diverse social and professional settings.
  7. Global Awareness: Describe how academic and applied psychology can improve interpersonal relationships across cultural and national boundaries.

General Education Literacies and Professional Competencies

In addition to the discipline-specific outcomes, general education literacies and professional competencies are integrated throughout your academic program. You can review the general education literacies and professional competencies associated with your academic program in the General Education and Professional Competency Requirements section of this Catalog.

Program Availability

For program availability, please refer to the U.S. State and Other Approvals section and Program Availability Information.

Policies

Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams

Certain state certification and licensure boards have specific educational requirements for programs to lead to a license or certification that is a precondition for employment in a recognized occupation. Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information.

Unless otherwise specified, Purdue Global's programs are not designed to meet any specific state’s licensure or certification requirements. Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states; please see Purdue Global’s Program Availability Information to determine enrollment eligibility.

You are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. Such requirements may change during the course of your program. You are not automatically certified in any way upon program completion. Although certain programs are designed to prepare you to take various optional certification exams, Purdue Global cannot guarantee you will be eligible to take these exams or become certified. Your eligibility may depend on your work experience, completion of education and/or degree requirements, not having a criminal record, and meeting other certification requirements.

The professional practice of psychology is regulated by each state, and the degree requirements in Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Psychology does not guarantee or prepare you for state licensure in any state upon graduation.