Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology
journey today.
More than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental health disorder and could benefit from working with a professional who understands the intricacies of how the human mind works and how it influences behavioral patterns.1 The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program at Grand Canyon University offers you the opportunity to delve into the nuances of the mind and behavior.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this BS in Psychology includes a broad survey of the fundamental aspects of human thought and behavior at all stages of life. The curriculum examines the ways in which human thought and behavior are continuously influenced by social, cultural and environmental factors. Examine how these factors affect individuals through the evidence-based curriculum, integrated with the Christian worldview mindset and values of servant leadership.
This bachelor’s degree is a versatile choice that aims to teach both specialized and transferable skills and knowledge, with the intention of opening the door to numerous career possibilities and specialization options. GCU’s mission is to graduate confident, workplace-ready professionals who may put what they’ve been taught into action in the field right away or pursue additional career qualifications through graduate school.
If you have a passion for serving others and helping them reach their full potential, as well as an interest in the scientific underpinnings of human behavior, then a psychology degree may be the right choice for you.
Flexible Learning Options to Fit Your Lifestyle
This bachelor’s program is offered online or on campus so you can choose the best educational pathway for you and your schedule.
You may choose to complete your degree by taking psychology courses through our interactive online experience. All courses for the program offer the same accredited education as the on-campus courses, and the e-learning platform offers an engaging vehicle for intellectual discussions. With an online education, you can earn your degree in a more convenient and flexible manner regardless of your geographic location, while still benefiting from the insights of knowledgeable faculty and the diverse perspectives of your peers.
You can choose to earn your Bachelor of Science in Psychology on campus as a traditional student or through evening classes. Work through the curriculum alongside fellow learners and enjoy in-person academic discussions concerning the human mind and behavioral influences. GCU strives to nurture a lively and diverse campus community, with plenty of student support resources available to facilitate both wellness and academics. As a campus student, you can choose from a wide range of activities and clubs intended to enrich our community’s social life.
What Our Students Have to Say
“I’d always been passionate about both psychology and medicine, so I found a way to connect the two. What I loved about psychology is that the degree is so broad and versatile, so if it took me an extra year to get into physician assistant (PA) school, I’d have options — it opened a lot of doors for things I could do after graduation.”
Grace Bolton
Psychology, Class of 2020
During this undergraduate program, you will be taught how to develop critical reasoning and analytical skills, how to refine your communication abilities and what it means to bring Christian principles to the professional space. As you examine human behaviors and patterns of thinking throughout this degree program, you will have the opportunity to learn best practices in research, including scientific observation, data collection and analysis.
This undergraduate psychology degree program covers the foundational knowledge that underpins this discipline. You may choose to add an emphasis to your degree program, such as the bachelor’s in psychology with an emphasis in performance and sport psychology or forensic psychology.
The core competencies and focus areas examined in this general psychology degree include:
As part of this bachelor’s degree, you will complete a capstone course. Your capstone project involves preparing a written proposal for a research project that addresses an issue within the field of psychology. The capstone synthesizes and integrates course content and professional practice.
Psychology is an interdisciplinary degree by nature. Its various branches draw upon and contribute to insights from disciplines such as education, medical science and law.2 The interdisciplinary nature of a BS in Psychology lends itself to an array of possible career paths. Graduates may pursue entry-level work within private companies, nonprofit organizations, schools or social service agencies.3
Some jobs that may be related to this degree include the following:
Graduates may choose to pursue advanced degrees. Many of the high-level positions within this career field require at least a master’s degree. To pursue a career as a clinical or counseling psychologist, you will need a doctoral degree, along with licensure as required by the state in which you plan to work.3
12,800
About 12,800 openings projected for psychologists each year from 2022 to 20324
The GCU faculty and administrators are united in our commitment to fostering academic excellence among our student community. GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university 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.
All core courses are aligned with the degree objectives established by the American Psychological Association (APA). To enhance your career qualifications, you may use the career-focused BS in Psychology program as the foundation for further academic achievements. A master’s in psychology or doctoral degree in psychology may be required in certain career paths.3
Bachelor of Science in Psychology Degree FAQs
Your choice of degree program can influence your future career path. Take the time to thoughtfully reflect upon your options and conduct additional career-related research as needed. The following frequently asked questions and answers may help guide your decision-making process.
Psychology is a broad term to describe the study of the human mind. This includes the study of human behavior, social relationships, human development and all cognitive processes that answer how our brain functions.2 Knowing all that, delving into psychology means you are exposed to what makes each human unique. By having this knowledge, you can dig into complex issues that people face and help people find answers to their questions.
A BA in Psychology is centered around liberal arts and the communication practices of psychology, whereas a BS in Psychology involves more science-based courses and leans toward the clinical practice of psychology. In addition, a BA in Psychology is designed to prepare you for a wide range of careers in fields such as business, law or behavioral health, while a BS in Psychology is for students who are seeking a career that involves more science and research in fields such as healthcare.5
The first step to becoming a psychologist is education. Many different types of psychologist positions require a specific degree level — some may require a master’s degree, while others may require a doctorate. Once you have earned your degree, research which state or region you wish to practice in. All states have different licensure requirements, including exams, clinical hours and internships.3 Additionally, some degrees you earn have a non-licensure or licensure component, so be sure the degree you are seeking is the right one for you.
Earning a bachelor’s in psychology is often the first step for those looking to pursue a career in this field. You may choose to pursue a career as a psychologist by entering graduate school after earning your undergraduate degree, or you might opt to pursue entry-level positions in the field. If your career aspirations align with the potential outcomes of a psychology degree, then yes, this degree can definitely be worth it for you. In addition, working through the curriculum may help you to better understand your own thoughts, feelings and behavioral patterns, as well as those of the people around you, which can be beneficial in all career paths.
Get Started on Your BS in Psychology
Combine your passion for helping others with purpose at GCU. Enroll for an online or campus program.
1 National Institute of Mental Health. (2023, March). Mental Illness. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved Feb. 19, 2024.
2 McDonald, S. (2023, Aug. 7). 24 Types of Psychology (With Definitions and Explanations). Indeed. Retrieved Feb. 19, 2024.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Feb. 16). How to Become a Psychologist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Feb. 19, 2024.
4 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists, retrieved on April 3, 2024.
5 Cherry, K. (2024, Jan. 28). Differences Between a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology. Verywell Mind. Retrieved on Feb. 19, 2024.