Program Overview

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Psychology

Psychology combines knowledge of the inner workings of mind and body with mindful listening skills in order to understand others and help them grow and heal.

Types

• Associate
• Bachelor
• Minor

Location

• On-Campus
• Online

Credits

40*

Cost

$9,875 $220/credit hour

Overview

With a psychology degree, you can make a positive impact on the world in countless ways. Gain a strong foundation in psychology and unlock numerous career opportunities in fields such as clinical psychology, social work, counseling, education, and even human resource, marketing and business management. At Cumberlands, you will experience a diverse range of psychology degrees courses that reflect the discipline's breadth and cater to your interests. With faculty members bringing real-world understanding and fresh ideas to their teaching, you'll receive a dynamic education that combines theory with practical knowledge.

By the Numbers

$81,040

Average Salary

8%

Industry Growth

#1

in KY, Associate Degree

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Programs & Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

You have the gift of understanding those around you; hone it with a degree in psychology. Use your talent to help heal, mediate, and provide guidance for those in need. A bachelor's degree in psychology will prepare you for entry-level positions in a variety of human service fields as well as for graduate school. It can position you well for graduate study in psychology, nursing, counseling, social work, business, law, education, medicine, and many other areas. Or, if you aspire to a career in mental health counseling, the psychology degree, courses at University of the Cumberlands can give you an understanding of the intricacies of working with others, and the skills you acquire will be invaluable to your work.

Course Requirements

Required Courses (16 hours)

• PSYC 131 - Basic Psychology
• PSYC 234 - Research Design and Statistics I
• PSYC 244 - Research Design and Statistics II
• PSYC 438 - History and Systems in Psychology
• PSYC 499 - Senior Seminar

Electives (24 hours)

• PSYC 231 - Introduction to the Psychology Major
• PSYC 232 - Child and Adolescent Development
• PSYC 238 - Educational Psychology
• PSYC 332 - Adult Development
• PSYC 334 - Social Psychology
• PSYC 335 - Behavior Modification
• PSYC 336 - Positive Psychology
• PSYC 338 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PSYC 402 - Psychology of Religion
• PSYC 403 - Behavior Change for Lifestyle Wellness
• PSYC 432 - Sport Psychology
• PSYC 434 - Forensic Psychology
• PSYC 490 - Directed Study-Special Topics
• PSYC 331 - Physiological Psychology
• PSYC 337 - Cognitive Psychology
• PSYC 339 - Learning & Memory
• PSYC 491 - Directed Study-Research or Readings
• PSYC 330 - Introduction to Counseling
• PSYC 333 - Psychology of Personality
• PSYC 431 - Psychological Testing
• PSYC 433 - Counseling Psychology
• PSYC 435 - Psychopathology

Bachelor of Arts option (12)

A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.

• FREN 131 Elementary French I
• FREN 132 Elementary French II
• FREN 231 Intermediate French I
• FREN 232 Intermediate French II
• SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I
• SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II
• SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I
• SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II

Psychology Minors

You don’t need to pursue a bachelor degree in psychology in order to hone your gift of understanding and helping others. The knowledge and skills you learn through a minor in psychology program will help you use your gift to help heal, mediate, and provide guidance for those in need. A minor in psychology complements many major degree programs and is sure to help you succeed not only in the workforce but in other areas of life as well.

Course Requirements

Minor in Psychology (21 hours)

These two courses (6 credit hours) are required:

• PSYC 131 - Basic Psychology
• PSYC 232 - Child and Adolescent Development

Select five courses (15 credit hours) from the following:

• PSYC 234 - Research Design and Statistics I
• PSYC 238 - Educational Psychology
• PSYC 244 - Research Design and Statistics II
• PSYC 330 - Introduction to Counseling
• PSYC 331 - Physiological Psychology
• PSYC 332 - Adult Development
• PSYC 333 - Psychology of Personality
• PSYC 334 - Social Psychology
• PSYC 338 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PSYC 402 - Psychology of Religion
• PSYC 403 - Behavior Change for Lifestyle Wellness OR HESS 403 - Behavior Change for Lifestyle Wellness
• PSYC 433 - Counseling Psychology
• PSYC 434 - Forensic Psychology
• PSYC 435 - Psychopathology
• PSYC 490 - Directed Study-Special Topics

Minor in Sport and Wellness Psychology (21 hours)

• PSYC 131 - Basic Psychology
• PSYC 334 - Social Psychology
• PSYC 335 - Behavior Modification
• PSYC 336 - Positive Psychology
• PSYC 432 - Sport Psychology
• HLTH 236 - Health and Wellness
• SOWK 436 - Human Diversity in a Global Society

Associate of Science with a Major in Psychology

At Cumberlands, you have the option to complete an Associate of Science (A.S.) or an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) psychology degree entirely online, at an affordable rate, and in as little as one year. These degree programs are designed to offer a broad understanding of psychology that helps prepare graduates for entry level work in a related career or continued studies through a future bachelor's degree in psychology program.

Course Requirements

Associate of Science Requirements (18 hours)

• PSYC 131 - Basic Psychology
• PSYC 232 - Child and Adolescent Development
• PSYC 234 - Research Design and Statistics I
• PSYC 330 - Introduction to Counseling
• PSYC 333 - Psychology of Personality
• PSYC 334 - Social Psychology

A Music Therapy pathway for Music and Psychology students who plan to eventually pursue a graduate degree in Music Therapy.

Music Therapy Pathway for Psychology Minors

Required Psychology Courses (24 hours)

• PSYC 131 - Basic Psychology
• PSYC 232 - Child and Adolescent Development
• PSYC 238 - Educational Psychology
• PSYC 330 - Introduction to Counseling
• PSYC 331 - Physiological Psychology
• PSYC 332 - Adult Development
• PSYC 433 - Counseling Psychology
• PSYC 435 - Psychopathology

Additional courses required to complete the Music Therapy Pathway are found below and under the Department of Music under the Music Therapy Pathway.

Program Notes

Students pursuing the Music Therapy Pathway should pick one of the emphasis options listed for the B.S / B.A. (B.S./ B.A. Piano Emphasis Requirements, B.S./ B.A. Guitar Emphasis Requirements, B.S./ B.A. Instrumental Emphasis Requirements or B.S. / B.A. Vocal Emphasis)

All students, regardless of emphasis, should take MUPR 121 - Class Voice and Diction. Students choosing a vocal emphasis should take this class in their first semester of music study.

Students with limited vocal training may be encouraged to complete additional study in Applied Voice in order to develop a stronger singing voice.

All students, regardless of emphasis, should take MUPR 219 - Guitar Techniques.

Additional study in Applied Guitar is required for two semesters. It is recommended that study focus on chording including I, IV and V7 chords in four major and four minor keys as well as common simple tunes (pop, country, folk, gospel, children’s songs, etc.) from various decades.

Music majors must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in prerequisite courses.

Transfer students may have the pattern of prerequisites altered at the discretion of the Department Chair Students with a piano emphasis will substitute MUPR 221 - Piano Pedagogy for MUPR 117 - Class Piano I and MUPR 118 - Class Piano II.

The following classes are also recommended from the Department of Biology for the Music Therapy Pathway:

• BIOL 243 - Introduction to Human Anatomy
• BIOL 244 - Human Physiology

Program Mission

The mission of the bachelor's degree in psychology program is to prepare students for diverse careers in fields such as marketing, management, clinical psychology, counseling, and more.

Provide an educational background appropriate for a liberal arts program.

Prepare students for careers in areas that value a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Lay a strong foundation for graduate study in various disciplines.

Develop students' understanding of working with others and enhance their counseling skills.

Foster critical thinking and people skills for success in the workforce.

Psychology Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Psychologist: $81,040

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments.

Career Counselor: $60,510

School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.

Mental Health Counselor: $48,520

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression.

Professor: $79,640

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.

Case Manager: $74,000

Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.

Probation Officer: $60,250

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitating law offenders in custody or on probation or parole.

Common Questions

What is a psychology degree?

A psychology degree focuses on understanding the mental and emotional processes of individuals, as well as how they interact with their environments. The program combines knowledge of both mind and body, fostering skills in listening and empathy to help people grow and heal. Psychology degrees can open doors to careers in clinical psychology, counseling, social work, and business management.

How long does a psychology degree take?

The time it takes to complete a psychology degree depends on the level of study. Typically, an associate degree requires about 60 credit hours, while a bachelor's degree requires 120 credit hours. The duration can vary based on transfer credits or part-time study, but most students complete a bachelor's degree in four years.

Can I get a psychology degree online?

Yes, psychology degrees are available online at University of the Cumberlands. This allows students to earn their degree with flexibility while balancing other commitments. The online program provides the same comprehensive education as on-campus options.

Is a psychology degree worth it?

A psychology degree is worth it for those who want to make a positive impact by understanding and helping others. The degree can lead to a variety of careers in fields like mental health counseling, education, and human resources. With growing demand in psychology-related fields, it provides valuable skills and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

What can I do with a psychology degree?

A psychology degree can lead to careers in diverse fields such as clinical psychology, counseling, social work, education, marketing, and human resources. Graduates can work as mental health counselors, career advisors, probation officers, or even pursue advanced degrees for more specialized roles. The skills gained in this program are applicable to any profession that values understanding human behavior.

How do I get a psychology degree?

To earn a psychology degree, you need to complete the required credit hours, which can vary by degree level. This involves taking courses that cover various aspects of psychology, from mental health to human behavior. You can enroll in either an on-campus or online program, depending on your preference and schedule.

Is psychology a hard degree?

Psychology can be a challenging degree due to the in-depth study of human behavior, cognitive processes, and mental health. It requires strong analytical and critical thinking skills to grasp complex concepts. However, if you're passionate about understanding people and helping others, the coursework can be both engaging and rewarding. With dedication and good study habits, it is very manageable.