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
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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

Both professions serve individuals dealing with mental health and situationally driven emotional challenges. The significant difference between the two professions can be found within the educational requirements.

  • Counselors can serve clients after completing a master’s degree. This assumes that they are registered with the state governing body postgraduation.
  • Psychologists can serve clients after completing a doctoral degree. As with counselors, this assumes that they are registered with the state governing body postgraduation. 

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. 

In this UMass Global degree program, students take a strong general core of required classes. Child Psychology is one of five concentrations, which includes 12 credits (four courses) that is taken along with the core requirements to get a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in child psychology.

While the UMass Global BA in Child Psychology won’t allow you to counsel or clinically treat children upon completion of the degree (depending on the goal, that would require at least a master’s degree and either a teaching credential or other licensing), it will provide a substantial framework of knowledge on which to build next steps in higher education and a future career.

While a bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify someone to become a licensed child psychologist, it provides a strong foundation for careers that involve working with children in various settings. Graduates may find opportunities in education, social services, childcare, youth programming, or nonprofit organizations.

Here are a few:

  • Childcare provider — You could use this degree to work in daycare centers, preschools, foster care agencies, or as a nanny. To work in preschools, you would likely need to obtain additional certification.
  • Child life specialist — Although not a clinical position, there are some hospitals and other medical facilities that focus on children’s health that hire individuals to help children cope with ongoing medical procedures.
  • Youth counselor — Here the term “counselor” does not  mean to that you can provide psychological counseling, It refers to working with youth, typically adolescents, in areas such as after-school programs, camps, and other programs.
  • Social services assistant — With this level of education, you would be working in “assistant” roles. For instance, in the social work arena, you could be a case worker assistant focusing on supporting children and families. You could also be employed as a case manager assisting families and children in navigating social services and resources.
  • Healthcare assistant — As with social services, in the healthcare arena, you could look for positions such as rehabilitation assistant, helping therapists who work with children recovering from injuries or managing their disabilities. Depending on the state in which you live, you could also serve as a mental health technician supporting licensed professionals in hospitals, residential treatment centers, or psychiatric facilities.

An emphasis in I/O psychology at the bachelor’s degree enhances job prospects in today's competitive market for several compelling reasons. I/O psychology provides individuals with knowledge, skills, and abilities that organizations value, including workplace dynamics, employee assessment, organizational development, and evidence-based management practices that generic business or psychology degrees don't cover. This specialized expertise is increasingly sought after as organizations recognize that their competitive advantage often lies in optimizing how they treat their employees.

In addition, I/O psychologists have practical skills that can be applied and directly transferred to workplace challenges. This includes designing valid selection systems, creating effective training programs, conducting meaningful performance evaluations, aligning career goals of individuals with the organization, and implementing organizational change initiatives. Employers value employees who can immediately apply these skills to solve real business problems.

With a bachelor's degree in psychology with an emphasis in I/O psychology, here are a few examples of jobs you can obtain with an emphasis in I/O:

  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • Training Specialist
  • Job Recruiter
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Research and Data Analyst
  • Public Relations Specialist

To become a practicing I/O psychologist, you’ll need a master’s degree in I/O psychology. Many people who are I/O psychologists hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology with an IO specialization. The investment in advanced education typically yields substantial returns through expanded career options, higher compensation, and greater professional autonomy in addressing complex workplace challenges.

In psychology, your options are varied. You could stay within the field, pursuing a career   in research, teaching, or become a practicing psychologist. Outside the field, a psychology degree translates well into a wide assortment of career roles in the private and public sectors. Understanding human behavior is valuable in just about any field. A psychology degree, coupled with a teaching credential (earned after your degree) could also allow a person to teach psychology at the high school level. 

In counseling, a master’s degree is sufficient to become a practicing counselor or marriage and family therapist. After earning your degree, you must also pass your licensing exam. A master’s degree will also enable you to become a school counselor or school psychologist.

At UMass Global, we can help you pursue four options: becoming a counselor or a marriage and family therapist, or becoming a school counselor or school psychologist.

With their Master of Arts degree (and passage of subsequent licensing exam) marriage and family therapists and professional clinical counselors can treat patients in private practice settings and work for private, public, or nonprofit organizations. It is more common for Ph.D. students to lean into research or teaching at the college level, while the Psy.D. is more for practicing psychologists. 

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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