Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree
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$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
Do you find yourself wanting to know more about life? About how it makes sense? About how we relate to each other in our relationships? National University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program can provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the contemporary discipline of psychology. Our online psychology program covers a wide variety of topics like biological psychology, developmental psychology, psychopathology, social psychology, personality theory, and much more.
NU’s industry-current psychology curriculum aligns with the highest standards for psychology programs at the undergraduate level. Those standards are set by the American Psychological Association, the largest professional organization of psychologists in the world.
Pursue Your Passion to Help People Resolve Complex Emotional Issues
If you have a genuine curiosity about humanity, whether it’s driven by a passion to help people with their mental health or simply understanding what makes them tick, NU’s BA in Psychology can set you on a fascinating path towards personal and professional satisfaction.
Degree Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree; students must complete at least 180 quarter units as follows: a minimum of 69 units of the University General Education requirements; 76.5 units at the upper-division level, 45 units of which (including Senior Project) must be completed in residence at National University. The following courses are specific degree requirements. In the absence of transfer credit, students may need to take additional general electives to satisfy the total units for the degree. Students should refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation. All students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada are required by State Law to complete a course in Nevada Constitution.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
Preparation for the Major
2 Courses
Probability and Statistics*
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement evaluation
An introduction to statistics and probability theory. Covers simple probability distributions, conditional probability (Bayes Rule), independence, expected value, binomial distributions, the Central Limit Theorem, hypothesis testing. Assignments may utilize the MiniTab software, or text-accompanying course-ware. Computers are available at the University’s computer lab. Calculator with statistical functions is required.
Introduction to Psychology*
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of the field of psychology that provides an overview of the scientific principles and theories in psychology. Topics include: biological psychology, abnormal behavior, motivation, emotion, sexuality and gender, and personality theory.
*May be used to satisfy general education requirements.
Requirements for the Major: First Block
4 Courses
Students complete the first block of courses before moving to courses in the second block. Students can take courses within the first block in any order.
Drugs, Values and Society
4.5 Quarter Units
An examination of the history of substance use and abuse in the United States. Examines individual and institutional values that underpin chemically dependent behavior as well as socio-cultural factors, including media images, consumer product advertising, myths and stereotypes and subculture/life-style issues. Provides an overview of the social services structure, including outreach, education, prevention and treatment models.
Developmental Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
A study of the major transitions from fetal development through death in the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains. The impact of ethnic, gender and cultural factors on development will be examined.
Intro to Personality Theory
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
The study of psychological characteristics of the individual that endure in stable form for substantial periods of time. Examines influential theories of personality and supporting research.
Social Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
A study of the responsiveness of individuals to various sources and forms of social influence. Major areas of study include persuasion, conformity, obedience, prejudice, attitude formation and change, social behavior, altruism, aggression and the influence of the mass media. Emphasizes social circumstances rather than variations in personal characteristics, as in personality theory.
Requirements for the Major: Second Block
4 Courses
Students begin the second block of courses after completing the first block. Students can take courses within the second block in any order.
Research Design and Analysis
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; MTH 210; PSY 100
An evaluation of research in psychology and the behavioral sciences. Includes work on research methods and design, and the application and interpretation of basic statistics.
Intro to Psychopathology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
An overview of sociocultural views and scientific theories of normalcy and deviance. The major psychological, cognitive, and behavioral disorders and their classification are examined.
Global Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSYC 100
Covers the history, current status and future direction of cultural psychology theory and practice in the context of globalization. A critique of the Western bias of the field of psychology and of the effects of its application to non-European originated populations within the United States and around the world.
History and Philosophy Psych
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
Explores the intellectual history and contemporary diversity of psychology in dialogue with a cultural understanding about the nature of the person. Topics include: psychology and science, philosophy of mind, functionalism, measurement, applied psychology, gestalt, behaviorism, the unconscious mind, phenomenological and existential psychology, clinical psychology and mental health, and qualitative perspectives.
Requirements for the Major: Third Block
3 Courses
Students begin the third block of courses after completing the first and second blocks. Students can take PSYC433 and PSYC427 in any order but should take the project course as the final course of the degree.
Cognitive Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
The study of psychological functioning in the area of mental operations, largely uninfluenced by individual differences in personality or motivation. This encompasses the areas of attention, pattern recognition and other perceptual achievements, memory, problem solving, categorization and concept formation, language acquisition and use, textual interpretation and decision making.
Biological Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
A study of the way in which the brain mediates behavior, emotion, and cognition. Topics include sensory systems, neural development, emotion, learning, memory, consciousness, reproduction, and neurological and psychological disorders.
Senior Project
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: All other courses required for the major must be completed prior to enrolling in this course.
Development of a major cumulative paper integrating what students have learned in the program with an applied area of student interest. Covers empirical or theoretical study of specific topics in psychology with an emphasis on independent and creative activity. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better or must repeat the course.
Upper-Division Electives
5 Courses
Students not pursuing the Concentration in Spanish or a minor must choose five Upper-Division Electives from the following:
Animal Behavior
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 100A
Study of animal behavior, integrating genetic, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives.
Intro to Interdisc. Studies
4.5 Quarter Units
This course is designed to develop the mindset of a holistic thinker or inter-disciplinarian and that of a knowledge explorer, a participant observer and citizen leader in a culturally-diverse and interdependent world. The course is organized around instructional units and a number of related modules. It is based on a principle of “information-giving, information-receiving, and information-exchanging.” Emphasis is placed on reading, reflection, web resources and enrichment lectures, action research, writing, dialogue, and debate.
Gangs in America
4.5 Quarter Units
Exposes students to the basic trends of criminal behavior as it relates to gangs in America and the causative and contributory factors of gang behavior. It explores the general personality, intellectual and social perspectives of criminal behavior as it relates to gangs.
Criminology
4.5 Quarter Units
This course exposes the students to the basic tenets of criminal behavior, the causative and contributory factors of behavior. It explores the general personality, intellectual and social perspectives of criminal behavior.
Violence and Society
4.5 Quarter Units
An exploration of methods, patterns and meanings of individual and collective violence. Focuses on gangs, terrorists and the assaultive individual. Students analyze the causes of violence, attitudes toward violence and methods of controlling violence as well as the impact of gun control.
Group Structure & Dynamics
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
An analysis of behavior, perspectives and practices as applied to group dynamics. Focus on approaches and skills in group dynamics as they relate to performance and enhancement of cooperative/collaborative effectiveness. Uses practice through role-playing of effective techniques in dealing with a variety of cooperative/collaborative situations.
Conflict Resolution
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
A focus on the process of negotiation and conflict resolution. Gives special attention to conflict within and between persons in organizations and industry. Emphasizes application of techniques to conflict resolution situations via role-playing.
Psychology for Managers
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
A survey of psychological concepts applied to organizational settings. Emphasizes motivation, communication, leadership, and personal development.
Human Communication
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
A study of the theoretical and practical aspects of interpersonal and group communication.
Organizational Development
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
A study of human relations and its relationship to organizational effectiveness through planned change and technological development.
Cross-Cultural Dynamics
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
A curriculum-wide elective that studies the psycho-socio-cultural aspects of human differences and the enhancement of interpersonal/ intercultural communication skills. Increases the knowledge and understanding of differences in people and perspectives, enhances learning and performance in multicultural environments and fosters interactive diversity as a socio-cultural imperative and behavioral norm.
Foundation of Sport Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
Introduction and overview of the growing field of Sport Psychology, applying psychological principles to athletic performance. Topics will include theoretical foundations of behavior, psychological interventions for performance enhancement, adherence and maintenance of gains, and the impaired athlete.
Counseling Techniques I
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
An introduction to basic counseling techniques such as nonjudgmental listening, reflection, feedback, goal setting, and basic solution skills. Examines transference, countertransference, and therapist attributes such as empathy, congruence, acceptance, genuineness and respect. The online version has a significant live chat component that requires computer imaging and voice technology. Grading is H, S or U only.
Psychological Testing
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
An introduction to theories and principles of psychological testing and measurement and to a variety of standardized tests of intelligence, personality, achievement, interest, neuropsychology and other areas. Emphasizes the principles by which tests are constructed and validated. Also examines controversies regarding the valid, appropriate and fair use of psychological tests.
Applied Sport Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSYC 100; PSY 302
This course examines the application of psychological theories and research to sports and exercise behaviors. Case studies from a variety of sports will be explored to develop a set of psychological skills that can be applied across sports.
Positive Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
Historical development of positive psychology and its applications to the practice of wellness, health, and peak performance. Topics include self-esteem, relationship building, happiness, and mindfulness.
Psychology of Religion
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
The relationship between psychology, spirituality, and religion. Exploring the nature of religious experience, how religion and spirituality influence social and societal behaviors, and how religion and spirituality affects psychological and physical health will be examined.
Psychology of Bereavement
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
An exploration of the basic psychological concepts associated with death, dying, and bereavement. Course work will include lectures, discussions, exams, research, and experiential exercises.
Forensic Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
Survey of the application of psychological knowledge or methods to a task faced by the legal system. General areas to be covered include, but are not limited to, eyewitness testimony, trial consultation and syndrome evidence.
Health Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100
An examination of the relationship between behavior, psychological variables, and physical illness and health. A strong emphasis is placed on health psychology theory, research and applications focused on wellness promotion and the prevention and behavioral treatment of illness.
Human Sexuality
4.5 Quarter Units
Material related to human sexual thoughts, feeling and behavior will be presented utilizing a balanced bio-psycho-social perspective. Within a scientific framework and the context of human sexual rights and well-being, the course will include an examination of the methodology of sexology, human sexual anatomy, health and functioning, sexuality through the lifespan, and issues relating to sexual identity.
Love, Sex, and the Family
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Examines the institutions of marriage and family structures and their historical development. Topics include kinship, changing gender roles, changing family forms, divorce, domestic violence, and economic structure.
Sociology of Deviance
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Employs a critical sociological approach to deviance and social control in contemporary society. Topics to be considered include the origins and functions of deviance in society, the institutional production and categorization of deviance, the impact of deviance on personal and social identity, deviant careers, and deviance and social change. Considers major theoretical sociological perspectives on deviance; makes use of current data on crime and current research in sociological and criminological journals and websites; and examines portrayals of deviance and social control in literature, film, and popular culture.
Contemporary Social Problems
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Uses the functionalist, conflict and interactionist perspectives, this course explains how human conditions come to be perceived as social problems, and how to evaluate their proposed solutions.
Concentration in Spanish
4 Courses
Virtual Study Abroad
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: SPN 200 Prerequisite can be waived through prior coursework, testing options as described in the NU catalog, or an oral interview with SoALS faculty.
Virtual exploration of the Spanish-speaking world. Students are immersed in the target language through interactive communicative tasks as they engage in an online journey through cultures and communities of Latin America and Spain. Designed to develop cross-cultural competence and appreciation of the diversity of contemporary and past ways of life in these regions.
Spanish for Professional Comm
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: SPN 200 Prerequisite can be waived through prior coursework, testing options as described in the NU catalog, or an oral interview with SoALS faculty.
Students hone professional communication skills in Spanish. Integration of speaking, listening, reading, and writing practice into job-related tasks performed in the target language. Cultural learning focused on workplaces in the Spanish-speaking world, as well as cultural sensitivity within the workplace in the US. Options provided for students to tailor their learning to their chosen future profession.
Elective Courses in Spanish
1 Course
Students will need to select at least one course in Spanish from the list below as part of the Spanish Concentration.
Film and Culture
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: SPN 303; SPN 304
Films and documentaries from and about the Spanish-speaking world serve as the basis for lectures, discussions, and class projects. Diverse topics will be explored along with a range of socio-cultural issues. This course also introduces strategies of cultural analysis. All coursework will be in Spanish, with some theoretical readings in English.
Spanish for the Work Place
4.5 Quarter Units
Develops tools for communication with Spanish speakers in healthcare settings. Activities include Spanish language oral practice of healthcare related dialogues, interactive exercises to practice basic grammatical structures and healthcare vocabulary, and discussions in English of cultural content related to Spanish-speaking populations.
Elective Courses in English
1 Course
Students will need to select one elective course in English from the list below as part of the Spanish Concentration.
Cross-Cultural Communication
4.5 Quarter Units
An examination of the basic cultural differences generally encountered in the workplace. Special emphasis is given to cross-cultural communication in the workplace.
Latin American Studies
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Introduction to Latin American history and culture focusing on diversity of Latin American societies and their multicultural heritage. Topics include colonialism and indigenous societies, growth of plantation and mining economies, enslavement of Africans, struggle for independence, distribution of political power, recurrence of popular rebellion, and artistic and cultural life.
U.S. Latino Literature
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
Examination of important representative works by U.S. Latino writers and theoretical approaches relevant to studying that literature. Emphases may vary in different sections.
Literature of the Americas
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
This course will provide students with a hemispheric perspective to the study of the literatures of the Americas. The readings will come from a variety of prominent 20th century U.S. and Latin American literary texts. All works will be read in English translation.
Career Outlook
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree will prepare you for careers such as:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- Educational, Guidance, and Vocational Counselors
- $61,638 avg. salary (USA)
- 32,741 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Student Services
- School Counseling
- Academic Advising
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Marketing
- Case Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Goodwill
- City Year
- University of California
- California State University
- The University of Texas System
- McLaren Health Care
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- $44,049 avg. salary (USA)
- 8,661 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Rehabilitation
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
- Disabilities
- Social Work
- Case Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Sedgwick
- State of Florida
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs
- Public Consulting Group
- State of Washington
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- $53,931 avg. salary (USA)
- 35,317 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Social Work
- Case Management
- Mental Health
- Psychology
- Human Services
- Crisis Intervention
- Treatment Planning
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs
- Fresenius
- Catholic Charities USA
- YMCA
- The Salvation Army
- DaVita
- Healthcare Social Workers
- $62,966 avg. salary (USA)
- 21,558 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Social Work
- Mental Health
- Treatment Planning
- Medical Social Work
- Crisis Intervention
- Case Management
- Psychotherapy
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Headway
- LifeStance Health
- Thriveworks
- Talkspace
- Kaiser Permanente
- Amedisys
- Social Science Research Assistants
- $56,301 avg. salary (USA)
- 5,573 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Social Sciences
- Anthropology
- Data Collection
- Political Sciences
- Data Analysis
- Data Entry
- Research Experiences
Top companies hiring for this role
- Stanford University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Unclassified
- University of Missouri
- Field Museum Of Natural History
- Nyu-Abu Dhabi
- Pennsylvania State University
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- $41,467 avg. salary (USA)
- 56,581 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Social Work
- Case Management
- Human Services
- Mental Health
- Crisis Intervention
- Psychology
- Life Skills Development
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- State of Nebraska
- The Salvation Army
- YMCA
- Aramark
- Seven Hills Foundation
- World YWCA
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- $57,239 avg. salary (USA)
- 13,292 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Mental Health
- Social Work
- Behavioral Health
- Psychology
- Treatment Planning
- Crisis Intervention
- Case Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Elevance Health
- Telecare
- Kaiser Permanente
- Wellpath
- Center For Social Dynamics
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Program Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Articulate major theories, concepts, and historical trends in psychology
- Explain behavior, cognition, and emotion from multiple schools of thought and multicultural perspectives
- Identify a problem in psychology, examine available evidence, analyze assumptions, and apply research methods to solve the problem. This includes the ability to interpret numbers and apply basic statistical procedures
- Perform information searches relevant to psychology and organize and evaluate the soundness of the information
- Use current technologies in both research and communication
- Write papers in psychology using different literary formats, e.g., narrative, exposition, critical analysis, and APA format
Admissions
Next start date: Every Month
Year-round enrollment
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
The BA in Psychology is associated with Psi Chi; The International Honor Society in Psychology where National University students may apply for membership.
Top 8 in the US graduating in the BA Psychology program among online nonprofit 4-yr private universities.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
Free Tutoring Sessions
Access personalized tutoring sessions at no cost — empowering your learning.
Online and In-Person
Flexibility meets quality education with our online and in-person learning options.
24/7 Support
Get assistance anytime, anywhere with our round-the-clock support services.
Military Friendly
Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
No, however, a BA in Psychology is a great first step in the process to becoming a psychologist. All psychologists require an advanced degree. Required qualifications for psychologists vary based on individual fields of psychology and state-specific licensing requirements. To become a practicing psychologist, you will also need a master’s or doctorate in psychology, along with licensure approval/achievement. Learn more about our Doctor of Clinical Psychology program here.
You can complete your BA in Psychology at NU in as few as 16 months.
No. You need an advanced degree, along with licensure approval, to practice as a psychologist. If that is your career goal, a bachelor’s degree is a first step to learn the foundational concepts of psychology.
To learn more about career opportunities and benefits of a bachelor’s in psychology, read our post on What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Psychology?. Many professional positions within this field require a master’s or doctoral degree, along with licensure for practitioners.
To learn more about career opportunities and benefits of a bachelor’s in psychology, read our post on What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Psychology? Many professional positions within this field require a master’s or doctoral degree, along with licensure for practitioners.
To become a clinical psychologist, you will need graduate degree(s) as well as licensure approval, which can take over eight (8) years to complete.
Like all of our programs, the BA in Psychology program at NU is academically rigorous and requires commitment from each student. However, students are equipped with support and resources to help them succeed.
If you are interested in human behavior or development, psychology might be a good career path for you. A BA in psychology will give you a foundation of in-depth understanding of human behavior, as well as critical thinking skills, which can help you to pursue a career in psychology.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 13,400 openings for psychologists are projected each year. In May 2021, the median annual wage for psychologists was $81,040, while industrial-organizational psychologists commanded a higher salary of $105,310.*
*SOURCE: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-1
With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from National University, you’ll be prepared to seek roles in the psychology field such as:*
- Project Coordinators
- Proposal Managers
- Management Trainees
- Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Substance Abuse Counselors
- Compliance Managers
- Directors of Regulatory Affairs
- Academic Advisors
- Admissions Counselors
- Project Managers
- Program Managers
- Supply Chain Managers
*SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: April 27, 2022). DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.
National University’s BA in Psychology courses can be completed in person or online, meaning you won’t have to put your life on hold while working toward your degree. With small class sizes and faculty mentors who bring real-world experience, you’ll gain practical skills that are relevant and applicable in today’s job market.
NU also offers four-week courses, so you can focus on one subject at a time, one month at a time, and finish your degree faster. Plus, with year-round enrollment, you don’t have to wait to apply and can begin classes as soon as next month.
As a military-friendly Yellow Ribbon school, active-duty service-members and their immediate family members have access to tuition discounts.
A BA in Psychology degree opens doors in a broad range of industries, especially as more and more organizations are using psychology professionals to help select and retain employees, implement training, increase organizational productivity and efficiency, handle employee conflicts, and improve office morale. Psychologists are also in demand in schools because of increasing awareness of the connection between mental health and learning. Hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies have also seen an increase in demand for psychology professionals due to the toll COVID-19 has taken on many individuals’ mental health.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 13,400 openings for psychologists are projected each year. In May 2021, the median annual wage for psychologists was $81,040, while industrial-organizational psychologists commanded a higher salary of $105,310.*
*SOURCE: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-1
To receive a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree, you must complete at least 180 quarter units. Of those 180 quarter units, 76.5 units must be completed at the upper-division level, 45 units must be completed in residence at National University, and a minimum of 70.5 units must be completed of the University General Education requirements.
In the absence of transfer credit, you may need to take additional general electives to satisfy the total units for the degree.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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