Psychology Bachelor's Degrees in Oregon

A guide to Oregon's best psychology bachelor programs in 2024.

Nestled among lush forests, eclectic cities, majestic mountains, and rugged coastlines, Oregon is an inspirational setting to study the human mind and behaviors. The Pacific Northwest gem is home to top-tier undergraduate psychology programs renowned for their practical focus and commitment to inclusivity and supported by a bevy of college funding options. Moreover, Oregon's flourishing job market offers abundant opportunities for psychology specialists in all industries.

This page will highlight Oregon’s top-ranked bachelor's degrees in psychology. We'll also explore state-specific financial aid and scholarship options and potential jobs and salaries for psychology graduates in the Beaver State.

What makes our rankings valuable?

Most degree rankings rely heavily on National Center for Education Statistics data, measuring school-wide rates for student retention, graduation, acceptance, etc. The NCES has good data, and we use it too; however, we go further to analyze the current and future demand for the skills and credentials gained. We also list actual tuition costs and delve deep into value and flexibility to consider dual-degree, accelerated, and distance learning options.

Top 3 Psychology Bachelor Degrees in Oregon

We chose Oregon's best bachelor's degrees in psychology using seven criteria: curriculum relevance, school reputation, program benefits, institutional statistics, flexibility, affordability, and overall value.

Here are the top psychology bachelor's in Oregon for 2024:

1. University of Oregon

UO’s Psychology Bachelor’s with a Major in Child Behavioral Health is innovative and comprehensive. It focuses on equipping students with advanced skills in identifying, preventing, and intervening in mental health issues among children and adolescents. This undergraduate degree features elements typical of graduate-level training, such as extensive hands-on practice in clinical and community settings.

Structured as a 4-year degree with the school's '2+2' approach, it allows for foundational learning over the first two years, followed by intensive, specialized training in years three and four. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for various roles, including mental health technician, behavior support specialist, and social-emotional learning interventionist. Students who progress to graduate programs can pursue roles in school counseling, clinical psychology, early intervention, and more.

  • Format: On-campus
  • Locations: Eugene, OR
  • Tuition Cost:
    • OR Resident: $15,669 per year
    • Out-of-State: $43,302 per year
  • Related Programs at UO:
    • Minor in Psychology
    • M.S. in Psychology
    • Ph.D. in Psychology
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Oregon State University

OSU’s Undergraduate Psychology Major integrates the study of biological, social, and environmental influences on human and animal cognition, emotion, and behavior. Beyond a core curriculum of key psychological concepts and scientific research, this program allows for specialization in areas such as clinical, counseling, and industrial-organizational psychology, preparing students for advanced study and lucrative career paths.

This well-curated Psych major can be taken as part of a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. In addition to its main campus in Corvallis, Oregon, OSU offers the undergraduate psychology program at its OSU-Cascades campus in Bend and as a fully online program through its Ecampus.

  • Format: On-campus or Online
  • Locations: Corvallis & Bend, OR
  • Tuition Cost:
    • OR Resident: $15,669 per year
    • Out-of-State: $43,302 per year
    • Online: $63,000 total program cost
  • Related Programs at OSU:
    • Psychology Undergraduate Minor
    • Psychology Graduate Major (M.S., Ph.D.)
    • Psychology Graduate Minor
    • User Experience Research Minor
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. Portland State University

PSU’s B.S. and B.A. in Psychology offer a comprehensive understanding of the human mind, behavior, and social interactions, aiming to provide insights for enhancing lives and addressing societal issues. Known for its flexibility, the program allows students to tailor their studies to personal interests and offers marketable courses and electives in fields like counseling, neuroscience, health psychology, and human diversity.

Located in the heart of downtown Portland, PSU emphasizes student engagement in research and community projects. Graduates of this program are equipped with the skills and knowledge for various roles in counseling, advocacy, behavioral health, human resources, public relations, and more.

  • Format: On-campus
  • Locations: Portland, OR
  • Tuition Cost:
    • OR Resident: $11,859 per year
    • Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): $16,827 per year
    • Out-of-State: $32,019 per year
  • Related Programs at PSU:
    • Pathways Through Psychology
    • Minor in Psychology
    • Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Minor
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Psychology Jobs & Salaries in Oregon

Earning your bachelor's degree in psychology can open doors to rewarding careers. Here are some popular psychology jobs in Oregon, along with the median pay and the education you'll need for each:

Psychology Occupation Salary in OR Education Requirement
Clinical Psychologist $125,000 Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) + Licensure
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist $120,000 Master's or Doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Neuropsychologist $115,000 Doctorate in Neuropsychology or Clinical Psychology + Licensure
Health Psychologist $92,000 Doctorate in Health Psychology or Clinical Psychology + Licensure
School Psychologist $89,000 Ed.S. or Master's degree in School Psychology + Licensure
Human Resources Specialist $78,000 Bachelor's degree in Psychology
Behavioral Analyst $75,000 Bachelor's or Master's degree in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, or related field + Certification
Counseling Psychologist $85,000 Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) + Licensure
Psychological and Vocational Counselor $65,000 Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work + Licensure

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Analysis of Online Job Boards

Related: Psychology Bachelor's Degree Jobs.

Financial Aid & Scholarships in Oregon

These are some of the most valuable scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for undergraduate psychology students in Oregon:

Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG)

This need-based grant program is the largest state-funded grant in Oregon. It provides financial assistance to eligible students attending participating OR colleges and universities.

Award Amount: Up to $5,076 per academic year

Oregon Promise Grant

The Oregon Promise Grant program covers tuition costs for recent high school graduates and GED recipients who plan to attend eligible community colleges in Oregon. Students can complete their first two years of a bachelor's degree program at a community college and then transfer to a four-year institution.

Award Amount: Up to $4,248 per academic year

Ford Family Foundation Scholarships

The Ford Family Foundation offers several scholarships for Oregon residents pursuing higher education. The Ford Scholars Program and Ford Opportunity Program provide financial support to students attending accredited colleges and universities in Oregon.

Award Amount: Varies based on the scholarship program

Oregon Student Access Commission (OSAC) Scholarships

OSAC administers more than 600 scholarship programs for Oregon students. These scholarships are funded by private organizations, foundations and individual donors. Awards and eligibility criteria vary by scholarship.

Award Amount: Varies depending on scholarship program

Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance (ONG-STA)

This financial aid program offers tuition assistance to eligible members of the Oregon National Guard who attend participating colleges and universities in Oregon.

Award Amount: Up to 100% of tuition costs

FAQs

Psychology and education insiders answer frequently asked questions from psychology bachelor's candidates in California.

What degree do I need to become a psychologist in Oregon?

In Oregon, the minimum degree requirement for becoming a licensed psychologist is a doctorate in psychology. This can be a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), or a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).

Which Oregon school has the best undergraduate psychology program?

According to our 2024 rankings, the University of Oregon (UO) has the best psychology bachelor’s degree in Oregon.

What’s the most affordable psychology bachelor’s in Oregon?

With an in-state tuition of $9,675, the B.A./B.S. in Psychology at Southern Oregon University in Ashland is Oregon's most affordable accredited psychology bachelor’s degree.

What’s the best online psychology school in Oregon?

With a fixed low cost per credit of $350, a highly relevant curriculum, and its exceptional Ecampus distance-learning platform, Oregon State University has Oregon's best online psychology bachelor’s degree for 2024. In addition to topping our ranking, US News & World Report named OSU the best online psychology program in America.

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