If you have a passion for helping others, an applied psychology degree may be a fitting choice for you.
Applied psychologists study existing research in the field of psychology and use their knowledge to develop practical solutions to everyday issues.
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Many applied psychologists are strong communicators and collaborators, working closely with clients to meet their needs. Individuals in applied psychology positions are often agents of change, creating positive impacts in their professional communities.
Online Applied Psychology Degrees
An applied psychologist studies psychological principles and uses them to develop solutions to common problems encountered in different areas, such as product design or the workplace.
In addition to solving a wide variety of practical issues, applied psychologists also work to identify and understand these problems. While it is still necessary for you to study general psychology, a typical applied psychology curriculum will focus less on research and more on the practical application of theories.
Although coursework differs between programs, you’ll likely take classes that cover topics like:
- Community psychology
- Psychology and social change
- Statistics for behavioral sciences
- Research methods in applied psychology
- Educational psychology
- Group dynamics
- Personality theories
- Social psychology
These courses can give you a foundation in social and community psychology as well as strengthen your knowledge in the areas of clinical counseling and research. All of this information can prove useful in an applied psychology career.
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A bachelor’s degree in applied psychology can be useful in a variety of fields, including:
- Education
- Social services
- Conflict resolution
- Marketing
- Human resources
- Technology
Many individuals graduate from applied psychology programs with a number of versatile skills, including statistical analysis, research, and conflict resolution. Because these are helpful skill sets when working with groups of people, many organizations in a diverse range of industries are willing to hire applied psychology majors.
Some of the career paths associated with applied psychology include:
- Human resources specialist
- Social services manager
- Sales manager
- Market research analyst
- Social and human service assistant
- Substance abuse counselor
- Behavioral counselor
Central to many of the jobs connected to applied science in psychology is the wellbeing and safety of individuals, communities, and organizations. Almost every industry is in need of someone who understands human behavior and can solve everyday problems
Common Online Bachelor Degree in Applied Psychology Concentrations
Many schools offer a variety of applied psychology concentrations to choose from. Selecting a concentration allows you to focus your studies on an area that you find compelling and that aligns with your career aspirations.
While available concentrations will vary depending on the school, here are some common ones you may consider:
- Forensic Psychology. Forensic psychologists focus on law enforcement and the justice system, studying psychological behaviors of individuals in these areas. Typical course topics include criminal behavior and group counseling.
- Organizational Psychology. With the goal of helping businesses increase productivity and employee satisfaction, organizational psychologists explore workplace environments. In an organizational psychology program, you may study leadership, recruitment, and company culture.
- Sports Psychology. Sports psychologists study the impact of psychological factors on different aspects of an athlete’s performance, with the goal of improving safety and overall well being. Students in this concentration may study coaching and leadership, sports psychology assessments, and clinical issues in sports.
- Child Advocacy. In this track, you can learn about methods for speaking up for children in high-risk situations. Central to this concentration is a deep understanding of child development as well as the recognition and prevention of domestic violence and child abuse.
- Clinical Psychology. In a clinical psychology concentration, you’ll study common mental and behavioral disorders, and you’ll likely focus around the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of such disorders.
Selecting a concentration can be one of the first steps toward a career in a specific field or industry.
Applied Psychology Careers & Salaries
Fundamental principles of psychology can be applied to almost any professional setting, so a degree in applied psychology useful in a wide variety of industries and fields. You can tailor your degree in applied psychology to fit your interests and skills by selecting a concentration that matches your career goals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of some of the career paths that professionals with an academic background in psychology may pursue.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $105,310 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Market Research Analysts | $63,920 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $62,290 |
| Health Education Specialists | $60,600 |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $60,510 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $60,250 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $48,520 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $37,610 |
| Psychiatric Technicians | $36,570 |
Some of these positions may require a masters or doctoral degree. Many careers in the field of psychology also involve passing a certification or licensing exam. A bachelor’s degree in applied psychology can help you gain qualifications for the workforce, but it does not automatically qualify you for a specific position or salary.
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Other factors that can impact your job search include your chosen concentration, your academic record, and your professional experience.
Applied Psychology Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses
Applied psychology curricula differ depending on the school and specific area of study. While every program is unique, you might take courses similar to the following:
- Community Psychology: In this course, you’ll explore concepts and theories important to the field of community psychology, covering topics such as social capital, civic engagement, and ecological theory.
- Psychology and Social Change: This course explores the ways in which our beliefs, relationships, and values have shaped and changed social systems over time.
- Statistics for Behavioral Sciences: This course covers how to analyze data from behavioral studies, including areas of study like significance tests, linear regression, and data description.
- Research Methods in Applied Psychology: This course introduces you to fundamental research methods in psychology, including topics such as literature review, ethical dilemmas in research, and data collection.
- Educational Psychology: You’ll study theories and research important to educational psychology, covering topics like evaluation, intelligence, and teaching models.
- Group Dynamics: This course examines the leadership and function of different groups, including what causes conflict and solidarity.
- Personality Theories: In this class, you’ll study a variety of theories and research related to personality, spanning topics such as psychodynamic and humanistic theory.
- Social Psychology: This course focuses on how individual behavior and thought can be impacted by social dynamics, covering subjects like self-perception, prejudice, and conformity.
- Public Speaking: This class is intended to provide you with useful skills and techniques for speaking to an audience, especially for presenting research and findings.
- Biopsychology: In this course, you’ll study the role of the brain in influencing decision-making and shaping behavior.
Coursework in an applied psychology program is designed to strengthen your background in general psychology theories while building your knowledge and research skills in a specific area of your choosing.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for an undergraduate program in applied psychology can differ between schools. It’s common, though, for the following items to be required in most applications for a bachelor’s degree program:
- SAT or ACT scores (only when required)
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Each item can benefit your overall application packet. While academic criteria—such as standardized test scores or official transcripts—certainly hold weight, they do not showcase all that you are capable of. Colleges are often interested in the life experiences and beliefs that attracted you to their program.
Accreditation
The accreditation status of your prospective schools is an important factor to consider as you search for an applied psychology program. A regionally accredited institution has undergone a review to determine if its educational materials, professors, and facilities meet the regional expectations for quality.
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Federal financial aid is only granted to individuals who attend regionally accredited institutions. Plus, a degree earned from an accredited program is considered valid by a wider range of companies and organizations, which could aid your job search after graduation.
American Psychological Association (APA) Accreditation
Psychology programs can also have programmatic accreditation. The American Psychological Association (APA) is the top accrediting agency for psychology programs, affirming that educational offerings are up to industry standards.
Attending an applied psychology program that has passed a check for quality by the APA can ensure that you learn the appropriate skills and knowledge for the field. Employers in the field of psychology also prefer candidates who have training from an APA accredited program.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial support is available for qualifying students through a wide range of programs, including federal and state aid, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
Federal student aid can be granted in the form of loans, grants, or work-study programs. Filling out the FAFSA can allow you to see how much federal assistance you are eligible for based on factors such as enrollment status and income level.
You can also research state aid and scholarship opportunities for your state of residence and specific school. These programs typically vary between location and institution, but they often award financial support for specific areas, such as academic excellence or sports.
What Is Applied Psychology?
Applied psychology is a specialized branch of psychology that focuses on developing practical solutions to everyday problems. By using primary research and principles of psychology, applied psychologists attempt to solve issues experienced by individuals and groups.
There are several different areas you can choose to focus on that fall under the umbrella of applied psychology. For instance, you might decide to study educational, clinical, forensic, or industrial applied psychology. Selecting a concentration can help you prepare for a specific industry after graduation.
What Degree Does a Psychologist Need?
The degree needed to become a psychologist varies between professional positions. Different career paths may have different educational requirements.
Licensed psychologists typically need a doctoral degree, especially those who want to work in private practice. Licensing requirements can vary between states as well. The educational requirement for industrial-organizational psychologists is usually a masters degree.
If you are interested in working for the federal government or pursuing a job as a counselor or therapist, a bachelor’s degree in psychology can be useful, but a more advanced degree may be required.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Applied Psychology?
There are many professional opportunities for individuals with a degree in applied psychology. Since you have the ability to select a concentration in a specific area, you can better prepare for roles that align with your interests. Many people with an undergraduate degree in applied psychology go on to become market research analysts, behavioral specialists, and human resources specialists.
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Some individuals use their bachelors degree in applied psychology as a starting point on the road to a master’s or doctorate. Further education in specialized fields could lead to careers as psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers, mental health counselors, and more.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Applied Psychology Degree?
If you follow a traditional 16 week semester and attend school full-time, it will generally take 4 years to earn a bachelors degree. It is also possible to complete an accelerated psychology degree online or on campus program, although this may not be offered at every college or university.
If you have completed either an on-campus or online associates in psychology, you may be able to complete your bachelors degree in only 2 years. Also, if you follow an 8 week semester and stay continuously enrolled year-round, you can often finish in less time. Your personal obligations and commitments can also impact the time it takes to complete your degree. You might consider these as you apply for applied psychology programs.
What Is the Difference Between a Basic vs. Applied Psychology Major?
While basic and applied psychology are both branches of psychology, they differ in their overall focus.
- Basic psychology: A typical psychology major focuses on understanding psychological theory.
- Applied psychology: An applied psychology major focuses on using psychological research to develop solutions to real-world problems.
If you are passionate about implementing principles to create change and develop innovative solutions to common problems, then a degree in applied psychology might be a good fit.
Is an Applied Psychology Bachelor Degree Worth It?
Yes, an applied psychology bachelor degree is worth it for many students. An applied psychology degree program offers the opportunity for you to specialize in an area of study. This could help you prepare for a career in an industry that you are passionate about. Many applied psychology professionals work in business, social services, or mental health care.
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In addition, many careers related to the field of psychology are experiencing employment growth at a rate that’s as fast as or faster than the national average for all other occupations. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% job growth for community and social service occupations over the next ten years.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Applied Psychology Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science. Courses are 7.5 weeks long and include Counseling Skills, Introduction to Statistics, Addictions I: Foundations and Basic Principles, and more. Students in the program are also required to complete 135 hours of supervised experience.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Belhaven University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology. The degree may be earned with a concentration in Christian Ministries, Human Services, or Criminal Justice. Belhaven provides small class sizes and teaches a biblical worldview. Classes are 7 weeks long and available year-round.
Belhaven University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Biola University offers an online program for a BS in Applied Psychology. Biola’s online courses are asynchronous and each 7 weeks long, providing a high level of flexibility. All undergraduate students at Biola are required to complete 30 credits of bible and theology coursework. The program aims to prepare graduates for a wide range of social and human services jobs.
Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Bryan College offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology. The curriculum focuses on how to apply Christian principles in practical settings. Course possibilities include Counseling Theories, Counseling Techniques, Personality Theory, Research Design and Methodology, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and more.
Bryan College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The City University of Seattle offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Coursework includes Introduction to Psychology, Understanding Human Development, Critical Thinking and Writing Skills in Social Sciences, and more. CityU provides both small class sizes and flexibility for busy adults.
CityU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Colorado Christian University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology. Students may choose from 3 areas of emphasis: Criminal Justice, Biblical Studies, or Clinical Counseling. A non-emphasis format is also offered. Classes are taken one at a time in 5 week sessions. Class sizes are small to help students receive individualized attention.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University—Wisconsin offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology. The program is taught from a Christian perspective and includes courses such as General Psychology, Child Development, Theories of Learning, and more. New courses begin every 8 weeks, and prospective students can apply at any time.
Concordia University – Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The BA in Applied Psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology can be earned 100% online. Four concentrations are available: Child Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Clinical Psychology. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications of psychology in fields such as business and law. The program aims to prepare students for graduate school and a wide range of careers.
Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Hodges University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology. Classes have live meetings in addition to recorded content. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking and scientific research methodology. Courses include General Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Principles of Analytic Techniques, and more.
Hodges University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Judson University offers a BA in Applied Psychology. Students may choose to earn the degree online or at two different campus locations. The program is designed with working adults in mind and includes classes that meet just once a week. Courses options include Brain Development, Dynamics, and Disabilities, Lifespan Development, and Applied Positive Psychology.
Judson University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Los Angeles Pacific University offers a BA in Applied Psychology that can be earned 100% online. The program is taught from a Christian worldview and provides the opportunity to choose an emphasis in General Psychology, Educational Psychology, or Applied Pastoral Counseling. Classes are each 8 weeks long.
Los Angeles Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Loyola University—Chicago offers a BA in Applied Psychology that can be earned in both online and hybrid formats. Classes meet on evenings or weekends, use 8 week terms, and may have both synchronous and asynchronous elements. The program is designed to be flexible to meet the needs of adult students.
Loyola University – Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Multnomah University’s Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology can be earned online. The program is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and inquiry skills. Coursework includes Personality Theory, Behavioral Neuroscience, Cultural Psychology, Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, and more. Graduates often go on to study fields such as counseling and social work at the graduate level.
Multnomah University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The Oregon Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology that can be earned online or on campus. The curriculum teaches how to use psychological knowledge in practical settings. To practice these skills, students in the program must complete an externship. Fall, winter, and spring classes are 11 weeks long, and summer classes are 8 weeks long.
Oregon Tech is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Regis University offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology. Classes are available both online and on campus and use 5 or 8 week terms. There are six start dates every year. Courses include Lifespan Development, Social Psychology, Brain and Behavior, and more.
Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology program at Roger Williams University is designed to prepare students for graduate school or a wide range of careers. Classes may be taken in person, online, or in a hybrid format. The program aims to provide students with individualized attention and help them develop their knowledge of research methods and human behavior.
Roger Williams University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Rosemont College offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology. The program is designed to be convenient and manageable, with full-time students taking two courses at a time in blocks that are 7 weeks long. Courses include Scientific Writing for the Behavioral Sciences, Developmental Psychology, Psychopathology, and more.
Rosemont College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
SUNY—Canton offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology. Classes are available online and on campus, and students may take a combination of both types if desired. The program provides real-world field experiences in addition to teaching theoretical knowledge. Students in the program may also earn an addiction treatment training certificate.
SUNY Canton is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Massachusetts—Amherst offers a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Applied Psychology. Classes are available online, on campus, and in blended formats. Most online classes are asynchronous. The curriculum is highly customizable. Course options include Statistics in Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and more.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Minnesota offers an online program for a Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology. There are no on-campus components. This program is intended for students who already have an associate degree. Classes are designed to provide the same academic rigor as those on campus and are taught by the same faculty.
The University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your BS in Applied Psychology Degree Online
An applied psychology bachelor’s degree is often the starting point for a career in helping others. This bachelors degree could act as a foundation for further education in a specialized field, but it can also help you qualify for a number of positions in business or social service.
Many applied psychology professionals use their extensive knowledge of psychology principles and research to identify problems and design practical solutions.
You can learn more about this versatile degree track and its many concentrations by researching online applied psychology degree programs from accredited schools.
