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School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
You’re driven to understand how humans think, feel, learn and behave, and you’re ready to make a difference with your career. Take the next step toward your professional goals with our online BS in Psychology degree program.
A flexible Bachelor of Science in Psychology
In the Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program at Capella University, you can choose from two specializations to focus on what matters most to your career. The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board provides expertise and insight to help ensure the program skills and knowledge apply to a wide variety of professional pursuits, from scientific research to helping others understand themselves.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology program overview
Our Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is designed to build a foundation for understanding the complexities of human behavior and thought. Courses integrate knowledge, skills and values designed around the American Psychological Association guidelines for undergraduate psychology.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation provides the assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, student services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Why Capella?
- Cost & savings
- Flexibility
- Quality curriculum
- Student experience
Reduce your tuition
Student loans can help you finance your education – but they have to be repaid. So, before you apply for a loan, explore your options for discounts, tuition assistance and other ways to help you save.
Scholarships & grants
Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.
- Capella Progress Rewards $15,000 bachelor’s scholarships: These scholarships are not need-based. They’re simply our way to support your commitment to your education.*
- Student/Alumni referral scholarship: Capella students and alumni can refer eligible friends, family or colleagues to Capella to pursue a degree with a scholarship.*
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
No-cost gen eds
Complete no-cost online general education courses through our affiliate, Sophia, and apply your eligible courses toward your degree at Capella.
Military benefits
Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, veterans, their spouses and dependents.
Employer benefits
Tuition discounts and scholarships are available for eligible employees of our partner organizations.
FlexPath: Your pace. Your price.
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. Available in select programs.
Previous learning
Get the credit you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university or getting credit for prior learning (CPL).*
*All transfer and credit for prior learning (CPL) credit must be completed prior to starting any program in the FlexPath format. Any professional certification or external courses taken concurrently with FlexPath enrollment cannot be recognized in the Capella degree program.
1 of alumni report that FlexPath allowed them to use their knowledge and experience to move faster through their programs..
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
Program specializations
Various factors impact your time and cost to complete your degree, such as your program specialization. For more information, visit the BS in Psychology specialization pages.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology specializations
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. Available in select programs.
1 of alumni agree Capella provided the flexibility they needed to pursue their degree.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
Two online learning formats to fit your life
FlexPath
- Take one or two courses at a time
- Set your own deadlines. You can finish a course and move on to the next one without having to wait for a new term
- Complete as many courses as you can in each 12-week billing session
- Available in select programs
GuidedPath
- Work on assignments with fixed weekly deadlines
- Take up to three classes per quarter
- Follow a set schedule of 10-week quarters
“At Capella, I valued the flexibility. The ability to earn my degree at my own pace was extremely convenient. I also valued the support I received from the faculty. No matter who I called, I always received the help I needed on the spot.”
Vernon Mahan
BS in Psychology, FlexPath
Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in our promotional materials
Expert advisory board
The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences advisory board helps ensure our programs provide innovative, student-centered education that is competency-based, rigorous, relevant and transformative, offering skills and knowledge in behavioral health that meet the needs of a diverse, ever-evolving society.
The advisory board helps ensure that Capella University provides:
- Academic offerings that are designed with relevant and meaningful learning opportunities
- High-quality, relevant educational programing that is challenging, engaging, supportive, transformative and diverse
- Skills and experiences necessary to lead and contribute to their organizations and communities
Distinguished faculty
Our faculty understand the needs of working adults who are pursuing a degree. They’re on a mission to change how higher education works, and they’re dedicated to a teaching method based on:
- A fundamental belief in the power of human potential
- Passion for their fields and online learning
- A commitment to connecting with students through expert feedback
- Dedication to regularly inspire students to be successful
- The drive to go the extra mile for students and for Capella
Bachelor of Science in Psychology outcomes
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program provides undergraduate learners with instruction across the broad science of psychology. The curriculum emphasizes the knowledge, skills and values identified by the American Psychological Association as fundamental in the undergraduate study of psychology. The program is designed to foster understanding of the complexities of human behavior and thought and develop analytical, quantitative and communication skills associated with the study of psychology. Applying psychological content and skills to life and work settings is also a key focus of the program. The program is designed to help prepare graduates to continue their studies at the graduate level or pursue careers in which psychology knowledge and skills are used to promote human welfare and well-being.
1 of alumni agree that Capella faculty were well qualified and did a good job.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“Initially, I chose Capella because of the flexibility. Working full time, raising two toddlers, being a husband and managing my professional career, flexibility was of huge necessity. However, I will say now, looking back on the faculty support through residency, I would not have made it through without their support.”
Tyler Bellemy
MS in Psychology and PhD in Psychology
Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in our promotional materials
Bachelor of Science in Psychology specializations
Bachelor of Science in Psychology services and resources
Only you can make your degree happen – but our teams of experts are ready to help you whenever you need it. You’ll have a network of enrollment counselors, faculty and academic and career coaches to lean on throughout your program at Capella.
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing Center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Financing support
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning
Career support
- Resume help, interview prep and employer database of job listings
- One-on-one career coaching
- Learner & alumni networking platform to connect in your field
Personal support
- Disability services
- Student communities and peer-to-peer mentoring
- 24/7 tech support
“I wanted to finish school online because with my work schedule it would almost be impossible to attend school in person. A friend of mine spoke very highly of Capella and informed me that I could earn my degree online and at my own pace. I immediately applied and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Vernon Mahan
BS in Psychology, FlexPath
Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in our promotional materials
Alumni Association
As a graduate, you’ll have a community of Capella students, alumni and faculty you can tap into for career advice and networking.
Career Development Center
Explore your career options, navigate your job search and move toward your goals with help from our Career Development Center. We offer a variety of career resources to meet your unique needs, including one-on-one career coaching. With a competency-based education, you learn marketable skills even before you graduate, so we encourage you to start planning early.
Frequently asked questions
Applicants to the BS in Psychology program must provide the following for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A transcript of any reported GED
- 4.5 credits eligible for transfer. See Sophia Admissions Pathways as an option to obtain credits.
- Applicants under the age of 24 must also submit a high school transcript verifying graduation
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
International, FlexPath, and Accelerated Master’s Pathway applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.
View full admission requirements for each specialization: General Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program provides undergraduate students with instruction across the broad science of psychology. The program is designed to foster understanding of the complexities of human behavior and thought and develop analytical, quantitative and communication skills associated with the study of psychology.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program provides instruction across the broad science of psychology. The curriculum emphasizes the knowledge, skills and values identified by the American Psychological Association as fundamental in the undergraduate study of psychology.
For more information regarding the curriculum in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree programs, visit the specialization pages in General Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis.
Both specializations within the program are available in our GuidedPath online learning format. The General Psychology specialization within the program is also available in our FlexPath online learning format.
Learn more about the student experience and explore what additional support resources we offer to help you find and succeed in your degree program.
Capella University offers degrees ranging from bachelor’s to doctorates, as well as a number of certificates. But what if you just need one specific class? Capella might be able to help you whether you're looking for undergraduate or graduate courses. We spoke with enrollment specialists Rey Bayl and Terry Metoxen to get their insights into how individual courses work and what you can expect from the experience.
Continue reading, Yes, you can take an individual college course online blog post >>
Find a bachelor’s program available in either of our learning formats that fits your goals and apply to Capella. Once you’ve applied, you can complete no-cost general education courses through our affiliate Sophia. Then, you can apply those courses to a Capella program to potentially reduce the time and cost of your degree.
Additional Bachelor of Science in Psychology resources
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Explore your path in the field of psychology
Discover potential paths to gain the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the field of psychology.