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General Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
You’re passionate about helping others and understanding how humans think, feel, learn and behave. You’re ready to make a difference with your career. Use that drive and take the next step with a degree in psychology. At Capella University, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology that’s online, from an accredited university and on your schedule. Explore an affordable, flexible degree that can help you build a solid foundation to expand your understanding of human behavior, helping to prepare you to pursue a variety of academic or professional options.
Classes start October 9
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- 10–13 General education courses
- 9 Core courses
- 2 Specialization courses
- 11–21 Elective courses
- 135 Max transfer credits
FlexPath lets you finish the degree you started, with a bachelor’s in psychology in 15 months for $15,000.*
*Based on fastest 25 percent of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.
Explore psychology courses
- This degree requires a total of 90 program points in FlexPath or 180 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete 10–13 general education courses, nine core courses, two specialization courses and 11–21 elective courses
| PSYC2300 |
Introduction to Addiction Theories
Learners investigate biological, psychological, and social aspects of addictive behavior and identify causes, prevention, and treatment of addiction. Learners gain an understanding of disease models, relapse prevention, family systems, and behavioral addictions, and assess how to promote motivation for change. |
3 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC3130 |
Criminal Psychology and Behavior
In this course, learners gain a basic understanding of the impact criminal psychology and criminal behaviors have on the law, police, and communities. Learners also examine the uses of criminal psychology relative to criminal behaviors, and theories surrounding these behaviors. In addition, learners analyze popular criminal defenses relative to criminal psychology and behaviors, and explore examples in well-known criminal cases. |
6 quarter credits |
| PSYC2210 |
Introduction to Psychology of Social Media
In this introductory course, learners apply psychological principles and concepts to the personal and business use of social media. Learners examine trends, motivations, and challenges in the use and abuse of social media and evaluate the psychological rewards and risks of connecting with others, gaining attention, and engagement. Learners also analyze prosocial and antisocial social media uses and the basics of social media marketing. |
3 quarter credits |
| PSYC2800 |
Introduction to Human Sexuality
In this course, learners examine the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional aspects of human sexuality as they relate to current and historical perspectives. Learners analyze social and biological foundations of human sexuality and develop their understanding of sexuality in individuals and their relationships. Learners also apply theory and historical perspectives to their study of human reproduction, contraception and abortion, sexuality and social policy, and sexual behavior and contemporary society. In addition, learners demonstrate their knowledge of ethical practices that guide professional behavior in the field of human sexuality. |
3 quarter credits |
| PSYC3540 * |
Culture, Ethnicity, and Diversity
In this course, learners integrate their knowledge of theories and research of culture, ethnicity, diversity, and social interaction with current trends and challenges associated with cultural diversity. Learners analyze social issues related to gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and mental and physical disability and assess the effects of prejudice, discrimination, and institutional oppression. Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000. |
6 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our nongraded, noncredit-bearing FlexPath Trial Course, you’ll explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you’ll learn
This specialization builds your knowledge of psychology to develop professional and personal skills related to the field. The curriculum presents fundamental psychological concepts, theories, empirical findings and historical trends. In particular, students focus on social, abnormal, positive, and biological psychology in addition to lifespan development, motivation and performance, learning and cognition, research methodology, culture and diversity, and ethics. Successful graduates of this specialization are prepared to advance their knowledge and skills at the graduate level, or pursue careers in a variety of settings including education, public service, law enforcement and corrections, business, human development, or rehabilitation and mental health.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Conceptualize the application of values, skills and knowledge of psychology to pursue your personal goals, develop professional opportunities and help meet societal needs
- Develop effective communication and quantitative literacy skills
- Use critical thinking, creative thinking and problem-solving in psychology
- Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in the field of psychology
- Apply information analysis, research methods and technological tools appropriate for psychology
- Apply psychological principles to address personal, social and organizational issues
- Demonstrate the ability to understand ethical behavior, tolerate ambiguity, value empirical evidence, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the BS in Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that puts you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you want in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per session*
$12,500
ACCELERATED PACE
$20,000
TYPICAL PACE
$27,500
SLOWER PACE
$2,500 per 12-week billing session, 90 total program points, 68 max transfer points
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$24,900
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$38,905
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$365 per 1000-2000 level credit $415 per 3000-4000 level credit, 180 total quarter credits, 135 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. FlexPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits and completed courses at the speed of a median FlexPath student, as quickly as the fastest 25% of FlexPath students, or as quickly as the fastest 75% of students. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for FlexPath.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$175, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2021–2022
“With my BS in Psychology degree, I want to make changes where employees can positively grow to love their job and contribute to their company's success. My BS in Psychology is only a steppingstone as I have a long way to go to get to my PhD. Getting my bachelor’s with Capella has provided me the first steps in reaching my career goals.”
David Lin* – BS in Psychology, FlexPath graduate
*Actual FlexPath graduate who agreed to appear in Capella promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the BS in Psychology admission requirements?
Applicants to the BS in Psychology, General Psychology program must provide the following information for admission:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Transcript of any reported GED
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
- You must be at least 24 years old. This requirement may be waived for:
- Military applicants and veterans
- Applicants with 24 or more quarter credits of prior college or university coursework (transferable college coursework and/or credentials that map to preapproved Credit for Prior Learning opportunities may be considered toward the 24-credit minimum equivalency total)
- Applicants who do not have any credits eligible for transfer must successfully complete a university-approved reading and writing assessment; by evaluating your skills prior to your first course, Capella can more effectively provide resources to prepare you for a successful learning experience
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- Have a minimum of 45 transferable credits.
- The recommended minimum GPA is 2.8 OR at least 100 applied transfer college credits. Those with a lower GPA and less than 100 applied transfer college credits, may be considered by providing additional documentation for review.
Step Into FlexPath is an option for those who don’t qualify for FlexPath. Start a program in our GuidedPath learning format and then transition into FlexPath upon successful completion of 12 credits, at a 2.8 GPA or higher.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attend an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a bachelor’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
What can you do with a BS in Psychology degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, General Psychology.
Job titles to explore
- Case manager
- Mental health technician
- Human resources generalist
- Residential counselor
- Recruiter
- Research assistant
- Training manager
- Academic advisor
- Psychiatric technician
- Mental health specialist
Employment settings to explore
- Hospital
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Individual and family services
- Health practitioner’s office
- Government support
- Insurance carrier
- Consulting service
- Community or technical college
- Outpatient care center
- Skilled nursing facility
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