Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology Degree Program
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology degree program is designed to introduce learners to the fields of psychology and the behavioral sciences. This program provides a foundation for the application of psychology principles to bachelor-level career paths in industry, government, and relevant non-profit agencies.
The BA in Psychology program provides basic knowledge and skills designed to serve learners in entry-level, non-clinical staff positions in mental health care and social service settings, and for those who desire to seek further graduate-level education in psychology and related fields following completion of the BA degree.
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation. As such, CalSouthern has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.
- Credits Required: 120
- Cost Per Credit: $425
- Program Length: 4 years (full-time status)1
- Max Transfer Credits: 90 credits2
1Many factors can impact your time to completion such as course loads, course extensions or repetitions, transfer or proficiency credits, and approved leaves of absence. The program length provided does not include these adjustments.
2Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
What you'll study
Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills that exhibit familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving, using scientific reasoning to interpret problems related to behavior and mental processes.
Identify a level of self-awareness of the impact that diverse cultures, equity, and social beliefs have on global perspectives in psychology.
Describe a working knowledge of information competence and the ability to demonstrate technological literacy.
Discuss principles and findings from mentorship and academic sources, integrating real life experiences in a meaningful way that relates to professional goals.
Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation.
Recognize key ethical issues pertaining to professional and academic behavior within the field of psychology.
Potential career paths may be found in the following industries:
Case Management
Health and Human Services
Entry-Level Non-Clinical Roles in Many Other Industries
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.
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 courses that comprise the CalSouthern Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology degree program are listed below. In addition to required general education and psychology courses, the program includes a variety of psychology elective courses and general elective course options to choose from.
- UNIV 1000University Success Online – 3 credits
- PSY 2300Introduction to Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 2301Theories and Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy – 3 credits
- PSY 2302Basic Abnormal Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 2303Introduction to Human Development – 3 credits
- PSY 4400Introduction to Social Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 4403Ethical and Professional Issues – 3 credits
- PSY 4504Fundamentals of Research Methodology – 3 credits
- PSY 4505Cognition and the Brain – 3 credits
- CAP 4403BA Capstone – 3 credits
- PSY 3101Introduction to Human Sexual Behavior – 3 credits
- PSY 3102Introduction to Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 3103Introduction to Forensic Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 3106Psychology of Communication – 3 credits
- PSY 3107Intercultural Psychology – 3 credits
- PSY 3306Foundations of Addiction – 3 credits
- PSY 3307The Physiology and Pharmacology of Substance Use – 3 credits
- PSY 3309Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 3316Personal and Professional Growth in the Field of Addiction– 3 credits
- PSY 3317Individual, Family and Group Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 3318Culture and Diversity in Addiction Counseling – 3 credits
- PSY 3404Crisis Intervention – 3 credits
- PSY 3405Introduction to Behavior Modification – 3 credits
- PSY 3408Current Issues in Psychology and Health – 3 credits
- PSY 3409Marriage and Family – 3 credits
- PSY 3410Psychology of Adjustment – 3 credits
- PSY 3411Psychology in Business – 3 credits
- PSY 3412Psychology of Caregiving and Chronic Illness — 3-credits
- PSY 3507Case Management: Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention, and Aftercare – 3 credits
BA in Psychology general elective and general education required courses may be found within the School of Education section of the university catalog. General elective options include any 2000-level course as long as all prerequisites have been met. Learners can enhance their education in psychology by selecting electives from the psychology elective course listing, or they can take a variety of courses from the other schools within the university for a broader educational experience.
View the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
View CatalogReady to pursue your educational goals? We can help!
Frequently Asked Questions
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology degree program introduces learners to the fields of psychology and the behavioral sciences, while designed to provide a foundation for the application of psychology to bachelor-level career paths or to pursue graduate-level education in psychology and related fields. This program is also designed to provide basic knowledge and skills for pursuing entrylevel, non-clinical staff positions in mental health and other related fields.
Students will fulfill general education requirements, while studying key concepts, principles, research, and theories in the field of psychology. They will explore how scientific reasoning is used to interpret problems related to behavior and mental processes, while considering ethics and the impact diverse cultures and global perspectives have on the field of psychology
Classes begin monthly. Connect with a CalSouthern Admissions Advisor by phone (1-800-477- 2254, ext. 47822), by email through Admissions@calsouthern.edu, or request information online at How to Apply – California Southern University (calsouthern.edu). Begin your bachelor’s degree at CalSouthern today.
CalSouthern’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology degree program requires a total of 120 semester credit hours to complete. The average time to completion is approximately four years. Eligible transfer credit can reduce the completion time. CalSouthern will consider up to 90 semester credit hours of qualifying coursework in transfer with official transcripts.*
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology degree from CalSouthern can help you explore the field of psychology and the study of human behavior. CalSouthern’s BA program was developed for working adults. Degree candidates can pursue this degree online, allowing the flexibility to study on their own terms and schedules within the course start and end dates. Start your bachelor’s education today!
Take the Next Step
Explore Affordable Tuition
Learn MoreTransfer Your Credits
Learn MoreApplication Process
Learn More
[This degree program] was paced in a way that would work for me, for my lifestyle, my schedule, weekly assignments, the whole platform. Being able to submit the assignments, interact with the mentor whenever necessary, and with your classmates in their discussion forum.
Accreditation
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all jurisdictions. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.
Your Education Starts Here
Please complete the form below to learn more about our programs.
*All fields are required
