What makes a psychology degree program innovative? Is it utilizing the latest technology to deliver coursework? Is it having faculty members that are change-makers in the psychology research space? What about a cutting-edge curriculum based on the latest professional and academic standards?
The truth is, each of these factors weighs heavily in determining how innovative a program is!
While affordability is likely one of your top considerations when choosing a psychology program, innovation is a feature you don’t want to overlook. The more innovative the program, the more likely it is to be flexible to your specific needs. Likewise, the best bachelor’s degree programs in psychology offer exceptional resources, a breadth of psychology courses to choose from, and additional features that make your education better, such as:
- Different course types (e.g., asynchronous and synchronous options)
- Online tutoring or mentoring resources
- Superior facilities
- Opportunities to participate in research or field-based learning
Psychology is an ever-expanding and widely applicable field with much room for growth. It makes sense that psychology programs are developed to reflect this. But with so many bachelor’s degrees in psychology available, how do you choose the right one for you?
This guide identifies ten innovative, up and coming psychology bachelor’s degree programs to consider for your education.
Methodology for Identifying Up and Coming Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Psychology
The National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database was used as the starting point of research for this ranking. Hundreds of schools were initially identified as possible entries for this ranking. The list was then narrowed based on several factors:
Number of Psychology Programs
Schools with multiple psychology degree options (e.g., majors and concentrations) provide greater flexibility regarding what and how you study. As collegiate education has evolved, psychology programs with an innovative approach to education have maximized the types of degrees you can choose from.
Number of Course Delivery Options
Innovative psychology undergraduate programs aid you in completing your degree with multiple course delivery options. Online learning has been one of the most innovative developments in higher education in the last 20 years. However, maintaining access for students who prefer to study in person or a hybrid approach enhances a school’s innovation score. Likewise, schools that offer different course formats (e.g., synchronous, asynchronous) earn more points.
Scope of Field-Based Learning Opportunities
The value of field-based or experiential learning cannot be understated. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned in your classes in a real-world setting. In years past, these types of experiences – especially off-campus – have been rare for psychology bachelor’s programs. However, the most innovative schools have implemented experiential learning opportunities at the undergraduate level.
Type of Accreditation
Accredited schools must demonstrate that their curricula adhere to rigorous standards. In response, the most innovative schools use cutting-edge research to inform their curriculum development to ensure you’re on the leading edge of psychology when you graduate. Regional accreditation is the gold standard; schools with this type of accreditation receive more points than nationally-accredited programs.
Median Debt Upon Graduation
A college education can be extremely expensive. Innovative schools have found ways to maximize your dollar so you get the best bang for your buck while minimizing the amount of student loans you need to complete your degree. Schools with the lowest median debt for graduates are awarded the most points.
Estimated Cost of Annual In-State Tuition
Maintaining low tuition rates takes an innovative and forward-thinking approach. Schools that have held their tuition rates in check earn the most points in this ranking.
Methodology Points Structure
The method for assigning points is straightforward:
- The number of psychology undergraduate programs offered
- 3+ options: 3 points
- 2 options: 2 points
- 1 option: 1 point
- The number of course delivery options (e.g., on-campus, online, hybrid)
- 3+ options: 3 points
- 2 options: 2 points
- 1 option: 1 point
- The scope of field-based learning opportunities
- 6+ options (High): 3 points
- 4-5 options (Average): 2 points
- 3 or fewer options (Adequate): 1 point
- Type of Accreditation
- Regional Accreditation: 2 points
- National Accreditation: 1 point
- Median debt upon graduation
- Less than $25,000: 3 points
- $25,001 to $40,000 (the median debt in the U.S. is $37,338): 2 points
- More than $40,000: 1 point
- Estimated cost of annual in-state tuition
- Less than $10,000 per year: 3 points
- $10,001 to $20,000 per year: 2 points
- $20,001 or more per year: 1 point
The maximum point value possible is 17 points. The programs below are ranked in order of highest to lowest point value.
1. Georgia State University – Atlanta, Georgia
B.A. or B.S. in Psychology
- Number of Programs Offered: 4
- Number of Course Delivery Options: 2
- Scope of Field-Based Learning: High
- Type of Accreditation: Regional
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $25,000
- Estimated Cost of Annual In-State Tuition (including fees): $8,948
- Program Score: 16
Like the other innovative undergraduate psychology programs on this list, the one from Georgia State is a four-year program with ample opportunities for field-based learning. Whether you complete your degree online or in person, you can explore psychological research with faculty. For example, you can study the relationship between the brain and behavior at the Center for Advanced Brain Imaging. Likewise, you can study the ways in which humans acquire language at the Center for Research on the Challenges of Acquiring Language and Literacy. Other research centers affiliated with Georgia State include the following:
- Regents Centers for Learning Disorders
- The Center for Behavioral Neuroscience
- The Center for Research on Atypical Development and Learning
- The Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence
- The Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science
- The Language Research Center
Additionally, you can explore internship placements and study abroad programs. Georgia State’s Presidential Assistants Program and Honors Programs are also available.
You can choose from two traditional B.A. or B.S. psychology tracks. But you also have the option of choosing among two concentrations. The first option is Community Psychology. This track focuses on using a deep understanding of behavior to improve the well-being of different groups. The second option is a Pre-Med track for B.S. students. This track is especially ideal if you see yourself specializing in psychiatry.
2. Purdue University – West Lafayette, Indiana
B.S. in Psychological Sciences
- Number of Programs Offered: 6
- Number of Course Delivery Options: 2
- Scope of Field-Based Learning: High
- Type of Accreditation: Regional
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $19,500
- Estimated Cost of Annual In-State Tuition: $9,992
- Program Score: 16
Purdue University’s up and coming bachelor’s degree program in psychology is one of the most revered programs in the country. Your courses will be taught by professors who are active professionals in the field. This means you will have the chance to assist in research projects. You will also have other practical learning experiences during your time in the program, including study abroad opportunities, internships, and participation in community outreach.
Purdue’s main campus offers two Bachelor of Science options. The Psychological Sciences major is a flexible program that allows you to tailor your studies to your specific interests in this field. The Brain and Behavioral Sciences major, on the other hand, focuses specifically on cognitive science and neuroscience. Purdue’s online campus offers four additional degree paths for undergraduates:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology in I/O Psychology
One of this program’s unique and innovative features is its Research-Focused Honors Program. The program focuses your time on completing independent research. You can apply for the program prior to the start of your junior year. If accepted, your research will be guided by one of the department’s faculty members.
3. Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
B.A. or B.S. in Psychology; B.S. in Neuroscience; B.S. in Psychological Science
- Number of Programs Offered: 18 (13 majors; 5 concentrations)
- Number of Course Delivery Options: 3
- Scope of Field-Based Learning: High
- Type of Accreditation: Regional
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $19,500
- Estimated Cost of Annual In-State Tuition (including fees): $12,051
- Program Score: 16
Arizona State does well on many of the metrics we use for this ranking. But the sheer number of programs ASU offers might be the most impressive feature. There are four on-campus programs to choose from. These include Psychology (B.A. and B.S.), Neuroscience, and Psychological Science. Depending on the program, you can opt for an online or an accelerated option, too.
The ASU online campus offers even more choices. For example, you can choose from B.A. or B.S. options in Forensic Psychology or Positive Psychology. Several options are available in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science. This includes specializations in Sports and Performance and Substance Abuse-Addictions. In each of these fields, you’ll take part in research activities that promote improved reasoning and critical thinking skills as well as effective written and oral communication skills.
Though the coursework you complete depends on your selected specialty, you might take classes like the following:
- Personality Theory and Research
- Cognitive Science
- Psychological Disorders
- Emotional Intelligence
- Correctional Psychology
Innovative features of this program include internship opportunities for experiential learning, mentorship opportunities, and post-graduate support to help you transition from your undergraduate studies to a graduate program or the workforce. What’s more, the online degree options at ASU are offered in short 6-week to 7.5-week courses that you take one at a time. There are more than 200 online tools at your disposal. With that support, you can make the most of the flexibility and functionality of your online psychology program.
4. The University of Maryland – College Park, Maryland
B.A. or B.S. in Psychology
- Number of Programs Offered: 2
- Number of Course Delivery Options: 2
- Scope of Field-Based Learning: High
- Type of Accreditation: Regional
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $19,500
- Estimated Cost of Annual In-State Tuition: $9,889
- Program Score: 15
The up and coming bachelor’s degree program in psychology at the University of Maryland is designed to be rigorous and challenging. You can choose between two on-campus programs: a Bachelor of Arts option or a Bachelor of Science option. The University of Maryland Global Campus also offers an online undergraduate program in psychology.
Maryland’s psychology program gets high marks for innovation because of the breadth of opportunities you have for hands-on learning. Not only can you participate in psychological research as a subject, but you can also assist faculty members with their research. Moreover, there are opportunities for you to conduct your own original research. The University offers several other experiential learning opportunities as well, including:
- Off-campus internship placements
- On-campus teaching assistantships
- A First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE)
- Psychology Research Empowerment Program (PREP)
- Psychology Honors Program
You can also elect to enhance your studies with a neuroscience minor.
Three thematic strands are included in the curriculum. You must take at least two courses in each thematic area:
- Theme I: Mind, Brain, and Behavior
- Theme II: Mental Health and Interventions
- Theme III: Social, Developmental, and Organizational Studies
These themes are required for the B.A. and B.S. tracks. The primary difference between these tracks is that the B.S. option requires you to take three additional advanced courses in math and science.
5. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis – Indianapolis, Indiana
B.A. or B.S. in Psychology
- Number of Programs Offered: 3
- Number of Course Delivery Options: 2
- Scope of Field-Based Learning: High
- Type of Accreditation: Regional
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $20,396
- Estimated Cost of Annual In-State Tuition (including fees): $10,448
- Program Score: 15
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is innovative because you can begin psychological research in your first year. This focus on research puts you in psychology labs with IUPUI’s renowned psychology faculty. You can explore topics on the human condition that vary far and wide. You might examine research related to developmental psychopathology, addiction, or forensic psychology, to name a few. You can also study abroad.
Another unique feature of IUPUI’s bachelor’s program in psychology is its emphasis on peer advising. You’ll work closely with your classmates to help one another as you advance through the program. What’s more, this peer advising program helps you further develop important skills, such as:
- Effective communication skills
- Competency in psychological research
- Mastery of psychological statistics
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Ethical decision-making
The specific courses you take depend on the major you choose. However, each major includes studies in four core areas:
- The science of psychology
- Influences on human behavior
- The history and evolution of psychology
- The social and cultural influences on psychology
IUPUI offers traditional Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. It also offers a unique Transfer Single Articulation Pathway (TSAP) option. This pathway is specially designed for students transferring to IUPUI from partner schools. These schools include Vincennes University or Ivy Tech Community College. You will earn an associate degree in psychology from one of those institutions. Then, you will come to IUPUI as a junior to finish the requirements of the psychology bachelor’s degree.
6. George Mason University – Fairfax, Virginia
B.A. or B.S. in Psychology
- Number of Programs Offered: 10 (2 majors; 8 concentrations)
- Number of Course Delivery Options: 2
- Scope of Field-Based Learning: High
- Type of Accreditation: Regional
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $17,625
- Estimated Cost of Annual In-State Tuition: $13,812
- Program Score: 15
The Bachelor’s in Psychology offered by George Mason University is a great option if you’re interested in working in the field. With close ties to the Washington, D.C., area, there are many opportunities for you to take part in experiential learning.
For example, you might intern at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. You can also explore internships with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Naval Research, among others. George Mason also has access to a sleep laboratory and other research facilities. This makes the prospect of participating in research an inviting one.
With Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science options, you can pursue an academic-oriented or a research-oriented degree. Moreover, George Mason offers eight concentrations that allow you to hone your skills further:
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Human Factors Psychology
- Work/Organizational Psychology
This program requires you to complete 120 credits of coursework. You’ll need about four years of full-time studies to complete these requirements. Throughout the program, you can participate in unique courses. These include Adolescent Development, Therapeutic Communication Skills, and Group Psychotherapy Techniques as just a few examples.
7. The University of Central Florida – Orlando, Florida
B.S. in Psychology
- Number of Programs Offered: 1
- Number of Course Delivery Options: 2
- Scope of Field-Based Learning: High
- Type of Accreditation: Regional
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $16,000
- Estimated Cost of Annual In-State Tuition (including fees): $5,094.72
- Program Score: 14
The University of Central Florida offers you an up and coming Bachelor of Science program that’s available on campus or online. Both options provide a broad foundation in psychology. The program also ensures you can think critically, conduct meaningful research, and apply what you’ve learned in the real world.
In fact, UCF highly encourages you to take part in experiential learning programs. These include, but are not limited to, internships, work experiences, and research projects. In each case, you can apply your classroom learning in ways not possible in the classroom. Potential off-site learning opportunities are available with organizations like:
- Mental Health Association of Central Florida
- Orange County Public Schools
- Big Brother Big Sister
- Give Kids the World
- Children’s Home Society of Florida
Furthermore, you might consider taking a course in Instructional Experiences in Undergraduate Psychology. This course introduces you to the art of teaching psychology in higher education. You can also take part in Academic Counseling Psychology Peer Advisors. This program uses advanced psychology students as mentors for other psychology students.
An interesting feature of UCF’s program is the optional Certificate in Behavioral Forensics. This add-on program focuses on applying psychology in the criminal justice system. More specifically, you’ll learn about concepts related to criminal behavior, insanity, and competency, among others. Adding this certificate is a great way to enhance your appeal for graduate programs in forensic psychology.
8. The University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, Ohio
B.A. or B.S. in Psychology; B.S. in Neuropsychology
- Number of Programs Offered: 3
- Number of Course Delivery Options: 1
- Scope of Field-Based Learning: High
- Type of Accreditation: Regional
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $22,813
- Estimated Cost of Annual In-State Tuition (including fees): $13,176
- Program Score: 14
The University of Cincinnati’s up and coming bachelor’s degree program in psychology can be completed as one of three degrees: A B.A. or B.S. in psychology or a B.S. in neuropsychology. Each option requires the completion of 120 credits. No matter which program you choose, you’ll benefit from a progressive course of study. This means you begin by learning the essentials of psychology and then move on to study more complex topics as you progress through the program.
Basic topics of study include Introduction to Psychology, Psychological Statistics, and Research Methods in Psychology. More advanced topics might include the study of Psychopathology, Psychopharmacology, or Cognitive Psychology. You will also complete a psychology research capstone in an area of your choosing. Potential research options include the following:
- Child Health and Mental Health
- Personality and Clinical Psychology
- Applied Psychology
- Human Factors
- Human and Animal Cognition
This program requires you to attend classes on campus. Though on-campus programs aren’t as flexible as online options, you can take advantage of several University of Cincinnati features while you’re a student. For example, the school boasts an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. Another perk is the First Year Experience program. This program teaches you essential skills for being successful as a first-year student. The University of Cincinnati also features the Center for Exploratory Studies, a nationally recognized organization that provides one-to-one academic mentorship for every student.
9. North Carolina State University – Raleigh, North Carolina
B.A. in Psychology
- Number of Programs Offered: 1
- Number of Course Delivery Options: 1
- Scope of Field-Based Learning: High
- Type of Accreditation: Regional
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $20,063
- Estimated Cost of Annual In-State Tuition (including fees): $6,535
- Program Score: 13
This program might not offer various degrees, concentrations, or course delivery options. However, it makes up for it in cost. At around $6,500 per year for in-state tuition, it is far and away one of the least expensive programs on this list.
The program revolves around a 12-credit core of studies. These courses include Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Biological Psychology. A course in Cognitive Processes is also required. You’ll then choose 15 psychology elective classes. These courses allow you to customize your studies to your particular interests. You can choose from options such as:
- Positive Psychology
- Psychology and the African-American Experience
- Introduction to Psychological Measurement
- Psychology of Adolescent Development
- Community-Based Applied Psychology
NCSU’s psychology department offers additional courses that give you flexibility in your studies. For example, you can take an independent study course. Independent study allows you to study topics of your choice in greater detail. The University also has an Honors course for psychology majors. A Special Topics course explores current issues in the field, too.
These class options are only part of the customization options with this program, though. Undergraduate students are encouraged to work for professors as undergraduate research assistants. You can also join various clubs and organizations that promote mental health awareness. Psi Chi (the psychology honor society), NCSU’s Psychology Club, and the Mental Health Ambassadors program are three examples.
10. Portland State University – Portland, Oregon
B.A. or B.S. in Psychology
- Number of Programs Offered: 2
- Number of Course Delivery Options: 1
- Scope of Field-Based Learning: Moderate
- Type of Accreditation: Regional
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $19,655
- Estimated Cost of Annual In-State Tuition (including fees): $11,859
- Program Score: 13
This bachelor’s degree in psychology can be completed as either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. This program was designed with a liberal arts-based education in mind. As such, it has a strong focus on developing critical thinking and research skills. In fact, the coursework is based on the latest in psychological research. You’ll also find the program focuses on community applications and personal relevance.
Portland State continues the theme of innovation by giving you the power to customize your program. You can choose to take classes part-time or full-time. Likewise, you can take electives based on your areas of interest. Available electives include the following:
- Child Development
- Social Relationships
- Human Diversity
- Counseling
- Neuroscience
This program offers research opportunities with University faculty, too. You might work as a research assistant on campus or take a course as a research assistant and earn credit. You can also explore off-campus learning options. For example, you can seek internships or practicum experiences in mental health-related settings. Alternatively, you can explore Portland State’s Psychology Secondary Education program. This program is an interdisciplinary social science option for prospective secondary teachers.
You will also have the opportunity to gain relevant research skills. For example, you’ll take numerous courses in psychological research methods and statistics. You can also take courses like Psychology as a Natural Science, Psychology as a Social Science, and Social Statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
A bachelor’s degree in this field can be helpful for many different job opportunities. On the one hand, you might work as a psychology research assistant in a laboratory. On the other hand, you might work as a psychiatric technician in a hospital. These careers show the wide variability available to you with this degree. But many other options are available, including:
- Parole or Probation Officer
- Public Relations Specialist
- Market Research Analyst
- Career Counselor
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Social Service Specialist
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist
- Child Care Worker
- Case Manager
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
According to Payscale, the average salary for a professional with a bachelor’s degree in psychology is $68,000. However, there is wide variability in the average pay range, from around $30,000 per year to more than $100,000 a year.
Salaries in the field of psychology are dictated by sector. For example, jobs in the public sector usually pay less than private-sector jobs. Private-sector jobs aren’t just lucrative – they are also competitive. For example, marketing is a field where you can shine with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The income potential for this field is over $100,000, but there is stiff competition for clients.
Your potential salary depends on many other factors, too, including:
- Your academic performance in college
- Relevant work experience
- Any specializations or certifications you might have
- The geographic location of the job
- Supplementary skills you possess
It’s recommended to cast a wide net when searching for a job with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Doing so gives you the most career options and helps you identify the jobs that pay the best.
What are the Various Disciplines of Psychology?
Psychology is a discipline that examines how and why humans behave the way they do. This is an incredibly broad field, though. Some psychologists work in biological psychology. Others explore the sociological influences on human behavior. Likewise, you might study or work in research applications. Perhaps your attention is on forensic psychology, which combines the study of psychology and criminal justice.
Other disciplines within this field include the following:
- Developmental psychology, which studies human behavior across the lifespan.
- Neuropsychology, which explores the relationship between the brain and behavior. In particular, it’s the study of how brain injuries and abnormalities affect behavior.
- Industrial-Organizational psychology, which is the application of psychological principles in the workplace.
- Geropsychology, which seeks to enhance the functioning and well-being of older people.
You will have time to explore these and other areas during your college education. Taking one or two classes in many different areas is common. Doing so gives you a broad understanding of how psychology is studied and applied.
Is it Possible to Specialize in One Area of Psychology at the Undergraduate Level?
Yes, it might be possible to specialize in an area of psychology at the undergraduate level. Not all universities offer specialized studies in psychology at the undergraduate level, though.
Some programs offer concentrations and require you to pick one area to focus on. For example, you might choose forensic psychology or experimental psychology. Specializing at this level might give you an advantage in the job market. It can also make you a more attractive applicant to graduate programs. Undergraduate courses are not nearly as specialized as graduate courses. However, they offer a good foundation for a higher level of knowledge and skill in a graduate program.
Choosing a concentration in a bachelor’s in psychology degree doesn’t lock you into that pathway for the rest of your academic career. So, let’s say your undergraduate degree includes a specialization in developmental psychology. You can still study another discipline – like biological psychology or cognitive psychology – at the graduate level. Specializing at the undergraduate level is by no means permanent!
Is Licensure Available at the Bachelor’s Level for Psychologists?
Licensure requirements for professions like psychology vary from one state to the next. However, most states require you to have a master’s degree or doctorate to be licensed as a psychologist. For example, let’s say you want to be a clinical psychologist. You’ll need a doctorate to do so. You will also need post-doctoral supervised experience to earn a license in most states.
So, what can you do without a license?
Some jobs related to psychology don’t require licensure at all. For example, probation officers typically don’t need a professional license. Case managers, like those who work for state agencies like Child and Family Services tend to not need a license, either. Other non-licensure bachelor’s-level careers are available with the appropriate certification. These include the following:
- Habilitative Interventionist – You can work with children who display behavioral difficulties, learning problems, or developmental delays, among other common issues.
- Registered Behavior Technician – As an RBT, you work one-on-one with clients in an applied behavioral analysis setting. For example, you might assist a child with autism in learning skills that enable them to be more successful in school.
- Assistant Behavior Analyst – This position requires you to work as part of a behavioral team to address a client’s behavior.
Ultimately, if you’re concerned about licensure or certification requirements, check with your state’s licensing board for guidance. Doing so can help you identify the appropriate steps you need to take to achieve your career goals.
Is a Practicum or Internship Required for Graduation from an Undergraduate Psychology Program?
Some schools do require field experience to complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The program dictates the specific type of work experience. It can take on many forms. For example, you might help with psychology research on campus. Alternatively, you might take part in off-site psychology training. Or maybe you find a work-study placement in a community mental health agency. Practicum or internship experiences might also be available to you as an undergraduate. In some cases, your school might arrange these programs for you. In other cases, you might have to explore internship opportunities on your own.
However, your work experience may have a little or a lot of impact on how you advance in your studies, depending on the pathway you choose.
For example, work experience is not emphasized at the undergraduate level if you wish to become a clinical psychologist. Why? An undergraduate degree is the foundation for the specialty. But, the concepts and theories are not fully explored until graduate school. Because these psychologists must complete a master’s degree, work experiences are often handled at that level.
Then again, programs like industrial-organizational psychology commonly have practicum or internship components. That’s because some positions in this field don’t require a master’s degree. Therefore, getting supervised field experience at the undergraduate level is crucially important.
Psychology is certainly an interesting field and one that offers many career options. As an ever-growing discipline, you will have many opportunities to enter the field. You might do so as a practitioner, an academic, or a researcher. This list of up and coming bachelor’s degree programs in psychology will help you find the most exciting schools to begin your education!