Bachelor of Science in Psychology
A comprehensive guide to BS in Psychology programs including common courses, popular specializations, advanced degree options and career paths.
The study of psychology focuses on understanding the human mind and our behaviors. A Bachelor of Science in Psychology is an undergraduate program that offers students a strong foundation in the scientific aspects of psychology. This program emphasizes empirical research, quantitative methods, and a deep understanding of psychological principles. A BS in psychology is an excellent way to break into lucrative fields like psychological research, applied behavior analysis, and forensic psychology.
In this article, we’ll highlight the key components of a bachelor of science in psychology, including what courses you should expect to take, marketable specializations, advanced degree options, and career prospects for Psych BS graduates.
BS in Psychology Courses
While the exact curriculum for a Bachelor of Science in Psychology will vary across institutions and majors, there are certain courses you can expect to find in most programs.
Popular courses in a bachelor of science in psychology include:
Foundational Psychology Courses
All BS in Psychology programs will include introductory courses that provide a broad understanding of the field of psychology, its rich history, and an introduction to the leading specializations.Research Methods and Statistics
A major focus of the BS in Psychology is to equip students with the necessary skills to design, conduct and analyze empirical research. Courses in scientific methods and statistics are essential to achieve this goal.Biological & Cognitive Psychology
This part of a psychology bachelor of science delves into the underlying neural and cognitive processes that drive human behavior, thought and emotion.Experimental Psychology
Students in this course are trained in experimental design and methodology, which enables them to conduct controlled experiments to test hypotheses and advance our understanding of psychological phenomena.Specialization Courses
BS in Psychology programs typically offer courses and electives that allow students to explore specific areas of interest within the field, such as clinical, sports, cognitive neuroscience, or industrial-organizational (IO) psychology.Related: BS vs BA in Psychology
Popular Specializations for a BS in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology programs offer a wide range of specializations to students who want to pursue specific interests or prepare for advanced study in the field.
Desirable specializations for a BS in Psychology include:
Clinical Psychology
This specialization focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders. BS in Psych students can take courses in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and clinical assessment to learn this specialty.Cognitive Neuroscience
This concentration is centered around the neural basis of cognitive processes, including perception, attention, memory and language. Psychology BS students can take classes in brain imaging, cognitive neuropsychology, and sensory systems.Industrial-Organizational Psychology
This specialization applies psychological principles to workplace settings, including selection, training, performance appraisal, and organizational development. BS Psychology students who study IO psychology may take courses in motivation, leadership, and organizational culture.forensic Psychology
This psychology BS major applies psychological principles to legal and criminal justice settings, including criminal profiling, eyewitness testimony, crime scene investigation, and jury selection. Bachelor’s of Science in forensic psychology include coursework in psychology and law, forensic analysis, and risk assessment.Sports Psychology
Sports psychology involves the application of psychological principles and techniques to enhance athletic performance and well-being. Psych BS students in this concentration will study exercise psychology, sport psychology interventions, and psychophysiology of sport.Advanced Degrees for Psychology BS Grads
Many students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology go on to pursue advanced degrees to attain specialized knowledge and credentials for their desired career path.
Popular advanced degree options for BS in Psychology graduates include:
Master of Science in Psychology (M.S.)
An MS in Psych allows students to pursue higher-level roles in a specific psychological discipline, such as experimental psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or environmental psychology.- Additional Study: 2 years
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
This program typically takes at least four years to complete after earning your BS in Psychology, and emphasizes clinical practice and applied research. PsyD programs typically require a dissertation or capstone project.- Additional Study: 4-7 years
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.)
Psychology PhDs typically take five to seven years to complete and emphasize scientific research and scholarship. A PhD in psychology prepares graduates for careers in academia or advanced research.- Additional Study: 5-7 years
Jobs You Can Get with a BS in Psychology
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology opens up numerous career opportunities across different fields and industries.
Leading career paths for BS in Psychology graduates include:
| Psychology Career | Average Salary | Education Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Research Coordinator | $51,000 | Bachelor's degree |
| Marketing Research Analyst | $65,810 | Bachelor's degree |
| Biostatistician | $75,000 | Bachelor's degree |
| Human Factors Psychologist | $90,010 | Bachelor's degree |
| Sports Psychologist | $82,000 | Master's degree |
| Neuropsychologist | $96,400 | Master's degree + certification |
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and aggregated data from online job boards
It’s important to note that salaries for Bachelor of Science Psychology graduates will vary depending on numerous factors, such as location, employer, and previously held experience.
In conclusion, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology offers a rigorous and scientifically grounded education in the field of psychology. With its emphasis on research and quantitative methods, this degree prepares graduates for a wide range of career options and advanced educational opportunities. When considering a BS in Psychology program, make sure to choose an accredited institution that aligns with your goals and interests to maximize your educational experience.