Kansas offers several options for earning an online bachelor’s degree in psychology, catering to students seeking flexibility and quality education. These programs provide an in-depth understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and research methodologies.
Universities in Kansas, such as the University of Kansas and Fort Hays State University, deliver rigorous online curricula taught by experienced faculty, ensuring that students receive the same level of education as their on-campus peers.
With diverse specializations available, these programs prepare graduates for various career paths in psychology, human services, and beyond, all while accommodating the demands of modern life.
Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in Kansas
Here is a list of some of the popular schools offering online psychology bachelor’s degrees in Kansas:
- University of Kansas
- Fort Hays State University
- Baker University
- Central Christian College of Kansas
- Grand Canyon University
- Capella University
- Purdue Global
- Arizona State University Online
- Southern Hampshire University
University of Kansas
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Online bachelor’s in psychology at the University of Kansas (KU) allows you to explore how people behave and how their minds function, applying that knowledge to today’s world. With this online program from KU, you will acquire essential skills that will prepare you for success in various careers.
Typically, completing this 120-credit bachelor’s degree takes between four and six years if starting from scratch. This timeframe depends on whether you enroll full-time, taking 12-15 credit hours per semester, or part-time, taking fewer than 11 credit hours. You will work closely with academic success coaches to create a graduation timeline that fits into your life.
This degree-completion program is designed for those with some prior college credit who aim to earn a bachelor’s degree. You should enter with at least 24 credit hours, ideally 40. These credits could have been obtained from KU, a community college, or other university coursework.
You have a wide variety of psychology courses to choose from, with additional experiences and opportunities beyond the classroom. There are many opportunities for scholarship awards and extracurricular enrichment, including the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, a research-focused Honors Program, and research assistantships and volunteer opportunities in Faculty labs.
Core courses of the program include:
- English
- Math and Statistics
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Social and Behavior Science
- Natural and Physical Sciences
- Communications
- Global Culture
- Arts and Humanities
- US Culture
While completing all required courses, you must also complete at least 37 hours of psychology major courses.
Understanding human behavior is crucial in many professional fields and can lead to success in various careers. A bachelor’s in psychology is often the first step for those considering careers as psychologists, psychiatrists, health care counselors and clinicians, physician assistants, social workers, nurses, or other professions requiring a master’s or doctorate.
KU’s online bachelor’s in psychology can also lead to careers that require a deep understanding of people, including lawyers, executives, and managers at all levels, as well as many entry-level positions in various professions.
The program offers a unique academic experience where you will gain a wide range of transferable skills, preparing you for a broad range of professions. You will be trained in research methodology, critical analysis, data and statistic collections and assessments, ICT skills, and project management.
The undergraduate curriculum is designed as part of a general education for those preparing for careers in different fields of psychology, seeking general professional positions, or anticipating graduate work.
KU’s online degree programs are designed with your busy schedule in mind, offering the flexibility to study wherever and often whenever is most convenient for you. Online courses are taught by the same highly regarded faculty and expert instructors and contain the same rigorous curriculum and instruction as on-campus programs.
This is the same degree you would earn as an on-campus student in the same program, with online courses following the same high standards and taught by the same faculty. All classes are managed by the departments offering them, not by an outside party.
The flat-rate tuition for fully online domestic College of Liberal Arts & Sciences students is $445 per credit hour, regardless of their status as Kansas or out-of-state students. Only domestic students are eligible at this time. All students are eligible for the same financial aid and scholarships as on-campus students. Additionally, The College Online Scholarship may be awarded for up to $2,000 for one academic year.
As a degree-seeking student, you will apply to the psychology program through the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences as a transfer or readmit. This program has a rolling application deadline. We will work with new applicants up to a month before the start of an eight-week course. If that deadline cannot be met, the application will roll over to the next available start date.
Fort Hays State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Are you interested in the human mind or curious about why people act the way they do? Are you committed to becoming a socially-aware mental health professional or an advocate for your community? Are you passionate about engaging in innovative research on the mind and human behavior? If so, a bachelor’s degree in psychology may be the right choice for you. The Department of Psychology at Fort Hays State University offers engaging, hands-on programs that will equip you with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fort Hays State University will prepare you for a specific career or additional graduate studies.
The psychology major consists of two parts: a 30-hour core curriculum and a 6-hour elective curriculum. You must complete all courses in the psychology core. However, you have the opportunity to tailor your major to your interests by selecting two psychology electives courses to complete the 36-hour major.
All first-time freshman students must complete the 36-hour general education program.
If you are interested in entering the workforce immediately after graduation, this undergraduate program will provide you with useful skills for various careers. Examples include human resource management, sales, criminal justice, and marketing. If you are interested in mental health and helping professions with a bachelor’s degree, the university offers a workforce-ready certificate program in case management. This certificate provides direct training for becoming case managers, a career available to bachelor’s degree holders.
Some of the major courses you will take include:
- General Psychology: This course examnies principles related to human and animal behavior, focusing on the evaluation of theories, methods of analysis, related research, and practical applications of behavior principles.
- Psychology as a Discipline and Profession: An introduction to specific areas of psychology and the organization of psychology as a discipline. You will interact with all faculty members of the psychology department.
- Science of Psychology: This course provides the fundamental skills in psychology and science to become critical thinkers and research-oriented life-long learners. You will learn to evaluate scientific claims, concepts, and principles to better understand and apply psychological research findings.
- Abnormal Psychology: A study of the classification, description, and treatment of human psychological disorders.
- Introduction to Cognitive Psychology: The study of normal human cognitive processes such as thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, and remembering. The course examines the historical development of analogies between computing machines and the human mind/brain, as well as techniques for more efficient memory and practical problem-solving strategies.
- Social Psychology: The study of individuals in social interactions and social influence situations. The course investigates theoretical, empirical, and practical issues related to interpersonal behavior and group processes.
- Child and Developmental Psychology: A survey course on the theoretical assumptions of why behavior changes occur during individual growth and development.
- Applied Statistics in the Behavioral Sciences: An introduction to methods of research data analysis in the behavioral and social sciences. Topics include measurement problems, data description, frequency distributions, central tendency, variability, norms, correlation, hypothesis testing, decision making, and evaluation of empirical investigations. Emphasis is placed on real-world applications of statistics.
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory: A beginning course in the basic techniques of experimental methodology, including problem formulation, study design, result organization, and formal communication.
- Neuropsychology: This course covers topics in neuropsychology, including the mapping of mental functioning onto the brain and the assessment of selected neurological difficulties.
By choosing to study psychology at Fort Hays State University, you will receive a solid foundation for various careers and the skills necessary to make significant contributions to your field.
Baker University
Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
A major in psychology is the first step toward a career where you can make a lasting impact on those you work with and interact with. Whether you wish to continue in your current career, reenter the workforce with new skills, or enroll in graduate school, an online bachelor’s degree in psychology from Baker University is your stepping-stone.
At Baker, you do not have to choose between working and studying. You can do both. This program is among the few psychology programs offering an online curriculum that covers one course at a time.
Baker’s psychology major provides you with:
- A broad perspective on the evolving field of psychology
- An understanding of the fundamentals of general, developmental, social, learning, and behavioral psychology to help you find your area of interest
- The ability to design and execute your own research proposal and plan
- Critical thinking and analytical skills that are valuable in any career or situation
You will need to complete 120 credits to graduate from this program. The degree is structured as follows:
- General Education Courses: 33 credits
- Proficiencies: 12 credits
- General Electives: 39 credits
- Psychology Major Core Courses: 36 credits
Here’s what you can expect from Baker’s online bachelor’s degree in psychology:
- Accredited Psychology Curriculum: Baker’s online bachelor’s degree in psychology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Bake University meets strict standards and continuously improve our curriculum.
- Course Credit for Work Experiences: Baker’s Prior Learning and Assessment Center recognizes the psychology experience you have gained outside the classroom. Your academic advisor will help you find ways to earn credit for your knowledge, allowing you to earn your degree faster and more affordably.
- Preparation for Graduate Studies: If you plan to pursue a master’s or PhD, this online bachelor’s degree in psychology will uniquely prepare you for advanced education.
- Small Classes: Baker keeps programs small to ensure a comfortable learning environment. 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows for personalized discussions and one-on-one support from faculty.
- Study from Anywhere: Earn your online degree in psychology from anywhere.
- Accelerated Courses: Accelerated, six-week courses help you complete coursework quickly.
- Shorter Duration: You can earn your online bachelor’s degree in psychology in as few as two years, depending on transfer credits.
To earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in psychology from Baker University, you must meet the following requirements:
- Successful completion of at least 120 credit hours (Residency requirements: A minimum of 30 hours of upper-level course work [numbered 300 or higher] must be taken at Baker University)
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
- Successful completion of a major area of concentration with a GPA of at least 2.0
- Satisfaction of all general education requirements.
- Satisfaction of all proficiency requirements.
- Submission of an intent to graduate form six months before the anticipated degree completion
Admissions requirements for this program include:
- Completed application form.
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges or universities attended.
- For applicants whose native language is not English, a minimum TOEFL test score of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 on the internet-based test, or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (Additional requirements may apply).
For applicants who were home-schooled with fewer than 12 hours of transferable college credit:
- A transcript or portfolio of their home-school experience
- Transcripts of completed high school work
- An original ACT score report from Educational Testing Service with a composite score of 21 or SAT score of 510
Need-based financial aid is available to students who demonstrate a need for additional resources to help pay for college costs. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed annually to determine eligibility for applicable financial aid programs.
Central Christian College of Kansas
Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The online psychology bachelor’s degree at Central Christian College of Kansas emphasizes a balance between scientific understanding and the human connection in psychological care. This program is designed to equip you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed in the field of psychology.
With a structure tailored for those who juggle multiple responsibilities, the courses can be completed in six-week increments and are offered asynchronously. This allows you to manage your coursework according to your schedule. The online program mirrors the on-campus program in content and quality.
You are required to complete 45 core credits in psychology to graduate. The duration of the program will depend on how many credits you transfer from a previous two-year or four-year institution.
Depending on whether you are a full-time or part-time student, the program can take anywhere from two to four years to complete. For transferring students, some programs can be completed in as few as 15 months. Class discussions, lectures, and assignment submissions are all conducted online.
This degree provides you with an understanding of normative and non-normative human behavior and conditions, their various treatments, theories, and responses.
You will also learn methods for creating psychology-based research experiments to expand knowledge in the field. You will become familiar with the five American Psychological Association (APA) principles for conducting, presenting, and applying psychological research: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence, Fidelity and Responsibility, Integrity, Justice, and Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity. This training equips you to pursue advanced study to become a psychology researcher or practitioner.
Graduates with an online psychology bachelor’s degree are well-prepared to pursue graduate study in the field, which is typically required for licensed positions such as school psychologist or substance abuse counselor.
Central Christian College of Kansas Online allows you to transfer a maximum of 90 credits toward your psychology online bachelor’s program. This generous transfer policy means:
- Less time spent on general education courses.
- Completing your degree more quickly.
- Saving money based on the number of units you transfer.
Central Christian College uses Canvas as its online learning management system. Canvas facilitates easy connection with instructors and other students, managing coursework, and submitting assignments. This cutting-edge system provides an engaging learning experience accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Learning outcomes of the program include:
- Distinguishing reatments for normative and non-normative behavior.
- Evaluating psychological theories, practices, and responses holistically.
- Adapting psychological principles and modalities to diverse cultures and worldviews.
- Explaining the contributions of psychological theories and their relation to human functioning.
- Designing and executing an experiment or research initiative to answer a psychological question.
- Analyzing, interpreting, and describing data using descriptive and inferential statistics.
- Facilitating APA guidelines for the ethical treatment of research participants.
- Expressing thoughts, ideas, and findings according to APA standards.
To apply for this program, you must have a high school diploma or GED. Admissions are on a rolling basis, and you need to be admitted to a degree or certificate program to qualify for most types of financial aid.
There are various financial aid options available to finance your online psychology degree. Some ways to finance your online program include:
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement
- Scholarships
- Federal Financial Aid Grant and Loan Programs
Grand Canyon University
Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Grand Canyon University (GCU) aims to teach you both specialized and transferable skills and knowledge, opening the door to numerous career possibilities and specialization options.
This bachelor’s degree is designed to equip you with specialized and versatile skills, preparing you for a variety of career paths and further specialization. GCU aims to produce graduates who are confident and ready for the workplace, equipped to implement their knowledge immediately or pursue further qualifications in graduate school.
If you are passionate about assisting others in achieving their potential and are intrigued by the scientific foundations of human actions, this psychology degree could be an ideal choice for you.
To complete this program at GCU, you need to earn 120 credits. Online courses typically last eight weeks, while campus-based courses extend up to 15 weeks. Here’s a breakdown of the degree requirements:
- General Education Requirements: 34-40 credits
- Major: 48 credits
- Open Elective Credits: 32-38 credits
- Total Degree Requirements: 120 credits
The core courses align with objectives set by APA, ensuring you are well-prepared for professional advancement. The BS in Psychology serves as a strong foundation for further academic pursuits.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this online BS in Psychology includes a broad survey of the fundamental aspects of human thought and behavior at all stages of life. The curriculum examines how human thought and behavior are continuously influenced by social, cultural, and environmental factors.
Throughout your undergraduate studies, you will develop critical thinking and analytical skills, refine your communication capabilities, and learn to apply these skills in professional settings. You will study a range of behaviors and thought patterns and gain expertise in research best practices, including scientific observation, data collection, and analysis.
The curriculum lays a foundation in psychology and offers options to specialize by adding an emphasis, such as performance and sport psychology or forensic psychology. Key areas of focus in this program include:
- Innovative thinking and effective communication
- Ethical research practices
- Developmental psychology from childhood through aging
- Neuroscience and abnormal behaviors
You will also undertake a capstone course, which involves writing a proposal for a research project addressing a specific psychological issue. This project combines and applies your accumulated knowledge and skills.
All courses for the program offer the same accredited education as the on-campus courses. The e-learning platform provides an engaging forum for intellectual discussions. With an online education, you can earn your degree in a 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.
With a BS in Psychology from GCU, you could pursue entry-level positions in private sectors, nonprofits, schools, or social service agencies. Related roles include:
- Social and community service managers
- Human service assistants
- Community and social service specialists
For advanced positions or to become a clinical or counseling psychologist, a master’s or doctoral degree is typically necessary, along with state-specific licensure.
Applying to GCU is straightforward and free of charge. You need to submit high school or college transcripts for full admission consideration. An essay is not required for the application process.
Is Psychology Better In-Person or Online?
Deciding between in-person and online psychology programs depends on your personal needs and circumstances. In-person programs offer direct interaction with professors and peers, providing immediate feedback and fostering a strong sense of community. These face-to-face interactions can enhance your understanding through active discussions and hands-on experiences, particularly beneficial in courses requiring practical application.
Online programs, however, offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to study from anywhere and often at your own pace. This mode is ideal if you need to balance studies with work or other commitments. Additionally, online courses can still provide interactive and engaging learning environments through forums, video lectures, and virtual labs.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your learning style, schedule, and career goals. Both formats can provide a solid education in psychology, so consider what environment will help you thrive academically and personally.
What’s the Difference Between a BA and a BS in Psychology?
The main difference between a BA and a BS in Psychology lies in their focus and coursework.
A BA in Psychology typically includes a broader liberal arts education. It emphasizes humanities and social sciences, offering more elective courses in areas like sociology, philosophy, and foreign languages. This path is ideal if you have diverse academic interests or plan to pursue careers in counseling, social work, or human resources, where a well-rounded education is beneficial.
A BS in Psychology, on the other hand, places a stronger emphasis on scientific and technical aspects. It includes more coursework in math, biology, chemistry, and statistics. This degree is suited for those interested in research, neuroscience, or preparing for medical or graduate school in psychology, as it provides a more rigorous scientific foundation.