A bachelor's in psychology is an undergraduate program focused on studying the human mind and our behaviors. Earning your psychology bachelor's degree is a vital step toward a career in rewarding fields like addiction psychology, forensic psychology, applied behavior analysis, and I-O psychology.
Psychology bachelor's programs fall into two main categories: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.). While the differences between these degrees vary depending on the school and program, here are some general distinctions:
A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology typically allows more elective arts, humanities, and social sciences courses. This means B.A. in Psych graduates are better equipped to pursue a career outside of psychology in fields such as law, criminal justice, marketing, and social work.
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology replaces these electives with requisite courses in math, science, and research. This means Psychology BS grads are better prepared for graduate degrees in psychology and to become clinical psychologists or researchers.
Both the Psych B.A. and Psych B.S. typically take four years to complete as a full-time student, and both programs have a similar cost and level of difficulty. Your choice between a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science in psychology will come down to your interests, school choices, and career goals.
PsychologyBachelors.org is your complete, unbiased guide to choosing a degree in psychology. We analyze and rank the best undergraduate psychology programs, explore the costs and benefits of pursuing a degree in this field, and provide helpful tips from psychology and education insiders.