Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree Overview

A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a broad-based foundational degree that can be used in a wide range of careers — from human resources to marketing, consumer research to sales, and more. The general psychology concentration allows you to explore various areas of the psychology world. Four additional concentrations are offered for more specialization, each consisting of four focused courses. 

  • Advanced Study in Counseling Concentration: Prepares you for a career in counseling where a graduate degree is needed.
  • Advanced Study in Psychology Concentration: Meant for students who plan to continue with graduate-level studies in psychology.
  • Industrial/Organizational Concentration: Designed for you to take what you learn and apply it in a business setting such as corporate training or recruitment.
  • Child Psychology Concentration: Designed for students interested in working with children, specifically those with developmental challenges. 

At a Glance

Online
120 Credits
$500/Credit
Help me estimate my cost
Next Start Date
Summer II (Jun 23, 2025)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Customizable

Customizable and Flexible

Fully online coursework, a general psychology degree, and four optional concentrations work for working adults, providing the knowledge and skills needed to fuel their careers. 

Support

Program-Embedded Support

Our scholar-practitioner faculty will help guide you every step of the way. UMass Global’s Psychology Club and other student organizations provide additional resources and networking opportunities.

Fast Track

Direct MA in Psychology Transfer

Fast-track your journey toward a master’s degree with a program that prepares students for a graduate-level psychology education at UMass Global and beyond.

Career Outlook for BA in Psychology (General Psychology)

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Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

PSYU 304

Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences

3 Credits
PSYU 320

Human Development across the Lifespan

3 Credits
PSYU 328

Abnormal Psychology

3 Credits
PSYU 306

Critical Thinking

3 Credits
MATU 203

Introduction to Statistics

3 Credits
PSYU 421

Cross-Cultural Psychology

3 Credits

Career Outlook for BA in Child Psychology

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Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

PSYU 323

Child Development

3 Credits
PSYU 398

Pediatric Neuropsychology

3 Credits
PSYU 464

Applied Behavioral Analysis

3 Credits
PSYU 466

Preferred Behavior Enhancement

3 Credits

Career Outlook for BA in Prep for Adv Study in Psychology

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Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

PSYU 310

Psychology of Learning

3 Credits
PSYU 317

Cognitive Psychology

3 Credits
PSYU 322

Theories of Personality

3 Credits
PSYU 432

Introduction to Psychological Measurement

3 Credits

Career Outlook for BA in Industrial/Organizational

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Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

PSYU 432

Introduction to Psychological Measurement

3 Credits
PSYU 460

Introduction to Career Development

3 Credits
PSYU 462

Personnel Psychology

3 Credits
PSYU 481

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

3 Credits

Career Outlook for BA in Prep for Adv Study Counseling

Submit
Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

PSYU 450

Introduction to Counseling

3 Credits
PSYU 455

Family Systems and Dynamics

3 Credits
PSYU 418

Community Mental Health

3 Credits
PSYU 471

Issues in Aging

3 Credits

What it’s like going to UMass Global?

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Office meeting

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Office meeting

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Office meeting

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Office meeting

Our Faculty

All Faculty
Margaret Moodian
Dr. Margaret Moodian, EdD
Competency Based Education Tutorial Associate Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Margaret Moodian EdD

Admission Requirements

Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process and submit required documents. Documents required vary based on the number of transferable credits and include:

0 – 11 TRANSFERABLE CREDITS

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Official high school transcript indicating the date of graduation
  • Provide official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended

12 OR MORE TRANSFERABLE CREDITS

  • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Provide official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended

Active military?

Admissibility and minimum transfer credit awarded will be determined based on the Community College of the Air Force, SMART, AARTS, or JST transcripts.

Start Strong with Support

Students with fewer than 12 credits or below a 2.0 GPA will take LBSU 100 (Student Success Strategies) during their first session to build a solid foundation for college success.

We support our
Military Veterans!

  •  Yellow Ribbon School
  •  Recognized Military Friendly School
  •  Founded to Serve Military Personnel

Check out our Military and Veterans pages and discover how we can support you in your educational journey.

Learn How

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

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Ready to pursue your psychology degree?

Frequently Asked Questions

A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides students with a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, mental processes, and interpersonal dynamics. This degree equips graduates with valuable skills in communication, research, and problem-solving, making it applicable across various professional fields. While additional education is required to pursue roles such as psychologist, counselor, or psychiatrist, a BA in Psychology opens the door to a variety of impactful careers. Here are a few examples:

  • Human Resources: A deep understanding of human behavior is an asset in roles such as recruiter, training and development specialist, or benefits administrator. These positions rely on the ability to assess and support organizational and employee needs effectively.
  • Market Research: Organizations value professionals who can analyze consumer behavior and preferences. With a psychology background, you are well-equipped to contribute to roles in market analysis, consumer insights, or brand strategy.
  • Education: A psychology degree can serve as a steppingstone to roles such as high school psychology teacher (with subject matter competency and a teaching credential) or school advisor. Note that positions like school counselor or school psychologist require advanced degrees.
  • Social Services: Careers in social services allow graduates to work with diverse populations in roles like case management, community health, health education, and rehabilitation support. These positions often involve making meaningful contributions to individuals and communities.

Psychology is a versatile and broad-based degree that provides a solid foundation for a wide range of career paths, making it an excellent choice for students seeking flexibility and opportunities to make a difference.

The UMass Global psychology undergraduate program offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. A BA in Psychology provides a broad-based education, offering a wider perspective on the field of psychology. At UMass Global, the electives available within the general psychology concentration reflect this versatility, covering diverse topics such as “Issues in Aging,” “Family Systems and Dynamics,” “Child Development,” and “Survey of Forensic Psychology.” This breadth of coursework allows students to explore multiple areas of psychology and apply their knowledge across various fields and careers.

Bachelor of science degrees in psychology typically are more research-oriented, with lab-based courses targeted toward graduate study in psychology. 

The answer to this question depends on your occupational goals. If your goal is to become a case manager or a rehabilitation specialist, then you do not need a graduate degree. If your goal is to become a counselor or therapist, then a master’s degree is warranted. State licensure is also required. For instance, a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling at UMass Global meets the education requirements for licensure in most states (including California) as a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

A bachelor’s degree in psychology allows you to put your degree to good use, just not as a clinician. The focus on understanding human behavior, which is the basis of psychology, has value across all sorts of careers and roles. For students not sure of a specific career direction yet needing a bachelor’s degree to progress in their career, a BA in Psychology is a good option. 

There is often confusion about the roles of psychologists and psychiatrists. In reality, these professions serve different purposes within the field of mental health and require distinct educational paths. Below is an overview of the requirements for becoming a psychologist:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (4 years): Typically earned in psychology or a related field, this foundational degree introduces students to the principles of human behavior and mental processes.
  • Master’s Degree (2-3 years): While a master’s degree may be a common route, this is not required for admission into many doctoral programs. The master’s degree may or may not be related to psychology (marriage and family therapy, clinical counseling, clinical psychology, school psychology, or other focus).
  • Doctoral Degree (4-5 years): Most practicing psychologists complete either a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). During the doctoral program, it is customary to accrue 3-4 years of supervised experience through the practicum and predoctoral internship process. At least one year of postdoctoral internship is a requirement in many states as well.
  • Licensing: Psychologists must pass a national exam and a licensing exam and fulfill supervised clinical experience requirements, which vary by state, to practice independently.

Psychologists play a critical role in mental health care, offering therapy, conducting assessments, and applying evidence-based interventions. Their expertise complements that of psychiatrists, who focus on medical diagnoses and treatment through medication management.

Psychiatrist

  • Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) — Typically in areas such as biology, chemistry, or physics with coursework that satisfies medical school prerequisites.
  • Medical School (4 years) — Psychiatrists must attend med school to earn either a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). The first two years involve basically medical science and understanding the human body. The final two years involve clinical rotations in the various medical specialties, including psychiatry.
  • Residency (4 years) — After graduating from med school, you’ll move on to a psychiatric residency program where you will receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in different settings.
  • Licensing — To become a practicing psychiatrist, the final requirements are passing the national licensing exam. You can also choose to become “board-certified in psychiatry,” which adds clout to your title and credentials.

Total education time = 12 years

Psychologists play a critical role in mental health care, offering therapy, conducting assessments, and applying evidence-based interventions. Their expertise complements that of psychiatrists, who focus on medical diagnoses and treatment through medication management.

Testimonials

The professors realized I have a life and wanted to pursue my dreams. They didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between family and school. They made me feel like I could be successful in both.

Dominique H.
Psychology, BA

All of my instructors inspired me. They were working in the field as well as teaching, so the stories they shared made it relatable and attainable. The staff and faculty are all very positive and provide motivation for the students.

Quinton J.
Psychology, BA

 

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