Bachelor of Science in Psychology
What Is a Bachelor’s in Psychology?
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology is an undergraduate degree that explores human thought, behavior and development across the lifespan. Available online and on campus, the BS in Psychology examines psychological theories and the social, cultural and environmental factors that influence how people think and behave. The program is intended for students with a high school diploma or equivalent who want to build foundational knowledge in psychology.
Graduates may pursue entry-level opportunities in the social sciences or continue their education through a graduate degree in psychology. The curriculum explores the application of psychological theories and introduces students to how psychological issues may be assessed, diagnosed and treated in professional settings.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 2.8+ Unweighted GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
What To Expect in a BS in Psychology Program
GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology is available online and on campus, giving you options for how you complete your degree. In either format, you will receive a faith-based education that integrates a Christian worldview into the curriculum and emphasizes ethical judgment and servant leadership.
The Bachelor’s in Psychology Experience
Complete Your BS in Psychology With Flexible Online Coursework
Earn your bachelor’s in psychology online through our interactive online learning platform. Online students can access course materials, discussion boards and technical support while engaging in discussions with instructors and classmates. The online format provides flexibility for completing your psychology coursework outside a traditional campus setting.
Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology From an Accredited University
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Build Connections Through a Vibrant Campus Life
Students earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology on campus can participate in face-to-face discussions about human thought, behavior and the factors that influence them. You can also connect with the GCU community through clubs, activities and worship services. You may choose to participate in the Psychology Club or the Examining Positive Psychology in Communities (EPIC) Club.
Get Dedicated Support Throughout Your Psychology Degree
Psychology students can access academic and career support throughout their degree program. Available student resources include tutoring and support through the Writing Center, Math Center and Academic Centers for Excellence (ACE). You can also receive career support from career services staff, while faculty members provide academic guidance and mentorship.
The Psychology Student Experience at GCU
"I always wanted to go to a small school because I don’t enjoy being in big lecture classes. I want to know everybody sitting next to me and have a relationship with my professors, and that’s exactly what GCU offers. The student population is huge, but it never loses the small school feel. I had so much fun learning at GCU and truly enjoyed every class I took."
"I always wanted to go to a small school because I don’t enjoy being in big lecture classes. I want to know everybody sitting next to me and have a relationship with my professors, and that’s exactly what GCU offers. The student population is huge, but it never loses the small school feel. I had so much fun learning at GCU and truly enjoyed every class I took."
What Will I Study in a Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program?
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program study personality psychology, abnormal psychology, social psychology, cognitive neuroscience and human development across the lifespan. The curriculum also covers psychological research methods, including scientific observation, data collection and analysis. Throughout the program, you will have opportunities to develop skills in critical thinking, scientific reasoning and scholarly writing. Students interested in comparing academic options can explore GCU’s bachelor’s degrees in psychology and their areas of focus.
Core Course Topics in a Psychology Degree
Throughout the psychology degree program, you will examine psychological theories and consider how they may be applied in practice. You’ll also explore psychological research methods and develop a research project. The program concludes with a capstone course in which you will prepare a written proposal addressing a relevant issue in the field and synthesize concepts from your coursework and professional practice.
All core courses are aligned with the degree objectives established by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Core competencies and focus areas examined in this general psychology degree include:
Health and behavior
Explore the relationship between physical and psychological health, including theories related to health behavior, patient adherence and pain management.
Social psychology
Examine how social and cultural factors can influence individual behavior.
Ethical research
Study foundations of psychological research with an emphasis on scientific reasoning and professional ethics.
Human development
Examine stages of child and adolescent development, including developmental milestones and typical and atypical behaviors.
Cognitive Neuroscience
Explore cognition across the lifespan, including perception, memory, learning, sensation and consciousness.
Abnormal psychology
Study foundations of abnormal psychology, including the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.
Specialize Your BS in Psychology Degree With an Emphasis
Students pursuing the BS in Psychology can select an emphasis in forensic psychology or performance and sport psychology. Each emphasis combines foundational psychology coursework with study focused on the selected area.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
A bachelor’s degree in psychology can prepare graduates to apply knowledge of human behavior, research methods, communication and critical thinking in settings such as social service agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools and private companies. Depending on the position and employer requirements, graduates may pursue roles that involve supporting clients, coordinating community programs or connecting individuals and families with services and resources.
A BS in Psychology can also provide a foundation for graduate study. Careers as psychologists typically require graduate-level education, and licensure requirements vary by state and role. Students considering this path should distinguish between opportunities that may be available with a bachelor’s degree and professions that require a master’s or doctoral degree and applicable licensure.¹
Some career opportunities that may benefit from competencies developed through the study of psychology include:
Social and community service manager
Plan, direct and coordinate programs and organizations that support communities.
Social and human service assistant
Assess client needs and help individuals access social support services and benefits programs.
Community and social service specialist
Help individuals and families access and navigate community resources and provide case management services.
Median annual salary for social and community service managers in May 2025(See disclaimer 2)
Projected job growth rate for social and community service managers from 2025 to 2035(See disclaimer 3)
Tuition and Financial Options for Your BS in Psychology
Planning for your education is an important step, and GCU offers resources to help you understand tuition costs and available savings opportunities. As you explore psychology degrees online, you may have access to options such as scholarships, grants and other forms of financial assistance. By reviewing these opportunities, you can make more informed decisions about how to invest in your future while working toward your academic goals.
Over $404M in scholarships awarded to GCU students in 2025.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Bachelor’s in Psychology
Explore common questions about the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, from curriculum topics to career possibilities.
Why is psychology important?
What is the difference between psychology and social work?
Is a psychology degree a BA or BS?
Can I become a therapist with a bachelor’s in psychology?
Is a bachelor’s in psychology worth it?
Does a BS in psychology include research experience?
Do I need a graduate degree after earning a BS in psychology?
What Are the Admission Requirements For a BS in Pyschology?
GCU offers a streamlined admission process with no application fee, personal statement or essay required. High school students may qualify for admission by meeting either the minimum GPA requirement or minimum SAT or ACT test score requirements. Admission criteria may vary by degree or program, so please review the requirements for your chosen program.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Core Courses
Explore More on Psychology
Explore resources about psychology careers, education and related topics to learn more about the field and potential pathways for psychology graduates.
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Develop your understanding of human thought and behavior while studying psychological theory, research methods and human development in GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, Aug. 27). How To Become a Psychologist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved September 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Social and Community Service Managers as of May 2025, retrieved September 2026. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as social and community service managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Data shown is effective August 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Community Service Managers, retrieved September 2026.
- Cherry, K., MSEd. (2024, Jan. 28). Differences Between a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology. VeryWell Mind. Retrieved September 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, Aug. 27). How To Become a Marriage and Family Therapist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved September 2026.
Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on Oct. 23, 2026.