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Bachelor’s in Psychology Online Program Guide

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.

Difference Between a BS and a BA in Psychology

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.

BA in Psychology Classes

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:

  • Abnormal psychology, the study of neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Behavioral neuroscience, how the brain works and affects behavior.
  • Clinical psychology, how to use cognitive behavioral therapy to treat mood and personality disorders.
  • Cognitive psychology, focused on human visual and auditory systems.
  • Decision science, the study of how people make decisions.
  • Developmental psychology, human behavioral and mental development.
  • Quantitative psychology, how to use statistical models and analyze psychological data.
  • Social psychology, how social interactions affect individuals and what motivates social behavior.

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

Scholarships for BA in 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.

Online Graduate Psychology Degrees

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.

What Can You Do With a BA in Psychology?

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):

  • Community & social services: social and human service assistant, case management aide, community outreach coordinator, intake specialist
  • Office & administrative support: administrative assistant, program assistant, office coordinator, client services coordinator
  • Business, HR & recruiting: human resources assistant/specialist, recruiter/talent acquisition coordinator, training and development assistant
  • Sales, marketing & communications: sales representative, marketing assistant, public relations assistant, customer success associate
  • Education (often with additional requirements): teacher aide, after-school program coordinator, behavioral support aide (requirements vary by state/district)
  • Healthcare support (often with additional training): psychiatric aide/mental health technician, patient services representative
  • Research & program support: research assistant, lab assistant, program evaluator assistant (role requirements vary)

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.

BA in Psychology FAQs

A psychology major may be worth it to you, depending on your career goals. Since psychology teaches you about human behavior and how the mind works, a psychology degree can apply to roles in business, writing, marketing, education and other fields. A psychology degree is also applicable to higher education programs in fields such as social work and counseling.

Information last updated: February 2026