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Build professional skills that fit your career goals with a BS in Psychology
From scientific research to helping others understand themselves, psychology is applicable to a wide variety of professional pursuits. In our BS in Psychology program, you can focus in on what matters most to your career by choosing one of two specializations.
BS in Psychology program overview
Our BS in Psychology program builds a foundation for understanding the complexities of human behavior and thought. Studies integrate knowledge, skills and values designed around the American Psychological Association's guidelines for undergraduate psychology.
The BS in Psychology program core courses help you build a foundation of knowledge and strengthen your skills in key areas of psychological theory and practice. Coursework for your chosen specialization focuses on specific professional expertise as you advance toward your final project.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Applicants to the BS in Psychology program must provide the following information for admission:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Transcript of any reported GED
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation and other administrative costs
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- You must be at least 24 years old. This requirement may be waived for:
- Military applicants and veterans
- Applicants with 24 or more quarter credits of prior college or university coursework (transferable college coursework and/or credentials that map to preapproved Credit for Prior Learning opportunities may be considered toward the 24-credit minimum equivalency total)
- Applicants who do not have any credits eligible for transfer must successfully complete a university-approved reading and writing assessment; by evaluating your skills prior to your first course, Capella can more effectively provide resources to prepare you for a successful learning experience
- Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option will be evaluated for admission with a holistic review; FlexPath applicants with a GPA of less than 2.8 (recommended minimum) may be required to submit additional documents for review; contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about the FlexPath admission requirements
- SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
International and FlexPath applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.
View full admission requirements for each specialization or minor: General Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis
The total cost of your BS in Psychology program will depend on your learning format and specialization, scholarships and finances, transfer credits, academic performance and other factors.
Find detailed tuition information and cost scenarios for each specialization or minor: General Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis
Choosing a BS in Psychology specialization
Every professional journey is different. Your chosen specialization can help you leverage your unique passions and interests to build advanced expertise for a psychology career.*
- Learning outcomes
- Career exploration
General Psychology
- Demonstrate familiarity with major psychology concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends
- Apply psychology information analysis, research methods and technological tools
Applied Behavior Analysis
- Apply behavioral principles and concepts to design, sustain and evaluate behavioral interventions
- Evaluate findings of applied behavioral analytic research
General Psychology
- Employment settings to explore include individual and family services, universities and hospitals
- Research job titles such as case manager, mental health specialist, residential counselor and academic advisor
Applied Behavior Analysis
- Employment settings to explore include K–12 public or private schools, clinics and in-home therapy
- Research job titles such as behavior analyst and registered behavior technician
*Capella cannot guarantee any specific job, promotion, salary increase or other career outcomes. You will need to conduct your own research to understand what opportunities may be available to you. Note that some career paths may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications or other designations along with a degree.
Which is better for a BS in Psychology, FlexPath or GuidedPath?
The FlexPath learning format is available for the General Psychology specialization only. Your lifestyle and learning preferences will factor into choosing a path for your bachelor’s degree in psychology. FlexPath gives you the freedom to set your own deadlines and complete coursework at your own pace. GuidedPath offers a more structured approach with a fixed weekly schedule.
- Complete your assessments at your own pace
- Engage one-on-one with faculty to receive feedback
- Get support from coaches when you need it
- Pay one tuition fee per 12-week billing session; books, supplies and other fees apply
- Complete weekly assignments with preset deadlines
- Participate in weekly discussion posts with your classmates and faculty
- Connect with academic coaches to keep you on track
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
Why choose the BS in Psychology at Capella University?
Professionally aligned curriculum
Our curriculum is aligned with professional standards to help you build the right skills for success in the field.
Relevant education
Our competency-based approach is designed to deliver marketable skills that you can apply immediately in your work.
Gen ed courses included
Capella students receive access to ACE® Credit-recommended courses for college credit from our affiliate, Sophia Learning.*
Ways to help save time & money
Manage costs with transfer credits, credits through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), tuition discounts, and scholarships.*
*All transfer and CPL credit must be completed prior to starting any program in the FlexPath learning format. Any professional certification or external courses taken concurrently with FlexPath enrollment cannot be recognized in the Capella degree program.
“With my BS in Psychology, I want to create positive organizational changes where employees can grow to love their job and contribute to their organization’s success. My BS in Psychology is only a stepping-stone, as I have a long way to go to acquire my PhD. Obtaining my bachelor’s with Capella provided me with the first steps in reaching my career goals.”
Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials