Look Inside an Online Bachelors in Psychology Degree Program

Earning a Bachelors in Psychology Online may be a great fit if you think you might like to build a career around helping others. An online psychology bachelor's degree program is designed for students looking to explore the meaning behind human behavior and the ways in which humans develop. If you are someone who has wondered how your personality was shaped, why some people become sociopaths and others become excellent undergraduate students, or what to do when your best friend never gets out of a depression, majoring in psychology may be insightful. Understanding how the mind works is a skill that translates across many other fields, and may serve to broaden your understanding of yourself and others. This being said, there are a few things to consider before sending out your application for a bachelors in psychology online, so read on.

FUN FACT: As early as the 4th century BC, the Greek physician Hippocrates theorized that mental disorders had physical rather than supernatural causes[i]

Bachelors in Psychology Online Degree Programs - Essentials

If you are interested in applying to a 4-year Bachelors degree program in Psychology, you are required to have a high schools diploma or equivalent. Most programs entail a combination of coursework. As an online Psychology student, you may be encouraged to engage in fascinating research or participate in internships and other hands-on activities. It is good to be aware of this component, especially as it may mean making certain arrangements within your online program or that the program itself is mostly, but not 100% online. Don’t be shy to request information from each school off the eLearners.com site!

How it works online

Are you someone who is super motivated to learn and excel, but just don’t have time to attend classes everyday? Distance-learning is not necessarily easier than traditional campus programs, although some individuals find them more convenient as they tend to allow you to pace yourself. Also, since they are computer-based, if you have reliable Internet, it pretty much means you can study from anywhere. For independent learners, this flexibility might be a huge draw.

Online doesn’t mean All-the-same

Now, not all online Bachelors in Psychology programs are created equal. Some may involve live-streaming webinar type classes, and others may have pre-recorded sessions. One of the things you may want to check out is what students say about the tech support team, or find out what resources for online learners there are. Find out whether you will be required to participate in online group discussions, or whether career-counseling services are offered. As we mentioned up top, is the program fully online or are there on site requirements?

How to Choose an Online Bachelors in Psychology Degree Program

As you look into Online Bachelors in Psychology programs, be sure to do your research before deciding on which degree to pursue. If you know what kind of career setting you would like to work in, choose the program that will provide you the academic path to help you reach that goal. For instance, if you are a crime buff, you might look into Forensic Psychology Bachelors programs online. If you think you would like to eventually work with mental health patients, pursue a program that aligns with your intentions.

DID YOU KNOW: Most graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology find work in other fields such as business administration, sales, or education.[ii]

Look Ahead

Sure, not everyone knows what they ultimately will do in life. But if you do, look ahead. Your undergraduate degree in Psychology may be a stepping-stone to a Masters and or Doctorate program. Choose a program that you could take forward with you. Check into whether there is a Bachelor’s to Masters option. Also check that the program is accredited.

Different types of Bachelors in Psychology Online Degrees

Essentially, an online bachelor's degree in psychology is an undergraduate-level program. At many universities, students are able to choose between an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) or, an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology. Generally speaking, B.A. degrees tend to require more liberal arts general education courses, while B.S. degrees require more math and science general education courses. So what does that mean?

B.A. vs B.S.

So, just what is the difference between a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology?  An online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA) degree program may be right for students interested in studying human behavior in preparation for either employment after completion of the undergraduate psychology degree, or as a preparation for applied psychology and other related graduate programs (e.g., counseling, social work, management). Students typically gain a foundational knowledge in subjects such as:

  • Introductory statistics
  • Analytical reasoning
  • Cognition
  • Emotion

By comparison, an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program is generally for students who are interested in more of a science-oriented psychology graduate program. Think - neuroscience, quantitative psychology), or medical school (e.g., Doctor of Medicine/MD, psychiatry), or other health-related graduate programs (e.g., pharmacy, physical therapy).

Students are likely to receive an overview of several areas of psychology, such as abnormal, physiological and developmental psychology. They might study topics such as:

  • More advanced statistics and probability
  • Coursework in an approved science track in the following subjects: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics.
  • Perception
  • Psychological research methods
  • Cognitive psychology
  • Child development
  • Personality theories

KEEP IN MIND: B.S. programs often include more coursework and labs related to math and science, such as neuro-biological processes and the mechanics of the brain. If you are completing your degree online, find out how to complete these requirements if applicable

Bachelors in Psychology Online: Potential Course Sampler

Bachelor's degree programs in psychology typically begin with current theory, as well as the historical contributions theorists such as Freud, Adler, Jung, and many others. Some more specific subjects of study might include self-analysis, dream theory, free association, and transference theory. You might also encounter ethics courses, and the how to’s of correct medical procedure.

The following courses are commonly included in bachelors in psychology online degree programs:

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Psychology Statistics
  • Conditional Learning
  • Physiological Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology

Undergraduate elective courses may include:

  • Sensation and Perception
  • Motivation, Health Psychology
  • Psychology of Stress
  • Approach to Human Communication

A Bit of Career Info For Psych Majors

It’s normal to want to know what kinds of jobs your Bachelor’s degree in Psychology might lead to. Bottom line is if you want to call yourself a “Psychologist” you will need to be licensed, and continue to educate yourself. In fact according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “most clinical, counseling, and research psychologists need to have earned a doctoral-level degree.”[iii] Then again, for some types of jobs, a master’s degree may be appropriate. If you want to hit the ground running with a BA or BS, “most graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology find work in other fields such as business administration, sales, or education.”

Take the Next Step

Motivated? Psychology is a fascinating academic field, rich with opportunity to delve into concentrations further on. Pursuing an Online Bachelors in Psychology degree may turn into the foundation of a more defined and continued academic path, or you may find that the undergraduate degree is rewarding and meets your goals. Take the next step; browse the listings on the site to find the right program for you!

[i] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychology |[ii] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm |[iii] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm |[iii] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm |