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The world, more than ever, needs more psychological and counseling professionals, especially amidst a global pandemic with no precedent. An October 2020 article by the American Psychological Association (APA) has described the American populace as during a “mental health crisis.” No age group was spared.
Every demographic is suffering from mental stress of varying degrees and nature and can greatly benefit from mental health services. And all these could have long-term negative “health and social” effects, which is alarming.
Mental health issues no longer carry a stigma. The world has become more accepting and understands that mental health issues are a cause for concern even on a high level. Even HMOs now cover consultations and therapy sessions with psychologists and psychotherapists. This explains the steady job growth and demand for licensed and certified:
- psychologists,
- therapists,
- substance abuse counselors,
- mental health services counselors,
- family counselors,
- behavioral counselors,
- child care specialists, among others.
It is just ironic that job growth in this particular career field is predicated on the growing number of people worldwide suffering from mental health issues, substance abuse and addiction, behavioral challenges, and more. The resources are not as scarce as they were in the past.
The Bachelor in Psychology and Counseling Degree and its Real-life Benefits
A bachelor’s degree in Psychology does not guarantee a six-figure salary right away. Psychology and Counseling graduates who aspire to work in clinical settings and hold counseling and therapy sessions must have advanced degrees, usually a doctorate. However clinical practice is not the only way to go for Psych graduates.
Psychology students who go into the corporate route do not need to take licensure exams or have advanced degrees. Their undergraduate degrees allow them to hold leadership and managerial positions within a company’s different departments or teams, usually within the human resources, compensation, benefits, and training and development teams.
The BLS projects these roles’ positive growth over the next ten years. The median annual salary for both HR managers and compensation and benefits managers is above the $131K mark, while for training and development specialists, the median annual salary is $63K, which is still way above the market average.
As for Psychology students who go into specialized counseling psychology careers like substance abuse and mental health counselors, their job outlook is greatly positive. The median yearly salary for these roles is $49K, which is still above average. BLS projects the job growth for these roles at 18% over the next ten years, indicating that graduates will always find a job in this field after graduation.
BEST SCHOOLS FOR AN ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN ADDICTIONS AND RECOVERY DEGREE
Evidence-based techniques have been proven effective in helping individuals recover and rehabilitate from substance abuse and addiction. A degree program or concentration in Addictions and Recovery provides the rigorous training professional counselors need to undertake this vocation.
The job growth in this career field is projected to rise by as much as 18% in the next ten years. The current annual median salary for addiction and recovery counselors is $49,710. Other career options include:
- mentorship,
- consultancy for drug-related cases and studies,
- first responder,
- mental health and rehabilitation counseling, research,
- and treatment facilities administrator and management.
Graduates can also pursue advanced degrees.
Liberty University
Online BS in Psychology – Addictions and Recovery
Liberty University offers an online bachelor’s degree program in Psychology with a concentration in Addiction and Recovery. Students are required to complete 120 hours of course credits to graduate from the program. The program takes about 3.5 years or less. Students can accelerate their studies as courses run for only eight weeks at a time.
Up to 30 credit hours are allotted for free electives. The curriculum also includes a Christianity and Context core. As for the major courses, some of the featured topics include behavioral modification and various courses in Psychology such as:
- Psychology of Personality,
- Physiological Psychology,
- Psychology & Christianity,
- Abnormal Psychology,
- and Psychological Measurement.
Students are required to culminate in the bachelor’s degree program either with an internship or a capstone project.
Liberty accepts transfer credits and can count up to 75 units toward the degree. The cost of attendance is $390 per credit unit for full-time students and $455 per credit unit for part-time students. Rates are irrespective of the student’s residency status. Other fees may apply.
University of South Dakota
Online BS in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
The University of South Dakota offers a standalone bachelor’s degree in Addiction Counseling & Prevention (ACP). The program is delivered fully online and requires the completion of 120 credit units. Before applying to the program, USD encourages students who plan to take licensure and certification exams outside of South Dakota to check for courses or equivalencies required by the state board where they plan to take the exam(s).
The curriculum includes an ACP core of 30 hours, which includes courses on the study of substance use and addiction, fundamental skills for individual and group counseling on addiction, ethics, and legalities of the counseling profession, and counseling practicum courses for individuals and groups.
Students must also select between the Treatment specialization and Prevention specialization for their concentration. They can select both tracks to help fulfill the 45-unit major course requirement of the department.
This four-year degree program costs $259.10 per credit unit for residents and $376.10 for non-residents. Other fees may apply. The full schedule of fees and discounts can be found here.
Alvernia University
Online BA in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment
This undergraduate program from Alvernia University is offered completely online. It requires the completion of 123 credit units, with up to 75 credit units accepted for transfer. Courses run for seven weeks each. Thus, students can complete their degrees in two years. The program studies the nature of substance abuse and addiction, its effect on mental health, and evidence-based techniques for counseling and recovery.
The curriculum has a liberal arts core, a major core, free electives, and a 12-unit Addiction Studies concentration, which includes courses like neuropharmacology, addictive behaviors, and case management, to name a few.
Bachelor’s degree courses under the major core include studies on chemical dependency, counseling techniques for individuals and groups, crisis intervention, human development throughout the lifespan, and psychology. The curriculum also requires students to undertake a 12-unit field immersion divided into four practicum courses.
The cost of attendance is $500 per credit unit, regardless of residence. Other fees may apply.
BEST SCHOOLS FOR AN ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES AND PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE
The terms and disciplines of Behavioral Science and Psychology are often mixed up by many. The former takes a broader approach to analyzing human behavior. It studies:
- anthropology,
- psychology,
- biology,
- social science,
- and even geography on how a person or group behaves.
On the other hand, the latter is focused on human behavior from an individual perspective focusing on the practical application of the discipline and its theories in case analyses.
A Behavioral Psychology bachelor’s degree combines the foundations of both disciplines. It emphasizes the multi-factorial study of the causes of behavioral challenges and deficits while teaching students evidence-based techniques in individual case management.
Most degrees will be conferred as a major or concentration in a Psychology undergraduate program. The program or concentration title may usually come in varying names, but the most common is ‘Applied Behavioral Analysis’ or ABA.
This program provides every student a solid foundation for advanced degrees in:
- Public Administration,
- Education,
- Psychology,
- Behavioral Science,
- or Management.
It positions them for career tracks like:
- Behavior Analyst,
- Technician or Interventionist,
- Individual or Group Therapists,
- and Individual or Group Consultant.
Potential career settings include:
- hospitals,
- treatment and recovery facilities,
- rehabilitation centers,
- mental health facilities,
- nursing homes,
- penitentiaries or correctional facilities,
- and private behavioral clinics.
Capella University
Online BS in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
Capella University offers an undergraduate program in Psychology with a specialization in ABA. The program is delivered fully online and requires the completion of 180 quarter credit units, with up to 120 credits accepted for transfer.
Capella observes a quarter-based academic calendar, where each term is three months long, with a three-week break in between terms. This should help students accelerate through the degree program.
The curriculum prepares students and graduates for the board-certified assistant behavior analyst (BCaBA) exam. The program includes GE requirements, core courses, specialization courses, free electives, and two capstone requirements. The core curriculum includes various courses on psychology, such as:
- thinking and perspective,
- social psychology,
- biological psychology,
- and history and modern systems psychology.
It also includes research and statistics courses for both psychology and the behavioral sciences. Specialization courses include application courses on ethics, assessment, interventions, and research.
The cost of attendance starts at $357 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply. This concentration is not included in Capella University’s Flexpath option.
Ball State University
Online BS or BA in Applied Behavior Analysis (Autism)
Ball State University offers a standalone undergraduate program in ABA with a concentration on Autism. The program, delivered fully online, requires 120 credit units. Students take advantage of the university’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CASD) to deepen their understanding and output on the subject of Autism.
The curriculum’s major core highlights topics on behavioral analysis and autism disorder studies. It includes courses on Autism spectrum disorders –identification, treatment and the different levels of intervention, single subject (individual) research, the profile of exceptional individuals, and behavioral analysis theories, among others.
Students can declare a minor depending on their choice of free electives. A minor in Psychology of Human Development or Infant and Toddler Specialization can be declared to complement the major degree better. The department accepts the minors on this list, which excludes ABA, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Behavioral Studies (certificate).
Graduates of this bachelor program can sit for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam. The cost of program attendance for Indiana residents is $455 per credit unit and $670 per credit unit for non-residents. Rates include the technology fee and the online course fee. Other fees may apply.
Purdue University – Global
Online BS in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
At Purdue University’s global campus, the online Psychology program offers a concentration on ABA. The program has multiple start dates for the 2021-2022 academic year (every month except September and October), so a flexible and accelerated pathway to completion is available. Students are required to complete 180 credit units, and courses run for ten weeks each.
Some of the featured courses of the program include clinical psychology, abnormal psychology, children with exceptional needs, screening, assessment, and program design and evaluation, autism spectrum in children, neuroscience, and personality development, to name a few. Graduates become equipped to sit for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam.
The cost of attendance is $317, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
BEST SCHOOLS FOR AN ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE
A Child and Adolescent Psychology program support the growing advocacy that a deep understanding of an individual’s early years is vital to prepare them for their demographic’s inevitable social and psychological challenges. These challenges include:
- bullying,
- depression,
- social and familial pressure,
- competition,
- technology,
- social media dependence,
- self-image issues,
- substance abuse,
- and suicidal tendencies.
Graduates with a degree in this specialization are equipped to work in:
- schools,
- clinics,
- hospitals,
- child care facilities,
- and organizations as:
- counselors,
- child behavioral analysts,
- researchers,
- early childhood educators,
- social workers,
- and advocates for children’s rights.
Those with relevant advanced degrees can hold administrative or supervisory positions in the same workplace settings.
Walden University
Online BS in Human Services – Child and Adolescent Development
At Walden University, Child and Adolescent Development is a concentration offered under the undergraduate program in Human Services. The program requires the completion of 181 quarter credit units, with up to 135 credits accepted for transfer. For transfer students, the program requires at least 45 credit units to be taken at the university.
The concentration courses include topics on child and family, social influences, and trends and issues in children and adolescents. Courses on urban culture and community assessment, cultural diversity, crisis intervention, and mental health response are also offered and are part of the required courses.
The cost of attendance is $485 per quarter hour, regardless of residency. The rate includes the technology fee, which is charged on a per quarter hour basis.
Touro University Worldwide
Online BA in Psychology-Child and Adolescent Psychology
Touro University’s undergraduate program in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Psychology is a fully online, self-paced program. Its asynchronous courses run for eight weeks each. The program requires the completion of 120 credit units, and up to 90 credits can be accepted for transfer.
The courses in the concentration core include topics on the development and psychology of the child and adolescent, psychology of those with special needs, and the societal impacts to this age group. The core curriculum is psychology-intensive courses which include ethics, research methods, developmental studies, social, personality, cognitive, and clinical psychology, to name some.
The program has six start dates throughout the academic year. The cost of attendance is $400 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
Union Institute and University
Online B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development (CAD)
Union Institute and University in Ohio offers the online undergraduate program in Child and Adolescent Development for students who have found their calling in early childhood education, development, and assisting parents through this rewarding journey. At least 120 credit units should be completed, and up to 90 credits are accepted for transfer.
This online program offers students the option to concentrate in any of the three specialization areas:
- Early Childhood Studies, for students who aspire to take on roles involving infants to children up to eight years of age. These roles include daycare and preschool facilitator or supervisorship and family support assistive roles.
- Early Childhood Special Education, for students who aspire to care for and guide children with special needs.
- Teacher as Practitioner for students who aspire to become early childhood educators. Courses under this concentration are aligned with the usual requirements for state licensure for teachers.
Students may also opt just to pursue the general CAD curriculum.
Some of the featured courses of the CAD program are Learning through Play, Multicultural Issues, Cognitive Development, Language Development, and Technology Skills for Early Childhood Educators.
The cost of attendance is $350 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
BEST SCHOOLS FOR AN ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE
A degree in Counseling Psychology allows graduates to work beyond:
- psychiatric and behavioral centers,
- treatment facilities,
- emergency response centers,
- correctional facilities,
- clinics,
- and hospitals.
They can also work in a corporate setting as part of the Human Resources team or the Health and Wellness team (global multinational companies have this in place). Counseling psychology degree holders can help guide recruits or even seasoned team members who, due to different circumstances, are having a hard time at work.
A Counseling Psychology undergraduate degree equips students to handle:
- mental and psychological crises,
- work crises,
- cases of abuse (substance, violence, etc.),
- addiction,
- cultural adaptation,
- and many other scenarios.
It is a versatile degree that helps position graduates to work in various environments, handling cases of varying nature. Most schools offer Counseling Psychology as a standalone degree, while some offer it as a major concentration to a broader discipline, usually, Psychology.
East Central University
Online BA in Human Services Counseling
Students who are passionate about interviewing and giving advice and using these media to fully understand their subjects can apply to the Human Services Counseling Psychology program of East Central University. It requires the completion of 124 credit units, with up to 94 credits accepted for transfer. Courses run for eight weeks each so that students can complete the program in as little as two years.
The program offers five concentrations, namely:
- Counseling, which includes a course on Employment and Placement Techniques, suitable for aspiring HR professionals,
- Aging, which includes courses on the Psychology of Aging and Management of a Gerontology Program,
- Rehabilitation, which includes a course on the Medical, Social and Psychological Aspects of Disability,
- Services to the Deaf, which includes different courses on American Sign Language, and,
- Prevention Science, which includes a course on the study of Addiction and Society.
Students are also required to pursue a minor concentration in a related area of study. Residents’ attendance cost is $264.25 per credit unit and $541.19 per credit unit for non-residents. Other fees may apply.
Lindsey Wilson College
Online Bachelor’s in Human Services and Counseling
Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky offers the undergraduate Human Services and Counseling program in a fully online format. Students must complete 120 credit units, with up to 30 credits accepted for transfer. Courses run for eight weeks each, and major courses can also fulfill some general required courses. Thus, students can complete the program in as little as two years.
Some featured courses of the program include Marriage and Family, Human Sexuality, Gender Studies, Therapeutic Play for Parents and Professionals, Child and Adolescent Interventions, and Creative Counseling, to name a few. The courses are geared to develop practical skills for counseling professionals in the workplace and counseling families and children.
The cost of attendance is $424 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
New Mexico State University
Online BS. Counseling and Community Psychology
The undergraduate program offered by the New Mexico State University is a double major – Counseling and Community Psychology. Students gain knowledge in case management, interpersonal skills, community and multicultural issues, mental health issues and management, and other skills and learnings relevant to the field in this 120-credit-unit program.
Graduates of the degree can also pursue careers in substance abuse prevention, intervention, and management. The curriculum is aligned with the usual requirements of the Substance Abuse Associate licensure exam.
The program takes only three years with full-time enrollment or four to five years for part-time enrollment. The cost of attendance is $380 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
BEST SCHOOLS FOR AN ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE
A Forensic Psychology degree or concentration tries to answer the question of “what goes on in someone’s head before, during, and after a crime is committed?” Unlike with a degree in Criminal Justice which largely focuses on crime prevention and law enforcement, a degree in Forensic Psychology tries to understand the mental state and health of the individual at fault.
Students are expected to be trained in all the fundamental aspects of psychology and criminology, and by extension, the Constitution and the law. Some career options include:
- researcher,
- counselor for mental wellness issues and correctional systems,
- probation and correction officer,
- criminal investigator,
- case manager,
- legislation consultant,
- and advocate.
But most graduates of this program go on to pursue advanced degrees. A doctorate is a typical requirement for a forensic psychologist. Psychologists, in general, need a doctoral degree to practice. Those who aspire to go into law will need to earn a Juris Doctor degree. Either way, this program is a good springboard for any related advanced degree, especially a Ph.D.
Maryville University
Online BA in Forensic Psychology
Maryville University offers a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology. It is a fully online program with a completion requirement of 128 credit units. For transfer students, 60 credits earned from another institution can be counted towards the degree. The program also requires the completion of 135 hours of field experience.
The curriculum is aligned with the standards set by the American Psychological Association (APA). It is subdivided into the following required cores (aside from the general and electives core):
- Psychology, which tackles all facets and types of psychology, plus a course on Psychological Tests and Measurement,
- Criminal Justice, which includes relevant and timely courses like Multicultural Policing, Criminal Investigations, Criminal Law and Procedure, Juvenile Delinquency and Police Psychology, to name some, and,
- Social Science Research includes courses on topics like statistics, research methods, and the six-unit Senior Project.
The cost of attendance is $500 per credit unit, regardless of attendance. Other fees may apply.
Faulkner University
Online BS in Forensic Psychology
Faulkner University is a Christian institution located in Alabama. It offers the BS program in Forensic Psychology, which requires 121 credit units for completion. Students are required to undergo a three-unit internship as well as a capstone project to culminate the program.
The program’s curriculum is structured to include the following GE core groups:
- Christian courses,
- Cultural Heritage courses,
- Math and Science,
- IT,
- Personal and Social Literacy,
- and Professional Literacy.
Some featured courses within the major core include four courses on:
- Psychology Seminars,
- Social Psychology,
- Developmental Psychology,
- Conflict Management,
- Criminology,
and Criminal Behavior Analysis.
The program offers electives on:
- Criminal Law,
- Constitutional Law,
- Terrorism,
- Courts and Courtroom Procedure,
- and many other interesting topics.
The cost of attendance is $325 per credit unit, regardless of the residency. Other fees, such as the online course fee of $70 per credit hour, may apply.
Arizona State University
Online BS in Psychology – Forensic Psychology
Arizona State University offers an online bachelor’s program in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. It requires the completion of 120 credit units. Transfer credits are also accepted and can be counted towards the degree. Courses run for 7.5 weeks each.
The program is also offered under the BA track, allowing students to tailor their curricula according to courses they are interested in. The BS tracking sets students up for research-intensive graduate studies, with courses like computer science, precalculus, statistics, and research methods included in the required core. Major courses include:
- Criminology,
- Abnormal Psychology,
- Psychology and Law,
- Forensic Psychology,
- Criminal Law,
- and Correctional Psychology, to name a few.
The cost of attendance is $570.75 per credit unit for residents and $665.50 per credit unit for non-residents. Other fees may apply.
BEST SCHOOLS FOR AN ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING DEGREE
It is safe to say that the stigma around mental health is no longer apparent in general. The world has embraced and learned to empathize with those who suffer from anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other mental health issues. This has also brought the role of mental health counselors to the forefront.
From a bird’s eye view, the difference between mental health counselors and psychologists is that the former employs a “talk therapy” approach instead of a research approach, common among psychologists with various tests and questionnaires. Mental health services counselors are also known to have a more personal touch to counseling than the psychologists’ clinical and methodological approach.
With those subtle yet significant differences, it is just right that a program or concentration dedicated to the art of clinical mental health counseling should exist for students who are drawn to this vocation.
Waldorf University
Online BA or BS in Psychology – Mental Health Counseling
Waldorf University offers an online undergraduate program in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling. Students must complete 120 credit units for graduation, whether they choose the BA track or the BS track.
The curriculum is designed to allot sixty credit units to GE requirements and sixty credit units for the major requirements. From these, twelve units or four courses represent the Mental Health Counseling concentration. These courses are:
- Close Relationships,
- Health Psychology,
- Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination,
- and Psychological Assessment.
These courses equip students on:
- intake, assessment, and counseling techniques on mental health issues,
- marriage troubles,
- substance abuse and addiction,
- and other problematic behaviors within the individual, family, or the community.
The cost of attendance is $310 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
George Fox University
Online BA in Psychology and Mental Health Studies
George Fox University in Oregon offers the double major B.A. program in Psychology and Mental Health Studies. The program is designed for a fast-track format so that students can complete the program in as little as 16 months.
The program is delivered fully online and utilizes a cohort approach to classes, meaning courses are synchronized. Transfer students can submit credits earned from a different school or through prior learning for credit transfer evaluation.
Students need to complete 36 credit units of major courses. The rest are comprised of the GE core (62 units) and free electives (22 units). A non-degree certificate in Behavioral Health is also available within the mental health services program. Students must apply first and seek the department’s approval before pursuing this track on top of the undergraduate degree.
The cost of attendance is $499 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
Southern New Hampshire University
Online BA in Psychology – Mental Health Counseling
The undergraduate program in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University offers five specialization tracks to concentrate. One of those is the Mental Health Counseling track. The program requires 120 credit units, with up to 90 units accepted for transfer. Students can also freely choose their electives, with 39 units allotted for those.
Some featured courses of the mental health services program include:
- Counseling Process and Techniques,
- Assessment and Testing,
- and Community Psychology.
Students are also required to undergo a field immersion course and an internship to culminate the program. Additionally, students can earn a Certificate of Data Literacy in Psychology within the program, perfect in beefing up those research skills.
The cost of attendance is $320 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
BEST SCHOOLS FOR AN ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE
A degree in Organizational Psychology is useful for Psychology graduates who are more interested in the corporate career setting. These professionals usually work under a company’s:
- HR team,
- recruitment team,
- compensation,
- and benefits team, or training and development team.
Whatever the team or department, their primary objective is to devise programs to help with employee productivity, career and personal growth, company retention, and engagement.
An example would be weekly pocket programs, like workplace seminars, training, or activities and treats for employees such as bonuses or incentives for a job well done; in short, any activity would encourage them to stay with the company. Some could also hold management or leadership roles within an organization.
Unfortunately, this degree or concentration field would not prepare its graduates for a psychology licensure exam. But the career outlook for graduates is still positive. The BLS reports a 9%, 4%, and 11% job growth for the next ten years for:
- Human Resource Managers,
- Compensation and Benefits Managers,
- and Training and Development Specialists, respectively.
The first two roles are some of the highest-paying jobs for bachelor degree holders, both breaking the $100K median annual salary mark.
University of Phoenix
Online BS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
The University of Phoenix offers the undergraduate Industrial-Organizational Psychology program. The program is delivered both online and on-campus. It also requires the completion of 120 credit units for graduation, with up to 80 credits accepted for transfer.
The program takes 12 months to finish. Accelerated learning is possible with the generous transfer credit policy and with courses running only for five weeks at a time. There is no need to cram courses within a month or two. Students are encouraged to take one course at a time within the program.
The curriculum includes courses on topics relevant to the workplace or an organization, such as:
- social psychology,
- organizational culture,
- leadership,
- and group psychology and dynamics.
The cost of attendance is on a fixed and locked rate of $398 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
Louisiana State University (LSU)
Online BS in Psychology – Industrial and Organizational Psychology
LSU Online offers a bachelor’s program in Psychology, with a concentration in Industrial and Organization Psychology. It requires the completion of 120 credit units, with as many as 90 credits accepted for transfer. The program is delivered entirely online and utilizes a synchronous, cohort type of delivery.
Some of the featured major courses of the program include Stress Management, Developmental Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Management Principles, Human Behavior in Organizations, Tests and Measurement, Abnormal Psychology, and Personality Psychology, to name a few.
The cost of attendance is $291 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
Rider University
Online BA in Organizational Psychology
Rider University in New Jersey offers an undergraduate program in Organizational Psychology. The program is delivered entirely online. It requires the completion of at least 120 credit units, with up to 90 credits accepted for transfer. Should this be the case, students can finish the program in as little as one year.
The courses are delivered asynchronously, which allows for self-paced learning. The program has multiple start dates. Some of the featured courses of the program include:
- Human Resource Management,
- Team Management,
- Fund Management,
- Organizational Behavior,
- Business Statistics,
- Organizational Communication,
- Workforce Diversity,
- Employee Selection and Testing,
- Compensation Systems,
- Psychological Tests,
- Personality,
- and Social Psychology, to name some.
The cost of attendance is $600 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
BEST SCHOOLS FOR AN ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE
A degree in Psychology is interesting for many as it opens doors in the career marketplace. The options include clinical, corporate work, non-profit work and advocacy, research, counseling, consultancy, education, and many more. Then, some are truly interested in the discipline and how it relates human behavior with one’s mental form and health.
A typical Psychology general track program will include courses on the various forms and facets of Psychology:
- biological,
- physiological,
- social,
- developmental,
- personality,
- workplace,
- community,
- and even abnormal psychology.
Along with other major courses, such courses help prepare Psych graduates for advanced studies, which is required should they wish to hold clinical practice.
Most Psychology undergraduate programs are offered either as a BS track or a BA track. The difference is that the former curriculum is research-intensive, with required courses on:
- statistics,
- probability,
- mathematics,
- research methods,
- and information technology and systems, to name a few.
It sets students up for advanced studies, master’s or doctoral degrees, or a research career. The latter, on the other hand, usually allows students to take on more electives. Some BA in Psychology programs would require students to learn second languages instead of the science and math core courses in the BS track.
University of North Dakota
At the University of North Dakota, the online undergraduate program in Psychology is delivered in two ways. A self-paced, asynchronous option is available for students with busy schedules, usually enrolled in the program part-time. A synchronized cohort type is also available. This is typically the chosen format among full-time students. Only the BA track, which is mentioned above, is available online. The BS track is also available but is exclusively delivered on-campus.
This UND program requires the completion of 120 credit units, plus 20 credit units for a minor concentration. Some featured courses of the program include History and Systems Psychology, Biological Bases of Behavior, Behavior Modification Therapy, Psychology and Law, Industrial and Organizational Therapy, and Abnormal Psychology, to name some.
The courses provide students with a broad view of the discipline, which positions them well to enter any industry. Additionally, students can also earn a non-degree certificate in either Forensic Psychology or Behavioral Health.
The cost of attendance is $370.08 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s BA program in Psychology is delivered fully online and completed in four years or less. It requires the completion of 120 credit units. Full-time or part-time enrollment is accepted.
Some of the featured coursework of the psychology degree program include the core courses of:
- Fundamentals of Psychology,
- Neuropsychology,
- Research Methods,
- Abnormal Psychology,
- or Psychopathology.
Students are also encouraged to pursue minor degrees in:
- Health Sciences,
- Applied Behavior Analysis,
- or Addiction Studies to increase their marketability after graduation.
The cost of attendance is $472 per credit unit, regardless of residency. Other fees may apply.
University of Houston
The University of Houston offers the online undergraduate in Psychology program in a hybrid format. It requires the completion of 120 credit units. The lower-level core courses or GE courses must be taken on-campus as these are not available online. Only the major courses or higher-level courses are available online. Transfer credits are accepted.
The curriculum is designed to emphasize information systems literacy along with the fundamentals of psychology. This helps its graduates to enter both the clinical and industrial or corporate fields with the degree. The program also requires its students to develop a well-rounded liberal arts education with courses on biology and natural science, culture, social science, genetics, and behavioral science, to name some.
The cost of attendance for residents is $361.86 per credit unit and $869.86 per credit unit for non-residents. Other fees may apply.
Summary of the Pros and Cons of Psychology and Counseling
Pros:
Improves mental health: Psychological and counseling therapies have been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help people manage difficult emotions like anger and grief.
Supports overall well-being: A therapist can help individuals identify unhealthy patterns and behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. This can improve one’s overall well-being and quality of life.
Helps build meaningful relationships: Through counseling, individuals can learn how to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with friends, family, and partners.
Strengthens coping skills: Counseling can help individuals develop coping strategies that help them deal with life’s challenges.
Cons:
Cost: Therapy can be expensive, and not everyone can afford it.
Time commitment: Counseling typically requires a long-term commitment, which can be difficult for people with busy schedules.
Stigma: Mental health issues are still seen as taboo, and some people may feel embarrassed or ashamed to seek help.
Risk of harm: Counseling can be emotionally challenging, and some people may be at risk of emotional harm if they are not prepared for the process.
In Conclusion
By obtaining your bachelor’s degree in one of the many careers available in Psychology and Counseling, you will be set to pursue a master’s degree in the field as well. A master’s degree will open doors to many more opportunities within the realm of Psychology and if you set your goals even higher, a doctorate degree will be the pinnacle!