Online Psychology Degree Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The cycle of addiction takes the form of many behaviors – substance abuse, gambling, video games, shopping and exercise – all of which can take over personal lives. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Addiction studies can help you understand how people's habits and activities can evolve into an addiction and how that cycle can be treated.

This addiction studies degree explores the theories and contemporary research of addictive behaviors, preparing students to both understand the compulsions themselves and the people they affect. The program pairs the fundamentals of addictions with a solid foundation in psychology to teach you the knowledge and skills you need to address a broad range of situations involving addictions.

Throughout this online addictions studies program, you'll develop an understanding of biopsychology and how it affects behavior. You'll also look at the social causes of addictive actions and learn how to identify, prevent and approach treatments and situations as they relate to the people they affect, their families, community and society. The BA in Psychology addictions concentration looks closely at current research and issues, giving you the foundation to examine the moral and ethical issues that go along with this topic.

For those interested in drug and alcohol counseling, we also offer an online substance abuse counselor degree concentration in human services.

Career outlook:

While some career options may require additional experience or training beyond the successful completion of an online psychology degree program, the addiction studies concentration builds skills and knowledge that can be applied in many professional settings. It can also prepare you for graduate programs in counseling or psychology.

"The reason I was able to get my current career was because of my [psychology] degree from SNHU," said Sarah Cudlipp '21. "In comparison to my colleagues' education, they say that they find it hard to believe I don't have more than a bachelor's degree because I am so well versed in the subject of substance abuse counseling."

Cudlipp also spoke of how her SNHU academic advisor's guidance in choosing the addictions concentration is really what helped give her a leg up for the certification process in her state. [Note: This program does not directly lead to licensure since the licensure process and educational requirements for drug and alcohol counselors vary by state.]

In addition to substance abuse counseling, your study of addictive behavior could be channeled into careers like:

• Case manager
• Community relations officer
• Court liaison
• Health educator
• Law enforcement advocate
• Probation and parole officer
• Psychiatric assistant
• Researcher
• Treatment specialist
• Victims' advocate

Courses may include:

• Health Psychology
• Contemporary Issues in Addictions
• Foundations of Addictions

To navigate business and personal relationships expertly, you need to have a deep understanding of human behavior. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Psychology puts psychological theories and approaches to work, turning classic concepts and current research into real-world solutions.

Our applied psychology degree online places an emphasis on human behavior in specific environments, looking closely at how core principles and research are used to examine and impact society. Some graduates move on to pursue an online master's in counseling or psychology. Others use their BA in Psychology to bolster careers in fields like marketing, business and community service.

This applied psychology concentration gives you the opportunity to investigate how different areas of psychology are used to both answer questions and create real-world solutions. By applying the appropriate research methods, you’ll learn to interpret behavior and mental processes through diverse psychological perspectives.

This online program looks at specific areas of practical and research-based human behavior, covering a range of areas including educational, sports, health, industrial, community and forensic psychology.

Career outlook:

While not leading to licensure or certification, this applied psychology degree online program leaves you with the psychology concepts and communication skills to succeed in myriad industries, like business, human services and education.

Your degree positions you for roles like market research analyst (19% growth through 2031), human resources manager (7% growth) or public relations specialist (8% growth).¹

"I have always had a love for psychology," said Ali Stephens '21. "I chose the concentration of applied psychology because I’m going into the field of applied behavior analysis."

The program can also prepare you to pursue graduate studies and research opportunities.

Courses may include:

• Sport Psychology
• Contemporary Issues in Applied Psychology
• Industrial Organizational Psychology  

Set out on a career path that makes a difference in the lives of children with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Child & Adolescent Development.

Learn how kids grow and develop from birth through adolescence and get the experience you need to work with young people in a variety of settings. This tailored child psychology degree concentration can also prepare you to enter a graduate program in psychology or the social sciences.

"I decided to choose child and adolescent development as my concentration," said Kassandra Mack '21. "I have always had a connection with children and have wanted to help children who were struggling with behavioral, communication and social skills issues."

Courses may include:

• Child Development
• Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
• Adolescent Development

Pursue a career that combines psychology, criminal investigation and law by earning your psychology degree online – with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology.

This online forensic psychology degree concentration instills the research skills, knowledge of psychology and critical-thinking ability to deal with a variety of issues facing the legal system.

"I chose this concentration because I wanted to work with and help families with legal complications," said Kimberly Custodio '18. "I also wanted to work with mentally ill criminals and find better ways to aid them through intervention programs."

Courses may include:

• Sociology of Deviant Behavior
• Criminal Psychology
• Forensic Psychology

Designed to deepen your understanding of human behavior, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health prepares you to pursue graduate degrees in psychology and clinical counseling or careers that emphasize interpersonal relationship building.

The online mental health degree concentration gives you the opportunity to gain experience with community-based mental health service organizations.

"I chose the mental health concentration because I plan to be a mental health therapist after obtaining my master’s degree," said student Anna Rose Zanin. "So this is the perfect bachelor’s for my future."

Courses may include:

• Assessment and Testing
• Counseling Process and Techniques
• Theories of Personality

Conformity. Obedience. Stereotypes. Cross-cultural issues. Why do people do what they do and feel how they feel? The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Social Psychology takes a deep dive into the classic theories and concepts within social psychology to help you find the answers to these questions.

You'll examine scientific studies of various areas of social psychology, as well as how you look at and understand yourself, others and society at large. The social psychology degree online program can help you develop a wide range of skills that you can apply to your everyday life and work, particularly in business, community relations, marketing and sales-related careers.

Our social psychology degree online places an emphasis on social psychological areas important in contemporary society and how they influence people’s thoughts and actions. By focusing on how people see and make sense of the world, this program will deepen your understanding of human behavior. You'll analyze social interaction in terms of social psychology principles and explore how individuals define their roles and how they develop thoughts, feelings and attitudes.

Career outlook:

Whether or not you continue on for a master's degree, your study of individuals within a social context can be applied to many high-growth occupations, including labor relations, human resources, top- and mid-level management, real estate, sales and government work.

You may find your skill set lends itself to a role like market research analyst (19% growth through 2031), human resources manager (7% growth) or public relations specialist (8% growth).¹

Courses may include:

• Cross-Cultural Psychology
• Social Cognition and Perception
• Psychology of Gender

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

Prior coursework could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. You could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience, or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality. 

Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

• U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
• Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
• A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:

• Completed free undergraduate application
• Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you
• Test scores are not required as part of your application

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:

• Complete a free undergraduate application
• Submit any additional documents required
• Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through the application process

If you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email enroll@snhu.edu.

Thank you for your interest in the BA Psychology program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Psychology is one of the most popular online programs offered at SNHU. It provides you with a solid background in psychological theory and research, and it helps prepare you to use the skills you learn in a variety of fields.
 
Our program includes experiential learning and internship opportunities – which we highly recommend you pursue – in order to explore subfields that interest you and apply your skills in real-world settings. We also offer concentrations for you to focus on more specialized areas, such as child and adolescent development, mental health, addictions and forensic psychology.
 
Our program is offered completely online, but you are never alone. We have faculty that connect you with their rich experiences in the fields about which they teach. They bring the subjects to life by interjecting their real-world expertise. You can connect with your classmates in the classroom and also in the active Psychology Club. If you need support, it’s at your fingertips with writing help from our Writing Center and tutoring assistance in subjects like statistics.
 
Many students opt to enter the workforce right after completing their BA Psychology degree. Our alumni have enjoyed successful careers in a variety of fields, such as social service, human resources, criminal justice and child development. Other students go on to pursue a graduate degree here at SNHU or at another institution.

Learn more about what you can do with a psychology degree in general.

Sincerely,

Barbara Lesniak, PsyD
Senior Associate Dean of Social Sciences
Southern New Hampshire University

Notes: 

• Laptop or desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. 

• Note:  Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. 

• Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. 

• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. 

Yes. Our online psychology degrees are among some of the most popular programs that students pursue.

In an online BA in Psychology program, you'll go through the same type of curriculum and learn the same skills that you'd experience in a brick-and-mortar program:

• Conduct research
• Organize data
• Draw conclusions
• Evaluate your findings
• Learn to present your findings

You'll also get a deep dive into ethics as it relates to psychology. As a student preparing for a psychology-related career, you'll have a responsibility to both the information that you gather and the people you build relationships with in order to collect that data.

We've graduated thousands of students with online psychology degrees – many of whom have found success in a variety of organizations and industries after their online program. Many others have moved on to graduate school and beyond after completing their online degree in psychology.

Not only are students able to earn a psychology degree and build their skill sets online, but oftentimes, it's the only way possible. At first, Karinne Colón '20 didn't think she'd be able to have a personal experience without the in-person environment.

"I was tentative about attending school online," she said. "I thought that I would miss the interaction with my professors and peers. However, I did not find that to be an issue. The professors have been wonderful at finding ways to bring the information to life while providing meaningful support. There are also means for interaction with peers during classes, such as discussions and group work. I have never felt that something was missing because I attend school online."

The answer? It depends.

What are you looking for in a college that offers its psychology degrees online? There are factors that you'll want to discuss with your admission counselor before making your decision. Some specific to our psychology program include:

• Curriculum. Review course requirements and electives to make sure the material you'll cover throughout the program meets your career goals.
• Internships and experiential learning opportunities. Hands-on experience can not only help prepare you and give you confidence for your career, but it can also help add depth to your resume, helping you move to the top of the pile.
• Community. Psychology is about the human mind, so you might think it's critical to connect with others in the same boat as you. Find like-minded students in places like our online psychology club.
• Value. Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country when you enroll in our online psychology program. In addition, undergraduate students have the opportunity to reduce costs further by transferring up to 90 credits into our bachelor's in psychology programs.
• Specializations. What's best for you also might mean earning a more focused online psychology degree. We offer multiple concentrations for our bachelor's in psychology programs, meaning you could focus on an area of the field that's of particular interest to you. For example, if you're leaning toward working with youth once you graduate, adding a concentration in child and adolescent development could help you stand out in the job market.

They can be. But it all comes down to accreditation.

Accreditation is the most important factor in being respected by other academic institutions – as well as employers. It's a credential that shows an institution has met specific standards – the same set of standards that all other colleges and universities must meet.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). NECHE is one of 7 regional higher education accrediting bodies in the country. All of our degree programs – including all of our bachelor's in psychology online degrees – are encompassed by NECHE accreditation. Online and on campus programs at Southern New Hampshire University and across the country go through the same rigorous process to meet accreditation.

"It was never a concern that I had earned my degree online," said Karinne Colón '20. "No one mentioned it at all. The education that I received gave me the knowledge and confidence to advance my career the same way that a degree from any other institution would."

You can learn more about the accreditation of higher education institutions and regional accrediting bodies through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The amount of time it takes to earn your online degree in psychology all depends on you, your educational background and your goals.

Have you attended other colleges before? SNHU offers students a generous transfer policy, accepting up to 90 credits toward your program here. Our admission team provides free transfer credit evaluations, so you can see exactly where all your previously earned credits go on your program plan – and discover just what classes you have left to take before you can graduate with your psychology degree.

The types of credits that you transfer in to SNHU can also help determine how long it will take you to earn your degree. If you've already taken your general education courses – as well as a number of psychology credits – you'll position yourself to finish your degree faster.

In addition, you'll need to consider the number of courses you want to take each term. Think about the time you spend at work and your responsibilities to friends and family. While enrolling in multiple courses toward your psychology degree each term may, in theory, help you reach the finish line sooner, it may not be feasible for maximum success in each class. Your academic advisor can help you map out your courses so that you have a plan in place to reach your goals.

Tracey Burraston '15, for example, has four children and a full-time job. The closest brick-and-mortar college is at least 75 miles away. Taking online classes at SNHU opened the door for her to earn her psychology degree while continuing to balance her other priorities.

“Living in … a rural area, I really needed an online program that would fit my life,” she said.

Read more about how Burraston and others have benefited from a degree at your own pace. 

Not quite.

In order to call yourself a psychologist, you’ll need at least a master’s degree in psychology and, in most cases, you’ll need a doctorate.

If you're looking to become a psychologist, you’ll need to start by researching your specific state’s licensure requirements. These requirements differ from state to state, so you’ll want to pay close attention to the state you’re seeking licensure in.

There are also several disciplines that psychologists can choose, such as school, clinical or counseling. This information will indicate the required level of education and any additional requirements such as clinical hours and likely a licensure exam.

In any case, the bachelor’s degree is the first step toward becoming a psychologist and serves as a strong foundation to build your career.

Pursuing your bachelor's degree can be a powerful first step in building your career in psychology. At SNHU, our team of dedicated career advisors is here from day one of your program to help prepare you for success in the real world.

SNHU’s Career Services offers 1:1 career counseling, webinars, weekly postings from recruiters and more.

To help you stand out to employers, you can:

• Explore internship and experiential learning opportunities: Internships offer a chance for real-world experience in the psychology field, often for academic credit toward your program.
• Attend virtual career events: Build your network and learn of career opportunities through employer spotlights and virtual career fairs hosted by career services.
• Connect with professionals: Learn how to leverage your network in order to gain a deeper insight into a variety of career paths by connecting with folks who are already working in your field of interest.

Whether you’re changing professions or starting from scratch, we have the resources to help you get going.

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm (viewed Oct. 24, 2022)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm (viewed Oct. 24, 2022)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm (viewed Oct. 24, 2022)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm (viewed Oct. 24, 2022)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.