If you’re interested in what drives human thoughts and behavior, you may be interested in pursuing a psychology major in college. An undergraduate psychology degree can be the first step on the path to a career as a psychologist, counselor, social worker or a variety of other jobs. This guide explains what you can expect from an online bachelor’s in psychology program.

What Is a Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree?

A bachelor’s in psychology may be earned through a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA). A BA degree in psychology focuses on the scientific study of human behavior, mental processes and brain functions. Psychology degree requirements may include classes on psychology research and statistics and psychology subjects, including clinical psychology, developmental psychology and social psychology.There may be some overlap in course topics for a bachelor’s in psychology degree and other health science degrees, like social work or sociology. A psychology degree will focus on scientific research, methods and statistics related to human behavior. A social work bachelor’s degree may help prepare students for positions involving casework or direct services, while a bachelor’s in sociology will focus on the dynamics of social groups.

Deciding between a BA vs. BS in psychology will depend on how you want to structure your coursework in your undergraduate program. In a BA in psychology program, typical elective classes will emphasize social sciences and humanities. In a BS in psychology program, students will typically take more science and math courses.

Both BA and BS programs will cover psychology topics and are typically four-year degrees. With a BA in psychology, graduates may be qualified to pursue advanced education or careers in non-psychology fields. In contrast, a BS in psychology prepares graduates to pursue research or further education in psychology.

Psychology degree classes may vary by school, but psychology programs typically include psychology research, theory and application courses. A psychology degree program may cover such subjects as: 

Bachelor’s degree programs in psychology may also offer electives such as positive psychology, human sexuality and cross-cultural psychology.   

There are hundreds of scholarships and online psychology degree financial aid available, including grants and loans. Students interested in financial aid for psychology may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which helps them qualify for federal aid, including grants and student loans.

Students can also check scholarship options available for the schools they’re interested in and search for scholarships they qualify for at websites like Scholarships.com. There are scholarships for students studying psychology in particular, as well as for students with diverse backgrounds and accomplishments.

In addition to pursuing graduate work in psychology, a psychology program, like an online psychology degree, may help graduates apply for graduate school in other types of degree programs, like social work, applied behavioral analysis (ABA), counseling and other mental health subjects.

After you get a BA in psychology or pursue other types of psychology degrees, you might choose to continue your studies in a graduate program such as:

It may be helpful to consider your long-term career interests to choose the right bachelor’s program in psychology. That way, you can align your coursework with your target graduate degree program.

A BA in psychology can be a stepping-stone to graduate study, such as a master’s in counseling, a Master of Social Work (MSW), or a Ph.D. in psychology, and it can also support a range of entry-level roles in people-focused industries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that psychology majors work across multiple occupational areas, including management, community and social services, education, sales, and office/administrative roles, among others.

Examples of job titles you may qualify for with a bachelor’s in psychology (depending on the employer and any required training/certification):

Note: Many “counselor” or “therapist” roles require a graduate degree and state licensure, so students often use a BA in psychology as preparation for advanced study in counseling, social work, or psychology.

There’s a wide range of potential careers for psychology graduates. Any job that involves working with or relating to other people may benefit from a psychology background.

Typically, you can’t become a psychologist without a doctoral degree in psychology. A master’s degree may lead to a role such as mental health counselor or licensed clinical social worker, where professionals provide one-on-one therapeutic services to clients.

You may have questions if you’re considering a bachelor’s in psychology degree online. These FAQs may help you decide if a BA in psychology is right for you.

Information last updated: February 2026