Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Programs in Hawaii

Despite Hawaii’s relative small size, residents interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology have several programs to choose from. With a range of on-campus and online options, students have the flexibility to choose a program that suits their needs. The several Universities that offer these undergraduate programs allow students to choose whether they want to work towards a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. Students can also choose whether a degree in General Psychology or choosing a specialty area is the right choice. It is an ideal time to begin working on an undergraduate Psychology Degree in Hawaii.

Argosy University – Hawaii

The College of Arts and Sciences

Argosy University is a system of for-profit colleges owned by Education Management Corporation. There are 28 brick-and-mortar locations throughout the United States, as well as an extensive online division. The university offers programs at the associates, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate level throughout their seven colleges. The colleges include:

  • College of Undergraduate Studies
  • College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
  • College of Education
  • College of Business
  • College of Health Sciences
  • Western State College of Law at Argosy University
  • The Art Institutes of California at Argosy University

The College of Arts and Sciences encompasses four major programs of study, including:

  • Business Administration
  • Liberal Arts
  • Psychology
  • Criminal Justice.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The goal of the BA in Psychology degree program at Argosy University, Hawai‘i in Honolulu, is to allow students to create a broad, basic understanding of social sciences theory and application. By completing the dynamic group of psychology core and elective courses, each student can choose to pursue immediate employment, career advancement, or graduate study. Psychology majors at Argosy can choose from the following areas of concentration:

  • 
Advanced Studies in Psychology
  • Criminal Justice
  • Human Services
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Substance Abuse

The psychology Program Curriculum is created around flexible online and in-residence accelerated class format that helps students complete their degree as quickly as possible.

Accreditations
Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact
Argosy University – Hawaii
The College of Arts and Sciences
1001 Bishop Street, Suite 400
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-5555
E-Mail: AUHONAdmissions@argosy.edu
Program Website: http://www.argosy.edu/locations/hawaii/programs/psychology-degree-63112.aspx

Brigham Young University-Hawaii

The College of Math and Science

Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYU-Hawaii) is a private university located in Laie, Hawaii. The school is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Approximately 97% of the university’s 2,800 students are members of the LDS Church. BYU-Hawaii was founded in 1955 and offers programs in:

  • mathematics
  • liberal arts
  • management

The university is broadly organized into four colleges. Its parent organization, the Church Educational System, sponsors sister schools in Utah and Idaho. The university’s sole focus is on undergraduate education. In 2014, US News & World Report ranked BYU-Hawaii as the 18th Best University in the Western Region of the United States. The College of Mathematics and Sciences is made up of departments and faculty who are committed to the spiritual and intellectual development of students in their chosen area of study. The hallmark of the college is a “hands-on” training method that students receive to prepare them for active participation in their disciplines upon graduation.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Psychology Department at Brigham Young University – Hawaii offers students a wide range of perspectives, issues, methodologies and schools of knowledge found in contemporary psychology. The program introduces students to the fundamental scientific areas of psychology emphasizing:

  • theories
  • terminology
  • research methods

Immersion in this knowledge base will aid in the development of interpersonal skills valued in a variety of settings including:

  • family
  • church, work
  • community

Upon completion, students will be prepared for employment in entry-level social science settings or graduate study in psychology and related fields. Some of the fundamental program objectives include:

  • Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of psychological theories and principles.
  • Communicate, write and use technology effectively.
  • Design and conduct empirical research projects.
  • Facilitate the development of interpersonal skills.
  • Understand and apply ethical principles, particularly those stressed by the Ethical Principles of Psychologists.
  • Understand the process of moving from undergraduate to graduate programs and/or the marketplace.

Accreditations
The Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact
Brigham Young University – Hawaii
The College of Math and Science
55-220 Kulanui Street
Laie, HI 96762
Mailbox #1896
(808) 675-53665
Program Website: https://psychology.byuh.edu/

Chaminade University of Honolulu

The Division of Behavioral Sciences

Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private co-educational university in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Society of Mary, a Roman Catholic religious order also known as the Marianists, founded the school in 1955. The school is located in the historic Kaimuki district of Honolulu at the base of St. Louis Heights. Chaminade offers bachelor’s degrees in 23 fields of study and five master’s degree programs. The school specializes in:

  • biology
  • business
  • criminal justice
  • education
  • forensic sciences
  • interior design
  • nursing
  • religious studies

In 2014 US News and World Report ranked the University as the 80th Best University in the Western Region of the United States. Programs in the Behavioral Science Division are oriented towards understanding (theory) and adapting (application) to change within various environmental contexts. The curriculum focus is on behavior in its many manifestations. The division consists of four undergraduate programs and two graduate programs, including degree programs in

  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Criminal Justice
  • Environmental Studies
  • Psychology

Bachelor of in Behavioral Sciences

The Behavioral Sciences Program is “centered on the development of student awareness of the importance of social and cultural groups in contemporary and past human experience”. The program merges three related disciplines: Anthropology, Geography, and Sociology, along with major contributions from other disciplines such as:

  • English
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Religion

All these form the academic basis of the Behavioral Sciences Program. Within this major, students can choose from two possible tracks:

  • Sociology – The Sociology track is considered the traditional track and is designed for individuals headed directly on to graduate studies, either in Sociology or Social Work.
  • Cultural Diversity – This is a unique track intended for students who plan to work in a complex multi-cultural setting. This track is suitable for those going on to graduate studies in Sociology, Anthropology or Geography. It’s also for students who plan to move directly into the work setting either with cross-cultural interaction or working in other cultures.

Upon completion of the program in Behavioral Sciences, the student will demonstrate command of the following program outcomes:

  1. Will clearly and effectively articulate the role of theory in cross-cultural Studies from anthropology and sociology;
  2. Will demonstrate an understanding of the reciprocal relationships between the individual and the group (ethnic or society);
  3. Will demonstrate the use of appropriate methodology and data analysis from anthropology and sociology in social research;
  4. Will demonstrate an understanding of anthropological and sociological concepts and appropriate use of the discipline terminology;
  5. Will demonstrate the understanding of basic knowledge, questions and issues in substantive areas of sociology and anthropology.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The BS degree in Psychology Degree Program is designed “to educate, within the context of Marianist educational values, students in both theoretical and applied aspects of psychology for the purpose of assisting them in adapting to various, interrelated environments”. The program focuses on the education of the whole person integrating cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and spiritual aspects within social contexts. Distinctive characteristics of the Psychology program are:

  • students from multi-cultural perspectives
  • dynamic and compassionate faculty
  • encouragement of self-awareness and exploration toward a deeper understanding of self
  • Asian perspectives in psychology
  • fostering of the application of psychology to the self and others in the global community

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Student will demonstrate an understanding of:

  1. The Scientific Method and its Application in the Field of Psychology
  2. Life Span Development
  3. Applied Psychology
  4. Counseling Theory
  5. Social and Cross-Cultural Psychology
  6. Psychology as an Integrated System
  7. Specific Focuses in Psychology

Accreditations
Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)
National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU)
The Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact
Chaminade University of Honolulu
The Division of Behavioral Sciences
3140 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
(808) 735-4711
E-Mail: jmartin@chaminade.edu
Program Website: http://www.chaminade.edu/behavioral-sciences/

Hawaii Pacific University

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU) is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational university located in Honolulu and Kaneohe, Hawaii. HPU is the largest private university in the central Pacific with a notably diverse student body of nearly 7,000 students, representing nearly 80 countries. The school’s largest academic programs are:

  • Business Administration
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • International Studies

Hawaiʻi Pacific University has two main campuses in addition to an Oceanic Institute and Military programs. HPU’s downtown Honolulu campus serves most of the business, liberal arts, and other general programs. The Hawaiʻi Loa campus on the windward side of the Koʻolau Range houses the majority of the science programs. The school promotes the mission of creating “an international learning community” that prepares “our graduates to live, work, and learn as active members of a global society.” In 2014, US News & World Report ranked HPU as 71st best University in the Western Region of the United States and the 19th Best University for Veterans. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) is one of four colleges within HPU that deliver classes and academic programs. CHSS is made up of seven departments and one school, each responsible for a group of related academic programs.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The Psychology Department at HPU offers students an understanding of the theoretical approaches and scientific research methods applicable to both research and practice settings. The department emphasizes:

  • the role of the liberal arts and critical thinking in higher education
  • the student’s personal development
  • an appreciation of individual differences and cultural diversity

Students who complete the psychology program will:

  • Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
  • Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
  • Respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
  • Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
  • Value empirical evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science.

Accreditations
Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact
Hawaii Pacific University
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences
1164 Bishop Street
Honolulu, Hawai’i 96813
E-Mail: admissions@hpu.edu
Program Website:

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

The College of Arts and Sciences

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UHH or UH Hilo) is one of the 10 branches of the University of Hawaiʻi system anchored by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. The University is a public and co-educational university and is composed of six colleges. The University has created the following mission statement for all students and faculty: “The purpose of our university ʻohana/family is to challenge students to reach their highest level of academic achievement by inspiring learning, discovery and creativity inside and outside the classroom. Our kuleana/responsibility is to improve the quality of life of the people of Hawaiʻi, the Pacific region and the world”. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) provides high quality education in the liberal arts and sciences modality. The CAS works hard to offer students the highest quality professional and pre-professional programs possible. The academic emphasis in the College of Arts and Sciences is on the traditional arts and sciences subjects, particularly those with special relevance to Hawaii.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The mission of the Psychology Department at the CAS is “to contribute to research in the field of psychology, support the community through our scholarly work and service and provide our students with rigorous coursework, practicum and research experiences”. The goals that have been outlined by the department for Student Learning in the Major include:

  • Upon completion of the major, students will have a basic understanding of the major theoretical orientations in psychology along with the major empirical findings.
  • Psychology majors will be expected to study, review, and reflect on the role of evidence in supporting claims. They will be familiar with quantitative and qualitative research methods in psychology and be able to understand published research.
  • Psychology majors will be expected to develop analytical and critical thinking skills and apply them to the field of psychology.

Accreditations
Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
The College of Arts and Sciences
Department Chair – Dawna K. Coutant, Ph.D.
University Classroom Building 308
200 W. Kāwili Street
Hilo, HI 96720-4091
(808) 932-7100
E-Mail: coutant@hawaii.edu
Program Website: http://hilo.hawaii.edu/catalog/ba_psy.html

University of Hawaii at Manoa

The College of Social Science

The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa or UH) is a public co-educational research university, and the flagship campus of the greater University of Hawai’i system. The school is located in Mānoa, an affluent neighborhood of Honolulu. The campus is located three miles east and inland from downtown Honolulu. US Mānoa is governed by the Hawaii State Legislature and a semi-autonomous board of regents, which in turn hires a president to be administrator. The university campus houses the main offices of the University of Hawai’i System. In 2014, US News World Report ranked UH as the 158th best National University. The school has also been named the 85th Top Public School in the Nation. The mission at the College of Social Science is “to provide students with an excellent educational experience, faculty with an exciting academic setting, and the community with expertise to examine public issues through teaching, research and application”.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The BA in Psychology Degree Program offers a broad curriculum which covers many topics in modern psychology. It offers flexibility in choosing courses, as well as an array of background information in the major to prepare students for graduate psychology programs. Curriculum in the BA degree program is also appropriate for those intending to go into:

  • law
  • business
  • education

It also prepares students for master’s level fields such as:

  • counseling
  • rehabilitation
  • social work

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The BS Degree Program offers a scientific and research based program of study, which includes an in-depth exploration of modern psychological principles. Students are given the necessary background information to help qualify for graduate programs that have a focus on laboratory research. Curriculum for the BS degree is extremely useful for students planning to attend medical school, and those interested in pursuing biomedical professions or other research careers.

Accreditations
Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact
University of Hawaii at Manoa
The College of Social Science
Department of Psychology
2530 Dole Street
Sakamaki C 400
Honolulu, HI 96822-2294
(808) 956-8414
E-Mail: lkt@hawaii.edu
Program Website: http://www.psychology.hawaii.edu/undergraduate/program.html

It is clear that the state of Hawaii offers students many different options for a college education. From large universities to smaller, more intimate settings, each student can choose a school that suits their specific needs and interests. Students also have the choice to learn in a classroom, online or a combination of the two. This opens the door for a new group of students to earn a degree. People with disabilities, working professionals, parents of small children, overseas military personnel and many other groups of people can now start their college education despite limits in their schedule. It is a perfect time for residents in Hawaii to begin working on their Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.