Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Programs in Kentucky – K-M

Students in Kentucky are fortunate to have many options to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Programs range from the traditional on-campus format to fully online formats and everything in between. There is more flexibility than ever before in how and when to work towards a college degree. Many people report that they simply cannot commit the time to earning a traditional degree. Class offerings are sometimes limited and unless you can commit to completing your classes during the day it can take many years to earn a part-time degree. With the rise of online learning, more students can take the leap and start their college education. Online programs typically offer all or most of the curriculum in an online format and in many cases students can truly work at their own pace. With the availability of video chatting and other technological advances, students do not even have to sacrifice face-to-face interactions. Online learning is reshaping the way Kentuckians think about a college education.

Kentucky Wesleyan College

The Division of Social Sciences

Kentucky Wesleyan College (KWC) is a private Methodist college in Owensboro, Kentucky. The city is ideally situated east of Evansville north of Nashville, Tennessee, west of Louisville, Kentucky, and east of St. Louis, Missouri. KWC is best known for its strong Liberal Arts Programs. In the fall of 2014, enrollment was over 700 students with a student/faculty ratio of 9:1. Kentucky Wesleyan offers 30 majors and 12 pre-professional programs, with academics divided into four divisions:

  • Fine Arts & Humanities
  • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
  • Professional Studies
  • Social Sciences

The School’s Mission, in partnership with the United Methodist Church, is to “foster a liberal arts education that nourishes and prepares students intellectually, spiritually and physically to achieve success in life.”  In 2015, US News & World Report ranked KWC as the 31st best college or university in the Southern Region of the United States. The Division of Social Sciences is “comprised of disciplines largely concerned with individual and collective social behavior in different human cultures, at different times and for different purposes”.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The 48-credit-hour Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree program is a popular major with a curriculum that focuses on the study of the human mind and behavior. Some students intend to pursue the BA Degree, in large part because they have a strong interest in people and how they function. Other students pursue this major in preparation for a career in psychology or social work. Psychology majors in this program complete course work exploring human behavior, abnormal psychology and the applications of psychology in various fields such as:

  • counseling psychology
  • health psychology
  • forensic psychology

Students can also learn about research in psychology, with the unique opportunity to conduct a research project as a junior or senior. This degree plan offers students an excellent framework for applying to graduate school in psychology and eventually becoming a practicing psychologist. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is also good preparation for careers in fields such as:

  • business
  • law
  • social work

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The 39-40-credit-hour Bachelor of Science Degree Program closely matches the curriculum and training plan used in the Bachelor of Arts program. This program focuses more heavily on the scientific and mathematic elements of the curriculum. Students pursing a BS become more familiar with the empirical science of using the scientific method to conduct, analyze and use psychological research. Students who plan to pursue graduate training in Psychology or a closely related field are encouraged to complete the BS degree, rather than the BA.

Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)

Contact
Kentucky Wesleyan College
The Division of Social Sciences
Dr. Bernie Bettinelli – Professor of Psychology
Faculty Office Building #13
3000 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-3111
E-Mail: bbettine@kwc.edu

Lindsey Wilson College

The Natural and Behavioral Sciences Division

Lindsey Wilson College is a private four-year college affiliated with the United Methodist Church in what they call an “open ecumenical atmosphere.” This means students can explore their spiritual life in an open and honest manner. The beautiful 200-acre campus is located in Columbia, Kentucky. The school offers Associate’s Degrees in:

  • 10 areas of study
  • Bachelor’s Degrees in 26 areas of study with Minors in 20 different areas

It also offers Master’s Degrees in:

  • Counseling and Human Development
  • Christian Ministries
  • Education

The mission of the Natural and Behavioral Sciences Division is to “meet the educational needs of students in the mathematics, the natural sciences and the behavioral sciences domains.” This Division is home to the disciplines of:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts degree in the Psychology Program is designed to assist students in developing a theoretical and applied comprehension of individual and social behavior. Courses  emphasize strong writing, research, and critical-thinking skills needed for a Liberal Arts graduate to be successful. This psychology degree prepares students for graduate training in areas such as:

  • clinica lpsychology
  • counseling psychology
  • experimental psychology
  • social psychology

This degree is suitable for graduates who plan to enter business or social services. It can also serve as preparation for post-baccalaureate work in professions such as:

  • social work
  • theology
  • business administration
  • law

The Depth of Knowledge Program Student Learning Outcomes for the Psychology majors outline that all LWC Psychology graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of the theories and issues in the major areas of psychology
  • Think critically about theories and issues in psychology
  • Demonstrate understanding of how the scientific method is used to study human behavior
  • Apply the scientific method to test hypotheses about human behavior

These outcomes will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:

  1. Exams
  2. Projects
  3. Written papers
  4. Case studies

Bachelor of Science in Psychophysiology

The mission of the Psychophysiology program is to “provide the scientific knowledge and skills needed for admission to medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, or psychology graduate schools.” In addition to the general education program, all students in this program must complete the major’s prerequisites and core requirements. They also must \one of its emphasis areas, which include:

  • Psychology Graduate School
  • Pre-Pharmacy
  • Pre-Medical/Dental/Veterinary

Accreditations
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)

Contact
Lindsey Wilson College
The Natural and Behavioral Sciences Division
Brian Hilker – Chair, Natural & Behavioral Sciences Division
Fugitte Science Center, Room 313
(270) 384-7347
E-Mail: hilkerb@lindsey.edu
Psychology Program Website
Psychophysiology Program Website

Midway College

The School of Arts and Sciences

Midway College is a private, undergraduate Liberal Arts College with an enrollment of over 1,800 students. The college is located in Midway, Kentucky and has an affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The school currently offers two and four-year degrees. It’s the only women’s college in Kentucky. The all-female Day College offers majors in four pillar programs:

  • business
  • equine studies
  • nursing
  • teacher education

Midway also offers training programs to adult men and women through the evening and weekend School for Career Development (SCD). This School is located on the Midway Campus as well as more than 18 satellite locations across Kentucky, and also through Midway College Online. Both SCD and ONLINE offer accelerated degree-completion programs, including:

  • Organizational Administration and Leadership
  • Homeland Security Corporate Management and Assessment
  • Teacher Education

In 2015, US News & World Report ranked Midway as the 61st best college or University in the Southern Region of the United States. The School of Arts and Sciences at Midway provides support for the English and Interdisciplinary Studies degree programs, as well as many of the General Education offerings in all colleges, including:

  • Art
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • French
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Religion
  • Social Science
  • Spanish
  • Women’s Studies.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree Program is considered a generalist program in that it emphasizes the full breadth of the field of psychology. This training program provides sufficient education for those students who plan to pursue graduate study in the subfields of psychology:

  • counseling
  • child development
  • educational psychology

Graduates are also prepared for entry-level occupations in human services including:

  • therapeutic
  • industrial
  • educational
  • government

Some of the strengths of this psychology degree program include:

  • A one-semester practicum in a community agency
  • A capstone senior seminar in which students produce original research

In order to graduate with this BA degree, students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all courses required for the major. A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Midway College requires a total of 124 credit hours including:

  • 37  credit hours in general requirements
  • 36 credit hours in psychology requirements
  • three credit hours in supporting requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree with a Concentration in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling is available on the campuses of Lexington and Women’s College. This concentration was born out of the results of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, (Obamacare) which led to an increased demand for patient services in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling. This new psychology concentration uses existing classes in Psychology. It adds courses specific to substance abuse and counseling for graduates to obtain licensing as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Kentucky. The concentration emphasizes the theories, modalities and techniques used in Alcohol and Drug Counseling to provide students with the information, skills and abilities to become an effective counselor. To earn the concentration, students must complete 18 hours of courses (each being 3 credits):

  • Intro to Counseling Techniques
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Case Management
  • Diagnosis and Assessment
  • Beginning Practicum in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
  • Advanced Practicum in Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)

Contact
Midway College
The School of Arts and Sciences
512 E. Stephens St.
Midway, KY 40347
(859) 846-4421
E-Mail Form
Program Website

Morehead State University

The Department of Psychology

Morehead State University (MSU) is a public, co-educational university located in Morehead, Kentucky between Lexington, Kentucky, and Huntington, West Virginia. In 1887, the school was established as Morehead Normal School, a church-supported teacher education school. In 1922, the state of Kentucky took possession of the school and the name was changed to Morehead State Normal School and Teachers College. The current name, Morehead State University was granted to the university in 1966. In 2015 US News & World Report named MSU the 53rd best college or university in the Southern Region of the United States. It also ranked MSU as the 20th best Public School and 19th best school for Veterans. In 2013, The Daily Beast recognized MSU as a top underrated school. In 2013, GI Jobs Magazine ranked MSU in the top 20 percent of veteran-friendly colleges, universities and trade schools in the nation, for the fifth consecutive year. The Department of Psychology at Morehead offers training at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Those students seeking a Bachelor’s Degree can choose from a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Psychology as well as a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience.

Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary field. It encompasses the scientific disciplines dealing with the structure, development, function, chemistry, pharmacology and pathology of the nervous system. The program has faculty affiliates from a variety of departments including chemistry, biology and more. Students in the program will receive introductory and advanced overviews of neuroscience. They will learn about the effects of drugs, gender and aging on the brain, along with a variety of other topics related to neuroscience. Students will also take electives in:

  • behavioral/social science
  • health science
  • physical science
  • life science

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree program is for  students who complete less than 24 hours of science courses beyond the 36 hours of psychology courses. This training program teaches students about the scientific study of behavior. Students learn about how psychologists use the theories and methods of empirical science to better understand why people think, feel and act the way that they do. This degree program equips students with both the knowledge and the practical skills needed for success in the field.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology Degree Program is for students who complete at least 24 hours of science courses beyond the 36 hours of psychology courses. This degree program offers students the opportunity to study alongside faculty members with a wide range of professional and research interests. There are ample opportunities for students to become engaged in faculty-guided research. Students have many unique opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. The area of concentration program requires the student to complete 51 credit hours in psychology, with the vast majority of courses at the 300 and 400 level.

Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)

Contact
Morehead State University
The Department of Psychology
150 University Boulevard
Morehead, KY 40351
Dr. Greg Corso – Psychology Chair
Office: 414 Reed Hall
(606) 783-2981
Email: g.corso@moreheadstate.edu
Program Website

Murray State University

The College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Murray State University is a public, four-year university with enrollment just over 11,000 students. The school is located in Murray, Kentucky, with satellite campuses offering upper level and graduate courses in:

  • Paducah
  • Hopkinsville
  • Madisonville
  • Henderson

In 2015, US News & World Report ranked Murray state as the 26th best college or university in the Southern Region of the United states as well as the 9th Top Public School in the nation. The College of Humanities and Fine Arts is the largest and most diverse college at MSU. It has more than 100 full-time, tenure-track faculty.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The mission of the Department of Psychology at Murray State is to “further the understanding of the discipline of psychology through teaching, research, and service.” The faculty is committed to offering students the best instruction in and out of the formal classroom, allowing students to gain an understanding of behavior and the underlying causes. Students will develop their writing, research, and analytical skills for use in a wide variety of careers. The Psychology Department maintains a commitment to furthering students’ empirical understanding of psychology through research service to the university, community, and profession through involvement in a variety of activities. The Department works to guide students and the community through the Psychological Center. The center offers clinical services to students and community members. It also  functions as a training center for graduate students in the Clinical Psychology master’s degree program.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The curriculum and strengths of the Bachelor of Arts program are closely related to those of the Bachelor of Science (BS) program. Students enrolled in the BS program will complete a total of 38-43 credit hours as opposed to the 41-44 required for a BA degree. Students seeking a BS degree will be immersed more heavily in science, lab and math courses.
Accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)

Contact
Murray State University
The College of Humanities and Fine Arts
Department of Psychology
212 Wells Hall
Murray, KY 42071
(270) 809-2851
E-mail: pwaddill@murraystate.edu
Program Website

The availability of online Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology is making it easier than ever to earn a college degree. Students who cannot not commit the time to attending college can now make college fit into their schedule. Students in Kentucky can choose from programs that offer a more traditional on-campus learning format or a fully (or largely) online format. They can also choose  a hybrid format where students complete courses both online and on campus. It really has never been easier to find a degree program that works for you.

For More Bachelor’s Degrees in Kentucky – A-C

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For More Bachelor’s Degrees in Kentucky – N-T

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