Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Do you find yourself wanting to know more about life? About how it makes sense? About how we relate to each other in our relationships? National University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program can provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the contemporary discipline of psychology. Our online psychology program covers a wide variety of topics like biological psychology, developmental psychology, psychopathology, social psychology, personality theory, and much more.

NU’s industry-current psychology curriculum aligns with the highest standards for psychology programs at the undergraduate level. Those standards are set by the American Psychological Association, the largest professional organization of psychologists in the world.

Pursue Your Passion to Help People Resolve Complex Emotional Issues

If you have a genuine curiosity about humanity, whether it’s driven by a passion to help people with their mental health or simply understanding what makes them tick, NU’s BA in Psychology can set you on a fascinating path towards personal and professional satisfaction.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

Top 8 in the US graduating in the BA Psychology program among online nonprofit 4-yr private universities.

Preparation for the Major

2 courses; 9 quarter units

Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement evaluation

An introduction to statistics and probability theory. Covers simple probability distributions, conditional probability (Bayes Rule), independence, expected value, binomial distributions, the Central Limit Theorem, hypothesis testing. Assignments may utilize the MiniTab software, or text-accompanying course-ware. Computers are available at the University’s computer lab. Calculator with statistical functions is required.

A survey of the field of psychology that provides an overview of the scientific principles and theories in psychology. Topics include: biological psychology, abnormal behavior, motivation, emotion, sexuality and gender, and personality theory.

^*May be used to satisfy general education requirements.

Requirements for the Major: First Block

4 courses; 18 quarter units

Students complete the first block of courses before moving to courses in the second block. Students can take courses within the first block in any order.

An examination of the history of substance use and abuse in the United States. Examines individual and institutional values that underpin chemically dependent behavior as well as socio-cultural factors, including media images, consumer product advertising, myths and stereotypes and subculture/life-style issues. Provides an overview of the social services structure, including outreach, education, prevention and treatment models.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

A study of the major transitions from fetal development through death in the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains. The impact of ethnic, gender and cultural factors on development will be examined.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

The study of psychological characteristics of the individual that endure in stable form for substantial periods of time. Examines influential theories of personality and supporting research.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

A study of the responsiveness of individuals to various sources and forms of social influence. Major areas of study include persuasion, conformity, obedience, prejudice, attitude formation and change, social behavior, altruism, aggression and the influence of the mass media. Emphasizes social circumstances rather than variations in personal characteristics, as in personality theory.

Requirements for the Major: Second Block

4 courses; 18 quarter units

Students begin the second block of courses after completing the first block. Students can take courses within the second block in any order.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; MTH 210; PSY 100

An evaluation of research in psychology and the behavioral sciences. Includes work on research methods and design, and the application and interpretation of basic statistics.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

An overview of sociocultural views and scientific theories of normalcy and deviance. The major psychological, cognitive, and behavioral disorders and their classification are examined.

Prerequisite: PSYC 100

Covers the history, current status and future direction of cultural psychology theory and practice in the context of globalization. A critique of the Western bias of the field of psychology and of the effects of its application to non-European originated populations within the United States and around the world.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

Explores the intellectual history and contemporary diversity of psychology in dialogue with a cultural understanding about the nature of the person. Topics include: psychology and science, philosophy of mind, functionalism, measurement, applied psychology, gestalt, behaviorism, the unconscious mind, phenomenological and existential psychology, clinical psychology and mental health, and qualitative perspectives.

Requirements for the Major: Third Block

3 courses; 13.5 quarter units

Students begin the third block of courses after completing the first and second blocks. Students can take PSYC433 and PSYC427 in any order but should take the project course as the final course of the degree.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

The study of psychological functioning in the area of mental operations, largely uninfluenced by individual differences in personality or motivation. This encompasses the areas of attention, pattern recognition and other perceptual achievements, memory, problem solving, categorization and concept formation, language acquisition and use, textual interpretation and decision making.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

A study of the way in which the brain mediates behavior, emotion, and cognition. Topics include sensory systems, neural development, emotion, learning, memory, consciousness, reproduction, and neurological and psychological disorders.

Prerequisite: All other courses required for the major must be completed prior to enrolling in this course.

Development of a major cumulative paper integrating what students have learned in the program with an applied area of student interest. Covers empirical or theoretical study of specific topics in psychology with an emphasis on independent and creative activity. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better or must repeat the course.

Upper-Division Electives

5 courses; 22.5 quarter units

Students not pursuing the Concentration in Spanish or a minor must choose five Upper-Division Electives from the following:

Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 100A

Study of animal behavior, integrating genetic, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives.

This course is designed to develop the mindset of a holistic thinker or inter-disciplinarian and that of a knowledge explorer, a participant observer and citizen leader in a culturally-diverse and interdependent world. The course is organized around instructional units and a number of related modules. It is based on a principle of “information-giving, information-receiving, and information-exchanging.” Emphasis is placed on reading, reflection, web resources and enrichment lectures, action research, writing, dialogue, and debate.

Exposes students to the basic trends of criminal behavior as it relates to gangs in America and the causative and contributory factors of gang behavior. It explores the general personality, intellectual and social perspectives of criminal behavior as it relates to gangs.

This course exposes the students to the basic tenets of criminal behavior, the causative and contributory factors of behavior. It explores the general personality, intellectual and social perspectives of criminal behavior.

An exploration of methods, patterns and meanings of individual and collective violence. Focuses on gangs, terrorists and the assaultive individual. Students analyze the causes of violence, attitudes toward violence and methods of controlling violence as well as the impact of gun control.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

An analysis of behavior, perspectives and practices as applied to group dynamics. Focus on approaches and skills in group dynamics as they relate to performance and enhancement of cooperative/collaborative effectiveness. Uses practice through role-playing of effective techniques in dealing with a variety of cooperative/collaborative situations.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

A focus on the process of negotiation and conflict resolution. Gives special attention to conflict within and between persons in organizations and industry. Emphasizes application of techniques to conflict resolution situations via role-playing.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

A survey of psychological concepts applied to organizational settings. Emphasizes motivation, communication, leadership, and personal development.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

A study of the theoretical and practical aspects of interpersonal and group communication.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

A study of human relations and its relationship to organizational effectiveness through planned change and technological development.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

A curriculum-wide elective that studies the psycho-socio-cultural aspects of human differences and the enhancement of interpersonal/ intercultural communication skills. Increases the knowledge and understanding of differences in people and perspectives, enhances learning and performance in multicultural environments and fosters interactive diversity as a socio-cultural imperative and behavioral norm.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

Introduction and overview of the growing field of Sport Psychology, applying psychological principles to athletic performance. Topics will include theoretical foundations of behavior, psychological interventions for performance enhancement, adherence and maintenance of gains, and the impaired athlete.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

An introduction to basic counseling techniques such as nonjudgmental listening, reflection, feedback, goal setting, and basic solution skills. Examines transference, countertransference, and therapist attributes such as empathy, congruence, acceptance, genuineness and respect. The online version has a significant live chat component that requires computer imaging and voice technology. Grading is H, S or U only.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

An introduction to theories and principles of psychological testing and measurement and to a variety of standardized tests of intelligence, personality, achievement, interest, neuropsychology and other areas. Emphasizes the principles by which tests are constructed and validated. Also examines controversies regarding the valid, appropriate and fair use of psychological tests.

Prerequisite: PSYC 100; PSY 302

This course examines the application of psychological theories and research to sports and exercise behaviors. Case studies from a variety of sports will be explored to develop a set of psychological skills that can be applied across sports.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

Historical development of positive psychology and its applications to the practice of wellness, health, and peak performance. Topics include self-esteem, relationship building, happiness, and mindfulness.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

The relationship between psychology, spirituality, and religion. Exploring the nature of religious experience, how religion and spirituality influence social and societal behaviors, and how religion and spirituality affects psychological and physical health will be examined.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

An exploration of the basic psychological concepts associated with death, dying, and bereavement. Course work will include lectures, discussions, exams, research, and experiential exercises.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

Survey of the application of psychological knowledge or methods to a task faced by the legal system. General areas to be covered include, but are not limited to, eyewitness testimony, trial consultation and syndrome evidence.

Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSYC 100

An examination of the relationship between behavior, psychological variables, and physical illness and health. A strong emphasis is placed on health psychology theory, research and applications focused on wellness promotion and the prevention and behavioral treatment of illness.

Material related to human sexual thoughts, feeling and behavior will be presented utilizing a balanced bio-psycho-social perspective. Within a scientific framework and the context of human sexual rights and well-being, the course will include an examination of the methodology of sexology, human sexual anatomy, health and functioning, sexuality through the lifespan, and issues relating to sexual identity.

Prerequisite: ENG 102

Examines the institutions of marriage and family structures and their historical development. Topics include kinship, changing gender roles, changing family forms, divorce, domestic violence, and economic structure.

Prerequisite: ENG 102

Employs a critical sociological approach to deviance and social control in contemporary society. Topics to be considered include the origins and functions of deviance in society, the institutional production and categorization of deviance, the impact of deviance on personal and social identity, deviant careers, and deviance and social change. Considers major theoretical sociological perspectives on deviance; makes use of current data on crime and current research in sociological and criminological journals and websites; and examines portrayals of deviance and social control in literature, film, and popular culture.

Prerequisite: ENG 102

Uses the functionalist, conflict and interactionist perspectives, this course explains how human conditions come to be perceived as social problems, and how to evaluate their proposed solutions.

Concentration in Spanish

Total Requirements for the Concentration

4 courses;18 credit hours

Requirements for the Concentration

2 courses; 9 credit hours

Prerequisite: SPN 200 Prerequisite can be waived through prior coursework, testing options as described in the NU catalog, or an oral interview with SoALS faculty.

Virtual exploration of the Spanish-speaking world. Students are immersed in the target language through interactive communicative tasks as they engage in an online journey through cultures and communities of Latin America and Spain. Designed to develop cross-cultural competence and appreciation of the diversity of contemporary and past ways of life in these regions.

Prerequisite: SPN 200 Prerequisite can be waived through prior coursework, testing options as described in the NU catalog, or an oral interview with SoALS faculty.

Students hone professional communication skills in Spanish. Integration of speaking, listening, reading, and writing practice into job-related tasks performed in the target language. Cultural learning focused on workplaces in the Spanish-speaking world, as well as cultural sensitivity within the workplace in the US. Options provided for students to tailor their learning to their chosen future profession.

Elective Courses in Spanish

1 course; 4.5 credit hours

Students will need to select at least one course in Spanish from the list below as part of the Spanish Concentration.

Prerequisite: SPN 303; SPN 304

Films and documentaries from and about the Spanish-speaking world serve as the basis for lectures, discussions, and class projects. Diverse topics will be explored along with a range of socio-cultural issues. This course also introduces strategies of cultural analysis. All coursework will be in Spanish, with some theoretical readings in English.

Develops tools for communication with Spanish speakers in healthcare settings. Activities include Spanish language oral practice of healthcare related dialogues, interactive exercises to practice basic grammatical structures and healthcare vocabulary, and discussions in English of cultural content related to Spanish-speaking populations.

Elective Courses in English

1 course; 4.5 credit hours

Students will need to select one elective course in English from the list below as part of the Spanish Concentration.

An examination of the basic cultural differences generally encountered in the workplace. Special emphasis is given to cross-cultural communication in the workplace.

Prerequisite: ENG 102

Introduction to Latin American history and culture focusing on diversity of Latin American societies and their multicultural heritage. Topics include colonialism and indigenous societies, growth of plantation and mining economies, enslavement of Africans, struggle for independence, distribution of political power, recurrence of popular rebellion, and artistic and cultural life.

Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100

Examination of important representative works by U.S. Latino writers and theoretical approaches relevant to studying that literature. Emphases may vary in different sections.

Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100

This course will provide students with a hemispheric perspective to the study of the literatures of the Americas. The readings will come from a variety of prominent 20th century U.S. and Latin American literary texts. All works will be read in English translation.

Degree and Course Requirements

To receive a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree; students must complete at least 180 quarter units as follows: a minimum of 69 units of the University General Education requirements; 76.5 units at the upper-division level, 45 units of which (including Senior Project) must be completed in residence at National University. The following courses are specific degree requirements. In the absence of transfer credit, students may need to take additional general electives to satisfy the total units for the degree. Students should refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation. All students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada are required by State Law to complete a course in Nevada Constitution.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from National University, you’ll be prepared to seek roles in the psychology field such as:*

Project Coordinators
Proposal Managers
Management Trainees
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Substance Abuse Counselors
Compliance Managers
Directors of Regulatory Affairs
Academic Advisors
Admissions Counselors
Project Managers
Program Managers
Supply Chain Managers

*SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: April 27, 2022). DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.

National University’s BA in Psychology courses can be completed on-site or online, meaning you won’t have to put your life on hold while working toward your degree. With small class sizes and faculty mentors who bring real-world experience, you’ll gain practical skills that are relevant and applicable in today’s job market.

NU also offers four-week courses, so you can focus on one subject at a time, one month at a time, and finish your degree faster. Plus, with year-round enrollment, you don’t have to wait to apply and can begin classes as soon as next month.

As a military-friendly Yellow Ribbon school, active-duty service-members and their immediate family members have access to tuition discounts.

A BA in Psychology degree opens doors in a broad range of industries, especially as more and more organizations are using psychology professionals to help select and retain employees, implement training, increase organizational productivity and efficiency, handle employee conflicts, and improve office morale. Psychologists are also in demand in schools because of increasing awareness of the connection between mental health and learning. Hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies have also seen an increase in demand for psychology professionals due to the toll COVID-19 has taken on many individuals’ mental health.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 13,400 openings for psychologists are projected each year. In May 2021, the median annual wage for psychologists was $81,040, while industrial-organizational psychologists commanded a higher salary of $105,310.*

*SOURCE: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-1

To receive a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree, you must complete at least 180 quarter units. Of those 180 quarter units, 76.5 units must be completed at the upper-division level, 45 units must be completed in residence at National University, and a minimum of 70.5 units must be completed of the University General Education requirements.

In the absence of transfer credit, you may need to take additional general electives to satisfy the total units for the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Articulate major theories, concepts, and historical trends in psychology
Explain behavior, cognition, and emotion from multiple schools of thought and multicultural perspectives
Identify a problem in psychology, examine available evidence, analyze assumptions, and apply research methods to solve the problem. This includes the ability to interpret numbers and apply basic statistical procedures
Perform information searches relevant to psychology and organize and evaluate the soundness of the information
Use current technologies in both research and communication
Write papers in psychology using different literary formats, e.g., narrative, exposition, critical analysis, and APA format

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Hear From Our Faculty

Watch this video to hear Dr. Brian Tilley from the Psychology Department discuss what to expect from the BA in Psychology program.

“A student who comes in just wanting to know more about life is a good fit for this program. We take it beyond a philosophical point of view by studying everyday life and how it all makes sense. That’s really what psychology is.”

-Dr. Brian Tilley, PhD, MA in Counseling Associate Professor & Program Director

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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, however, a BA in Psychology is a great first step in the process to becoming a psychologist. All psychologists require an advanced degree. Required qualifications for psychologists vary based on individual fields of psychology and state-specific licensing requirements. To become a practicing psychologist, you will also need a master’s or doctorate in psychology, along with licensure approval/achievement. Learn more about our Doctor of Clinical Psychology program here.

You can complete your BA in Psychology at NU in as few as 16 months.

No. You need an advanced degree, along with licensure approval, to practice as a psychologist. If that is your career goal, a bachelor’s degree is a first step to learn the foundational concepts of psychology.

To learn more about career opportunities and benefits of a bachelor’s in psychology, read our post on What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Psychology?. Many professional positions within this field require a master’s or doctoral degree, along with licensure for practitioners.

To become a clinical psychologist, you will need graduate degree(s) as well as licensure approval, which can take over eight (8) years to complete.

Like all of our programs, the BA in Psychology program at NU is academically rigorous and requires commitment from each student. However, students are equipped with support and resources to help them succeed.

If you are interested in human behavior or development, psychology might be a good career path for you. A BA in psychology will give you a foundation of in-depth understanding of human behavior, as well as critical thinking skills, which can help you to pursue a career in psychology.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 13,400 openings for psychologists are projected each year. In May 2021, the median annual wage for psychologists was $81,040, while industrial-organizational psychologists commanded a higher salary of $105,310.*

*SOURCE: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-1

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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

4-week Courses

Year-Round Enrollment

240K+ Alumni Worldwide