Bachelor of Science Psychology
Study human thought processes and behaviors as you acquire a foundation of knowledge that can be applied to a variety of careers.
- Next Start Date
- May 15th
- Est. Program Length
- 2-4 years*
- Credit Hours
- 123
- Course Length
- 7 weeks
- Credits Accepted
- 75
- Cost per Credit
- $535
- Accreditation
- MSCHE
* Depending on transfer credits.
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To request more information about this program, complete the form below:
Alvernia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Overview
With Alvernia University’s psychology degree online program, you’ll develop a strong foundation in the field, with skills that you can apply to virtually any career. As you discover human thought processes and behaviors, you will also gain important skills such as communication and critical thinking. Through the program’s flexible online format, you will be able to study at your own pace when it’s convenient for you.
You’ll also learn from faculty who incorporate their experiences in psychology into their teachings. Our psychology faculty members have completed research in a variety of topics, including substance abuse, moral development, social-emotional development and early childhood learning.
Topics of Study
As you complete your psychology degree online, you’ll be exposed to a variety of topics, including:
- Basic processes underlying human behavior, as well as basic skills and concepts for interpreting behavior, such as descriptive and correlational research design principles
- Physical, cognitive, social, personality and moral development through one’s lifespan
- How to conduct scientific research in psychology and evaluate the research of others
- Mental illnesses and maladaptive behavior and their respective treatments
- How to develop techniques necessary to be effective in professional settings and the formal regulations that govern professional ethics in the field
- Ethical, clinical and professional concerns in psychology
Our Psychology Degree Online Program Is For Those:
- Wishing to start an entry-level career in social work, psychology or counseling
- Wanting a solid foundation for a career that involves critical thinking and strong communication skills
- Seeking to later enter a professional training program or pursue an advanced degree in psychology, clinical counseling or social work
For those interested in Alvernia’s on-campus program, click here to learn more.
Courses
The online psychology degree includes 31-55 credits of Liberal Arts Core courses, 29 credits of major requirements, and 15 credits of required psychology electives. To fulfill the remaining credits necessary for program’s 123 total credits, you must choose general elective courses.
All Alvernia University students are required to complete between 31-55 credits toward the Liberal Arts Core. Transfer work may be applicable for this area. As part of the application process, students receive specific information regarding remaining credits. Students entering the program with 70 or more transfer credits or an associate degree must complete 30-31 Liberal Arts Core credit hours.
A total of 123 credits, including three credits in a human diversity course, are required to earn a bachelor’s degree. To adhere to Franciscan values, community service hours are also required.
Course Description Credits PSY 101 Introduction to major concepts and findings in psychology with emphasis on basic processes underlying human behavior. Prerequisite for all other psychology courses except PSY 306.3 PSY 130 Students will learn basic skills and concepts for interpreting behavior. Students will become familiar with descriptive and correlational research design principles. Prerequisite: PSY 101.3 PSY 208 Focuses on physical, cognitive, social, personality and moral development through life span from conception to death. Cross cultural, gender and minority issues are integrated when appropriate. Prerequisite: PSY 101.3 PSY 230 Designed to extend the material covered in Psychology 130, this course focuses on developing skills to evaluate others’ research and conduct scientific research in psychology. This course is essential for becoming a critical consumer of information from sources such as the media and government. Students will also develop an appreciation for the complexity of ethical issues related to research with human participants. This course meets the Writing Enhanced requirement. Prerequisites: PSY 130 and MAT 208.3 PSY 250 This is a survey course covering basic knowledge of mental illness and maladaptive behavior. The etiology, clinical picture and treatment of various syndromes are discussed. Prerequisite: PSY 101.3 PSY 301 Study of the major schools in psychological thought, including philosophical and medical contributions to modern psychological views. Prerequisite: PSY 101.3 PSY 314 This course provides the student with opportunities to develop basic techniques to be effective in professional settings. The course will focus on the development of personal and professional values that will strengthen professional and community relationships and contributions. The course will introduce students to formal regulations that govern professional ethics in psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 101, PSY 250.3 PSY 412 Seniors select a practicum to gain experience in an area of interest. Prerequisite: senior (90 or more credits) psychology major; PSY 101, 314 and record of appropriate clearance/background checks. Co-requisite: PSY 422.2 PSY 413 Seniors select a practicum to gain experience in a second area of interest. Prerequisite: second semester senior psychology major or permission of instructor: PSY 101, 314 and record of appropriate clearance/ background checks. Co-requisite: PSY 423.2 PSY 422 Weekly seminars focus on sharing and evaluating practicum experiences. Integration of experiential learning with theory is stressed. Ethical and professional concerns are examined. Prerequisites: PHI 200 and senior psychology major. Co-requisite: PSY 412.2 PSY 423 Weekly seminars focus on ethical, clinical and professional issues. Prerequisites: PHI 200 and senior psychology major. Co-requisite: PSY 413.2 Students enrolled in PSY 412, PSY 413, PSY 422 or PSY 423 may need to complete a residency or on-campus requirement.
Course Description Credits PSY 215 Study of the universals of human behavior as well as the differences brought about by the specific needs, experiences and characteristics of diverse populations. The course examines communication, understanding and awareness among culturally different people. This course fulfills the human diversity graduation requirement. Prerequisite: PSY 101.3 PSY 330 Presents applied therapeutic crisis intervention in a way that effectively describes actual strategies. Endeavors to provide a perspective that “puts the student into the crisis situation as it is occurring,” enabling them to experience what a crisis worker experiences. Prerequisite: PSY 101, junior status or permission of instructor.3 PSY 350 Explores application of psychological principles and results of empirical research to the behavior of individuals in the workplace. Topics include organizational issues (e.g., work motivation, job attitudes, leadership, and organizational stress) and industrial issues (e.g., including employee attraction, selection, placement, performance appraisal and feedback, and ergonomics). Intrinsic connection between science and practice is emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisite: PSY 101, junior status or permission of instructor.3 PSY 405 This course aims to discover the different ways in which people interact with other individuals, groups, and the larger society. This course will include the research and theories regarding self and person perceptions, attitudes, social influence, prejudice and discrimination, interpersonal relationships, aggression, and altruism, in addition to applications of social psychology to health, law, businesses, and the environment. Prerequisite: PSY 101, senior status or permission of instructor.3 PSY 430 Presents theories and application of psychological knowledge to the civil and criminal justice system. The content will cover activities such as courtroom testimony, child custody evaluations, screening of law enforcement candidates, clinical services to offenders and staff of correctional facilities, research and theory in area of criminal behavior, intervention and prevention programs. Prerequisite: PSY 101, senior status or permission of instructor.3
Admission Requirements
For admission into Alvernia Online’s online psychology degree, you must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. To apply:
- Speak to an enrollment counselor
- Complete an application
- Provide evidence of High School completion/graduation. Documentation may include high school transcript, diploma, GED scores, or equivalent.*
- Submit official transcripts of all previous college work (if applicable)
- Submit a copy of DD214 from military (if applicable)
*This requirement may be waived if an official college transcript is provided to validate completion of 15 credits or more from an accredited school.
Tuition & Fees
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Full Program Tuition | $535 per credit hour | $65,805 |
| Full Program Student Fees | $50 per credit hour | $6,150 |
| Total | $71,955 | |
| Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 75) | $535 per credit hour | $25,680 |
| Fees with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 75) | $50 per credit hour | $2,400 |
| Total with Transfer Credits | $28,080 | |
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes four years to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment counselor at (888) 536-1251 or request more information.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Financial Aid
Alvernia offers loans, grants, scholarships, payment plans and GI Bill benefits to help make your education more affordable. Our enrollment counselors can help you determine your financial aid eligibility. For more information, visit our Financial Aid page.
Yellow Ribbon
Alvernia University is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the GI Bill, provides those who served the U.S. military on active duty with free tuition and fees, as well as a book allowance. For more information, visit our Veterans page.
Career Outcomes
After earning your Bachelor of Science in Psychology online, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:
- Marketing/Advertising manager
- Case manager
- Social and community service manager
Your Support Team
We’re dedicated to your success. Our enrollment counselors will assist you through every step of your college career, from enrollment to tuition and more.
Benefits of Learning Online
With the convenience of studying online, you can learn whenever and wherever you’d like.