Psychology Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) Online
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-05-18 | - |
| 2026-05-18 | - |
| 2027-05-18 | - |
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of behavior, including normal and abnormal behavior, and how it is studied. The program emphasizes research methods and critical thinking, offering opportunities for career exploration in psychology and related fields.
Program Details
- The program requires a minimum of 123 credits to complete.
- Students must complete 50 credits required for the major, including 13 prescribed course credits and 34 additional major course credits.
- An additional 24 credits are required for the option and supporting courses, which include 15 business option credits or 15 life science option credits, and 9 supporting course and related areas credits.
- 36 General Education credits are also required.
- A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major.
Program Options
The B.S. in Psychology offers two options: the Business Option and the Life Sciences Option. Each option consists of 24 credits.
Business Option
- Select 15 total credits from at least 3 different groups, including:
- Economics/Finance/Marketing/Accounting
- Management/Law and Ethics/Labor Relations/Communications
- Global View/Gender and Race/History
- Supporting courses include 3 credits of Arts (GA)/Humanities (GH), 3 credits of Natural Sciences (GN), and 3 credits of Social & Behavior Sciences (GS).
Life Sciences Option
- Select 15 total credits from at least 3 different groups, including:
- Genetics
- Biological Anthropology
- Biobehavioral Implications
- Biology/Chemistry
- Supporting courses include 3 credits of Natural Sciences (GN) and 6 credits of Social & Behavior Sciences (GS).
Electives
Elective courses will be chosen in consultation with an adviser, totaling 10-13 credits.
General Education Requirements
Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit the public LionPATH course search to start planning ahead.
Broaden Your Career Options
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Job Titles Related to This Degree
The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:
- Research Associate
- Residential Counselor
- Therapeutic Assistant
- Research Interviewer
- Survey Research Consultant
Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree
Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change.
Social Science Research Assistants
- 6.3% employment growth (10 years)
- 32,940 total employment
Survey Researchers
- -0.2% employment growth (10 years)
- 7,720 total employment
Career Path Variety
Graduates of the life sciences option are prepared for various career paths and positions in:
- Counseling
- Health care
- Other professions that provide care for substance abuse, eating disorders, or other disorders involving both behavior and biology
Graduates of the business option are prepared for a range of careers in:
- Business
- Human resources
- Management
- Health care administration
Career Services to Set You Up for Success
From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career.
Upcoming Events
Check the website for upcoming events, including webinars and open houses.
Learn from the Best
You will have the opportunity to study with highly regarded faculty from Penn State's College of the Liberal Arts, one of the premier liberal arts institutions in the world.
Faculty
The faculty includes:
- Rodrigo Cardenas
- Richard Carlson
- Brian Crosby
- Khytam Dawood
- Alicia Drais-Parrillo
- Michelle F. Guthrie Yarwood
- E. Christina Ford
- Cathleen Hunt
- Melissa Hunter
- Beth LeBreton
- Jeffrey M. Love
- Anthony J. Nelson
- Nicolas Pearson
- Andrew Peck
- Melissa Plaufcan
- Amie Skattebo
- Lisa Stevenson
- Josh Wede
- Jason Williams
- David J. Wimer
- Judi Withrow
News
Penn State featured in U.S. News’ 2025 ‘Best Online Programs’ rankings.
Student Success Story
Having my Penn State degree through World Campus is helping me professionally because of the reputation that comes with the quality of a Penn State education.
— Yonna Jolly, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Explore Other Academic Programs
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- Labor and Human Resources Bachelor of Arts program
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.
Undergraduate Tuition
- Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins, and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
- For the 2025-26 academic year, tuition rates are:
- $638 per credit (if you have 59 or fewer credits)
- $685 per credit (if you have 60 or more credits)
- $7,755 per semester (for 12-19 credits, if you have 59 or fewer credits)
- $8,371 per semester (for 12-19 credits, if you have 60 or more credits)
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.
Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Application Instructions
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED.
Deadlines and Important Dates
Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.
Steps to Apply
- Review the admission requirements.
- Gather your required materials.
- Create a Penn State login account.
- Read the application instructions.
- Complete the application.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor.