Top 20 Psychology Degree Programs in the North

Psychology has long been one of the top majors for undergraduates, in part because of its flexibility and its application to a number of careers. Students may consider pursuing one of the top psychology degree programs in the North to take advantage of all this field has to offer. Psychology is a broad area of study that opens up paths to graduate programs as well as many different career choices. This does not mean that all psychology programs are created equal. To find the best degree path and school, prospective students must consider many factors, including:

• community connections
• undergraduate research opportunities
• available programs, concentrations, and specializations.

Many times, this involves digging beneath the surface to find the ideal school — one that fits within your budget but also packs a punch in all of the right areas. We’ve done the hard work for you, looking beyond some of the more obvious choices to uncover some of the top psychology degree programs in the North that share many of the admirable qualities of some of the larger institutions in the field.

Methodology

Comparing all of the universities in college in the U.S. that offer a psychology degree can be daunting. Although narrowing the region down to the North makes the process a little easier, prospective students may still become overwhelmed with all of the available programs. For this reason, we’ve ranked northern schools that offer bachelor’s degrees in psychology based on specific criteria. To find the best schools, we conducted a search for the term “bachelor’s in psychology degree online” using the College Navigator database. We then narrowed down the initial search results of 30 schools into the top 20 programs in the North based on the following ranking factors.

Average Cost of Attendance

Prospective students tend to look at the cost of the program first. After all, if it’s completely unaffordable, what’s the point of determining the quality of the program? We used data compiled from the National Center for Education Statistics as well as each school to obtain the most up-to-date tuition information available and assigned points as follows.

Points:
Under $20,000: 3 points
$20,001 to $39,999: 2 points
$40,000 or more: 1 point

College Ranking

After finding an affordable institution, the next factor to consider is whether the school and/or program is nationally recognized by ranking organizations such as U.S. News & World Report. For the purpose of the following ranking, we considered categories such as Top Public School, Best Value School, Best National University, and Best Regional Universities North.

Points:
U.S. News & World Report: Best National University, Best Regional Universities North Ranking:
Top 10: 5 points
Top 25: 3 points
Top 50: 2 point
Top 100: 1 point

U.S. News & World Report: Top Public School, Best Value School Ranking:
Top 25: 3 points
Top 50: 2 points
Top 100: 1 point

University Acceptance Rates

Since more students are realizing that psychology degrees can be applied in a number of professional settings, the field is becoming more popular across the country. As a result, universities are beginning to become more competitive in terms of accepting undergraduates into their programs. Using information pulled from U.S. News & World Report, we gave the most points to the institutions that reported the highest rates of acceptance.

Acceptance Rates:
More than 90 percent: 5 points
81 percent to 90 percent: 4 points
61 percent to 80 percent: 3 points
41 percent to 60 percent: 2 points
Less than 40 percent: 1 point

Percentage of Classes With 20 or Fewer Students

There are many benefits to pursuing degrees from larger post-secondary institutions. However, those looking close relationships between students and faculty, and opportunities for individualized studies or one-on-one research may place a great deal of importance on class size. This category awards points based on the percentage of the school’s classes that enroll 20 or fewer students as follows.

Points
More than 60 percent: 3 points
41 percent to 59 percent: 2 points
Less than 40 percent: 1 point

Accreditation

Accreditation is earned by successfully completing a peer review process that looks at:

• a school’s mission statement
• quality of programs
• student learning outcomes
• faculty
• tuition rates, and more

Although some programs may earn specialized, programmatic accreditation, this list only evaluates schools based on national and/or regional accreditation.

Points:
Each Accreditation: 1 point

Ranking Top 20 Psychology Degree Programs in the North

20. Rider University

Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Points: 11
Program Website

Rider University is a private university  that operates five colleges in areas such as:

• the arts
• business
• continuing studies
• liberal arts
• education
• sciences

Rider’s Department of Psychology offers a B.A. in Psychology as well as an M.A. in Applied Psychology. Faculty members represent all areas of the field such as:

• health psychology
• applied behavior analysis
• social psychology
• cognitive psychology
• developmental psychology
• clinical psychology

Throughout the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, students study the scientific foundations of psychology as well as its application to real-world concerns. Students are prepared for graduate school as well as employment in fields such as:

• healthcare
• social services
• education
• counseling.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
M.A. in Applied Psychology
Average Program Cost: $42,860
Acceptance Rates: 67 percent
Class Percentage: 47.4 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#35 (tie) in Regional Universities North
#36 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
MSCHE

19. Mount St. Mary’s University

Emmitsburg, Maryland

Points: 11
Program Website

Also known as The Mount, Mount St. Mary’s is a Catholic liberal arts university. Its campus includes the second-largest Catholic seminary in the country. The school offers a bachelor’s degree in psychology that consists of a curriculum designed to address, in a liberal arts context, the underlying psychological nature of individuals. Courses cover topics such as:

• group interactions
• conformity
• aggression
• attitude formation and change
• social-psychological topics in social perception

Students pursuing the B.S. also learn to design and implement research projects. Laboratory experiences add a hands-on learning component to complement in-class lectures.

Degree Options:
B.S. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $41,350
Acceptance Rates: 64 percent
Class Percentage: 55.4 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#32 in Best Value Schools
#41 (tie) in Regional Universities North
Accreditations:
MSCHE

18. Quinnipiac University

Hamden, Connecticut

Points: 12
Program Website

Quinnipiac University is a private university that awards professional, graduate, and undergraduate degrees through its eight colleges and schools. Psychology majors may pursue a B.S. in Psychology and receive an introduction to the broad field in a liberal arts setting. The program includes clinical psychology as well as specialties in these psychology fields:

• physiological
• cognitive
• developmental
• industrial/organizational

The curriculum offers different points of view, including:

• as an applied science
• as a social science
• as a natural science

Studies are augmented by lab courses that involve designing psychological studies and collecting data. Students pursuing the applied clinical science concentration may participate in supervised fieldwork.

Degree Options:
B.S. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $47,960
Acceptance Rates: 74 percent
Class Percentage: 43.1 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#13 in Regional Universities North
#48 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
NECHE

17. Bryant University

Smithfield, Rhode Island

Points: 12
Program Website

Known as Bryant College until 2004, Bryant University is a private university. It operates  the College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences.

One of the few of such undergraduate programs in the country, Bryant’s applied psychology major emphasizes practical applications in a broad spectrum of fields, including:

• clinical settings
• the environment
• testing
• decision-making
• health promotion
• business
• education
• legal systems
• sports

Students who pursue this degree develop a strong foundation in psychological theory. They build  upon this  through experiential applications such as:

• internships
• student- and faculty-led research opportunities
• day-to-day fieldwork.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Applied Psychology
Average Program Cost: $43,973
Acceptance Rates: 73 percent
Class Percentage: 22 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#10 in Regional Universities North
#75 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
NECHE

16. Simmons University

Boston, Massachusetts

Points: 13
Program Website

Established in 1899 Simons University is a private, women-focused undergraduate university and private coeducational graduate school. Simmons offers two undergraduate degrees in psychology: a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavior.

Throughout these programs, students explore psychology from neuroses to neurons and apply what they have learned to real-life problems. Core courses are offered in areas such as:

• research methods
• biological psychology
• statistical design and analysis
• psychological science

Graduates will be prepared for work in fields such as:

• public health
• law
• hospital administration
• social work
• clinical and counseling psychology
• human resources
• research
• development
• graduate studies

An M.S., Ed.S., and Ph.D. are also offered in behavior analysis.

Degree Options:
Psychology (B.A.)
Neuroscience and Behavior (B.S.)
M.S. in Behavior Analysis
Ed.S. in Behavior Analysis
Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis
Average Program Cost: $40,800
Acceptance Rates: 60 percent
Class Percentage: 68.8 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#4 in Best Value Schools
#11 in Regional Universities North
Accreditations:
NECHE

15. Providence College

Providence, Rhode Island

Points: 14
Program Website

Providence College is a private Roman Catholic university that specializes in the programs in the liberal arts. It enrolls nearly 4,000 undergraduate and more than 700 graduate students.

The Department of Psychology offers a B.A. in Psychology program. It places an emphasis on the development of the analytical and critical tools of contemporary psychology. Students develop a sound foundation in the principles of psychology. They also benefit from many opportunities to apply what they have learned through collaborative and independent research. Students graduate with the experience, skills, and knowledge to excel in graduate study. They’re also prepared to pursue careers in:

• education
• government
• business
• research
• human services.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $50,390
Acceptance Rates: 52 percent
Class Percentage: 53.7 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#2 in Regional Universities North
#20 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
NECHE

14. Loyola University Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland

Points: 14
Program Website

Established as Loyola College in 1852, Loyola University Maryland is a private Jesuit liberal arts university. It enrolls 6,000 students per year. Loyola is divided into three schools in:

• business and management
• education,
• the arts and sciences

It offers an undergraduate B.A. in Psychology,  a Master’s in Clinical Professional Counseling and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. The Department of Psychology prepares students for transformative careers in:

• education
• research
• leadership
• direct service

Loyola psychology majors act ethically, think critically and weigh evidence. They recognize and understand the complexity of societal and individual diversity.

Degree Options:
Bachelor’s (B.A.) in Psychology
Master’s (M.S.) in Clinical Professional Counseling
Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Average Program Cost: $49,085
Acceptance Rates: 75 percent
Class Percentage: 46.6 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 in Regional Universities North
#49 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
MSCHE

13. University of Scranton

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Points: 14
Program Website

Founded in 1888, the University of Scrantonis a private Catholic and Jesuit university that educates more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year in its three colleges:

• the Panuska College of Professional Studies
• the Kania School of Management
• the College of Arts and Sciences

The school’s B.S. in Psychology approaches the field from both academic and applied viewpoints. The curriculum covers many specializations in the field. Psychology majors take foundation courses in:

• research methods
• statistics
• the fundamentals of psychology.

They are encouraged to choose electives in areas such as:

• industrial-organizational
• cognitive psychology
• physiological psychology
• clinical psychology
• counseling
• school psychology.

Degree Options:
B.S. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $44,532
Acceptance Rates: 75 percent
Class Percentage: 52.9 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#6 (tie) in Regional Universities North
#27 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
MSCHE

12. Marist College

Poughkeepsie, New York

Points: 14
Program Website

Founded in 1905, Marist College is a private liberal arts college. The psychology major at Marist provides students with the skills and knowledge related to the scientific study of:

• human emotions
• thoughts
• behavior

The curriculum teaches students that psychology is a science with a broad spectrum of research methods and techniques. Students take a combination of core courses as well as electives to form a thematic concentration in an area of their interest. Classes are divided into five categories:

• learning and cognition
• sociocultural and psychology
• biological psychology
• developmental psychology
• clinical, counseling, and school psychology

Degrees are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including:

• a B.A. in Psychology
• an M.A. in School Psychology
• an M.A. in Educational Psychology.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
M.A. in School Psychology
M.A. in Educational Psychology
Average Program Cost: $39,600
Acceptance Rates: 43 percent
Class Percentage: 43 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#8 in Regional Universities North
#38 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
MSCHE

11. Le Moyne College

Syracuse, New York

Points: 14
Program Website

Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1946, Le Moyne College is a private Jesuit college. The school’s Department of Psychology offers a B.A. and two B.S. degrees in Psychology. The B.A. is for students seeking a generalized education in psychology or those who are pursuing a secondary concentration area such as business or social science.

One B.S. degree highlights the empirically based natural sciences for students who plan to attend graduate training in psychology. It’s also for those seeking a dual major in psychology and physics, chemistry, or biology.

The third program, also a B.S., is for students seeking teaching certification in child education.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
B.S. With Teacher Certification and Concentration in Child Education
B.A. Dual Major in Psychology and Theatre
Average Program Cost: $34,625
Acceptance Rates: 64 percent
Class Percentage: 43.4 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 in Best Value Schools
#17 in Regional Universities North
Accreditations:
MSCHE

10. St. Bonaventure University

St. Bonaventure, New York

Points: 14
Program Website

Established in 1858 by the Franciscan Brothers, St. Bonaventure University is a private Franciscan university. The Department of Psychology offers a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology as well as a minor. The curriculum for each program provides students with a broad understanding of the field. Course topics include:

• the psychology of eating
• sports psychology
• psychopathology in cinema, to name a few

Research is a key component of both programs. Psychology majors develop independent research projects, publish the conclusions, and present their findings at national conferences.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $34,301
Acceptance Rates: 71 percent
Class Percentage: 53.8 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#2 in Best Value Schools
#22 in Regional Universities North
Accreditations:
MSCHE

9. Canisius College

Buffalo, New York

Points: 14
Program Website

Canisius College offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and more than 30 master’s and certificate programs to around 3,000 students. The College of Arts & Sciencesoffers an undergraduate psychology major in the form of a B.A. or a B.S.

The B.A. is for students seeking employment immediately after graduation in the fields of mental health counseling or social work. The B.S. is for students seeking a more science-based curriculum. Students who earn the B.A. may pursue graduate studies in a non-psychology field such as:

• management
• law
• business

Students who earn a B.S. typically plan to pursue a graduate degree in psychology. Students benefit from a rigorous, flexible program that provides:

• a wide range of courses
• personalized attention
• varied research
• excellent scientific facilities
• internship opportunities.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $28,488
Acceptance Rates: 78 percent
Class Percentage: 55.2 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#10 in Best Value Schools
#23 in Regional Universities North
Accreditations:
MSCHE

8. Fairfield University

Fairfield, Connecticut

Points: 15
Program Website

Founded in 1942 by the Society of Jesus, Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university. It enrolls 4,100 undergraduate and 1,100 graduate students. The Psychology Department offers a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology. Both of these provide students with an understanding of the methods and content of psychological science. They also instill an appreciation for the ways psychology helps in a range of applied and clinical issues.

Both degrees place an emphasis on hands-on engagement, requiring students to complete at least one experiential learning course. Students also have multiple opportunities to engage in:

• community service
• teaching internships
• psychological research.

Degree Options:
B.A. With a Major in Psychology
B.S. With a Major in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $48,350
Acceptance Rates: 61 percent
Class Percentage: 43.9 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in Regional Universities North
#21 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
NECHE

7. Endicott College

Beverly, Massachusetts

Points: 15
Program Website

Endicott College is a private institution that enrolls more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers a B.S. in Psychology that emphasizes the scientific study of collective and individual behavior as well as the cultural and social bases of behavior.

Coursework is engaging and includes studies in:

•  psychological disorders
• counseling techniques
• child development, aging, and adulthood

Students develop a strong foundation in:

• statistics
• research methods
• theoretical perspectives

Students can collaborate with faculty members on research projects and pursue their interests in advanced graduate studies.

Degree Options:
B.S. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $33,050
Acceptance Rates: 81 percent
Class Percentage: 60.5 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#25 (tie) in Regional Universities North
#46 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
NECHE

6. Gallaudet University

Washington, D.C.

Points: 15
Program Website

Founded in 1864, Gallaudet University is a federally chartered, private university for the education of the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Gallaudet’s Department of Psychology provides a rigorous applied and academic curriculum. It’s  committed to producing scholarly work in applied and scientific areas of psychology. Students may choose from three programs in the field:

• a B.A. in Psychology
• a Psy.S. in Psychology
• a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

The major prepares students for careers in:

• teaching
• counseling
• administration
• research

All programs include extensive field and research experience.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
Psy.S. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Average Program Cost: $17,038
Acceptance Rates: 59 percent
Class Percentage: 97.2 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in Best Value Schools
#20 (tie) in Regional Universities North
Accreditations:
MSCHE

5. Ithaca College

Ithaca, New York

Points: 16
Program Website

Best known for its large list of alumni who have played substantial roles in the entertainment and media industries, Ithaca College is a private liberal arts college. The school’s psychology department offers a B.A. in Psychology degree and a B.S. in Applied Psychology program. Students pursuing the B.A. study:

• mental health
• cross-cultural development
• human motivation

They also participate in a three-semester, intensive team research project.

The B.S. degree is an interdisciplinary blend of courses in:

• communication
• business
• economics
• psychology

Psychology majors may also choose a concentration in behavioral neuroscience.

Degree Options:
Psychology (B.A.)
Applied Psychology (B.S.)
Average Program Cost: $43,978
Acceptance Rates: 71 percent
Class Percentage: 60.6 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#9 in Regional Universities North
#14 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
MSCHE

4. State University of New York – Geneseo

Geneseo, NY

Points: 16
Program Website

The State University of New York at Geneseo (SUNY Geneseo) was founded in 1871 as the Wadsworth Normal and Training School. It became a state liberal arts college in 1948. Geneseo’s Psychology Department offers a B.A. in Psychology that consists of a curriculum in general psychology training.

Through the program, students also develop skills in:

• writing
• communication
• analytics

Under the supervision of experienced faculty members, students also have the opportunity to:

• complete research projects
• take directed independent studies
• participate in internships

Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in business settings, education, and human services.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $8,651
Acceptance Rates: 72 percent
Class Percentage: 23.8 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#2 in Top Public Schools
#14 in Regional Universities North
#41 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
MSCHE

3. CUNY Baruch College

New York, New York

Points: 16
Program Website

A public research university, Baruch College is a part of the City University of New York (CUNY) System. The Department of Psychology offers a B.A. in Psychology as well as a B.B.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Students pursuing the B.A. must complete:

• three required courses
• four foundation courses
• electives
• a capstone course

Areas of study include:

• research methods
• motivation and learning
• individual differences
• childhood through adulthood
• the mind, brain, and behavior

Students also study several areas of psychology, including:

• cognitive
• developmental
• social
• abnormal

Students are able to apply what they have learned to a variety of practical settings, including school, legal, and clinical environments, as well as the workplace.

Degree Options:
B.A. Psychology Major
B.B.A. in I/O Psych Major
Average Program Cost: $7,921
Acceptance Rates: 29 percent
Class Percentage: 20 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 in Top Public Schools
#20 (tie) in Regional Universities North
#73 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
MSCHE

2. College of New Jersey

Ewing, New Jersey

Points: 17
Program Website

The College of New Jersey is a public university that enrolls more than 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers more than 50 liberal arts and professional programsr. The B.A. in Psychology program focuses on the scientific study of:

• emotion
• cognition
• behavior

There is an in-depth exploration of psychological research and theory, including hands-on learning in:

• community-based projects
• internships
• research laboratories

Students gain an understanding of the complexities of psychological phenomena. Students also benefit from learning experiences that enrich their understanding of functioning from many perspectives, including:

• sociocultural
• social
• psychodynamic
• organizational
• humanistic
• developmental
• cognitive
• biological
• behavioral.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $16,551
Acceptance Rates: 48 percent
Class Percentage: 43.9 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in Top Public Schools
#4 in Regional Universities North
#66 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
MSCHE

1. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Albany, New York

Points: 18
Program Website

Founded in 1966, the State University of New York (SUNY) Polytechnic Institute is New York’s public polytechnic college. It operates campuses in Albany and Utica, New York. The school’s psychology program provides broad coverage of the different subfields within the discipline, including:

• cognition
• social psychology
• lifespan development
• clinical psychology
• neuroscience

The B.A. in Psychology degree also emphasizes empirical research. Classes focus on how emerging psychology studies improve knowledge. Students study new methods of practical application to positively affect real-world situations and everyday life.

Coursework is diverse and flexible coursework. The program also consists of supervised research opportunities and practicum experiences.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $8,332
Acceptance Rates: 62 percent
Class Percentage: 53.7 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 in Top Public Schools
#11 in Best Value Schools
#18 in Regional Universities North
Accreditations:
MSCHE

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Career Options for a Major in Psychology Degree?

When deciding to major in psychology, it is important to consider the many specializations and subfields in this broad major. These areas include of psychology include:

• educational
• developmental
• social
• behavioral
• cognitive clinical
• industrial/organizational
• neuroscience
• statistics

With so many areas of study, it stands to reason that there are just as many career options for undergraduate psychology majors to pursue.

Although some of the following career paths can be followed with just a bachelor’s degree, others require master’s- or doctoral-level study. Graduates may also need to seek licensure and/or certification to meet state or national employment requirements.

• Clinical Psychologist
• Psychiatrist
• Educational Psychologist
• School Counselor
• Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
• Sports Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Experimental Psychologist
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Psychiatric Technician
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Psychometrist/Clinician

In addition, the field of psychology can be applied to nearly any industry, including:

• business
• law
• healthcare
• human services, and more

Graduates may become:

• marketing managers
• human resources managers
• parole officers
• college admissions counselors

While many pursue positions within a discipline of psychology, there are a number of employment fields that are not closely aligned with psychology. Instead, these career paths value the human behavior knowledge, interpersonal skills, and communication skills that psychology majors acquire.

How Much Can You Earn in This Field?

Since the psychology field  is broad and encompasses many disciplines, salaries in this field vary widely depending on:

• years of experience
• specialty area
• educational level
• location

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists reported a median annual salary of $77,030 in May 2017. This is the wage at which half the workers in this field earned less than that amount and half earned more. The lowest 10 percent of psychologists earned less than $42,330, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $124,520.

The BLS reports that clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earned a median annual wage of $75,090, while industrial-organizational psychologists commanded a yearly salary of $87,100 in May 2017. That same year, all other psychologists earned $97,740. The top-paying industries for the field of psychology include the government and ambulatory healthcare services as well as:

• state, local, and private elementary schools
• secondary schools
• hospitals

Overall employment of psychologists is expected to increase 14 percent between 2016 and 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Prospective students considering a career in this field should keep in mind, however, that employment growth will vary by occupation. For instance, the demand for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is expected to grow 14 percent, while employment of industrial-organizational psychologists may increase eight percent.

What Coursework and Core Concepts Will You Study in a Bachelor’s Program?

A Bachelor’s in Psychology degree is an undergraduate-level course of study that can be completed in approximately four years. Most programs require students to complete a specified series of courses such as psychology electives and core psychology classes. Depending on the school, a program’s requirements may include courses in personality psychology, experimental psychology, statistics, and general psychology.

The curriculum is designed to strengthen a student’s organizational, communication, and critical thinking skills. Undergraduates often gain research experience, which sharpens their ability to analyze data and report on their findings. In addition to introductory life science and match classes, common courses in a psychology undergraduate program include:

• History of Psychology
• Biology
• Ethical Issues in Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychology of Learning

Students should consider the difference between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree. The B.A. takes a broad approach to the field. The B.S. focuses more on the scientific aspect and heavily concentrates on:

• behavioral neuroscience
• clinical social work
• clinical psychology
• neuroscience
• cognitive and developmental psychology.

The coursework for a Bachelor’s in Psychology degree prepares students for entry-level positions upon graduation. It also prepares them to pursue advanced studies in psychology or other fields such as medicine or law. Many students are required to take clinical practicum courses before earning their bachelor’s degree in psychology.

The above 20 institutions shine, not because of a glossy reputation, but because of the verified, very real opportunities they offer to undergraduate students seeking a degree in psychology. Whether you are looking to use psychology as a stepping stone to graduate studies or you wish to pursue a career after graduation, we hope that our list of the top 20 psychology degree programs in the North serves as a solid starting point.

By OPD Staff