Are you passionate about understanding the human mind and behavior, but struggling to find the time to pursue a traditional college degree? If so, an online psychology bachelor’s degree might be the perfect solution for you.
By choosing an online program, you can enjoy the flexibility of studying at your own pace, while gaining the knowledge and skills needed for a fulfilling career in this dynamic field.
In this guide, we will explore some of the popular schools offering online psychology bachelor’s degrees in California, to help you make an informed decision and take the first step towards a rewarding future in psychology.
Online Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in California
Here is a list of some of the popular schools offering online psychology bachelor’s degrees in California:
- California State University, Long Beach
- Capella University
- California Coast University
- California Southern University
- California Baptist University
- Sacramento State University
- San Francisco State University
- UMass Global
California State University, Long Beach
Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology
Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology gives you versatile skills that can be applied to many career paths. By enrolling in the online BA in Psychology program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), you will be prepared for a wide range of careers in fields like healthcare, human resources, education, counseling, communications, social sciences, and customer service.
If you want to pursue specialized careers, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program also lays the groundwork for further education, including psychology master’s degree programs.
During the program, you will explore the different aspects of psychology, learning about the social, biological and environmental, and cultural influences on behavior. The program offers a fixed series of classes throughout the year, including a summer session, allowing you to take fewer classes at a time.
By following the “lock-step” cohort model, you will be able to connect with your classmates and have timely access to all required courses while building a supportive network of peers.
This program is ideal if you are a transfer student or if you are interested in pursuing careers such as a caseworker, teacher, corrections officer, research assistant, or employment relations specialist.
In this program, you will learn:
- Skills in critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.
- Knowledge of theory, research, and practice in various psychology disciplines such as cognitive, social, developmental, clinical, human factors, and industrial-organizational.
- How to use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.
- How to apply psychological knowledge and skills to your career goals.
- How to evaluate psychological science and practice using ethical standards.
- Appreciation and understanding of the diversity among individuals, groups, and cultures.
During the program, you will take various core psychology courses, including:
- Psychology as a Career and a Discipline
- Sensation and Perception
- Psychology of Happiness
- Abnormal Psychology
- Psychology of Addiction
- Child & Adolescent Development
- Human Factors Psychology
To graduate from the program, you will need to maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher in the program’s course requirements.
California Coast University
Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the California Coast University (CCU) is designed to help you explore the complex nature of humans through the important theories and principles related to the field.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program includes 42 total courses: 14 Core Courses, 14 Elective Courses, and 14 General Ed Courses. There are 126 total semester units in this program. Some of the core courses are:
- Psychology of Gender
- Health Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Marriage and Family
- Personality Theories
- Counseling Psychology
CCU’s online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is designed for maximum flexibility, with all courses being self-paced and 100% online.
Upon completing the program successfully, you will be able to:
- Investigate various psychological theories based on field-specific research and best practices
- Show an understanding of psychological research in diverse subjects
- Evaluate different behavior theories
- Assess the program content in the context of ethical reasoning, social responsibility, global citizenship, and civic participation
- Explore key issues in human relationships, emotional science, and personality factors
- Examine important concepts and theories using critical thinking and academic writing skills
To be eligible to apply, you must be at least 18 years old and have successfully earned a high school diploma, GED, or an equivalent qualification.
Since its establishment in 1973, California Coast University has been at the forefront of distance learning. CCU continuously addresses the needs of individuals who face challenges related to geographic, professional, or personal time limitations, which may prevent them from completing their education at a conventional brick-and-mortar institution.
California Southern University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The online BA in Psychology at California Southern University is designed to give you an introduction to the field of psychology and behavior studies. This foundation will enable you to apply your understanding of psychology to a variety of bachelor-level careers in industries, government, and relevant non-profit organizations.
This program also offers essential knowledge and skills that can help you secure entry-level, non-clinical positions in mental health centers and social service agencies. It’s also ideal if you are looking to further your education in psychology and related fields at the graduate level.
To complete this BA in Psychology, you will need to earn a total of 120 credits. This includes 36 credits for general education, 30 credits for core courses, 21 credits for psychology electives, and 33 credits for general electives. Some of the core courses are:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Basic Abnormal Psychology
- Introduction to Human Development
- Cognition and the Brain
- Ethical and Professional Issues
- Theories and Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy
As you progress through the program, you will develop the ability to:
- Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms, demonstrating your grasp of key psychology concepts, theories, research findings, and historical developments.
- Solve problems creatively and innovatively using scientific reasoning to analyze behavior and mental processes.
- Enhance your self-awareness regarding the impact of diverse cultures, equity, and social beliefs on global perspectives in the field of psychology.
- Understand and apply fundamental research methods in psychology, such as research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Identify important ethical issues related to professional and academic behavior within the field of psychology.
California Baptist University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The goal of the online BA in Psychology program at California Baptist University is to prepare you for a variety of careers related to human and social services. This degree can also be a stepping stone if you are planning to become a licensed psychologist in California.
Through this program, you will learn about various aspects of human behavior, including motivation, attention, development, psychophysiology, and abnormal psychology. You will also develop valuable skills such as critical thinking and ethical decision-making, which can be applied in any career.
The program’s coursework allows you to explore different areas of psychology, such as abnormal psychology, counseling psychology, and theories of personality. Upon completing your degree, you can pursue entry-level jobs in social services, including roles like rehabilitation specialist, psychiatric technician, career counselor, and case manager.
Additionally, your strong communication skills and knowledge of human behavior can lead to success in positions such as marketing representative, sales director, personnel and training, executive assistant, and legal assistant. If you are interested in learning about people, eager to help others, and looking for a rewarding career, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is an excellent choice.
By the end of the BA in Psychology program, you will be able to:
- Grasp the history and development of psychology as a field.
- Assess contemporary theories about human behavior, covering both normal and abnormal psychological functioning.
- Examine the human brain’s various structures and functions and their influence on psychological functioning and behavior.
- Utilize different research techniques to study psychological constructs in behavioral science.
- Apply critical thinking skills to effectively integrate psychological concepts in professional written communication.
Sacramento State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a significant achievement, and the new online, accelerated degree completion program at Sacramento State offers the flexibility, accessibility, and affordability you need to complete your degree.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology opens up numerous career and personal growth opportunities, as it gives you a strong understanding of human behavior. This degree is not only an important milestone but also a foundation for further education.
The degree completion program offers added flexibility with online, accelerated courses, allowing you to fit your education into your busy life. This way, you can create a schedule that suits your needs and complete your courses efficiently.
As a student in the program, you will receive continuous support from a dedicated academic advisor and financial aid coordinator. From admissions to graduation, you will have the assistance of the program staff.
Upon completing the online BA in Psychology program at Sacramento State, you will earn a degree identical to the one awarded to students attending traditional face-to-face courses.
This program is designed for adult learners who previously left college before graduating and now want to return and finish their degree. It’s tailored for students who need the online format to complete their education.
Typically, students take 6-12 units per semester, and the program isn’t cohort-based, meaning you can take as few as one class per year. Upper-division General Education (GE) courses are also offered to fulfill university graduation requirements beyond the major.
San Francisco State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at San Francisco State University is a 120-credit program that lays a strong foundation in understanding and evaluating psychological literature, communicating psychological concepts effectively, and conducting psychological research using various techniques and tools.
This degree sets you up for success in various fields involving human relations and behavior. Moreover, it prepares you for graduate school in psychology, other social and behavioral sciences, as well as professional fields like business, law, and medicine.
To complete this degree, you will need to earn at least 60 psychology credits, including 14 units of core curriculum, 18-21 units of basic courses, and 9-12 units of electives. If needed, you can take extra electives to reach 60 units. Some of the core courses are:
- General Psychology
- Psychological Statistics
- Psychology: The Major and the Profession
- Writing in Psychology – GWAR
- Introduction to Research in Psychology
- Future Directions for Psychology Majors
Once you have finished the BA in Psychology at San Francisco State, you will be able to:
- Understand key concepts, principles, and themes in psychology, as well as its various applications.
- Use scientific reasoning to make sense of psychological phenomena, design and conduct basic research, and consider sociocultural factors in your inquiry.
- Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological practices, build strong interpersonal relationships, and contribute to community building at local, national, and global levels.
- Write and present effectively for various purposes, and interact efficiently with others.
- Apply psychological knowledge and skills to your career goals, demonstrate self-efficacy and self-regulation, refine project management skills, improve teamwork abilities, and develop a meaningful professional direction for your life.
Should I Major in Psychology BA or BS?
Choosing between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology is a decision that depends on your individual interests, aspirations, and talents. Keep the following distinctions in mind when making your choice:
- Curriculum: Generally, a BA in Psychology offers a wider liberal arts education, incorporating more humanities, social sciences, and language courses. In contrast, a BS typically emphasizes natural sciences, mathematics, and research methods. This means a BA gives you a more comprehensive education, while a BS delves deeper into the scientific aspects of psychology.
- Career objectives: If your goal is to work in clinical psychology, research, or other science-focused fields, a BS degree may be more suitable, as it better prepares you for graduate studies in these areas. On the other hand, if you are drawn to counseling, social work, human resources, or other fields that demand strong communication and interpersonal skills, a BA degree could be a better match.
- Personal strengths: A BS in Psychology might be a better fit if you enjoy and excel in natural sciences, mathematics, and research. However, if your strengths lie in humanities, social sciences, and languages, a BA in Psychology could be more appropriate.
Related Reading
- Online Psychology Master’s Programs in California
- Accredited School Psychology Programs in California
- Popular Psychology Schools and Graduate Programs in California
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