Bachelor of Arts
Psychology Degree
Start on your path to an impactful career in counseling or human services.
Featured in Best Psychology Programs by Best Value Schools, 2018
Psychology Degree
A psychology degree with a focus on research, for therapy careers and beyond.
The professional world is evolving, with employers in any field—including counseling and therapy careers—needing a strong backbone of data and research to inform their work. We designed our BA in Psychology program to meet these needs, so you can prepare for a versatile career and back up your work with a broader perspective of psychology for this complex field.
No SAT or ACT required.
With few barriers to our Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program, you can get started faster. Learn on campus or online with four start dates per year so you can complete your degree on a timeline that works for you.
Enhance skills to effect real change in the world of psychology.
More and more, program development and treatment requires an evidence-based approach—whether you work with individuals, families, communities and/or business organizations. With a BA in Psychology, you’ll graduate ready to:
- Propose and conduct a professional, scientific research study from start to finish
- Analyze and interpret research findings for application in counseling or human services
- Present research clearly for the appropriate audience
- Work with technology broadly used in the psychology field, including SPSS (Statistical Package for the Sciences)
- Take the GRE and move into graduate programs in your field, like the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Combine a psychology major with a teaching degree for an education career.
By following our BS in Education program option, you can advance toward secondary-level teacher certification with an endorsement in psychology. This option combines a professional education component in addition to an endorsement in one or more subjects and student teaching. Check out the requirements for teaching endorsements here.
Courses
What You’ll Learn
You'll develop skills to become an effective communicator and presenter as we place a strong emphasis on written and oral presentation. You will write research proposals and conduct your own empirical or scholarly research as a means to demonstrate good evidence-based practice skills and in preparation for future graduate study. You also may pursue an internship as a way to learn more about the applications of psychology in human and social service agencies and as a gateway to entry-level positions. At successful completion of Bellevue University's in-class or online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree you will be able to do the following:
- Apply the principles of scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills in psychology
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of psychological principles, theories, and data across situations
- Communicate effectively about psychology through written, oral, and interpersonal means
- Demonstrate ethical behavior both professionally and personally
- Apply psychological principles and skill sets in preparing for future career paths or graduate/professional school
Psychology Degree Courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
Requirements (40 credit hours)
(Click a course name below to view course details)
Foundation Courses:
This course is an introduction to the scientific foundations of the study of behavior and a survey of basic topics of psychology such as sensation and perception, the brain and nervous system, learning and memory, language and thinking, intelligence, motivation, emotions, personality, development, stress, and abnormal behavior. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in Psychology except PY 200, PY 211, PY 222 and PY 250
This course is an introduction to the wide variety of careers available to students majoring in psychology. Topics will include, but not be limited to: writing resumes and cover letters, applying to graduate/professional programs, and issues important in deciding upon an area of specialization. Students will learn about the various careers in psychology through presentations with professionals in the field and exploring information available on Internet sites, such as that of the American Psychological Association (1 credit hr)
This course is an introduction to and application of statistics and research designs used in experimental psychological research. Statistical software will be used to analyze psychological data collected by the students using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Specific types of statistical tests include: measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, multiple regression, z-tests, t-tests for both independent and correlated samples, analysis of variance/covariance, and various non-parametric tests. Prerequisite: MA 101 or higher
This course covers major concepts and research of cross-cultural psychology, including cross-cultural aspects of ethnocentrism, developmental processes, gender differences, emotion, language, personality, and other topics. Applications of cross-cultural knowledge to understanding one’s own culture and the effects of culture on individual lives are included. Prerequisite: PY 101
This course is an examination of research design issues in psychology and related disciplines with emphasis on accurate reading of published articles. Students write a research proposal including a literature review, an operationally stated hypothesis, and data gathering procedures. Students continuing on to PY 354 Experimental Psychology may carry out their research proposal. The mastery of APA manuscript style is an important aspect of this course. Prerequisites: PY 101 and PY 250 or MA 215 (PY 250 or MA 215 may be concurrent)
This course is a study and application of experimental techniques for investigating psychological issues. Students will replicate experiments or design their own investigations, write experimental reports, and use computerized statistical analysis. Prerequisites: PY 101, PY 250 or MA 215, PY 353.
This capstone course for psychology majors focuses on the discussion and analysis of significant issues, methods, and bodies of knowledge in psychology. Students will be responsible for the content and direction of the course under the guidance of the instructor. Prerequisites: PY 101, PY 250 or MA 215, PY 353, and six additional hours of upper-level psychology courses, or permission of instructor.
Selected Courses:
Group A - Select one course from the following:
This course will present the principles of human growth and development from conception to death. Topics to be included in the course are methods of child study, consideration of individual differences, and analysis of patterns and sequences of development.
This course is a consideration of biological, cultural, developmental, and psychological aspects of human sexuality, emphasizing class discussion of relevant issues. Among topics covered are AIDS, romantic love, sexual practices, and sexual orientation.
Group B - Select one course from the following:
This course presents the major theoretical and therapeutic approaches to psychological disorder. The classification, origin, description, and treatment of the chief psychiatric problems are included. Prerequisite: PY 101
The psychological and sociological principles that affect the behavior of individuals as members of groups. Representative topics include the biological foundations of behavior, prejudice, culture and personality, leadership, small group interaction, crowd behavior, mass media, childhood, adolescence and old age. Offered once a year, but alternates between day and evening programs. Cross listed as SO 345. Prerequisite: SO 101 and PY 101, or permission of instructor
Group C - Select two courses from the following:
This course covers major psychodynamic, behaviorist, trait, humanist, and cognitive theories of personality. Situational and biological influences, traits and cognition, life stories, psychobiography, and other contemporary issues are discussed. Application of personality theory to the understanding of individual lives is encouraged. Prerequisite: PY 101
This course examines how biological, social, cultural and psychological factors influence health and illness. Representative topics include research methods in health psychology, theories of health behavior, cultural differences in understanding health, understanding and coping with stress, understanding and managing pain, terminal illness, managing health care and controversies in health psychology. Prerequisite: PY 101, SO 101, or written permission of the instructor
This course addresses the ways in which people gain knowledge about their world and about self. Topics covered include memory and forgetting, language, thought processes, and creativity. Prerequisite: PY 101
This course emphasizes the development of theoretical approaches to learning, as well as applications of behavioral learning principles in applied contexts. The principles of classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, and social learning theory will be investigated in the course. The course will also present how learning principles are used in such areas as child management, interpersonal communication, and self-control. Prerequisite: PY 101
This course is a study of biological influences on human behavior and mental processes. Includes a survey of brain and nervous system anatomy and how researchers learn about functions of these systems in relation to behavior. Emphasis is on normal development, adaptation, and learning but a variety of syndromes and problems are also included. Study of Biology or Anatomy and Physiology are helpful but not required. Prerequisite: PY 101
This course presents the development of psychology in the history of the Western world. Among the topics it includes are the philosophical basis of modern psychology, the founders of psychology, and development of major theories and content areas. Prerequisite: PY 101
Students choosing to complete a BA in Psychology must also complete the following courses (can be completed as part of the General Education requirements):
This course examines the flow of biological information at the molecular, cellular, organismic, and population level. This course also explores the relationships between biological information and cellular structure and function. The associated laboratory investigates questions related to information systems and cellular function and develops techniques relevant to these research areas. Prerequisites: BI 100 or NS 110
OR
This course consists of the study of the nutrients required by the human body, the foods from which they are obtained, their utilization by the body and their importance for the maintenance of optimal health throughout the life span.
This is an interactive course designed to develop Spanish language acquisition through speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Basic grammatical structures, vocabulary, and pronunciation are covered, along with an introduction to the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
OR a Culture Course
Additional Course Offerings*:
In-depth exploration of particular topics of psychological interest not treated or treated only briefly in other psychology courses. Specific titles of courses offered under this heading are listed in the course selection for the sessions in which they are offered. Pre-requisite: PY 101
This course is an opportunity to study topics of personal or professional interest not covered, or covered in a limited way, in regular courses. Prerequisite: Psychology major and permission of instructor.
This course provides an opportunity to conduct research in an area of psychology of interest to the student. Research is based upon ideas of the student and/or the instructor. Because original research may take more than one term, the course may be repeated once for credit for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisites: Psychology major, PY 250, HS 250, or MA 240, PY 353, PY 354, and permission of instructor
*PY 445, and PY 450 are all variable credit courses, can be taken twice, and offered either on the 10 or 12 week terms. All three of those classes can be taken from 1-6 credit hours per enrollment, with the restriction that the maximum total hours earned is 6 credit hours (e.g., A person takes PY 445 for 2 credit hours one term and then takes the same class in a different term for 4 credit hours). Those three courses are also only offered on an independent study basis.
Suggested electives for both the BA and BS degrees in Psychology:
If you desire to organize your general elective credits in a cohesive way, you are encouraged to either double major or minor in one of the following disciplines (depending on future career goals): biology, communications, and/or sociology. Additional language courses are highly recommended if you plan on becoming a counselor or therapist. If you are interested in attending a research intensive graduate program as part of your career goals, you are encouraged to take additional math and science courses, as well as taking PY 450 Psychology Research.
Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)
(In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series)
This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
Integrative General Education Credits
Major Requirements Credits
Elective Credits
= 127 Total Credits*
General Education Courses
Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.
Elective Courses
Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.
What is the difference between a BA and a BS in Psychology?
Closely connected, but slightly different, these degrees differ largely in the electives you choose to take. Follow the Psychology BA path and you’ll complete more courses in culture, language and communications—better positioning you for a future in counseling or therapy. If you choose to pursue a BS in Psychology, you’ll be encouraged to take more laboratory science and mathematics courses—better preparing you for research-intensive graduate programs and related careers.
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
Get credit for what you’ve earned.
Accelerate your path to earning a degree.
Thanks to our generous credit transfer policy, you can avoid retaking the classes you’ve already completed, and chip away at the credit requirements you need to complete your degree.
- Already have an associate degree? You could accelerate your bachelor's degree completion. Transfer your full associate degree or even your A.A.S.*
- You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Finish Faster
*Acceptance of transfer credits is always subject to official transfer credit evaluation by Bellevue University.
Format
Showcase your work at conferences or get published.
Over the course of your psychology degree, you’ll work closely with mentor faculty to conduct research that culminates in 2 empirical manuscripts you can present at conferences or submit for publication. Whether you study online or on campus, you’ll graduate with hands-on experience that will set you apart on your career path.
100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.
Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.
On-campus classes offered on a convenient schedule.
If you prefer an in-person learning experience, our Omaha-area campus offers classes that accommodate the working professional’s schedule.
Tuition & Financial Aid
It’s more affordable than you think.
Earning a degree is an investment in yourself, and we want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with a generous credit transfer policy and competitive tuition rates.
2024 / 2025 Academic Year
$449 Online Cost Per Credit $339 In-Class Cost Per Credit (Daytime Residential Only) $250 Military Preferred Cost Per Credit
(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)
Only pay for the credits you need.
Talk to us about our generous credit transfer policy so you can make more of the credits you’ve already earned count toward your degree.
Get help with financial aid.
Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.
Military Preferred (Active Duty and Spouses Only)
Degree-seeking active-duty members of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard, and their spouses, with proof of status, are eligible for a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate, certificate, and certificate of completion programs as they work towards their degree. Not able to be combined with other special rates, Guild or Campus@Work funding.
Admissions
Removing barriers to the education you deserve.
College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:
To be admitted to Bellevue University, provide proof of high school completion. We accept the following forms of documentation:
- Official high school transcript
- GED certificate
- Homeschool letter of completion
- Certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination recognized by the state in which it is awarded — equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Self-certification on application.
You’ll just need to complete the application and submit the following:
- Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
- If applicable, official transcripts from any college or university you previously attended
- A one-time $50 application fee
- Note:
- International students must provide a few extra documents. See international student bachelor admissions details.
- Students applying for a cohort-based major must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.
Short on time? You can start the application and save your progress as you go. Start your application >
You'll just need to create an account and complete a pre-application to Bellevue University through Guild. Once you receive confirmation that your pre-application to Bellevue University has been approved, you'll need to complete the required steps to get fully accepted and registered. These include:
- Submitting transcripts from past institutions
- Completing the FAFSA, per your employer's benefit requirement
If you’re transferring from another institution of higher education, you must submit an official transcript from each accredited institution you previously attended. Here are a few details to note:
- A transcript can be emailed securely to [email protected] or by mail. It is required to be sent directly from the issuing institution to Bellevue University's Office of the Registrar to be considered an official document. Please check with previous institution for available sending options.
- Applicants who submit an official transcript which reflects a two-year degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution are not required to show proof of high school completion.
- Transcripts must be submitted even if credits were not earned at the previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.
- Get your questions answered about the Psychology Degree
- Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
- Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities
