Psychology Degrees

Overview

What Are Psychology Degrees?

Psychology degrees are undergraduate and graduate programs focused on the study of human thought, emotion and behavior. Students explore how people think, develop and behave while building an understanding of the biological, psychological and social factors that can influence human behavior. Psychology programs may be offered online or on campus, depending on the program and degree level.

As a psychology student, you can develop a deeper understanding of the human mind and the factors connections among thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Coursework varies by program and may explore topics such as lifespan development, abnormal psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Depending on your degree level and career goals, a psychology education can help prepare you to pursue opportunities in a variety of professional and service-oriented settings.

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New online and evening undergraduate psychology or behavioral health science students may be eligible for up to 32% off tuition scholarship.†

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Areas of Study

What Are the Different Areas of Psychology

Psychology degree programs can focus on different areas of human thought, development and behavior. Explore areas of psychology that align with your interests and consider which degree program may support your educational and career goals.

Clinical and Counseling Psychology

Clinical and counseling psychology focuses on understanding and addressing mental, emotional and behavioral concerns. Professionals use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage mental health conditions and improve well-being. To provide clinical or counseling services, one must meet state-specific licensure requirements, which typically include earning a doctoral degree and supervised experience and examinations.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology

Cognitive and behavioral psychology studies how individuals think, learn and behave. Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes like memory, perception, learning and decision-making. In contrast, behavioral psychology examines how behavior develops and is influenced by environmental factors. By applying principles from both areas, we can gain a better understanding of thought and behavior patterns in various settings.

Developmental psychology studies growth and change throughout the lifespan in physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects. Social psychology focuses on how interactions and environments shape thoughts, beliefs and behaviors. Together, these fields offer insights into individual development and interpersonal dynamics at various life stages.

Degree Quiz

Find Your Path in Psychology

Answer a few quick questions and we'll help point you toward psychology programs that match your goals and learning style. Results are meant to guide your search, not guarantee program fit or admission.

Programs

What Types of Psychology Degrees Are Available?

Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology

Bachelor’s psychology degrees provide a foundation in the study of human thought, emotion and behavior. Through coursework in areas such as human development, cognition and social behavior, you can build analytical, communication and critical thinking skills while exploring your academic and career interests.

Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees

Explore All Psychology Degrees

59 Matching Degrees

How To Choose

Which Psychology Degree Is Right for Your Career Goals?

Choosing the right psychology degree depends primarily on your career goals, the education or licensure required for your intended profession, your area of interest and your preferred learning format. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees can support different educational and professional pathways, while certificate programs may offer focused study in a specialized area. Compare the options below to explore which psychology degree path may align with your goals.

Career Goal

Degree Level To Consider

Potential Career or Education Path

Work in community services, education or human services

Bachelor’s degree

Potential entry-level opportunities in areas such as community services, behavioral health support, social services and nonprofit organizations

Provide counseling or mental health services

Master’s degree

Depending on the specific program, pathways toward counseling and other mental health professions; licensure requirements vary by profession and state^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Conduct psychological research or teach at the college level

Doctoral degree

Research, university faculty positions and leadership opportunities in academic or research settings^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Become a licensed psychologist who assesses and treats patients

Doctoral degree

Clinical, counseling or school psychology practices, depending on the doctoral program and state licensure requirements^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Apply psychology in business or organizational settings

Bachelor’s or master’s degree

Opportunities in areas such as human resources, talent development, employee training and organizational development; advanced study may support specialized work in industrial-organizational psychology^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Specialize or expand your knowledge in a focused area

Certificate program

Focused study and professional development in specialized areas of psychology

Careers

What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?

A psychology degree can prepare graduates for opportunities in human and social services, business, education, research and other fields that involve understanding human behavior. Those interested in a career in psychology may find that educational requirements vary based on their intended role, area of specialization and professional goals. Career options vary by degree level, specialization and professional requirements. A bachelor's degree in psychology can provide a foundation for entry-level opportunities and graduate study, while master's and doctoral degrees can provide advanced preparation for specialized careers, research and professional practice.

Depending on their degree level, specialization and additional education, certification or licensure requirements, psychology graduates may pursue careers such as:

Industrial-organizational psychologists

Apply psychological principles to workplace issues such as employee selection, training, performance, organizational development and workplace well-being.

Postsecondary psychology teachers

Teach psychology courses at colleges and universities, assess student learning and may conduct research or contribute to academic programs.

Social and community service managers

Plan, coordinate and oversee programs that provide social services and address community needs.

Mental health counselor

Help clients address mental, emotional and behavioral concerns through counseling, coping strategies and treatment planning.

41%

Percentage of psychology associates with a master’s degree^{(See disclaimer 4)}

9%

Percentage of psychology associates with a doctoral degree^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Format

Can You Earn a Psychology Degree Online or on Campus?

Psychology degree programs may be available online or on campus, depending on the program and degree level. Online psychology degrees offer flexibility in where you can complete coursework, while on-campus programs provide face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers. Both online and on-campus psychology programs integrate a Christian worldview into the curriculum.

Online Learning

Campus Life

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Degrees

Explore answers to common questions about psychology degrees, areas of study and potential career paths.

Can you earn a psychology degree online?

What are the types of psychology degrees?

Psychology degrees are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Bachelor’s degrees are undergraduate programs, while master’s and doctoral degrees are graduate programs. Psychology programs can also differ by area of study or specialization, with options that may include forensic psychology, geropsychology and industrial-organizational psychology. The degree level and area of study you choose may depend on your academic interests and career goals.

Does the FBI like to hire psychology majors?

A psychology degree can provide a relevant educational background for some FBI career paths, but the FBI hires professionals from a wide range of academic disciplines and does not require special agent applicants to major in psychology.^{(See disclaimer 5)} The FBI recommends choosing an area of study that aligns with your skills and interests. Applicants interested in becoming FBI special agents must also meet the Bureau's current education, professional experience and other eligibility requirements.^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Is psychology a STEM major?

Psychology is generally considered a social science, although the field uses scientific research, statistics and quantitative methods that overlap with STEM disciplines. Psychology programs are offered through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and incorporate scientific methods into the study of human thought and behavior. Whether a specific psychology program is formally classified as STEM may depend on the program and the classification system being used.

What is the difference between psychology and counseling?

Psychology is the broad scientific study of human thought, emotion and behavior, while counseling focuses on helping individuals address mental health concerns, life challenges and personal development. Depending on their education, specialization and licensure, psychologists may work in areas such as research, psychological assessment or clinical practice, while licensed counselors typically provide counseling and therapeutic services. Both psychologists and counselors may work with individuals experiencing mental health concerns, and specific scopes of practice and licensure requirements vary by state.

Is a psychology degree worth it?

Whether a psychology degree is worth it depends on your career goals, the degree level required for your intended profession and the time and cost involved in completing your education. Psychology programs explore human thought, emotion and behavior and can support pathways in areas such as human services, research, education and business.

A bachelor’s degree may provide a foundation for entry-level opportunities and graduate study, while some specialized or licensed professions require advanced degrees and additional credentials. When evaluating psychology degree options, consider the educational requirements, licensure expectations and potential career outcomes associated with your intended field.

What To Expect

What Can You Expect From a Psychology Degree Program?

At GCU, psychology programs integrate a Christian worldview into the curriculum while encouraging ethical decision-making, servant leadership and respect for others. Depending on your degree level and program, you can develop knowledge and skills applicable to your academic and professional goals while having access to student support resources.

Your psychology education will include:

 Coursework and topics

Psychology coursework may explore topics such as lifespan development, abnormal psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Other areas of study may include professional ethics and legal responsibilities, multicultural awareness and psychological research. Specific coursework and topics vary by degree program and level.

 Skills you can build

You can develop skills in critical thinking, research, communication and problem-solving while learning to examine human thought and behavior from multiple perspectives. Depending on the program, you may also build skills in data analysis, applying psychological concepts and evaluating research findings.

 Student support resources

Students have access to support resources that include career services, technical assistance and tutoring. If you are enrolled in a program with field experience requirements, you may also receive support from the Office of Field Experience. On-campus students can participate in student organizations and community initiatives.

 Accreditation and program quality

Programmatic accreditation applies to select degree programs and varies by program. Explore accreditation information for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences to learn more.

GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.

Cost & Savings

Explore Tuition Costs and Ways To Save

Planning for your education is an important step, and GCU offers resources to help you understand tuition costs and available savings opportunities. As you explore psychology degrees online, you may have access to options such as scholarships, grants and other forms of financial assistance. By reviewing these opportunities, you can make more informed decisions about how to invest in your future while working toward your academic goals.

Discover Your Financial Options

Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.

Explore Tuition

Ways To Save

Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.

Financial Aid

Transfer Your Credits

If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.

Transfer Center

Scholarships & Grants

You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.

Find Scholarships

Admission

What Are the Admission Requirements for Psychology Degrees?

Our university does not require a personal statement or essay, and there is no application fee. High school students may meet the admission requirements with either a minimum GPA or SAT or ACT exam scores. Graduate program applicants may meet the admission requirements with either a minimum GPA or GRE/GMAT scores. Specific requirements can vary, depending on the degree or program.

Admission Requirements

How To Apply to GCU

You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.

It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.

Pick your program

Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.

Complete our online application

Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.

Submit supporting documents

Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.

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Take the Next Step Toward Your Psychology Degree

Explore GCU’s psychology degree programs and find an academic path aligned with your interests, career goals and preferred learning format.

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^{(See disclaimer †)} MOU 10324: This scholarship is only valid for new student applicants who submit a complete application, meet all requirements for acceptance and start an online or evening Bachelor of Science in Psychology or Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science beginning on or after Feb. 1, 2026. GCU will award eligible applicants a scholarship of 32% off tuition per course for your program. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship/awards. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, Aug. 27). How To Become a Psychologist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved August 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, Aug. 27). How To Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder or Mental Health Counselor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved August 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, Aug. 27). How To Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved August 2026.
Zippia. (2025). Psychology Associate Demographics and Statistics Number of Psychology Associates in the US. Retrieved October 2026.
FBI. (2020, Aug. 27). Preparing for a Career With the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved August 2026.
FBI. (n.d.). Application and Evaluation Process. Retrieved August 2026.

Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on Oct. 15, 2026.