Bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in North Carolina are awarded by an eclectic mix of public and private colleges. Let’s take our alphabetical search for undergraduate psychology majors to schools starting with J-M.
John Wesley University
College of Divinity
Known as Laurel University until June 2016, John Wesley University is an accredited private, four-year Christian teaching institution affiliated with the Evangelical Methodist Church to educate approximately 400 students. Following the motto “Learn, Grow, Impact,” JWU is situated in High Point just 15 miles south of Greensboro to confer 18 academic programs face-to-face and online. According to BestColleges.com, JWU stands among the nation’s 25 most affordable colleges for online theology. The College of Divinity promotes Judeo-Christian ethics to prepare tomorrow’s faith leaders with ACSI certification.
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry with Counseling Concentration
Available on-site in High Point or fully online, the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry program inspires JWU students to pursue rewarding careers in Church and para-Church organizations. The major is strongly grounded in Biblical, theological, and historical studies to develop the ministerial skills for discipleship. Within the 122-credit curriculum, students can select from six concentrations, including Christian Counseling. This route is ideal for developing a solid foundation in psychology to minister hope and healing in Christ’s name. Students are trained to counsel patrons in one-on-one, marital, familial, and small group settings. Christian community service is integrated throughout, but the first semester of the senior year requires an internship.
Accreditation
Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
Contact
1215 Eastchester Drive
High Point, NC 27265
(336) 821-2474
admissions@johnwesley.edu
Program Link
Johnson C. Smith University
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Johnson C. Smith University is a private, historically black research institution first opened in 1867 with a 105-acre urban campus in downtown Charlotte, the 17th largest city in the United States. Enrolling approximately 1,300 students, the SACS-accredited university offers 24 bachelor’s options as part of the United Negro College Fund. As America’s 16th best HBCU according to the U.S. News, JCSU was given a B+ for campus diversity and A- for weather by Niche. The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences confers interdisciplinary majors in criminology, history, political science, psychology, and social work.
Psychology Major
JCSU’s Psychology Major allows undergraduates to discover what makes people tick by studying the multifaceted relationship between the brain and behavior. Students strive to answer fundamental questions about the human condition to help others improve their emotional health. The liberal arts influences mean students engage in classes from communication and English to biology and physical education. The 10-course major offers three concentrations: Applied Psychology, Biomedical Therapies, and Developmental Psychology. Students can select from diverse electives, including Black psychology. Each classroom is equipped with plasma TVs and computer stations for interactive lectures. Students can observe psychologists at local placements like LifeSpan. Graduates have excelled in doctoral programs at Howard, Temple, and more.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
100 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
(704) 378-1010
admissions@jcsu.edu
Program Link
Lees-McRae College
Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Established in 1900 as the Elizabeth McRae Institute for women, Lees-McRae College has evolved into a private, co-educational Presbyterian liberal arts school endowed for $19 million to educate around 1,000 students on a 400-acre campus in Banner Elk near Beech Mountain. Retaining 62 percent of freshmen, LMC is ranked the South’s 60th best regional college by the U.S. News. Washington Monthly picked Lees-McRae as the 175th top baccalaureate institution nationwide for “contribution to the public good.” The Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences houses affordable options for psychology, criminal justice, and human services.
Psychology B.A.
Capitalizing on its Appalachian setting, the on-campus Psychology B.A. program focuses on applying behavioral theories to improve well-being in rural, underserved communities. Students formulate and test their own hypotheses to investigate factors influencing maladaptive behavior. Since the student-faculty ratio is 15:1, over 70 percent of classes have fewer than 20 learners. The Bachelor of Arts requires 40 general core credits, 15 major credits, and 21 credits of electives. The proficiency of a foreign language to the 200-level is also mandated. Majors complete an internship at placements like New River Mental Health, Grandfather Mountain Home for Children, and Crossnore School. Students may add an Elementary Education (K-6) Minor.
Human Services B.A.A.S.
The Extended Campus of Lees-McRae offers another degree choice for those interested in psychology, the Human Services B.A.A.S. program. Consisting of 63 credits, this online degree completion program is designed for individuals already holding an associate degree. Over two years of full-time, online learners develop a foundation of psychological knowledge to provide direct services to individuals or communities in need. Important issues addressed include drug abuse, domestic violence, aging, child neglect, homelessness, and disability. Courses are conveniently accessed 24/7 through the Sakai Learning Management System. In the final semester, students arrange human services internships in their local communities. Graduates could attain the Human Services Board Certified Practitioner (HSBCP) designation.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
191 Main Street
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 898-5241
admissions@lmc.edu
Program Link
Lenoir-Rhyne University
School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Nestled on a 100-acre campus in the “All-America City” of Hickory just 75 miles east of Asheville, Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private, co-educational liberal arts institution tied to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and enlightening over 2,200 students yearly. Ranked the 75th best baccalaureate provider in Washington Monthly, Lenoir-Rhyne is named the South’s 13th best regional college, 10th top value, and ninth-best university for veterans by the U.S. News. Niche also graded LR with an A- for Greek life and B+ for administration. The School of Humanities & Social Sciences offers accredited bachelor’s degrees in politics, history, philosophy, psychology, religious studies, and sociology.
B.A. in Psychology
In true liberal arts fashion, the B.A. in Psychology program at Lenoir-Rhyne merges a Christian worldview with modern psychological principles on behavior. The Bachelor of Arts provides the perfect groundwork for graduate school and entry-level human services professions. Students are trained to apply scientific research to various spheres of everyday issues affecting well-being. Declaring the 42-credit major will require breadth courses from evolutionary psychology to personality and adolescent psychology. Those maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher can pursue Honors thesis work. Other opportunities include pursuing an Art Therapy Minor, pledging Psi Chi, and attending the Annual APA Convention. Graduates have been accepted to prestigious colleges like UNC-Chapel Hill, Alabama, and Eastern Carolina.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
625 Seventh Avenue
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-7300
Amy.Hedrick@lr.edu
Program Link
Livingstone College
Division of Education and Social Work
First opened in 1879 as the Zion Wesley Institute, Livingstone College is a private, historically black teaching institution affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and holding SACS accreditation to serve more than 1,200 students. Based on a 45-acre suburban campus in Salisbury near Hood Theological Seminary, Livingstone has adopted sustainable practices to become the nation’s fourth “greenest” HBCU according to the Building Green Initiative. Yet StartClass.net warned that Livingstone also has the 19th most dangerous campus in America. The Division of Education and Social Work houses education, social work, and psychology majors with a 100 percent teaching licensure rate.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology
With a holistic learning environment, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology program is popular among Livingstone students interested in examining contemporary theories about the human brain and behavior. Undergraduates develop professionally and morally by integrating spiritual values into psychological research. The 120-credit curriculum stresses the application of learning for multicultural community service. Courses will survey key topics like African American history, developmental psychology, counseling theory, experimental methods, social psychology, and clinical intervention. Seniors foster their skills with a minimum 150-hour capstone internship and mini-thesis project. Psychology majors are welcome to join the Solomon Carter Fuller Honor Society. Livingstone College currently has a freshman retention rate of 52 percent.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
701 West Monroe Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 216-6917
mlovett@livingstone.edu
Program Link
Mars Hill University
Division of Humanities and Social Sciences
Named for the Athenian hill where the Apostle Paul defended Christianity, Mars Hill University is a private, coeducational Baptist liberal arts institution enrolling over 1,400 students. Located on a 184-acre rural campus approximately 15 miles north of Asheville, MHU was founded in 1856 as western North Carolina’s first college. Today, Mars Hill is ranked the South’s 36th best regional college and 25th best for vets school by the U.S. News. Washington Monthly lauded MHU as the 19th top baccalaureate college for social mobility nationwide. The Division of Humanities and Social Sciences confers diverse majors from philosophy to Spanish.
B.A. in Psychology
At Mars Hill University, the B.A. in Psychology program encourages undergraduates to analyze the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural interactions that influence behavior from prenatal through death. Students work with PhD-level faculty to master research methodologies utilized for gleaning data on human thought. Consisting of 128 total credits, the Bachelor of Arts includes completing the “Liberal Arts in Action Commons.” The 32-credit major builds upon this foundation to survey everything from child psychology to intelligence testing and sexuality. Seniors complete a capstone thesis project within state-of-the-art labs in Founders Hall. Those who excel could earn the John Malone and Frances Allen Randolph Research Award.
B.A. in Art Therapy
Students could follow their passion for psychology with a unique degree alternative, the B.A. in Art Therapy. Mars Hill created this 128-credit program to develop students’ artistic skills for facilitating individuals’ mental health through creative expression. After the liberal arts core, the curriculum delves into drawing, painting, sculpture, behavioral science, child psychology, abnormal psychology, and group dynamics. Majors lay the groundwork for pursuing AATA-accredited master’s degrees for entry-level art therapy practice. Helping people manage maladaptive behavior, improve self-esteem, and lower anxiety through visual arts is the program’s goal. As seniors, B.A. students complete an internship and senior thesis. Some MHU students also participate in Art Therapy Without Borders.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Founders Hall 202
100 Athletic Street
Mars Hill, NC 28754
(828) 689-1186
ybaldwin@mhu.edu
Program Link
Meredith College
School of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Meredith College is the largest private, nonprofit women’s liberal arts college in the Southeast with approximately 2,300 female students. Chartered by the First Baptist Church, the “College of Distinction” stands upon a 225-acre urban campus in North Carolina’s capital of Raleigh. Given a Forbes financial grade of B, Meredith is ranked the fifth-best regional college, sixth top value, and fourth-best school for veterans by the U.S. News. With a 99 percent placement rate, the School of Education, Health, and Human Sciences promotes community-based learning to empower women in nine in-demand majors.
Major in Psychology
The Major in Psychology guides Meredith undergraduates towards developing a robust portfolio of research and applied skills for graduate school or entry-level employment. Students garner the broad-based understanding of human behavior to pursue para-professional certification as Registered Behavioral Technicians (RBT). The 31-credit major uses the liberal arts to springboard into courses on neuropsychology, memory, aging, child development, health psychology, abnormal psychology, behavior modification, and more. Hands-on experiments in North Carolina’s Research Triangle are a hallmark of the major. Several alumni have presented at the APS Convention. The Meredith Autism Program (MAP) offers applied fieldwork with children on the autism spectrum. Students also volunteer with the annual Wake County PAGE Super Saturday for gifted youth.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Ledford Hall Room 108
3800 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 760-8441
edwardsc@meredith.edu
Program Link
Methodist University
Psychology Department
Rooted in the values of “Truth and Virtue,” Methodist University is a fast-growing private, nonprofit higher learning institution that’s doubled since 1990 to educate over 2,300 students upon its urban campus in Fayetteville within the Cape Fear River region. Partnered with the United Methodist Church for faith-based instruction, Methodist is ranked the South’s 38th best college and 26th top school for former military by the U.S. News. The Princeton Review also included Methodist within its “Best Southeastern” schools. The Psychology Department supports the university’s liberal arts mission to develop ethical citizens who substantially contribute to societal betterment.
B.S. in Psychology with Concentration in Human Performance
Methodist’s B.S. in Psychology program allows undergraduates to tailor their investigation of behavior and mental processes with a Concentration in Human Performance. The 46-credit major integrates human factors into industrial/organizational psychology over four years full-time. Students apply empirical-based research to improve the design of machines and products for improved human use as well as boost employee productivity. Evaluating human-computer interaction takes a front seat. Upperclassmen must complete at least 75 clock hours on-site in business and manufacturing settings for practicum. Students form connections with the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society’s NC chapter. B.S. majors can also declare the ACBSP-accredited Minor in Human Resource Management with the Reeves School of Business.
B.S. in Psychology with Concentration in Counseling/Clinical Psychology
The Concentration in Counseling/Clinical Psychology is another excellent option for Methodist undergraduates pursuing the accredited B.S. in Psychology program. Declaring this 46-credit major will allow students to apply learned psychological theories for resolving maladaptive behaviors and problems in everyday living. From anxiety and phobias to schizophrenia and manic depression, the curriculum investigates the symptoms and treatments for various mental health disorders. Graduates can use the baccalaureate degree for entry-level counseling jobs or graduate school, including PsyD programs. Each B.S. major must satisfactorily complete the 75-hour psychology practicum. Common placements include Cape Fear Behavioral Health, Cumberland County Mental Health, and the Haymount Institute. Students may also pursue the Minor in Gerontology.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
5400 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, NC 28311
(910) 480-8470
mkline@methodist.edu
Program Link
Mid-Atlantic Christian University
School of Undergraduate Studies
Sitting along the Pasquotank River under one mile from downtown Elizabeth City, Mid-Atlantic Christian University is a small private, nonprofit co-educational institution affiliated with the Church of Christ since 1948. Enrolling around 200 students, MACU is regionally accredited to pair Biblical studies with vocational training. Based on social mobility, service, and research, Washington Monthly crowned MACU the 40th best baccalaureate college in the United States. Given an A- for weather by Niche, Mid-Atlantic Christian organizes its 14 associate and bachelor’s degrees into the School of Undergraduate Studies.
Bachelor of Arts in Counseling and Psychology
As one of the few undergraduate programs of its kind, the Bachelor of Arts in Counseling and Psychology at MACU incorporates the scientific study of behavior with its applied therapeutic techniques to produce Church and secular counselors. Students are transformed into ethical, effective Christian professionals with the skills to guide people through our fractured world. The 11-course major builds upon the Biblical studies foundation before entering the social sciences. Their students will explore couples counseling, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, crisis intervention, human sexuality, cross-cultural counseling, and more. For capstone, B.A. majors complete a senior seminar and approved internship. Outside the 127-credit curriculum, students could add the Certificate in Family Life Education.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
715 North Poindexter Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 334-2084
don.mckinney@macuniversity.edu
Program Link
Montreat College
School of Adult and Graduate Studies
Tracing back to 1897 when Congregationalist minister John C. Collins founded the Mountain Retreat Association, Montreat College is a private, inter-denominational Christian liberal arts institution nestled on a 43-acre rural campus in Buncombe County just two miles from Black Mountain. With around 1,100 students and 12:1 student-faculty ratio, Montreat is named North Carolina’s 28th most affordable college by Best Value Schools. The U.S. News recognized Montreat as the South’s 93rd best college and 63rd top veterans school too. Around half of the student population pursues the 10 programs in the School of Adult and Graduate Studies, which makes off-campus learning available at a distance.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Services
Conveniently available at four North Carolina locations or online, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Services program at Montreat helps adult learners forge their career’s next step. From a Christian perspective, students examine modern theories and concepts on human behavior to pursue helping professions. Online courses are easily accessible 24/7 using the Moodle platform. The 126-credit program, including 53 liberal arts credits, focuses on the present challenges faced by individuals and families globally. Students complete an intensive off-campus internship during the summer before their senior year. At least 180 clock hours are required at approved community agencies. Before graduation, students must pass an Area Concentration Achievement Test (ACAT) in psychology.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Montreat College – Asheville
29 Turtle Creek Drive
Asheville, NC 28803
(800) 806-2777
Montreat College – Charlotte
212 South Tryon Street Suite 1700
Charlotte, NC 28281
(800) 806-2777
Montreat College – Main
310 Gaither Circle
Montreat, NC 28757
(800) 806-2777
Montreat College – Morganton
2128 South Sterling Street
Morganton, NC 28655
(800) 806-2777
agsadmissions@montreat.edu
Program Link
There are 125 colleges scattered across the “Tar Heel State,” and most have undergraduate offerings centered on psychological science. Our search for your ideal program is just beginning! Continue reviewing the bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in North Carolina (N-S) here.
Related resource:
Top 20 Most Affordable Doctoral Psychology Programs