B.S. Psychology
120
Credit Hours
75%
Max Transfer Credit
Class Type
100% online, 6 & 12-week courses
Next Start Date
Apr 1, 2024
Cost Per Credit

Earn a transfer-friendly B.S. in Psychology degree online

Helping people realize their full potential contributes to long-term success for individuals, communities, and organizations. That’s why professionals who understand human mind, behavior, and motivation are in-demand in a variety of roles and industries including: mental health and human services; business and organizational management; marketing and advertising; criminal justice; and education. With a transfer-friendly B.S. Psychology from Franklin, you can help people manage their mental health or leverage their talents to achieve personal success. 

Program Availability

On Site

Hands-On Experience

Apply your knowledge with on-site field experience.

Tailored Program

Choose electives based on your interests or ambition. 

Transfer Friendly

Transfer psychology courses toward core or elective requirements. 

100% Online Classes

Earn your degree around your schedule.

Accredited Online University

Nearly 80% of our students take online courses.

B.S. in Psychology Degree Overview

Gain hands-on experience improving organizational performance

Franklin’s Psychology bachelor's degree program is designed to cater to students with a broad range of interests. We offer research opportunities and field experience to ensure you feel prepared for your next steps after graduation. You’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your cumulative knowledge by developing, executing and presenting a research project on a topic that fascinates you. This project is a great addition to your professional portfolio and might even be the foundation for a research publication.

The B.S. in Psychology also offers you the opportunity to make a positive impact in your community through field experience. Students choose to explore forensic psychology, community mental health agencies (counseling + social work), addictions counseling, business psychology coaching, and nonprofit advocacy organizations in their communities. In addition to broadening your perspective and providing valuable professional experiences, many students have received job offers from their field experience sites upon graduation.   

Tailor courses around a variety of rewarding career opportunities

Whether your ultimate career goals are set in stone or you are still working out the details, Franklin’s Psychology degree program is right for you. With three focus areas to explore, you’ll have the opportunity to dig deeper into what you know and love, or sample courses from each area to find your fit without adding time or cost to your degree.

Forensic and Criminal Psychology: Get to know more about aspects of mental health as it relates to the criminal justice system, offenders and victims.

Industrial Organizational Psychology: Gain the foundational knowledge needed to help individuals overcome obstacles, as well as the executive coaching skills required to improve individual and team performance in a variety of organizational settings.

Sports Psychology: Develop the skills to successfully motivate and coach others to peak performance. 

Build your knowledge of psychological principals and theories

The psychology degree program is built on foundation courses recommended by the American Psychological Association that give you a solid understanding of the broad field of psychology. These courses were developed to provide the breadth and depth of knowledge needed for application of psychology principles. You’ll survey various aspects of general psychology and explore biological and physiological processes related to psychology. As part of social psychology, you’ll learn more about how people and groups have the power to influence individuals. You’ll examine biological, psychological and social influences on psychological development throughout adulthood. You’ll be introduced to various perspectives on counseling, clinical psychology and mental health. Lastly, you’ll learn basic skills to successfully use the scientific method in the study of human behavior.

Finish faster when you transfer earned credits

Franklin’s B.S. in Psychology program is transfer-friendly, too, which means you may be able to take fewer classes and finish your degree faster. And if you’ve already earned credits in psychology, management and business, or have experience in human service professions -- such as chemical dependency or child development -- you’ll be able to finish your undergraduate education while still maintaining the continuity of your course of study.

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your Psychology degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family and life. Get started on your future today.

*Source information provided by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI)

Read more >

Grace R.

B.S. Psychology

"Now that I have graduated, I plan to apply for grad school with the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. Franklin was a good fit for me because I wanted the high school experience, yet wanted to get ahead; through Franklin I could do both! "

Future Start Date

Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please request free information & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.

Spring 2024
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1
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Jun 21
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19
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30
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6
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Mar 21

Your Best Value B.S. Psychology

Choose Franklin's B.S. Psychology and get a high-quality degree that fits your life and budget.

Keep the Credit You've Earned

66
AVG TRANSFER HOURS

On average, students transfer in nearly 1/2 of the credits required.

Transfer MORE Credits, Pay LESS tuition*

$11,940
|
$21,492
Max Transfer Credits
Avg Transfer Credits
*$398 per credit, 120 Total Credits, 90 maximum transfer credits, 66 average transfer credits.

Have Credit? Save Time!

21
MONTHS TO COMPLETE

Previously earned credit saves you time toward your degree. 

Completion time is calculated based on full-time status and average transfer credits. 

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Full-Time, One-Class-at-a-Time

Focus on one 6-week class at a time and maintain full-time status by taking 3 courses per term.

85% of the program can be completed by taking six-week course, one class at a time

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Inflation-proof your degree cost by locking-in your tuition rate from day one through graduation.

Highly Recommended

98%
STUDENT SATISFACTION

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

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B.S. in Psychology Courses & Curriculum

120 Semester Hours
Fundamental General Education
English Composition
ENG 120 - College Writing (4)

In this course, students acquire the writing competencies necessary for completing analytical and argumentative papers supported by secondary research. A variety of assignments, beginning with personal reflections, build upon one another, as students develop ideas that respond to, critique, and synthesize the positions of others. Students systematize and organize knowledge in ways that will help them in all their courses. The course also emphasizes the elements of critical reading, effective writing style, appropriate grammar and mechanics, clarity of language, and logical and cohesive development. It culminates in submission of an extended, documented research paper.

Mathematics
MATH 215 - Statistical Concepts (4)

This course introduces you to statistics with applications to various areas. The course covers both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics included are: sampling techniques, data types, experiments; measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, graphical displays of data, basic probability concepts, binomial and normal probability distributions, sampling distributions and Central Limit Theorem; confidence intervals, hypothesis tests of a mean, or a proportion for one or two populations, and linear regression.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. Must select at least two different disciplines to meet requirements.

Science

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Two courses from the Science discipline. One course must have a lab component.

Arts & Humanities

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Art, English Literature, Fine Arts, Humanities, Music, Philosophy, Religion or Theater disciplines.

Additional General Education
PF 121 - Basic Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferrable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for time management, goal setting, reading comprehension, and advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments.

OR PF 321 - Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments. The assignments and activities in the course are created to closely simulate teamwork found in the workplace.

COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication (4)

By using applied critical and creative thinking, students in this course will develop a set of communication skills that will enhance their personal and professional relationships and endeavors. This course will focus on skill development in key areas such as self, perception, listening, verbal messages, conversations, relationships, conflict management, persuasion, and presentation skills.

OR SPCH 100 - Speech Communication (4)

This basic public-speaking course intends to improve the student's ability to think critically and to communicate orally. Theory and practice are provided in various speaking situations. Each student is required to speak before an audience, but class work also involves reading, gathering and organizing information, writing, and listening.

COMM 315 - Communication Ethics (4)

This course examines the strategies involved in effective, ethical communication in professional contexts. Students examine principles of ethical organizational communication and the temporal/cultural/social forces behind those principles, as well as apply reasoning and critical thinking in individual and group assignments. Comparing values and perspectives from diverse cultures, students will respond to cases in an intercultural professional environment.

Professional Core
ENG 205 - Business & Professional Writing (4)

This is an advanced composition course focusing on writing for business and professional purposes. Students will review the writing conventions commonly expected within business and professional environments, as well as strategies for analyzing rhetorical situations within those environments. Coursework includes analysis, revision, and research exercises, as well as substantial practice in composing business correspondence. The final project is an extensive, researched business proposal developed in stages and presented to the class. Students will be encouraged to relate course materials to their major programs and workplace experiences.

OR ENG 220 - Research Writing: Exploring Professional Identities (4)

This is an intermediate course focusing on the composition of research papers. Students in this course prepare to be active participants in professional discourse communities by examining and practicing the writing conventions associated with their own fields of study and work. By calling attention to the conventions of disciplinary writing, the course also prepares students for upper-division college writing and the special conventions of advanced academic discourse. Course activities include three extended research papers, semi-formal writing addressing interdisciplinary communication, and readings fostering critical engagement with disciplinary conversations.

24 credits from the following types of courses:
Accounting, Anthropology, Business Administration, Business Forensics, Communication, Criminal Justice, Economics, Emergency Management & Homeland Security, Finance, Healthcare, Human Resources Management, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain Management, Organizational Development, Political Science, Psychology, Public Relations, Public Safety Management, Social Science, or Sociology. Other courses may be accepted upon review by the Program Chair.

Major Area Required
PSYC 110 - General Psychology (4)

This course is a survey of the various fields of study comprising modern scientific psychology. We will examine the theories, research findings, and applications in each of the major areas of psychology, with the goal of providing students with practical information they can apply to their personal and professional lives. The topic areas covered in the course include learning and memory, motivation and emotion, human development, theories of personality, psychopathology, and social behavior.

PSYC 201 - Neuropsychology (3)

Biological and physiological processes as related to the discipline of psychology are explored. The dynamic interaction between nature and nurture is emphasized as it informs the understanding of the psychology of mental illness, substance addiction, aggression, anger, aging, and cognition.

PSYC 202 - Social Psychology (3)

This course explores the influences of other people, groups, and situations on the individual. The concepts of social psychology are examined from a variety of theoretical perspectives utilizing contemporary societal problems. The scientific method is applied in the discovery of individual functioning in the social world.

PSYC 390 - Cognition (3)

This course will give you the opportunity to learn about theories in cognitive psychology and apply them to real-world scenarios. Topics to be covered include perception, attention, memory, language, learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. Students will learn to apply this knowledge to their own academic journey and in the workforce. You will discuss cognitive psychology concepts with your classmates and view online demonstrations of those concepts. You will design an experiment to test a concept in cognitive psychology and determine the best way to teach concepts to future students. Please feel free to reach out to your instructor as you have questions throughout the course.

PSYC 403 - Theories of Counseling (3)

This course introduces students to counseling psychology. Various theoretical perspectives of counseling are explored. Further, the course synthesizes counseling theories, research, and practice directed toward achieving a successful therapeutic outcome for the client.

PSYC 407 - Abnormal Psychology (3)

This course introduces students to clinical psychology through the exploration of the major categories of psychological disturbance, using the current DSM as a basis. Empirical examination of etiology, prognosis, and treatment modalities is covered. Ethical concerns and social/cultural perspectives regarding mental health issues are also discussed. Knowledge of basic biological processes is recommended.

COMM 335 - Communication in Groups and Teams (4)

The course examines current theories and best practices of working collaboratively in professional contexts. Students apply these concepts to analyze their own work experience, generating strategies for how to improve their performance in work groups. Students will learn basic project management skills and work in online virtual teams to complete a final communication project.

SOCL 335 - Applied Research Methods (4)

Applied Research Methods introduces students to the basic research designs and data collection techniques involved in human subjects? research common to social research environments. After completion of this course, the student should know the basics of social research ethics, the steps of the research process, the strengths and weaknesses of selected types of qualitative and quantitative research strategies, issues of selecting or creating and refining instruments of measurement, how to properly select an appropriate sample of subjects, and how to interpret selected statistical measures utilized in hypothesis testing.

PSYC 495 - Psychology & Soc Scie Capstone (4)

This course provides a culminating, integrative experience for all Psychology and Social Science majors. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their mastery of the learning outcomes associated with the major. Students will self-select a capstone project that can be completed within the duration of the course that will provide evidence of their subject matter learning as well as provide a benefit to themselves and a participating organization.

OR SOSC 495 - Psychology & Social Sciences Practicum (4)

This course provides a culminating, integrative experience for all Psychology and Social Sciences majors. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their mastery of the learning outcomes associated with the major. Students will self-select a practicum field experience that can be completed within the duration of the course that will provide evidence of their subject matter learning, as well as provide a benefit to themselves and a participating organization.

PSYC 207 - Lifespan Development (3)

A survey of human development across the lifespan examining the biological, psychological, and social influences on development. Prominent theoretical perspectives associated with development in childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, midlife, and late life will be included.

OR PSYC 209 - Adult Development and Aging (3)

This course investigates development throughout young, middle, and late adulthood. The scientific method is applied to study physical/neurological, socio/emotional, and cognitive development in adulthood.

Major Electives

At least 12 credits from the following courses:

CJAD 210 - Intro to Criminal Justice Administration (4)

This is an introductory course designed to expose students to the various Major elements of the criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections). Students will learn about the ways in which the various systems interact, the processing of offenders, the various forms of punishment and the alternatives to punishment. The future of the criminal justice system will also be discussed.

CJAD 240 - Introduction to Criminology (4)

This course will focus on theories of crime and types of offending. Topics related the causation, control and prevention of criminal behavior will be addressed in this course.

EXS 203 - Contemporary Issues in Sport (3)

This course is designed to look at sport and its role in society and the influence of society on sport in the areas of preparation for life, deviance in sports, coach?s role, gender, race and ethnicity, class relations and social mobility, sports and the economy, sports and the media, sports and politics, and sports and religion.

EXS 204 - Introduction to Sports and Exercise Psychology (3)

This course introduces you to sports and exercise psychology theories, research, and selected applications of those theories and research. Topics include, but are not limited to, motivation, team dynamics, improving performance, and challenges/transitions in sport. You will also learn how to apply sports psychology concepts to professional, personal, and social contexts.

PSYC 204 - Principles of Motivation (4)

This course is a systematic study of theories, models, and approaches to motivation. The course includes the development of motivation, as well as neurological aspects of motivation. The student will explore internal and external factors that contribute to motivation and a variety of strategies that can be used to become a successful motivator.

PSYC 325 - Coaching in Organizations (4)

This course is designed to introduce students to the use of coaching skills for improving the adjustment and performance of individuals in an organizational setting. Topics to be covered include: the scope of coaching practice, optimal practitioner characteristics, benefits for coaches, related organizational dynamics, and coaching interventions and resources. This course also includes an emphasis on experiential learning through coaching practice activities.

PSYC 420 - Assessment & Intervention in Organizations (4)

This course explores the use of psychological instrumentation as a means for improving individual and organizational performance. The emphasis is on the assessment of strengths and positive psychological functioning. Students will become acquainted with various psychological instruments including their selection, construction, and administration. Additionally, students will gain experience with the interpretation and delivery of instrument results and their translation into individual and organizational improvement interventions.

CJAD 400 - Forensic Psychology (4)

The course outlines the history of psychology and the law from the late 1800?s to the Daubert Standard and beyond. The course outlines various arenas where the law and particularly aspects of the criminal justice system have utilized psychology to inform investigations and litigation. There are some aspects of civil litigation covered with respect to family law and harassment. The course describes criminal psychology, sexual violence, and victimology from a psychological perspective.

PSYC 601 - Introduction to Business Psychology (4)

A brief history and overview of the fields of business and psychology as well as a discussion of the issues and opportunities related to their integration. Topics include brain organization and dominance, neuroethics, neurolinguistic programming, multiminds, mindmapping and the application of positive psychology to work settings. Includes the application of recent discoveries in cognitive psychology and neuroscience to resolve contemporary issues in the workplace.

University Electives

10 credits from the following types of courses:
Any undergraduate courses offered by the University except developmental education courses.

Optional Focus Areas

Students may complete a focus area to fulfill the Major Area Elective requirement.

OR

Forensic & Criminal Psychology:

CJAD 210 - Intro to Criminal Justice Administration (4)

This is an introductory course designed to expose students to the various Major elements of the criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections). Students will learn about the ways in which the various systems interact, the processing of offenders, the various forms of punishment and the alternatives to punishment. The future of the criminal justice system will also be discussed.

CJAD 240 - Introduction to Criminology (4)

This course will focus on theories of crime and types of offending. Topics related the causation, control and prevention of criminal behavior will be addressed in this course.

CJAD 400 - Forensic Psychology (4)

The course outlines the history of psychology and the law from the late 1800?s to the Daubert Standard and beyond. The course outlines various arenas where the law and particularly aspects of the criminal justice system have utilized psychology to inform investigations and litigation. There are some aspects of civil litigation covered with respect to family law and harassment. The course describes criminal psychology, sexual violence, and victimology from a psychological perspective.

OR

Industrial Organizational Psychology:

PSYC 204 - Principles of Motivation (4)

This course is a systematic study of theories, models, and approaches to motivation. The course includes the development of motivation, as well as neurological aspects of motivation. The student will explore internal and external factors that contribute to motivation and a variety of strategies that can be used to become a successful motivator.

PSYC 325 - Coaching in Organizations (4)

This course is designed to introduce students to the use of coaching skills for improving the adjustment and performance of individuals in an organizational setting. Topics to be covered include: the scope of coaching practice, optimal practitioner characteristics, benefits for coaches, related organizational dynamics, and coaching interventions and resources. This course also includes an emphasis on experiential learning through coaching practice activities.

PSYC 420 - Assessment & Intervention in Organizations (4)

This course explores the use of psychological instrumentation as a means for improving individual and organizational performance. The emphasis is on the assessment of strengths and positive psychological functioning. Students will become acquainted with various psychological instruments including their selection, construction, and administration. Additionally, students will gain experience with the interpretation and delivery of instrument results and their translation into individual and organizational improvement interventions.

OR

Sports Psychology:

EXS 203 - Contemporary Issues in Sport (3)

This course is designed to look at sport and its role in society and the influence of society on sport in the areas of preparation for life, deviance in sports, coach?s role, gender, race and ethnicity, class relations and social mobility, sports and the economy, sports and the media, sports and politics, and sports and religion.

EXS 204 - Introduction to Sports and Exercise Psychology (3)

This course introduces you to sports and exercise psychology theories, research, and selected applications of those theories and research. Topics include, but are not limited to, motivation, team dynamics, improving performance, and challenges/transitions in sport. You will also learn how to apply sports psychology concepts to professional, personal, and social contexts.

PSYC 204 - Principles of Motivation (4)

This course is a systematic study of theories, models, and approaches to motivation. The course includes the development of motivation, as well as neurological aspects of motivation. The student will explore internal and external factors that contribute to motivation and a variety of strategies that can be used to become a successful motivator.

Additional Requirements

All students are required to pass College Writing (ENG 120), and either Basic Learning Strategies (PF 121) or Learning Strategies (PF 321) prior to enrolling in any course at the 200 level or above. Students who enroll at Franklin with 30 or fewer hours of transfer credit are required to pass PF 121 Basic Learning Strategies in place of PF 321 Learning Strategies. Interpersonal Communication (COMM 150) or Speech Communication (SPCH 100) must be taken prior to enrolling in any course at the 300 level or above. Students must also meet the University algebra competency requirement.

Academic Minors

Personalize your degree with a minor. Explore available minors, learn how minors can benefit you, and find out what requirements you must meet to earn a minor.

Learn More

Microcredentials Align with Job Essentials

In today's dynamic work environments, adaptive professionals thrive. A microcredential - either as a stand-alone course or integrated into your degree program - is a short, skill-specific recognition that enables you to demonstrate your competency in a distinct area. Like Franklin's degree programs, microcredentials are aligned with market and industry demand to ensure what you learn can be put to use right away. Microcredentials are easily shared via digital badges and can be stacked to create a unique portfolio of in-demand skills.

B.S. in Psychology Program Details

Psychology Careers and Jobs

Executive Coach

Executive coaches use one-on-one coaching to help executives develop and refine leadership skills.

Career Development Specialist

Career development specialists develop and administer programs to help leaders and staff plan and attain their career goals.

Employee Relations Representative

Employee relations representatives promote employee welfare by mediating issues, resolving workplace problems and assisting in the daily administration of human resources tasks.

Interpersonal Effectiveness Trainer

Interpersonal effectiveness trainers coach employees in improving interpersonal communications through self-awareness training and behavior modification.

Training and Development Specialists

Training and development specialists create, implement and evaluate employee training programs, and assist with new hire orientation, job transitions and organizational change management.

Human Services Counselor

Human services counselors represent and support a constituency of people during resolution of a problem or crisis, provide life-skills instruction, and connect others to valuable resources and assistance.

Psychology Employment Outlook

12%

From 2021-2031, jobs in Psychology are expected to increase by 12%

All Occupations

2021
2,784,610 jobs
2031
3,120,183 jobs
Show Details >

Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists

2021
131,058 jobs
2031
145,516 jobs

Marriage and Family Therapists

2021
76,555 jobs
2031
93,594 jobs

Rehabilitation Counselors

2021
107,906 jobs
2031
119,303 jobs

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

2021
337,779 jobs
2031
415,002 jobs

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

2021
342,387 jobs
2031
385,601 jobs

Psychiatrists

2021
30,642 jobs
2031
34,333 jobs

Psychiatric Aides

2021
59,988 jobs
2031
64,534 jobs


Source information provided by Lightcast.

Psychology Knowledge and Skillsets

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About the Psychology Major

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