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.

Quick Facts:

  • Credits required: 120
  • Cost per credit: $425
  • Program length: 4 years (full-time status)
  • Max transfer credits: 90 credits

Time to degree completion can be shortened by accelerating completion of courses and through credits accepted in transfer.

Transfer 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.

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 in the Field of Addiction– 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 3412 Psychology of Caregiving and Chronic Illness — 3-credits
  • PSY 3507 Case Management: Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention, and Aftercare – 3 credits

General Elective Courses

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.

Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology?

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.

What will I study in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology program?

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

When and where can I begin my Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology degree?

Classes begin monthly. Connect with a CalSouthern Admissions Advisor by phone (1-800-477-2554, ext. 4246), 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.

How many credits are required to graduate from the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology program?

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.

Why should I pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology degree?

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!

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 G., School of Behavioral Sciences, 2020

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