What is a BA in Psychology? Degree Requirements, Careers & Salaries
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology is a 4-year undergraduate degree focused on understanding human behavior, cognition, and mental processes. Students complete 120-130 credit hours combining general education with psychology courses in developmental, social, cognitive, and abnormal psychology. Entry-level careers include human resources specialist (median $72,910), case manager ($37,180), and psychiatric technician ($37,090). The BA serves as the essential foundation for graduate study in psychology, counseling, or social work.
A Bachelor's Degree in Psychology opens doors to understanding the complexities of human behavior, thought processes, and emotional functioning. Whether you're considering entering the mental health field, exploring human resources, or preparing for graduate study, a BA in Psychology provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed for diverse career paths.
Psychology students develop critical thinking abilities, research competencies, and interpersonal skills that translate across multiple industries. This comprehensive guide explores what you'll learn in a BA psychology program, career opportunities with salary expectations, and how to choose the right accredited program for your goals.
Table of Contents
What is a BA in Psychology?
A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is an undergraduate degree conferred upon students who complete all graduation requirements at an accredited college or university. The typical BA in Psychology requires 4 years of full-time study, though completion timelines generally range from 3-5 years depending on course load, transfer credits, and individual circumstances.
Students who major in psychology pursue a deeper understanding of the human mind, emotions, and behaviors. The degree serves dual purposes: some graduates use the bachelor's degree as preparation for graduate programs in psychology, counseling, social work, or related disciplines, while others leverage their psychology knowledge to enter the workforce in careers involving substantial human interaction and behavioral understanding.
BA vs BS in Psychology: Key Differences
Prospective psychology students often wonder whether to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology. Both degrees provide solid foundations in psychological principles, but they differ in focus and course requirements.
| Feature | BA in Psychology | BS in Psychology |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Focus | Broader liberal arts education with a humanities emphasis | Science and research-focused curriculum |
| Course Requirements | More electives in humanities, foreign languages, and social sciences | More statistics, biology, chemistry, and research methods courses |
| Best For | Human resources, marketing, counseling support, business careers, and clinical graduate programs | Research positions, data analysis, neuroscience, and research-focused doctoral programs |
| Graduate School Acceptance | Accepted by most psychology graduate programs, including clinical and counseling master's programs | May have slight advantage for research-intensive PhD programs, though BA holders are equally competitive |
| Career Flexibility | Versatile across business, education, social services, and healthcare support roles | Strong fit for technical roles in research labs, pharmaceutical companies, and data-driven positions |
| Typical Timeline | 4 years full-time (120-130 credits) | 4 years full-time (120-130 credits) |
The distinction between BA and BS programs matters less than program quality and accreditation. Most employers and graduate schools value both degrees equally. Your choice should align with your interests: if you enjoy research and hard sciences, consider a BS. If you prefer a well-rounded education with diverse electives, a BA may be your best fit.
Psychology Degree Requirements
To earn a BA in Psychology, you'll need to satisfy both general education requirements and psychology-specific coursework. Understanding these requirements helps you plan your academic path efficiently.
General Education Requirements
General education requirements (GERs) expose students to diverse academic disciplines. All institutions require successful completion of general education units across departments, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, mathematics, and English composition. This approach, dating back to the late 1800s, aims to graduate well-rounded scholars with broad knowledge across major disciplines.
Course selection during general education proves important because grades in these classes integrate into your overall Grade Point Average (GPA), which affects graduate school applications and scholarship opportunities.
Complete Degree Requirements Breakdown
| Requirement Type | Typical Credits | Course Examples |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | 45-60 credits | English Composition, College Math, Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry), Social Sciences, Humanities (History, Philosophy), Foreign Language |
| Psychology Core Courses | 36-48 credits | Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods, Statistics for Psychology, History and Systems of Psychology, Physiological Psychology |
| Psychology Electives | 12-15 credits | Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Personality Psychology |
| Free Electives | 12-24 credits | Any courses matching your interests or career goals |
| Total Credits Required | 120-130 credits | 4 years full-time study |
Psychology Courses You'll Take
Once you've met general education requirements, you'll take courses exclusively from the Psychology Department. Programs divide these into "lower division" (introductory) and "upper division" (advanced) courses. Lower division courses introduce foundational concepts, while upper division classes explore specialized topics in greater depth.
Many programs require successful completion of specific lower-division courses before enrolling in their upper-division counterparts. Each college determines major requirements, typically requiring a strategic mix of both levels.
Lower Division Psychology Courses
Lower division courses are typically available to all students and provide the foundation for advanced study:
Introduction to Psychology - This foundational course gives students a general perspective on studying the human mind, including how individuals process information, the mechanics of learning and memory, motivation, language acquisition, social interaction, and personality components.
Biological Psychology - Examines psychology from the biological perspective of how brain structure and function influence human behavior. Key topics include sensory systems (hearing, sight, touch, taste, smell), nervous system functioning, and the biological foundations of behavior and cognition.
Cognitive Psychology - Introduces basic concepts in cognitive psychology related to human perception, attention, short-term and long-term memory, language processing, and human thought. Students learn about cognition as a science and foundational concepts in neuropsychology.
Behavioral Psychology - Students explore elements of behavioral psychology, including conditioning theories, animal behavior research, the psychology of motivation, and behavioral modification techniques.
Upper Division Psychology Courses
Upper division courses typically require psychology major status, upper division standing, or completion of prerequisite courses:
Clinical Psychology - Focuses on the origins, components, and treatment approaches for psychological disorders. The course applies biological factors, social components, and psychological theories to deepen understanding of abnormal behavior and evidence-based interventions.
Developmental Psychology - Provides a comprehensive overview of human development across the lifespan. Focus areas include language development, social and emotional development, cognitive growth, and the influence of environmental factors on development.
Social Psychology - Examines social psychology's evolution and current applications. Topics include perception and attitudes, social influence, stereotypes, group behavior dynamics, personality-environment interactions, and prosocial behavior.
Advanced Cognitive Psychology - Explores mental processes from a scientific perspective, including how individuals communicate thoughts and information, perceive environments, acquire and store knowledge, solve problems, make decisions, engage in logical reasoning, and express creativity.
Transferring Community College Credits
Many students choose to complete general education requirements at community colleges before transferring to four-year institutions. This approach offers financial benefits and geographic flexibility, but requires careful planning.
If you opt to attend a community college or complete courses online to satisfy general education requirements, you must confirm that your intended four-year college or university will accept these transfer credits. Students who skip this verification step have wasted hundreds of dollars, countless hours, and significant energy passing classes that weren't accepted by their target Bachelor's in Psychology program.
To ensure your efforts count toward your degree, contact the admissions office of your intended four-year institution early in your planning process. Speak with an admissions counselor about which credits they accept and from which community colleges or online institutions. Many four-year schools maintain formal articulation agreements with specific community colleges, guaranteeing credit transfer when students meet requirements.
Choosing an Accredited Program
One of the most important questions to ask when selecting a college is: "Is this institution accredited?" Accreditation proves vital because success in psychology and most professional fields requires attending an accredited institution.
Understanding Accreditation
A United States college or university is "accredited" when it has been investigated and approved by nationally recognized accrediting associations and agencies. These accrediting agencies are themselves recognized and monitored by two primary entities:
- The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- The United States Department of Education (USDE)
CHEA and USDE don't directly accredit colleges. Instead, they recognize and oversee the accrediting agencies that evaluate institutions. Both organizations publish databases of approved accrediting agencies and lists of accredited colleges. These resources provide essential information for evaluating institutions. The USDE database offers comprehensive college-related data helpful during the selection process, while CHEA maintains searchable records of accredited institutions nationwide.
Attending an accredited college provides assurance that your Bachelor's Degree in Psychology will be recognized and accepted by employers, graduate programs, and professional licensing boards. Non-accredited degrees may not qualify you for certain jobs, graduate school admission, or professional licensure, making accreditation verification an essential first step in choosing an accredited psychology program.
Career Paths and Salaries with a BA in Psychology
The psychology careers available with a Bachelor's Degree are as diverse and creative as the individuals who hold them. Students typically choose psychology for two primary reasons: advancing further in the mental health field or building an educational foundation that provides understanding of human behavior for careers in business, marketing, human resources, and social services.
Using Your BA in Psychology Outside the Clinical Field
A solid understanding of human motivation and behavior provides an excellent foundation for numerous meaningful careers. Human resource professionals consistently report that applicants with BA degrees in Psychology rank as highly desirable candidates for various positions, including roles within HR departments themselves.
Psychology Degrees in the Workplace
Mikaela Kiner, who spent almost two decades in corporate HR and now leads an HR consulting firm in Seattle, served in prestigious HR leadership roles, including Senior HR Manager at Microsoft, Partner Resource Manager at Starbucks, and Director of HR at Amazon. She currently serves as Founder and CEO of uniquelyHR.
Kiner shared with us the value of a BA in Psychology in corporate settings: "During my time at large companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks, I saw these employers looking for psychology degrees. Knowledge of psychology is an advantage when working with senior leaders or trying to boost employee engagement and morale."
She emphasized that psychology backgrounds open doors to human resources careers: "Historically, people came into HR from all walks of life. Often, it was their experience vs. education that made candidates successful in HR roles. While HR is about business and analytics, it's equally important to understand people's thought processes and styles. Knowledge of psychology is an advantage when working with senior leaders or trying to boost employee engagement and morale."
Her advice to psychology graduates considering HR careers: "The job seeker should understand and be able to articulate the value of that degree relative to the job he/she is applying for. Candidates should in no way be apologetic - Psychology is as related to HR as a degree in HR, Business or Finance. Learn about the role, tailor your resume, and be prepared to talk about how your education, skills, and experience make you the right candidate for the role."
Career Options and Salary Data
Bachelor's degree holders in psychology find opportunities across diverse sectors. Here are common career paths with current salary information:
| Career Path | Median Annual Salary (2024) | Typical Responsibilities | Education Beyond BA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Specialist | $72,910 | Recruiting, employee relations, benefits administration, and workplace conflict resolution | None required |
| Case Manager / Social and Human Service Assistant | $37,180 | Client assessment, resource coordination, advocacy, progress monitoring | None required |
| Psychiatric Technician | $37,090 | Patient care support, behavioral observation, therapeutic activity assistance | None required |
| Market Research Analyst | $68,230 | Consumer behavior analysis, survey design, data interpretation, trend forecasting | None required |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor | $59,190 | Client counseling, treatment planning, crisis intervention, progress documentation | Master's degree + state licensure required |
Preparing for Graduate School in Psychology
To become a licensed psychologist, therapist, counselor, or clinical social worker, students must progress beyond the bachelor's degree. Professional careers in clinical psychology, counseling, and therapy require applicable master's degrees and/or doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) to qualify for independent practice in clinical settings.
Scholars aspiring to become recognized researchers or professors at institutions of higher learning should consider pursuing a doctorate in psychology. The path to these advanced careers begins with a strong undergraduate foundation.
Advanced Education Pathway
Dr. Katherine Loflin, an award-winning international expert, speaker, global leader in placemaking, consultant, and two-time TEDx speaker, has been featured in prominent print, radio, and television media. Dr. Loflin (also known as the "City Doctor") founded Loflin Solutions and authored the upcoming "Place Match: The City Doctor's Guide to Finding Where You Belong."
Dr. Loflin realized during her undergraduate years that advancing beyond a BA would be necessary to reach her professional goals. She reflects: "I entered college as undesignated, but soon moved into a psychology major. I was interested in the subject and thought it would hold my attention throughout college. I also hoped to do something with the degree, but realized with just an undergraduate degree in psychology, it would likely not be enough to base a career."
She continues: "As I went through the program, I learned what a solid orientation it gave me for a variety of disciplines and careers I could pursue."
Her advice to students considering advanced psychology careers: "Realize that a BA will likely not be enough to do what you want to do as a career. Graduate school may be necessary, especially if you intend to stay in the human services field. Think broadly about how you can use your degree to do the thing you most want. Remember, there are new jobs being developed every day that didn't exist 10 years ago. Mine didn't! With a psych degree, you can start to create the career you want."
Graduate School Application Requirements
Students planning to pursue graduate study should maintain strong GPAs, seek research opportunities, build relationships with faculty mentors, and gain relevant field experience through internships or volunteer work. Many graduate programs traditionally required GRE scores, though an increasing number of psychology programs have waived this requirement since 2020. Check individual program requirements carefully, as policies vary by institution.
Most programs still require letters of recommendation from psychology faculty and personal statements outlining career goals and research interests. Learn more about the next steps in your education: explore requirements for a master's degree in psychology and understand licensure requirements in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About BA in Psychology
What's the difference between a BA and a BS in Psychology?
A BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Psychology provides a broader liberal arts education with more electives in humanities and social sciences, while a BS (Bachelor of Science) focuses more heavily on research methods, statistics, and natural sciences. Both degrees qualify you for the same entry-level positions and graduate programs. Your choice should align with your interests: choose a BS if you enjoy research and hard sciences, or a BA if you prefer a well-rounded education with diverse coursework.
What jobs can I get with a BA in Psychology?
Common entry-level positions include human resources specialist (median $72,910), case manager and social service assistant ($37,180), psychiatric technician ($37,090), and market research analyst ($68,230). Psychology graduates also find opportunities in sales, marketing, social services, probation work, and various business roles. Clinical psychology careers (therapist, counselor, psychologist) require master's or doctoral degrees beyond the bachelor's level, plus state licensure.
How long does it take to complete a BA in Psychology?
Most students complete a BA in Psychology in 4 years of full-time study, completing 120-130 credit hours. Part-time students typically take 5-6 years, while some accelerated programs allow completion in 3 years for highly motivated students. Transfer students who completed general education requirements at community colleges may finish in 2-3 years at a four-year institution.
Can I become a psychologist with a BA in Psychology?
No, you cannot practice as a licensed psychologist with only a bachelor's degree. Licensed psychologists must complete either a PhD or PsyD (doctoral degree), which takes an additional 5-7 years after the bachelor's degree, complete supervised clinical hours (typically ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 hours depending on your state's requirements), and pass national and state licensing examinations. A BA in Psychology is the essential first step toward that goal and provides the foundation for advanced training.
Is a psychology degree worth it?
A BA in Psychology provides versatile skills in communication, critical thinking, research, and understanding human behavior that apply across many careers. Graduates work successfully in human resources, marketing, counseling support, social services, business management, and education with median starting salaries of $45,000-$55,000. The degree also serves as excellent preparation for graduate study in psychology, counseling, social work, education, law, or business. The value depends on your career goals and how you leverage the degree's transferable skills.
Key Takeaways
- Degree Requirements: A BA in Psychology typically requires 120-130 credit hours over 4 years, combining 45-60 credits of general education with 36-48 credits of psychology core courses and 12-15 credits of psychology electives.
- Career Flexibility: While you can't practice as a licensed psychologist with a bachelor's degree alone, BA psychology graduates find rewarding careers in human resources (median $72,910), case management ($37,180), marketing research ($68,230), social services, and counseling support roles.
- Accreditation is Essential: Always verify your program's accreditation status through CHEA or USDE databases before enrolling. Regional or national accreditation is required for graduate school admission, professional licensure, and recognition by quality employers.
- Graduate Education Opens Doors: Most clinical psychology, counseling, and therapy careers require master's or doctoral degrees plus state licensure. A BA in Psychology provides the critical foundation for advanced study and professional practice in mental health fields.
- Transferable Skills Matter: Psychology degrees develop valuable skills in critical thinking, research, communication, and understanding human behavior that transfer successfully to diverse career paths beyond clinical psychology.
Ready to Start Your Psychology Career?
Explore accredited BA in Psychology programs that align with your career goals and schedule. Compare degree options, specializations, and outcomes to find your ideal match.
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2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other, Psychiatric Techs; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Social Workers; Social and Human Service Assistants; and Human Resources Specialists are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
