Build Your Career with an Online Psychology Degree

The principles of psychology are used in nearly every field, from human resources and rehabilitative therapies to educational testing and business practices. Regardless of the career path you choose, the Penn State World Campus online bachelor of arts degree program in psychology can help you refine the analytical skills you need to understand interpersonal interaction — and implement valuable problem-solving techniques.

With a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, you can pursue a graduate degree or you can apply your knowledge in such fields as:

• social work
• probation and corrections
• education
• public relations
• human resources
• recreational therapy

Why a Psychology Degree Online at Penn State

You can choose the degree that best suits your career goals:

• The Bachelor of Science in Psychology provides an opportunity to study the application of psychology in the workplace and to choose courses related to business. It may be a good choice for business professionals interested in human resources, management, leadership development, or marketing. You can choose from three options: economics and marketing, management and human resources, or gender and history.
• The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides a broad education in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. It can give you the foundation you need to work in a social-service field, and it may also be a good fit if you plan to attend graduate school.

Courses Provide Unique Viewpoints
Early in the bachelor of arts in psychology program, PSYCH 105 Psychology as a Science and Profession helps you to explore career options in psychology and related fields, and presents you with an overview of the history and methods of psychology. It will also evaluate the applications and ethical issues in psychology.

In your senior seminar, PSYCH 490 Clinical Psychology in the Real World, you will study broad systems-based frameworks for examining the origins of psychopathology and methods for reducing its impact, as well as the promotions of health and well-being. This capstone course will cover the application of methods and research findings of psychological science in multiple real-world contexts. Activities will focus on methods of intervention on real-world problems found in common settings.

You Can Access Valuable Networking Opportunities
Penn State World Campus is a leader in online education. In fact, students from the World Campus founded the world’s first fully online Psychology Club that includes more than 100 members from the United States, Europe, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The club uses video conferencing, Facebook, and its Mind Over Matters newsletter to keep members in touch with program faculty and staff and to inform them about graduate education options, internships, and career opportunities.

Who Should Apply

The bachelor of arts degree in psychology is an excellent choice if you plan a career that involves understanding why people learn, think, and act the way that they do. If you want to work in areas related to children, families, public health, mental health, or substance abuse, this degree can help give you the knowledge and skill sets you need or help prepare you to continue to graduate school.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

The bachelor of arts in psychology could be most suitable for you if you are planning to continue your training and become a psychologist or enter a career as a:

• child, family, and school social worker
• medical and public health social worker
• mental health and substance abuse social worker
• probation or corrections officer
• researcher in marketing
• human resource representative

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We strive to create an online learning environment that brings you as close to the face-to-face experience as possible. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.