An accelerated psychology bachelor’s degree is an intensive, fast-tracked academic program that allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in less time than traditional paths, often in 3 years instead of 4. These programs provide the same curriculum and credentials as traditional degrees.
Accelerated psychology bachelor’s degree are designed to be completed in a shorter time than traditional degrees. In this article, we have reviewed popular on-campus and online accelerated psychology bachelor’s degrees based on speed, flexibility, academic strength, and value.
Accelerated Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees
Drexel University
Accelerated Psychology Degree Program (BS+MS)
The accelerated degree program in psychology (BS+MS) at Drexel University allows you to start graduate-level courses in the 4th year of your undergraduate study, with planned entry into graduate school after you complete your Bachelor of Science (BS) degree at the end of that 4th year.
Because you begin early through a planned course sequence in the 4th year, you can finish the graduate coursework for the Master of Science (MS) degree in 1 year after earning the bachelor’s degree. The BS + MS curriculum matches the 4-year, 1 co-op option or the 4-year, no co-op option.
The accelerated Psychology (BS + MS) degree gives selected undergraduate psychology majors the chance to complete both undergraduate study and the psychology master’s curriculum in only 5 years. Admission into the combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program usually happens at 2 points:
Potential undergraduate students may be identified when they are admitted as freshman psychology majors. Current undergraduate psychology majors who are in good standing may apply for the program in the 3rd year of study.
During undergraduate study, students in the combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology must find a faculty member to serve as a mentor and program adviser. This is the person with whom the student plans to continue working during graduate training and while finishing the graduate thesis.
Students may apply after completing between 90-120 hours at Drexel University and before the MS program admission deadline: February 15th of the 3rd year.
This program is intended for students who want advanced study in scientific psychology, such as working toward a PhD, or for those who want a job where a final, research-based MS in psychology is preferred. The program does not include clinical training. Because of that, it is not the right choice if you want to become a practicing therapist with only a master’s degree.
Admission requirements for entering freshmen:
- Drexel’s Test Optional Policy applies to all Fall 2023 first-year applicants.
- Combined SAT score of 1300 (Quantitative and Verbal scores only).
- High school GPA of at least 3.5.
- Top 10% of graduating class.
If these admission requirements are met, an additional application essay will be requested by email.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Online Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology
The B.S. in Applied Psychology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota combines together organizational psychology and applied social psychology to help you gain practical, career-ready skills. This fully online program requires 90 credits, which allows you to finish up to 25% faster than many other bachelor’s programs.
By completing the degree online, you may save both time and money while taking part in hands-on, creative learning experiences that employers value. This program is offered fully online.
In this new 90-credit online bachelor’s degree program, you use psychology to prepare for a new career or for career growth in mental health, education, or social services. The Applied Psychology program follows the academic and professional standards of the American Psychological Association (APA), helping ensure that you receive a high-quality and respected education.
In your psychology courses, you will study:
- Foundations of psychology; individual development, psychological disorders, and treatment methods.
- Theoretical and empirical foundations of learning, cognition, and the nature of the mind.
- Strategic decision-making skills within healthcare settings.
- Scientific foundations of positive psychology, well-being, human development, and positive emotions.
- Etiology, treatment options, and prognosis of abnormal behavior.
- Data, measurement, and statistics to guide public health decisions.
- Ethical practice in professional settings.
The program gives you a base in the study of the human mind and behavior through real learning experiences. As part of your main area of study, you choose a varied and multidisciplinary real-world setting. This setting may be in the corporate sector, state or local government, education, or a community-based agency. In that setting, you use theory-based psychological methods, while building skills in research and in the ability to interpret, communicate, and use data and findings.
Throughout the program, you continue to strengthen your personal and professional knowledge and growth in effective communication, critical thinking, ethical behavior, empathy, and respect for diversity, equity, inclusivity, and social justice.
The program includes the following highlights:
- You can add more credentials through in-demand certifications such as First Aid, Brain Health, and Navigating Personality Disorders through well-known institutions, helping strengthen your credentials and knowledge.
- You complete a final project that lets you research and use what you have learned, or you may gain real-world experience through a flexible internship that can fit your life and work schedule.
- You may begin graduate-level coursework while finishing your bachelor’s degree and follow the direct-admit Psy.D. program pathway, allowing qualified students to finish both degrees in as few as 6 years. You can ask your enrollment counselor for details.
- You may look into scholarships through the Trusted Partnership Program, which includes more than 80 companies and organizations. You can check whether your employer takes part.
- Most required textbooks are provided as digital editions at no added cost, which can lower your out-of-pocket expenses and give you easy online access to course materials at any time.
After you complete the program, you are expected to be able to:
- Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains.
- Apply psychological principles.
- Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.
- Engage in creative and integrative thinking and problem solving.
- Interpret and design basic psychological research.
- Build and improve interpersonal relationships.
- Adopt values that build community and support social change at local, national, and global levels.
- Show effective writing and oral presentation skills for different purposes.
To apply, you will need to provide:
- Completed application form.
- Official transcripts.
- If you’ve completed college-level coursework: submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities you attended.
- If you have not completed any college-level coursework: submit an official high school transcript that shows your diploma.
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable), interview with a program administrator (if requested).
Florida International University
Accelerated BA in Psychology/MPA Degree Pathway
The Accelerated BA in Psychology/MPA Degree Pathway at Florida International University is a new accelerated 4+1 option for qualified students in the BA in Psychology program. Through this pathway, you may gain admission to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program and complete up to 4 courses, or 12 credits, that count toward both the BA in Psychology and MPA degrees. By joining this accelerated pathway, you may move through the MPA program more quickly, which can help save both time and money.
A student admitted to the Accelerated 4+1 BA in Psychology/MPA Degree Pathway keeps undergraduate status until the student applies for graduation from the bachelor’s degree program. After the bachelor’s degree is awarded, the student receives graduate status and becomes eligible for graduate assistantships.
Students must earn a grade of B or higher in graduate courses for those courses to count toward the MPA degree. Students accepted into the Accelerated Degree Pathway must complete all MPA requirements in order to receive the MPA degree.
To apply for the Accelerated Degree Pathway, you must meet the following requirements:
- Overall GPA of 3.25 or higher.
- A letter of recommendation from an FIU faculty member or from a supervisor.
- Current resume.
- A letter of intent that does not go beyond 3 double-spaced pages, explaining how earning the Master’s of Public Administration fits your long-term career goals. Students may also use this letter to discuss their interest in public issues or policies and to tell the admission committee if they believe their admission file does not fully show their ability to succeed in graduate school.
- Application to the combined pathway after completing at least 75 credit hours in the bachelor’s degree program.
- Students must apply before the semester in which graduate credits will count toward the undergraduate degree program.
Rutgers – Camden
BA/MA Accelerated Program in Psychology
The Psychology Department at Rutgers-Camden offers a BA/MA accelerated program. In this option, undergraduate students may complete up to 3 graduate psychology courses while still enrolled in undergraduate study, and then finish the remaining 7 courses in the graduate program. These 3 courses count toward both the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree, if the student enters Rutgers-Camden’s Psychology MA program.
The accelerated program gives students the benefit of undergraduate tuition rates and also allows them to finish the MA program in less time than the usual 2-year period.
Admission to the BA/MA accelerated program includes the following requirements:
- Juniors and seniors at Rutgers-Camden with 80 credits or more, who want admission to the accelerated program, must receive approval for entry from the graduate program director.
- A minimum 3.5 GPA in Psychology courses is required.
- A letter of recommendation from a faculty member in the Psychology Department is required.
Completing graduate classes while still an undergraduate does not guarantee admission into the program. Students must still apply for admission to the MA program by following the standard admission process.
University of North Florida
Accelerated BS-MS Program in Psychological Science
The accelerated path for the BS-MS program in Psychological Science gives high-achieving undergraduate psychology students at the University of North Florida the chance to combine the requirements for the bachelor’s and master’s degrees within 5 years, instead of 6 or more years in a non-accelerated option.
The Master of Science degree earned through this accelerated program is a broad-based, research-oriented program created to give students the important skills and knowledge needed for continued career and educational growth in psychology. The accelerated path also allows students to work in the same research laboratory for 3-4 years, which supports both skill growth and research output.
The program includes coursework built around a core curriculum in statistics, research design, major areas of psychology, and a research-based thesis. Students who complete the program may be prepared to continue into later graduate study at universities that offer a PhD in Psychology and related fields. They may also seek jobs that require master’s-level knowledge in applied psychology or work as evaluation research specialists in government or community agencies. Students with an MS in Psychology may also be strong candidates for later graduate study in other areas, including law and medicine.
The combined BS-MS program requires 148 credits, including 120 credits for the undergraduate degree and 28 credits for the master’s degree. Up to 10 hours of graduate coursework may count toward both degrees. Students first finish the undergraduate degree requirements and then continue through the master’s degree requirements, which end with the presentation of a written thesis. Coursework for the master’s requirements must be completed with a grade of B or higher.
Students should apply for the accelerated track in the Fall of the junior year. Students interested in the BS/MS accelerated program need to apply for the accelerated track in the Spring of the year before they are expected to graduate, with the graduate course sequence, including thesis coursework, starting in the Fall of the final semester of the bachelor’s degree.
Admission Criteria
- Students must earn a 3.2 GPA in Research Methods, advanced experimental courses, and all other Psychology courses to qualify for admission to the Master’s degree in Psychology.
- Students must identify a thesis mentor from the faculty in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences who is willing to guide the student through the accelerated program.
- Students may complete the accelerated track through the Honors in the Major Program, but this is not required.
- GRE scores are not required for admission to the accelerated program.
- Students who want to follow the accelerated BS-MS track should contact their advisor no later than the Spring semester of the junior year.
Prerequisites for applying to the BS/MS accelerated program include:
- SOP 3004 Social Psychology
- EXP 3604 Cognitive Psychology
- DEP 3054 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
- PSB 3002 Behavioral Neuroscience
- PSY 3911 Supervised Research
Arizona State University Online
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Arizona State University Online offers an accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Psychology that can help you expand your career options into a wide range of meaningful roles. This online program is built to give you a flexible way to finish your degree, and it also includes a study-abroad option.
You may transfer up to 90 credits, which can help you finish this degree in as little as 3 years. The BA in Psychology is offered in a convenient online format with 7-week courses that begin 6 times each year.
In this 100% online program, you will study several areas of psychology, including cognitive, social, organizational, and abnormal psychology. You will learn about psychological principles in workplace settings and gain the skills needed to carry out research for results. You may also match your degree more closely with your goals and interests by choosing a minor or a declared area of focus.
In this online psychology program, you will:
- Gain an understanding of research methods used in psychological research.
- Study abnormal psychology and learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of major mental disorders.
- Learn about the methods, theory, and scientific study of human memory and information processing.
For the online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, students must complete a total of 120 credit hours. Students are required to complete 12 core courses, which equal 33 credit hours, at least 5 major electives, which equal 13 credit hours, and general education courses, which equal 37 credit hours.
Students must choose either a minor, which requires 21-28 credit hours, or an area of focus, which requires 12 credit hours. In addition, students must choose either a study abroad program, which is 3 credit hours, or a foreign language, which is 6 credit hours. The rest of the required hours are completed as free electives.
Applicants for the online BA in Psychology are reviewed through a holistic process and must meet the following requirements:
Transfer Admission
Transfer applicants are students who have finished high school and have already attempted coursework for credit at another accredited college or university, other than college credits earned while in high school.
Students with at least a 2.0 GPA from an accredited institution and 24 or more transferable credit hours must submit:
- Official transcripts from each college attended.
- Students with at least a 2.0 GPA and fewer than 24 transferable credit hours are reviewed under freshman admission standards and must provide:
- Official transcripts from each college attended.
- Final and official high school transcript or GED scores.
New transfer students who apply to the University with fewer than 24 college credit hours earned and a 2.75 or higher unweighted high school GPA will be offered admission without ACT/SAT scores. Please note: Nursing and respiratory care programs require ACT/SAT scores.
Freshman Applicants
A freshman applicant is a future student who has not attempted coursework at an accredited college or university, other than college credit earned while in high school or during the summer right after high school graduation.
Students who are 21 years old or older and have never attended college, other than college credits taken while in high school, must provide:
- Official high school transcripts or GED scores.
Students who are under 21 years old and have never attended college, other than college credits taken while in high school, must provide:
- An online application form.
- Official high school transcripts or GED scores.
Freshman applicants must have at least a 2.0 unweighted high school GPA to be considered for admission.
The online BA in Psychology program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid may be available for students who qualify.
Vermont State University
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and human behavior through psychology as a science. In forensic psychology, psychological ideas and methods are applied within the criminal justice system. This work may include evaluating individual defendants from a psychological point of view, as well as studying criminal behavior on a wider level.
The 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology at Vermont State University teaches you how to apply psychological science methods in the working setting of the legal system. You start with a wide set of core courses that are also part of the psychology major. After that, you build more focused knowledge through elective courses in areas such as criminal behavior, juvenile delinquency, and correctional psychology.
You may choose an internship to gain direct experience in the criminal justice system. You may also complete an independent research project with guidance from expert faculty to prepare for advanced study. This degree can serve as preparation for careers in clinical forensic psychology, law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, academic research, and law.
Main Program Highlights
- Unique Opportunity: You can start building your career path early. Only a limited number of schools offer forensic psychology at the undergraduate level, so beginning now gives you more time to examine your direction and prepare for the next step.
- Accelerated Program: You may save both time and money. It may be possible to finish the major in as little as 3 years, including summer coursework.
- Flexible Location: This program shares several requirements with the B.S. in Psychological Science, which means many of your courses are available at both the Castleton and Johnson campuses.
- Research Option: You can investigate a question that interests you through an independent research project with faculty support. You may even publish your results or present a paper at a conference. This is uncommon at the undergraduate level and may help strengthen your graduate school applications.
In Vermont State’s bachelor’s degree program in forensic psychology, you begin with the same courses required for the psychology major. These courses help you build a broad understanding of basic ideas in the field. After that, you select several courses from a group focused on forensic settings. These options include Police Psychology, Criminal Behavior, and Psychology & Law. These courses help strengthen your knowledge in this area of study.
In your final year, you may choose an internship for direct field experience or an independent project to build research skills for later study. Past internship placements have included Vermont Police Departments, the Vermont Department of Corrections, law offices, and the Rutland County State’s Attorney’s Office, among others.
Vermont State University’s Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology prepares students for graduate study and career preparation in this field. The program applies psychological science to the judicial process in courts, law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, and the general practice of law.
Admission to this program requires a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, along with strong performance in math and science courses. Transfer students must have a cumulative college GPA of 2.8 or higher.
Purdue Global
Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
With a psychology degree from Purdue Global, you can build the knowledge, skills, and personal qualities that employers value and clients need. You will learn how to use a scientific method for problem solving to assess behavior and mental processes, while using psychological principles in personal, social, and organizational settings. If you want to move into a more focused career path, this program can also help prepare you for graduate study in psychology.
The program requires 180 credit hours. The expected completion time is 2-4 years. With transfer credit and other prior experience, the average completion time for Purdue Global bachelor’s degree graduates is 2.1 years. Students usually take 2-3 courses per term. Each term lasts 10 weeks. Start dates are offered throughout the year.
The coursework is designed to help you build and use psychological skills, critical thinking, and a scientific method for problem solving to assess behavior and mental processes in personal, social, and organizational settings.
Psychology course topics include:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
- Child and Adolescent Psychology
- Stress-Critical Issues in Management and Prevention
- Psychology Program and Profession
- History of Psychology
- Psychology of Aging
- Personality Development
- Ethical Practice in a Diverse World
- Health Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Case Management in Clinical Settings
After completing the program, you are expected to show the following:
- Knowledge Base: Explain the major concepts, theoretical views, lasting areas of disagreement, research findings, and historical patterns in psychology.
- Research Methods: Apply psychology methods, including research design, data analysis, and the interpretation and evaluation of findings.
- Critical Thinking Skills: Use analytical thinking, careful questioning, and the scientific method to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
- Application: Apply the proper psychological principles, theories, and concepts to personal, social, and organizational issues and problems.
- Values in Psychology: Show an understanding of the ethical standards, values, and key considerations that guide theory and practice in psychology.
- Global Awareness: Describe an understanding of how academic and applied psychology can improve interpersonal relationships across cultural and national boundaries.
Accelerated Graduate Program Pathway
You may complete your master’s degree sooner through a graduate program pathway. This option places graduate-level courses into your bachelor’s program, giving you an early start on your master’s degree requirements. You may save time and tuition when compared with finishing the two programs separately.
Admission Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or have a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or another equivalency diploma. You must also complete orientation before starting classes.
How Fast Can You Get a Bachelor’s in Psychology?
A bachelor’s in psychology can be completed in as little as 2.5 years through accelerated, competency-based programs, though the standard timeline is 4 years.
Are there Any Online Accelerated Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees?
Yes, many universities offer online accelerated psychology bachelor’s degrees that allow students to graduate in 3 years by taking shorter, intensive courses, offering more credits per term, or accepting more transfer credits. .
What are the Benefits of an Accelerated Psychology Bachelor’s Degree?
Accelerated psychology bachelor’s degree programs can give you several important benefits. Even though these programs move at a fast pace, they still give you flexibility to study in your own setting and at times that work best for you.
Another major benefit is the amount of time you can save. An accelerated psychology program can allow you to complete your degree in 2 years or less, which is much faster than a traditional bachelor’s program.
You may also reduce your overall education costs. By finishing your degree in 3 years, you may spend less on tuition, fees, and other related expenses.
Graduating earlier can also help you move into the workforce more quickly. Finishing sooner may allow you to begin a new career or move forward in your current career in less time.
What are the Prerequisites For Enrolling in an Accelerated Psychology Program?
Undergraduate psychology programs often have several common admission requirements. For undergraduate admission, you usually need a high school diploma or a GED. You are also generally required to submit official high school transcripts that show successful completion of coursework.
Some programs may also ask for a minimum GPA, often around 2.5 to 3.0. In some cases, schools may request SAT or ACT scores, although many online programs now follow test-optional policies.
What Types of Specializations are Available in an Accelerated Psychology Program?
One of the most common options is Industrial-Organizational Psychology, which focuses on using psychological principles in workplace settings. Courses in this area may include organizational behavior, human resources management, employee training and development, and performance assessment.
Another common option is Clinical Psychology. This specialization centers on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Courses in this area may include advanced psychopathology, clinical assessment, psychotherapy techniques, and ethics in clinical practice.
Counseling Psychology is also a well-known specialization. It focuses on helping individuals manage personal and interpersonal challenges. Topics in this area may include counseling theories, group therapy, multicultural counseling, and career counseling. There are also Christian counseling master’s programs for students who want to continue their education with faith-based methods.
Forensic Psychology is another common specialization. This area connects psychology with the legal system. Courses may include criminal behavior, legal psychology, and psychological assessment in legal settings.
Child and Adolescent Psychology is also widely available. This specialization focuses on the psychological development of children and adolescents. Courses may include child development, adolescent psychology, pediatric neuropsychology, and family therapy.
How Do I Choose the Best Accelerated Psychology Bachelor’s Program?
There are several important steps and points to consider when choosing an accelerated psychology bachelor’s degree. One of the first things to review is accreditation. You should look for programs that are accredited by recognized accrediting agencies. Accreditation shows that the program meets quality standards and may affect job opportunities.
You should also review the curriculum and available specializations. Look closely at the courses to make sure they cover the areas of psychology that interest you and match your career goals. If you have a specific area of interest, make sure the program offers related specializations or elective courses. Because an accelerated psychology program may be seen as one of the faster degrees that can lead to strong earnings, choosing a specialization may greatly improve your career options and earning potential.
Program length and format are also important. Accelerated programs may differ in length, so you should make sure the pace fits your schedule and your ability to manage a heavy workload. You should also check whether the program is fully online or whether it includes any in-person requirements.
Cost and financial aid should also be reviewed carefully. Compare tuition and fees across different programs. Be sure to include added costs such as textbooks, technology fees, and other expenses. You should also look into scholarships, grants, loans, and tuition reimbursement programs offered by the school or outside sources.
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