The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology degree program introduces learners to the field of psychology and behavioral studies and provides the foundation which allows for the application of psychology to bachelor-level careers in industry, government, and relevant non-profit agencies.
The BA in Psychology program also provides the basic knowledge and skills that serve learners in entry-level, non-clinical staff positions in mental health centers and social service agencies, and for those who desire to seek further graduate-level education in psychology and related fields.
Quick Facts:
- Credits required: 120
- Cost per credit: $425
- Program length: 3-4 years (full-time status)
- Max transfer credits: 90 credits
Time to degree completion can be accelerated by taking multiple courses in a term and through credits accepted in transfer.
What you’ll learn
Examine evidence carefully from introductory psychological theory and research, and interpret this information while employing primary concepts of validity, reliability, and logic.
Identify and explain the impact that cultural and social beliefs have on personal ethics, values, and worldviews.
Understand technology’s impact on information-gathering, fact-finding, and reliable and well-managed use, differentiating among its various sources, and demonstrate the ability to locate it efficiently and control it effectively.
Select key principles and findings from formal academic sources and integrate them with personal experiences in a meaningful way that relates to individual life goals.
Apply basic logic, mathematical reasoning, and statistical analysis to problem solving, drawing logical conclusions and decision making.
Differentiate between scientific and non-scientific observations and conclusions to generate empirically based arguments and predictions.
Recognize key ethical, legal, and professional issues, identifying and distinguishing between basic moral developmental perspectives.
Career Outcomes
Case Manager
Social Services
Psychiatric Technician
Rehabilitation Specialist
Probation/Parole Officer
Career Counselor
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education Courses | 36 |
| Required Core Courses | 30 |
| Psychology Elective Courses | 21 |
| General Elective Courses | 33 |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR THE BA IN PSYCHOLOGY |
120 |
Courses + Credits
The online psychology courses that comprise the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program at CalSouthern are listed below. In addition to the selection of general education courses, the program includes required and elective psychology courses as well as general elective choices.
Required Core Courses
Lower Division Courses
- UNIV 1000 – University Success Online – 3 credits
- PSY 2300 Introduction to Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 2301 Theories and Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy – 3 credits
- PSY 2302 Basic Abnormal Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 2303 Introduction to Human Development – 3 credits
Upper Division Courses
- PSY 4400 Introduction to Social Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 4403 Ethical and Professional Issues – 3 credits
- PSY 4504 Fundamentals of Research Methodology – 3 credits
- PSY 4505 Cognition and the Brain – 3 credits
- CAP 4403 BA Capstone – 3 credits
Psychology Elective Courses
- PSY 3101 Introduction to Human Sexual Behavior – 3 credits
- PSY 3102 Introduction to Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 3103 Introduction to Forensic Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 3106 Psychology of Communication – 3 credits
- PSY 3107 Intercultural Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 3306 Foundations of Addiction – 3 credits
- PSY 3307 The Physiology and Pharmacology of Substance Use – 3 credits
- PSY 3309 Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 3316 Personal and Professional Growth – 3 credits
- PSY 3317 Individual, Family and Group Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 3318 Culture and Diversity in Addiction Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 3404 Crisis Intervention – 3 credits
- PSY 3405 Introduction to Behavior Modification – 3 credits
- PSY 3408 Current Issues in Psychology and Health – 3 credits
- PSY 3409 Marriage and Family – 3 credits
- PSY 3410 Psychology of Adjustment – 3 credits
- PSY 3411 Psychology in Business – 3 credits
- PSY 3507 Case Management: Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention and Aftercare – 3 credits
General Elective Courses
The general elective courses for the BA in Psychology degree program can be taken from 2000-level courses as long as all prerequisites are met. Learners can enhance their education in psychology by taking additional electives from the psychology elective courses, or they can take a variety of courses from the other schools of the university for a broader educational experience.
Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
CalSouthern is helping me achieve my professional/career goals while accommodating my work/family commitments. I am very happy with my studies and grateful for this program’s flexibility!
– Michelle Gee, School of Behavioral Sciences
Ready to get back to your dreams? We can help!
We can help! Contact us to learn more about our online BA in Psychology degree program.
Call us at: 1.800.477.2254 | Email: admissions@calsouthern.edu
Accreditation & Approvals
California Southern University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Regional accreditation is the most highly respected and recognized form of accreditation in the United States, and it provides students with a number of important benefits and opportunities. www.wscuc.org
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.