Undergraduate Degrees

Online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Program Overview

Online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Overview

Is there anything more fascinating than the interesting ways that people think, feel and act? The field of psychology has much to offer those drawn to a career revolving around human behavior and the mind. It is a field that continues to prove its high importance, as world and societal issues increasingly present mental health and human relations challenges – impacting individuals and groups as a whole.

At Peru State College Online, we are proud to help those who want to make an impact in this essential field realize their ambitions. You'll find our online psychology degree to be the perfect education to launch or enhance your career, as well as an ideal foundation to build upon if a master's degree is your goal.

From studying research methods to gaining a solid grasp of psychology principles, this 120-credit-hour online program will feed your desire to help others, as well as understand the complexities behind emerging social concerns and trends. You'll graduate prepared to move forward in the direction you choose, armed with solid skills and knowledge to make your own impact in the world.

Impressive distinctions Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Peru State College ensures the utmost quality across all of our online degrees. But what makes our online psychology degree even more appealing are the premium flexibility, expert faculty, renowned high value and an engaged online community you can count on for support.

With deep, 150-year roots, Peru State College has been offering online programs for more than 20 years. And today, our expertise online adds up to a smooth educational journey for you, from enrollment through graduation.

It's time to turn goals into action. Welcome to Peru State College Online, where you can earn an online bachelor's in psychology designed expertly for you.

Trophy icon

Nationally Recognized
for Affordability

Online Class icon

22:1 Student-
to-Faculty Ratio

Building Transfer icon

Generous Transfer Policy
(Up To 90 Credit Hours)

Why Choose a Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Online?

At Peru State College Online, all courses in your psychology program are taught by experienced faculty, whose priority is to stay on top of current trends and emerging best practices. Instructors include an educational psychologist, experimental psychologist, social psychologist and counseling psychologist – all with extensive academic or life experiences. Through continually refreshed, robust curriculum, you are ensured exciting knowledge essential to launching or enhancing your career.

Rest assured, your instructors are experts in online teaching, as well, and strive for a smooth, interactive experience for you and your classmates. By keeping the online classroom smaller than you would typically find with a physical campus, the faculty is able to respond quicker, and focus on meaningful interaction with students one-on-one and as a group.

Our online testing practices are also quality-designed to help you perform at your best, with proctored exams giving way to a more personalized, less stressful experience.

Getting excited about your degree path with us? Our online psychology courses form the basis of a quality education designed for your ultimate success.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Through the bachelor's degree in psychology, you can anticipate the following learning goals and outcomes:

  1. Knowledge base in psychology. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, principles and overarching themes of psychology.
  2. Scientific inquiry and critical thinking. You will be able to use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena. You will be able to demonstrate psychology information literacy.
  3. Ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world. You will be able to apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice. You will be able to value individuals from populations other than your own.
  4. You will be able to demonstrate effective writing for different purposes. You will demonstrate effective presentation skills for different purposes.
  5. Professional Development. You will use knowledge gained and skills acquired to develop meaningful professional direction.

Transfer Credits

TRANSFER CREDITS

Credit for Experience You Already Have

We make it easy to transfer to Peru State College Online. With nearly 80% of our students transferring in, we're glad to evaluate all possibilities to make the most of knowledge you've gained elsewhere.

  • Prior college Coursework
  • Corporate and military training
  • Even life and work experience

It all adds up to maximum transfer credit, and minimal time and tuition to graduation and the new life waiting, for you.

Up to 90* credit hours are accepted from an accredited college or up to 66 from a community, vocational or tech college. You could start at Peru State College Online already 75% finished with your program!

Tuition

Low Tuition, Top-Value Education

$299
Per credit hour

One Rate
For any state

Free Application
No other per-credit hour fees

At Peru State College Online, we take it all seriously – including your education investment. Our students work hard on their education, so we do our part to make it as affordable as possible. Peru State's approach of hiqh quality at a competitive cost works well for both you and us, earning our college the distinction of being a Top ROI, Best Buy and Best Value.

What's our secret? No surprises here …

  • At a lean $299 per credit hour, our low, “one-rate, any-state” tuition simplifies things, with no other per-credit-hour fees to worry about.
  • Other cost-friendly options are available, too, like transfer credit, financial aid, and corporate or military tuition assistance, if applicable to you.
  • Finally, it's free to apply.

Less financial stress for you, enormous pride for us. Ready to make the most out of your education dollars? At Peru State College Online, you'll find transformative education offered affordably, for you.

Academic Support

An Engaged Online Community

With no physical boundaries, Peru State College's rich tradition of community on campus easily extends to our family online. You will immediately feel welcome among our circle of faculty, staff and distance learners like you.

  • Our knowledgeable instructors are experts in teaching online. Easily accessible, they include 1:1 faculty interaction, discussion boards and video conferencing as part of your experience.
  • You'll advance alongside others with similar aspirations, and benefit from knowledge sharing and motivating mutual support.
  • Free online tutoring and career services are just a few bonus features that help keep your eye on the prize.
  • And to help ensure a top-notch educational journey, your student advisor will be by your side, offering encouragement and keeping you right on track to graduation.
Admissions Icon

ADMISSIONS

Simple, Clear Application Process

Whether you'd like a little help from us or prefer to get started on your own, your journey at Peru State College Online begins with a smooth — and FREE — application process.

  • STEP ONE. Complete the Application for Admission (FREE)
  • STEP TWO. Request your official high school and, if applicable, college transcripts (not required if you are transferring from Chadron State College or Wayne State College)

We promise a speedy response to your application, averaging about 24 hours to process. From there, we'll work together to enroll and get you moving toward your graduation goal ahead.

APPLY NOW
award badge
"The education, support and experiences provided by Peru State have forever changed my life for the better."
R. Mills, Alum

Flexible, Quality Learning

At Peru State College Online, you'll be pleasantly surprised at just how flexible quality learning can be. All courses are intentionally designed for online learning, and our 120-credit-hour online bachelor's degree in psychology can be safely accomplished wherever and whenever is best for you.

  • Eight- and 16-week courses
  • Multiple starts throughout the year
  • Easy Canvas navigation
  • No set daily login times
Psychology Core Requirements

A student must complete the following requirements in addition to the General Studies requirements. No grade lower than “C” will satisfy major requirements.

PSYC 121 Introduction to Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course is a general introduction to contemporary psychology focusing on basic concepts, principles, terminology, trends in psychological research, and the application of this knowledge. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science


PSYC 250 Human Growth and Development (3 Credit Hours)

Note: This course is not offered online.

This course focuses on the physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of growth from birth through old age. In addition, factors thought to influence this growth are also examined. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science


PSYC 305 Social Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the effects of culture, society, social institutions, and social learning on the social attitudes and behavior of individuals within groups.

Prerequisites: Principles of Sociology, Introduction to Psychology


PSYC 320 Cognitive Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course provides students with broad coverage of the field of Cognitive Psychology, covering topics such as Cognitive Neuroscience, Attention, Memory Structures, Memory Errors, Imagery, Problem Solving, Reasoning and Decision Making. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science

Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology


PSYC 330 Research Methods (3 Credit Hours)

This introductory course concentrates on research methods and designs and statistical analysis procedures used in research projects. This course demonstrates how research methods are utilized in the social and behavioral science. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science

Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Statistics


PSYC 345 Psychology of Personality (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the process of personality growth and adjustment. Through an examination of elected theoretical systems, different interpretations of this process are presented. Non-Western and multicultural considerations of personality theory are included. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science


PSYC 410 Experimental Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course assists students in the comprehension and use of experimental methods and literature. Research exercises are provided to illustrate course content. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science

Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods


PSYC 431 Psychological Tests and Measurements (3 Credit Hours)

The course focuses on the issues and problems associated with psychological testing. Topics discussed include reliability, validity, construction, administration, norms, and interpretation as well as a survey of current psychological tests. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science

Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology


PSYC 440 Biological Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course will introduce you to the methods biological psychologists employ to investigate the biological underpinnings of behavior. It will explore what is currently known about the biological basis of emotional responses, mental illness, sexual behavior, memory, states of consciousness, sensory perception, thought and language, and several neurological disorders. Before delving into these topics this course will provide the necessary foundation on basic nervous system anatomy and functioning. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science

Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology


PSYC 450 Abnormal Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Note: This course is not offered online.

Focusing on personality disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, this course deals extensively with DSM-IV categories of abnormal psychology. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science. Requires Junior Standing.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development


PSYC 495 Seminar in Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Students conduct individual research and engage in cooperative learning via group discussion in which each student is expected to demonstrate, both verbally and in writing, mastery of major psychological concepts, concerns and perspectives, and their application in society. This senior level seminar is the capstone experience and senior competency course for psychology students and should be taken in the last year of study. Prerequisite Required: Seniors Only. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science

Required Program Prerequisites

CMIS 101 Information Systems Concepts and Applications (3 Credit Hours)

This course is an introduction to basic computer concepts and Windows-based spreadsheet, database, and presentation graphics software currently used in industry. Development of problem-solving and proficiency using selected commercial software packages is stressed.


SOC 201 Principles of Sociology (3 Credit Hours)

This course is an introductory study of group and social dynamics, cultures, social problems, social institutions, inter-group relationships, and the impact of social policies. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science

Additional Psychology Requirements

Select eight courses from the following options.

BUS 373 Organizational Behavior (3 Credit Hours)

This course presents the foundations of the history, theory, and applications of organizational behavior in the areas of personality, stress, motivation, job design, goal setting, learning theory, behavior modification, group behavior, power, leadership, organizational structure, decision-making, and control.


BUS 380 Human Resources Management (3 Credit Hours)

Students will gain an understanding of the basic concepts associated with human resource management and learn how to plan and implement strategies for efficient management of a firm's most critical resources-employees. Recruiting, selecting, evaluating, developing, and compensating employees is emphasized, while legal issues, managing in a union environment and contemporary issues in human resources management will also be covered.


BUS 381 Employee Training and Development (3 Credit Hours)

This course assists students in the study of corporate training. Topics include: needs assessment, relevant education theories and program design, transfer of training, traditional training methods, use of new technologies in training, and follow-up and evaluation of costs and benefits of training.


BUS 493 Team Design and Performance (3 Credit Hours)

This course examines the design and performance of work and decisional teams including team composition, authority, communication, roles, support, and leadership. This course will prepare the student to be a successful team member and leader by exploring team evolution, self-management, and conflict resolution. This course is recommended for juniors and seniors in any degree program.


CJUS 110 Survey of Criminal Justice (3 Credit Hours)

This course introduces students to general criminal justice concepts and knowledge about the relationships of crime and criminal behavior. The purpose, role, and interrelationships of the police, other law enforcement officials, the courts and judiciary, corrections, and parole systems are discussed.


CJUS 360 Criminology (3 Credit Hours)

This course examines the nature and causes of crime as a social phenomenon.

Prerequisites: Survey of Criminal Justice


CJUS 385 Victimology (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the theoretical perspectives of victimization, the scope of victimization in the United States, the justice system's response, victim's rights, restorative justice, and research and evaluation findings. Being exposed to and understanding victimization issues enhances students' knowledge about a comprehensive system of justice rather than a “criminal's justice system.”


CJUS 490 Comparative Justice and Human Services Systems (3 Credit Hours)

This course allows students the opportunity to examine and compare the United States criminal justice system with those existing in foreign countries. Exploration and problem identification of key contemporary issues affecting these systems is an integral course element. The criminal justice system(s) under study are contrasted with the courts, policing, corrections and juvenile justice systems within the American system. In addition, innovative human service delivery systems are studied from a critical policy response perspective. Cultural and social factors that have influenced the development and ongoing operation of each system under study receive in depth examination. Prerequisite Required: Sophomore Standing General Studies Outcome: Community, Regional & Global Studies


CJUS 491 International Field Experience (3 Credit Hours)

This is a specialized international field experience where students are immersed in the criminal justice and human service systems to examine and compare the various aspects of each country's systems. Cultural and social factors that have influenced the development of each system under study will be examined. Students will attend daily scheduled presentations, tours, social and cultural events and celebrations, visit historical sites, volunteer to help local agencies, and participate in other educational opportunities that become available for students while in-country.


CMIS 300 Information Systems Management (3 Credit Hours)

This course introduces concepts of systems management from a business viewpoint and an information systems viewpoint. Students utilize graphical tools including flowcharts to examine business and information systems processes. Fundamental programming concepts are introduced including algorithms, data types, control structures and Boolean logic. An overview of project management including critical path and dependencies is introduced.


CMIS 410 Web Page Development and Programming (3 Credit Hours)

This course facilitates the development of skills in designing complex web sites. Current issues and design trends are considered as well as the fundamentals of web servers and browsers, and HTML and XHTML. Client side and server side programming and database connectivity over a web-based connection are explored. Web security and evaluation procedures for websites are covered. General Studies Outcome: Technology and its application


CMIS 420 Database Development and Programming (3 Credit Hours)

This course is a study of the methods used to store and access data. Database models are developed using various software platforms including the usage of Microsoft Access as a RAD (Rapid Application Development) tool. Other topics include a data security, normalization, and database design for Internet interaction.

General Studies Outcome: Technology and its application


EDUC 365 Child Abuse and Neglect Detection (3 Credit Hours)

The content of this course will cover a broad range of topics dealing with child abuse and neglect issues as related to the public schools, the juvenile justice system, and the community at large. The course will emphasize the relationship between child abuse and juvenile delinquency. A further emphasis will be placed on equipping the student to obtain competent detection and reporting skills, skills dealing with the treatment of victims, and the prevention of abuse and neglect.


EDUC 553 Classroom Management and Leadership (3 Credit Hours)

This course encompasses the role of management and leadership in the classroom as a system that is inter-linked with the individual, class, school, community, state, etc. Research on key aspects of management and/or leadership styles will be analyzed.

Prerequisite: Graduate Status


PSYC 300 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course acquaints students with contemporary issues in psychology. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science

Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology


PSYC 380 Adolescent Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course examines the cognitive and psycho-social aspects of adolescence. It examines age appropriate developmental events, barriers to progress, and development facilitation. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science

Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology


PSYC 420 Social Influence, Compliance and Obedience (3 Credit Hours)

Note: This course is not offered online.

This is an in-depth examination of selected topics in social influence, the processes, through which a person or group changes or attempts to change the opinions, attitudes, or behaviors of another person or group. Topics will include compliance, conformity, obedience, cultural and gender differences in influence, and motivations and mechanisms of resistances to influence. Students will be introduced to current and classic theory within the social influence domain; including persuasion, compliance gaining, interpersonal influence and social influence through mass mediated contexts. Over the semester students will be exposed to thirty classic works in the disciplines of psychology, communication, business management, sociology, and cultural anthropology relating to the course title. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science

Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology


PSYC 441 Psychology Internship (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed for students to explore and gain work experience related to their major and anticipated career goals. Students may enroll for 1-12 hours of graded credit. A minimum of forty hours of work experience will be required for each hour of credit per semester. The student will complete necessary paperwork with the employer and the Internship Supervisor. Contact the Center for Engaged Learning for specific details. Must have completed 45 hours and be in good academic standing.


PSYC 442 Psychology Internship (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed for students to explore and gain work experience related to their major and anticipated career goals. Students may enroll for 1-12 hours of graded credit. A minimum of forty hours of work experience will be required for each hour of credit per semester. The student will complete necessary paperwork with the employer and the Internship Supervisor. Contact the Center for Engaged Learning for specific details. Must have 45 completed hours and be in good academic standing.

Prerequisites: Psychology Internship


SOC 255 Diversity Issues in the United States (3 Credit Hours)

This course provides a comprehensive review of majority-minority relations in the United States and begins with an introduction of the sociological framework of the study of minorities, culture, prejudice, discrimination and intergroup relations. Subsequent weeks will be spent learning specifically about the experiences of a wide variety of minority groups, each starting with a socio-historical perspective and ending with a sociological analysis of their contemporary situation. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science


SOC 300 Contemporary Social Problems (3 Credit Hours)

This course is an introduction to the causes, treatment, and prevention of selected social problems with particular emphasis on the problems of conflict and inequality. General Studies Outcome: Community, Regional and Global Studies/Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science


SOC 340 The Family (3 Credit Hours)

This course provides an examination of the role of the family in contemporary society with an emphasis on the factors influencing the family structure, functions, and roles, and their implications for both the community and individuals at varying stages of the family life cycle. General Studies Outcome: Methods of Inq and Explanatory Schema – Soc Science


SPED 500 Inclusionary Practices for Special Education (3 Credit Hours)

This course will provide an overview of the handicapping conditions served under the legislation of IDEA. A review of the law and the eligibility requirements for each identified handicapping condition will be examined. The purpose of the course will be to train general and special educators in practices conducive to creating inclusionary environments in which to teach both regular education and special education students. Best practices regarding the development of an inclusionary program will be presented. Methods of alternative instruction designed to meet individual needs within large group settings at the K-12 level will be discussed. Practice in collaborative techniques will be provided. Prerequisites required: Graduate Status


SPED 540 Behavior Management (3 Credit Hours)

This course will focus on basic principles of behavior modification as well as survey practical applications of this approach. Course content will include theoretical implications, behavioral and functional analysis, targeting behaviors, collecting information, interventions, positive behavioral support and monitoring for change. Prerequisites required: Graduate Status

Careers with a Bachelor's in Psychology

With your online psychology degree under your belt, you can look forward to a number of varied and promising career avenues. Employment opportunities are expected to grow 7% by 2028, faster than the average for all occupations (source: bls.gov). Also, the median annual wage for life, physical and social science occupations was $68,160 in May 2019, psychology being one of them.

APPLY NOW
Remote student working on their laptop

Versatility is one of the likely top reasons online psychology degrees are among the most popular today. On its own, there are a number of fascinating fields this degree can lead to, and by using it as a stepping stone to a master's in psychology, counseling, law, business or even medicine, you will discover a whole other bucket of possibilities available to you.

Here is a sampling of options with your bachelor's degree …

  • Social Service Specialists
  • Substance Abuse Therapist
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Market Researcher
  • Psychiatric Technician
  • Probation and Parole Officer
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Sales Representative

After earning your bachelor's, if you plan to move on to a master's or doctorate degree, these are some of the opportunities in store …

  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Research Scientist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • School Psychologist, Counselor
  • Social Services Counselor
  • Career Counselor

What is your goal? What interests you most? With your bachelor's in psychology from Peru State College Online, the possibilities are endless. Make your impact with a degree designed to take your career in the direction meant exactly for you.

Job titles and salaries reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Accredited and Respected

Firmly established since 1867, Peru State College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1915.

HLC is an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit degree-granting colleges and universities.

Peru State received notice in July 2022 of its continued accreditation by HLC with the next Reaffirmation of Accreditation in 2031-32.

award badge
award badge
award badge

20+ Years Online, Peru is for You.

Since 1999, Peru State College has transformed students' lives 100% online. Our decades of experience give rise to a remarkable online education, complete with affordable, quality learning supported by faculty and staff who genuinely care. Join us and learn for yourself, why Peru is for you.

APPLY NOW

Need More Information?

Fill out the form below to receive information about Peru State College's Psychology program curriculum, our faculty, credit transfers, financial aid and more!

or call
(402) 902-3005

By submitting this form, I am providing my digital signature agreeing that Peru State College may email me or contact me regarding educational services by telephone and/or text message utilizing automated technology at the telephone number(s) provided above. I understand this consent is not a condition to attend Peru State College or to purchase any other goods or services.

Thank you for your interest!

Redirecting you now...