Expand Your Career Options with an Online Bachelor's in Psychology
Learn to apply psychological principles to individuals, society and organizations with our online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Through our curriculum, you will explore the theoretical foundations of experimental, developmental, social, community, personality and clinical psychology. Upon program completion, you may pursue careers in many fields, including mental health, education, research and business.
Career Outlook
Several psychology-specific occupations require completing a graduate degree, but many career paths are open to bachelor's degree holders, including positions in marketing, human resources and childcare.
Occupations
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Child, Family and School Social Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
"Employment of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is projected to grow 14% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth during this same time period for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is predicted to be 23%. Greater demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies should drive employment growth."
Key Takeaways
- Demonstrate knowledge of key psychological concepts, theories and trends
- Apply psychological research methods
- Use critical thinking while evaluating behavior and mental processes
- Reflect the ethical values underpinning the discipline
- Understand the complexity of international diversity
- Use your knowledge, skills and values in occupational pursuits or graduate-level studies
Success Story
"With four children and a husband, the online program was the only way I was able to fit a degree into my life at this time. I could still be Mom, while also pursuing my educational goals."

Betsy R.


Curriculum Outline
- Total Credits Required: 120
- View Course Descriptions »
- ENGL.1010 College Writing I (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- MATH.---- General Education - Mathematics (3cr) (MATH.1510/1110)
- MATH.2830 Introduction to Statistics (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- PSYC.1010 Introduction to Psychological Science (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- ----.---- General Education - Social Science (SS) (3cr)
- ----.---- Language Course Level 1 (3cr)
- ENGL.1020 College Writing II (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- ----.---- General Education - Science w/Lab (4cr)
- ----.---- General Education - Arts/Humanities (AH) (3cr)
- PSYC.2600 Child and Adolescent Development (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- ----.---- Language Course Level 2 (3cr)
- PSYC.2690 Research Methods (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- PSYC.2320 Psychology of Personality (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- PSYC.2720 Abnormal Psychology (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- ----.---- General Education - Social Science (SS) (3cr)
- ----.---- General Education - Science w/Lab (4cr)
- ----.---- Language Course Level 3 (3cr)
- PSYC.2090 Social Psychology (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- PSYC.2550 Community Psychology (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- PSYC.---- Experimental Psychology Elective (3cr)
- ----.---- General Education - Arts/Humanities (AH) (3cr)
- ----.---- General Education - Science (non-lab) (3cr)
- ----.---- Language Course Level 4 (3cr)
- PSYC.3690 Research Statistics (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- ----.---- General Education - Arts/Humanities (AH) (3cr)
- PSYC.3000/4000 Psychology Elective (3cr)
- ----.---- General Education - Social Science (SS) (3cr)
- ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
- PSYC.3000/4000 Psychology Elective (3cr)
- PSYC.3000/4000 Psychology Elective (3cr)
- ----.---- Psychology or Free Elective (3cr)
- ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
- ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
- PSYC.4--- Advanced Psychology Seminar (3cr)
- ----.---- Psychology or Free Elective (3cr)
- ----.---- 3000/4000 Free Elective (3cr)
- ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
- ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
- PSYC.4--- Advanced Psychology Elective (3cr)
- ----.---- Psychology or Free Elective (3cr)
- ----.---- 3000/4000 Free Elective (3cr)
- ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
- ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
*Perequisites for PSYC.4690: PSYC.2690 Research Methods and PSYC.3690 Research Statistics with a grade of C or higher in both.
General Education Course Information
For "General Education" course information, see UMass Lowell's Gen Ed website. Psychology majors fulfill Gen Ed Diversity & Ethics requirement by completing the courses in the above outline.
Language Course Information
Students in the Psychology major are required to demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in a foreign language by completing four language courses - See course listing for WLFR.XXXX or WLSP.XXXX courses.
Experimental Psychology Electives - Choose 1:
- PSYC.2730 Biological Psych (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- PSYC.2760 Theories of Learning (3cr)
- PSYC.2770 Sensation and Perception (3cr)
- PSYC.2780 Cognitive Psychology (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
PSYC.3000/4000-Level Psychology Electives - Choose 3:
Approved 3000/4000-Level Psychology courses include, but are not limited to the following courses:
- PSYC.3080 Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- PSYC.3120 Learning and Behavior (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- PSYC.3350 Psychology and Women (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- PSYC.3550 Sport and Exercise Psychology (3cr)
- PSYC.3630 Introduction to Disability Studies (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- PSYC.3600 Adult Development and Aging (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- PSYC.3510 Human Sexuality (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
Advanced Psychology Seminars - Choose 1:
- PSYC.4720 Seminar: Personality (3cr)
- PSYC.4730 Seminar in Social Psychology (3cr)
- PSYC.4740 Seminar in Developmental Psychology (3cr)
- PSYC.4750 Seminar in Clinical Psychology (3cr)
- PSYC.4760 Seminar: Experimental Psychology
- PSYC.4770 Seminar in Contemporary Trends (3cr)
Advanced Psychology Electives at the 4000-level or higher - Choose 1:
- PSYC.4--- Any 4000 level Seminar
- PSYC.4690 Research Laboratory * (3cr) - Available Summer 2023!
- PSYC.4960 Practicum in Psychology (3cr)
- PSYC.4910 Directed Study: Psychology (3cr)
- PSYC.5--- Graduate Level Course (Seniors w/instructor's perm.)
Foreign Language Requirement
Choose the World Languages Track or the World Ready Track to fulfill your language requirement. Please complete the Language Requirement FAHSS Form to declare which track you will pursue upon acceptance into the Bachelor of Arts program.
Option 1: World Languages Track
Take four consecutive courses in Spanish or French.
- ----.---- Foreign Language Level 1 (3cr)
- ----.---- Foreign Language Level 2 (3cr)
- ----.---- Foreign Language Level 3 (3cr)
- ----.---- Foreign Language Level 4 (3cr)
Option 2: World Ready Track
Take two consecutive courses in a foreign language and three World Ready Track courses. World Ready Track courses are conducted in English and focus on the culture, civilization, philosophy, literature, history, politics of the region(s) in which the language you declared is spoken.
- ----.---- Foreign Language Level 1 (3cr)
- ----.---- Foreign Language Level 2 (3cr)
- ----.---- World Ready Pre-Approved or Flex Course (3cr)
- ----.---- World Ready Pre-Approved or Flex Course (3cr)
- ----.---- World Ready Pre-Approved or Flex Course (3cr)
World Ready French Courses
-
- ARHI.3360 Arts of Sub-Saharan Africa
- ARHI.3470 French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
- ENGL.3411 International Cinema Studies: French New Wave
- WLFR.3050 World Ready Topic for French Track
-
- ARHI.3130 American Art
- ENGL.3332 Autobiographies of Paris Modernism
- WLFR.3050 World Ready Topic for French Track
-
- ARHI.3470 French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism - Available Summer 2023!
- WLFR.3050 World Ready Topic for French Track - Available Summer 2023!
World Ready Spanish Courses
-
- ARHI.3151 Islamic Art and Contemporary Society
- PHIL.3880 Latin American Philosophy
- WLSP.4045 Cervantes' Don Quijote in translation
-
- ARCH.3140 American Architecture (Formerly ARHI.3140)
- ARHI.3250 Studies in Latin American Art
- ARHI.3350 The Golden Age of Spanish Art
- PHIL.3880 Latin American Philosophy
-
- PHIL.3880 Latin American Philosophy
- POLI.3700 Latin American Politics - Available Summer 2023!
- WLSP.3050 World Ready Topic Spanish Track - Available Summer 2023!
World Ready Flex Courses
- ARHI.3360 Arts of Sub-Saharan Africa
- ARHI.3470 French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
- ENGL.3411 International Cinema Studies: French New Wave
- WLFR.3050 World Ready Topic for French Track
- ARHI.3130 American Art
- ENGL.3332 Autobiographies of Paris Modernism
- WLFR.3050 World Ready Topic for French Track
- ARHI.3470 French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism - Available Summer 2023!
- WLFR.3050 World Ready Topic for French Track - Available Summer 2023!
-
- ARHI.3151 Islamic Art and Contemporary Society
- PHIL.3880 Latin American Philosophy
- WLSP.4045 Cervantes' Don Quijote in translation
-
- ARCH.3140 American Architecture (Formerly ARHI.3140)
- ARHI.3250 Studies in Latin American Art
- ARHI.3350 The Golden Age of Spanish Art
- PHIL.3880 Latin American Philosophy
-
- PHIL.3880 Latin American Philosophy
- POLI.3700 Latin American Politics - Available Summer 2023!
- WLSP.3050 World Ready Topic Spanish Track - Available Summer 2023!
World Ready Flex Courses
To receive credit for World Ready Flex Courses, students must submit an Exception Form signed by the instructor by the end of the course acknowledging that the student completed substantive course work related to their chosen language track.
-
- HIST.2740 Native American History
- HIST.2960 United States Diplomatic History
-
- HIST.2740 Native American History
-
- ENGL.3410 Studies in Film - Available Summer 2023!
- HIST.2490 The Vietnam War - Available Summer 2023!
- HIST.2740 Native American History - Available Summer 2023!
For additional details on the foreign language requirements, visit the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences website https://www.uml.edu/FAHSS/Languages-Cultures/Language-Requirement.aspx.
Course Descriptions
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req or co-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req or co-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req or co-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req or co-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.1010 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC 1010,260 pre-reqs
Prerequisites:
PHYC.1010, no FAHS.3630
Prerequisites:
'c' or better in PSYC.2690
Prerequisites:
PSYC 1010, 269 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC 1010, 269 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC 2690,260 pre
Prerequisites:
PSYC 1010, 269 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC 1010, 269 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC 1010, 269 pre-req
Prerequisites:
PSYC.2720 and Jr/Sr. level
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
All bachelor's degree candidates are required to earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA), to present a minimum of 120 semester hours, to fulfill the residency requirements, to conform to the general regulations and requirements of the University, to satisfy the regulations and academic standards of the colleges which exercise jurisdiction over the degrees for which they are matriculating, to satisfy the curriculum requirements established by the departments or programs in their major, and to complete the University's Core Curriculum requirements, which are listed within the program's curriculum outline. For additional information regarding the University's general policies and procedures, transfer credit information and residency requirements; please refer to our Academic Policies & Procedures.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and our online tuition is among the lowest in the nation. Tuition for online programs offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is the same whether you live in-state, out-of-state or outside of the U.S.
Summer 2023 Tuition |
Cost Per Credit | Cost Per 3-Credit Course* |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate |
||
Online | $380 | $1,140 |
Online Business** | $385 | $1,155 |
On Campus Lowell | $340 | $1,020 |
On Campus Haverhill | $300 | $900 |
Additional Costs |
|
---|---|
Term Registration Fee | $30 |
Late Fee | $50 |
Undergraduate Degree Application | $60 |
Please note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Estimate the cost of this program with our online tuition calculator
Looking for Financial Assistance?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Bachelor's in Psychology right for me?
If you're interested in human behavior and are motivated to help others, a Psychology degree is for you. Many Psychology majors proceed to graduate school to reach specific career goals, such as becoming a therapist or a counselor. However, a Bachelor's in Psychology will pave the way for many different career opportunities, including positions that extend into business, education and ministry work. A Bachelor's in Psychology will empower you to make a difference at individual and organizational levels.
Why are Psychology degrees so popular?
Psychology is an exciting discipline that helps students understand themselves and others. This degree will expose you to trends and patterns and enable you to make valuable observations. There is a demand for Psychology majors because human services are a skill most organizations require.
How do I become a therapist with a Psychology degree?
If you want to become a therapist, a B.A. in Psychology is an excellent place to start. A Bachelor's in Psychology will lay the foundation for studying human behavior and mental health. However, you will need a master's to become a licensed therapist or a counselor.
How long does it take to complete my degree online?
With our generous transfer policy, you can complete your bachelor's in as little as 12-36 months, but you have as much time as you need to complete the bachelor's degree program. There are no time limits placed on your progress.
Apply
Applying into an Undergraduate Degree Program
Complete the Online Undergraduate Degree Application Form (preferred), or print, complete and submit the Undergraduate Degree Application .pdf form. Please note: Your application will be processed once we have received your $60 application fee. Return your completed application along with your application fee to:
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies
GPS Admissions
839 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01854
Questions? See our helpful Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for acceptance into a bachelor's degree program offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies, students must hold a high school diploma or have passed either the GED® or HiSET®. Graduate, Online & Professional Studies operates on a rolling admissions basis and each application is reviewed when the student's file is complete. Students must be admitted to a degree or certificate program in order to be eligible for most financial aid.
Questions Regarding Your Undergraduate Application?
Email OCE_Admissions@uml.edu or call 978-934-2474.
For General Assistance:
Call the Advising Center at 978-934-2474 or 800-480-3190. Our academic advisors are here to help!