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Study the human condition

Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at the University of Louisville (UofL) is designed to help individuals understand how various aspects of human behavior influence everyday decision-making.

This nationally recognized bachelor’s program, offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, explores psychological concepts, including brain-behavior relationships, abnormal psychology, cognition, mental health and human development. Our curriculum integrates these topics with essential research methods, providing a comprehensive foundation of psychological science.

Additionally, earning a bachelor’s in psychology online prepares you for various career opportunities by developing your interpersonal communication skills and knowledge. Whether you aspire to work in counseling, human resources, or further academic research, the skills and insights gained from this degree can be pivotal in pursuing various professional paths.

Academic Year Tuition

$540 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate

This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.

Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.


Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted.For additional information on educational expenses and the Cost of Attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.


Tuition, Fees & Aid    

Online BS in Psychology Program Highlights

  • Become an intelligent consumer of information and an active investigator within the fields of cognition, behavior and brain science.
  • Develop technological skills and familiarity with research methods and statistics, as well as the analytic skills necessary for solving personal, professional and societal problems.
  • Build a versatile set of skills and knowledge, for which employers around the country actively recruit.
  • Understand the factors influencing human behavior and how to apply psychological principles in various settings.
  • Earn a research-based psychology degree taught by the same research-focused faculty within the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences as the on-campus program.
  • Build upon your associate degree or transfer in equivalent credit from an accredited institution.
  • Take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of 100% online classes.
  • Ready yourself for a variety of careers in psychology, including roles in counseling, human resources, and research. You’ll also be equipped for graduate studies in psychology or related fields.

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


100% ONLINE COURSES

Complete this degree on your time through fully online classes.

Learn More
121 CREDIT HOURS

Transfer in previous credit or take general education and major core courses at UofL.

Learn More
$540 PER CREDIT HOUR

Take advantage of UofL’s military-friendly rate of $250 per credit hour (for active duty).

Online learning video - Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

"Psychology is relevant for almost everything. It’s relevant for business, it’s relevant for nursing, it’s relevant for healthcare and mental healthcare… But it’s also really relevant in non-profits and in dealing with special populations and social issues."


LORA HAYNES, PH.D.ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
PSYCHOLOGY AND BRAIN SCIENCES

Online BS in Psychology Outlook

What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s in Psychology?

Earning a psychology degree prepares you for a wide variety of career opportunities. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, hiring managers seek employees with leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities, above all others. This program equips you with robust critical thinking and research skills and while developing your understanding of foundational psychological concepts, to make you succeed and stand out in the career path of your choice.

Many bachelor’s in psychology graduates pursue careers as a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor, which according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand is expected to grow an astounding 25% (bls.gov, 2019-2029).

Many graduates also pursue careers in the following fields:

  • Human resources
  • Mental Health
  • Market research
  • Public relations
  • Family advocacy and support
  • Case management
  • Counseling
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Forensics
  • Rehabilitation
 

This degree can be a stepping stone for pursuing a career as a psychologist. According to BLS, the average salary is $82,180 (bls.gov).

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION

Online BS in Psychology Application Deadlines


Preferred Application Deadline Term Start Date
August 1 Fall August
December 1 Spring January
April 1 Summer May/June

Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.


How to Apply for the Online BS in Psychology

  1. Start your application for undergraduate admission
  2. Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
  3. Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
  4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292
  5. Create a financial plan

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


Online BS in Psychology Admissions Requirements and Materials

New Students and Transfer Students with less than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:

  • High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent also accepted)
  • Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; AND for transfer students, a minimum college GPA of 2.0 (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
  • Composite ACT* score of 21 or higher (test optional admission is granted on a case-by-case basis)

Transfer Students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:

  • Minimum college GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

No ACT/SAT? Test-optional admissions are granted on a case-by-case basis and require a comprehensive review of high school transcript, including grades and college-preparatory courses. A personal statement may be requested during the admissions review process.

Transfer Credit for Online BS in Psychology Students

Students may transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited 4-year college. Transfer applicants must have a minimum college GPA of 2.5 to be admitted in good standing. Complete the credit transfer pre-evaluation to get an idea of how many credits you'll be able to transfer in toward your UofL bachelor's degree, and visit our General Transfer Student page for more details.

Are you a KCTCS student? KCTCS students can transfer completed associate degrees in their entirety and begin immediately with online upper level coursework at UofL. Visit our KCTCS Transfers Page for more information.

See the UofL Transfer Credit Policy for more information.

Start Your Application

Online BS in Psychology Courses

The online bachelor’s in psychology from UofL is a 121 credit hour program. The program is 100% online. Courses are delivered asynchronously in standard term length. See below for curriculum components

  1. General Education (Cardinal Core) Requirements: 31 credit hours
  2. Arts & Sciences Requirements: 13-15 credit hours
  3. Psychology Required Core Courses: 42 credit hours
  4. Supporting Courses: 12 credit hours
  5. Electives: 21-23 credit hours

General Education Requirements

Courses Hours
General Education Requirements* 31
The following courses are required by the program and can satisfy the respective General Education Requirement:
PSYC 201 Introduction to Psychology4,7
Some other courses approved as options for satisfying program requirements (e.g., MATH 109) may also satisfy General Education requirements
Minimum Total Hours 31

Arts & Sciences Requirements

Courses Credit Hours
GEN 100 Student Success Center First Year Experience
GEN 101 Arts & Sciences First Year Experience
1
Foreign Language1 6-8
Electives in Humanities or Natural Sciences at the 300-level or above2 6
WR—two approved courses at the 300 level or above3 3
Minimum Total Hours 13-15

Program/Major Requirements

Courses Credit Hours
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences - Required Courses 18
PSYC 201 Introduction to Psychology4,8 3
PSYC 301 Introduction to Social Statistics5,8 3
PSYC 302 Research Methods for Psychology8 3
Core Requirements
PSYC 305 Brain and Behavior 3
PSYC 306 Life Span Developmental Psychology 3
PSYC 307 Cognitive Processes 3
PSYC 308 Foundations of Psychopathology 3
Graduation requirement or culminating undergraduate experience 3
(CUE) requirement that’s fulfilled by completing PSYC 400, PSYC 407, PSYC 408, PSYC 410, PSYC 412, PSYC 415, PSYC 417, PSYC 420, PSYC 425, PSYC 430, PSYC 433, PSYC 440, PSYC 442, PSYC 444, PSYC 492 or PSYC 496 18
Minimum Total Hours 42

Supporting Courses

Courses Credit Hours
Social Science electives (300 level or above), Natural Science electives (200 level or above), or CMDS courses 12
Minimum Electives 17
Minimum Total Hours for Graduation 121

* All degrees require the completion of the university-wide General Education Program. Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

1Completion of the second semester of a single foreign language; hours will vary depending on the language taken.

2 In addition to courses counted toward Cardinal Core.

3May be incorporated into other degree requirements.

4 Fulfills a Cardinal Core Requirement.

5 Students should confirm any substitute class with the department prior to enrollment. Students who substitute a statistics course from another department will need to take an additional Psychology elective to complete the required number of Psychology hours for the program.

6 At least 50 of the total minimum hours required for the degree must be at the 300 level or above.

7 Students who satisfy Cardinal Core Requirements by courses defined by the program will require additional electives to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

8 Grades of C minus or below are not accepted.


START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


Core Course Descriptions



PSYC 201 Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to the methods and major content areas of psychology: sensation, perception, learning, cognition, human development, abnormal and social psychology. Note: Students are required to participate in one or more standard experiments or to submit abstracts of published studies as part of PSYC 201.


PSYC 301 Statistics for Psychology
Prerequisite: PSYC 201; Completion of QR requirement with grade of C or higher. Elementary statistical methods as applied in the social sciences: probability; distribution (theoretical and empirical), statistics and parameters; sampling; tests of hypotheses including ANOVA; regression and correlation; contingency.


PSYC 302 Research Methods for Psychology
Prerequisite: PSYC 201; Completion of QR requirement with grade of C or higher; PSYC 301 with grade of C or above. Introduction to scientific methods in psychology: formulation of hypotheses, design of experiments, execution of experiments, analysis of data, communication of results.


PSYC 305 Brain and Behavior
Prerequisite: PSYC 201. The course will focus on relationships between brain function and human behavior. It will introduce the structures, systems, and methods by which human behavior is reflected in neural activity. It will examine how nerve cells function individually and work together; the structure of the nervous system; how our sense organs provide the nervous system with information about the outside world; how the brain controls movement; and how sleep, eating, sex, stress, and social interaction are represented in the brain. We will also investigate how the nervous system is influenced by bioactive substances including natural hormones (e.g., during a response to stress), pharmacological therapeutics, and recreational drugs. Note: Students who have previous credit for PSYC 344 cannot earn credit for this course.


PSYC 306 Life Span Developmental Psychology
Prerequisite: PSYC 201. A review of human growth and development across the lifespan. This course examines physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development from conception through old age. This course is relevant for students in psychology, neuroscience, communicative disorders, education, nursing, and public health. Notes: Students cannot receive credit for this course and also PSYC 363 or PSYC 365. Note: Previously taught as PSYC 363.


PSYC 307 Cognitive Processes
Prerequisite: PSYC 201. Survey of theory and research on cognition, i.e., thinking, concept attainment, memory, language, creativity, problem solving, and decision-making. Note: Previously taught as PSYC 322.


PSYC 308 Abnormal Psychology
Prerequisite: An introduction to taxonomy, nature, causes, and treatments of maladjusted behavior. Note: Previously taught as PSYC 385.


PSYC 400 Psychology Research and Public Communication
This course will focus on issues surrounding the interpretation and dissemination of psychological concepts and findings. Topics will include the critical analysis of "psychological myths" and how to write and speak about psychology for general audiences. Case studies and in-class activities will be used to illustrate the benefits and challenges of accurately portraying psychological research to the public. The content of the seminar projects will come from each student's research experience in PSYC 491.


PSYC 407 Community Internships in Psychology
On-site formal training and community-based research and/or service with select non-profit agencies. Sites are chosen based on special topics/social issues and programs in applied developmental psychology.


PSYC 408 International Service Learning and Research
Off-campus international travel and field research/service-learning project, which serves as a culminating undergraduate experience, while infusing critical thinking skills and fostering a meaningful community engagement experience. This course is intended to expose students to psychological theories and empirical research while working directly with a faculty member's research project. Application and program fee required.


PSYC 410 Giving Psychology Away: Critical Thinking and Public Communication
Discussion of issues surrounding the dissemination of psychological concepts and findings.


PSYC 412 Modifying Behavior
This course will require mastery of behavior modification theory and techniques, and their application to real-world problems. Because behavior modification requires the systemic application of learning principles and basic research methodology skills, the course will require students to synthesize and apply information/concepts from previous psychology courses.


PSYC 415 Family Risk, Resilience and Mindfulness
The three units of the semester are as follows: 1) Risk Factors, 2) Resilience, and 3) Mindfulness, and each major topic will be addressed for parents, children and the family unit. We will discuss the current scientific literature on such risk factors as poverty, divorce and single parenting, homelessness, mental and physical health issues, nutrition, family and neighborhood violence, and trauma (to include trauma-informed care). The current evidence base on the science of resilience (what is it, how it's demonstrated and how to promote it), and the practice and benefits of mindfulness for parents/children will complete the semester.


PSYC 417 Child Psychopathology
Review of common childhood/adolescent psychological disorders, with discussion of theory and developmental issues in child psychopathology and assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Topics may include attention deficit disorder, autism, mood disorders and family dysfunction. This course is relevant for students in social sciences, neuroscience, communicative disorder, nursing, counseling, social work, premed and public health.


PSYC 420 History of Psychology: A Socio-Cultural Perspective
This course is designed as an overview and synthesis of the history of psychology and how this historical background has led to the development of the systems and issues of contemporary psychology. We will explore how the major historical roots and theoretical contributions led to the development of psychology as a scientific discipline. Emphasis will be on how current psychological perspectives have evolved to be more inclusive to women and minorities and the sociocultural context of this evolution.


PSYC 425 Human Expertise and Achievement
This course explores human expertise, achievement, and success as they are discussed in the field of psychology. Social, environmental, cognitive, and behavioral influences will be explored. Topics will include recent theories of expertise, Dweck's theory of growth mindset, Sternberg's Theory of successful intelligence, Mischel's work on self-control, Gladwell's exploration of mentoring environments, recent studies of cultural effects on intelligence (the Flynn effect), and Duckworth's theory of "grit", among several others. The course will aim at a discussion format and is intended for relatively small groups in which discussion can be especially productive. Attendance is required.


PSYC 430 Psychology of Peace and Ethnic Relations
This course is intended to expose students to the theories, research and psychosocial elements of peacebuilding as they relate to interethnic relations around the world. Empirical readings and discussion will focus on race, ethnicity, identity formation, intergroup contact, spectrum of intergroup relations (e.g., expulsion, genocide, segregation, fusion, assimilation and pluralism), restorative practices and peacebuilding in a multicultural world.


PSYC 433 Music Perception and Cognition
This course provides an overview of the perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and neural bases of listening to music. Why does music have such strong ties to emotion? What are the parallels between music and language? What are the neuroscientific underpinnings of music perception and cognition? What does musical training do to your brain, and what other talents or skills do you acquire through musical training? This course is designed for majors in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and does not require any coursework or other background in music.


PSYC 440 Aging: Science and Stories
The purpose of this course is to help students understand aging through scientific research and the lived experiences of individuals and to better understand how these perspectives might differ from one another. Students will become familiar with current aging issues (e.g., cognitive aging, social and emotional aging, mental health, and Alzheimer's disease), research methods, theories and perspectives on aging and its diversity. Students will learn how to conduct life reviews with older people and integrate these stories with a scientific perspective on aging. The course requires student reflection and critical thinking about how scientific evidence fits with and differs from the subjective experiences of older people and how this relates to their personal aging and life story.


PSYC 442 Psych of Trauma
Introduction to traumatic stress research. Topics will include psychological theories of stress and trauma, the biology of stress and trauma, and risk factors for developing psychological problems subsequent to experiencing trauma.


PSYC 444 Exploration of Self: Theory and Research
We are all subject to distortions in our understanding of ourselves due to cognitive biases and conscious and unconscious processes. This class will draw knowledge gained in prior psychology courses to study theories of self focusing on how we collect information about conscious and unconscious selves, hands-on generation of personality data, and the use of these self-generated data to compare competing theories of self. The course will require understanding and using the empirical tools of psychological science and the ability to defend and critique multiple points of view.


PSYC 492 Undergraduate Psychology Research
An independent study class involving research on a focused topic in Psychology. Students register for individual sections of PSYC 492 after contacting a faculty mentor and arriving at an agreed-upon course of work for the semester. Each psychology research experience is unique to the particular student and faculty research lab in which it occurs.


PSYC 496 Honors Psychology Thesis
Data collection, statistical analysis, and report writing in support of the honors thesis, including presentation of the thesis in written and oral formats

Online BS in Psychology Success Team


Online BS in Psychology Faculty


BAPSY group photo

Visit the department website to see a list of UofL’s psychology faculty.



Online BS in Psychology FAQ


  • Is this program fully asynchronous?

    Yes, the online BS in Psychology program is designed to be fully asynchronous. This means that you can access course materials, participate in discussions and complete assignments at a time that suits your schedule. Asynchronous learning offers greater flexibility for students who may have work, family or other commitments.

  • How many weeks is each class?

    Each class in the online BS in Psychology program typically runs for a duration of 15 weeks.

  • Can I be a therapist with this degree?

    While a BS in Psychology is a valuable and foundational degree, it's important to note that becoming a licensed therapist typically requires additional education and training. Most therapists hold at least a master's degree in psychology or a related field and must complete supervised clinical hours to obtain licensure. Our program can be a great steppingstone towards furthering your education if your goal is to become a licensed therapist.

  • How much time per week will I spend on this program?

    The amount of time you will need to dedicate to the program each week can vary depending on the individual and the specific courses you are taking. As a general guideline, you should expect to spend approximately 2-3 hours per credit hour weekly for your course(s). This includes time for reading, assignments, discussion participation and studying. Keep in mind that time management and study habits play a significant role in your success in the program.

  • Is financial aid available for this program?

    Yes, there is financial aid available for this program. You can learn more by visiting our Financial Aid tab on the Tuition page.


Academic Year Tuition

$540 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate

This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.

Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.


Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted.For additional information on educational expenses and the Cost of Attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.


Tuition, Fees & Aid    

Online BS in Psychology Program Highlights

  • Become an intelligent consumer of information and an active investigator within the fields of cognition, behavior and brain science.
  • Develop technological skills and familiarity with research methods and statistics, as well as the analytic skills necessary for solving personal, professional and societal problems.
  • Build a versatile set of skills and knowledge, for which employers around the country actively recruit.
  • Understand the factors influencing human behavior and how to apply psychological principles in various settings.
  • Earn a research-based psychology degree taught by the same research-focused faculty within the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences as the on-campus program.
  • Build upon your associate degree or transfer in equivalent credit from an accredited institution.
  • Take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of 100% online classes.
  • Ready yourself for a variety of careers in psychology, including roles in counseling, human resources, and research. You’ll also be equipped for graduate studies in psychology or related fields.

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


100% ONLINE COURSES

Complete this degree on your time through fully online classes.

Learn More
121 CREDIT HOURS

Transfer in previous credit or take general education and major core courses at UofL.

Learn More
$540 PER CREDIT HOUR

Take advantage of UofL’s military-friendly rate of $250 per credit hour (for active duty).

Online learning video - Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

"Psychology is relevant for almost everything. It’s relevant for business, it’s relevant for nursing, it’s relevant for healthcare and mental healthcare… But it’s also really relevant in non-profits and in dealing with special populations and social issues."


LORA HAYNES, PH.D.ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
PSYCHOLOGY AND BRAIN SCIENCES

Online BS in Psychology Outlook

What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s in Psychology?

Earning a psychology degree prepares you for a wide variety of career opportunities. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, hiring managers seek employees with leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities, above all others. This program equips you with robust critical thinking and research skills and while developing your understanding of foundational psychological concepts, to make you succeed and stand out in the career path of your choice.

Many bachelor’s in psychology graduates pursue careers as a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor, which according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand is expected to grow an astounding 25% (bls.gov, 2019-2029).

Many graduates also pursue careers in the following fields:

  • Human resources
  • Mental Health
  • Market research
  • Public relations
  • Family advocacy and support
  • Case management
  • Counseling
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Forensics
  • Rehabilitation
 

This degree can be a stepping stone for pursuing a career as a psychologist. According to BLS, the average salary is $82,180 (bls.gov).

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION

Online BS in Psychology Application Deadlines


Preferred Application Deadline Term Start Date
August 1 Fall August
December 1 Spring January
April 1 Summer May/June

Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.


How to Apply for the Online BS in Psychology

  1. Start your application for undergraduate admission
  2. Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
  3. Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
  4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292
  5. Create a financial plan

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


Online BS in Psychology Admissions Requirements and Materials

New Students and Transfer Students with less than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:

  • High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent also accepted)
  • Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; AND for transfer students, a minimum college GPA of 2.0 (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
  • Composite ACT* score of 21 or higher (test optional admission is granted on a case-by-case basis)

Transfer Students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:

  • Minimum college GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

No ACT/SAT? Test-optional admissions are granted on a case-by-case basis and require a comprehensive review of high school transcript, including grades and college-preparatory courses. A personal statement may be requested during the admissions review process.

Transfer Credit for Online BS in Psychology Students

Students may transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited 4-year college. Transfer applicants must have a minimum college GPA of 2.5 to be admitted in good standing. Complete the credit transfer pre-evaluation to get an idea of how many credits you'll be able to transfer in toward your UofL bachelor's degree, and visit our General Transfer Student page for more details.

Are you a KCTCS student? KCTCS students can transfer completed associate degrees in their entirety and begin immediately with online upper level coursework at UofL. Visit our KCTCS Transfers Page for more information.

See the UofL Transfer Credit Policy for more information.

Start Your Application

Online BS in Psychology Courses

The online bachelor’s in psychology from UofL is a 121 credit hour program. The program is 100% online. Courses are delivered asynchronously in standard term length. See below for curriculum components

  1. General Education (Cardinal Core) Requirements: 31 credit hours
  2. Arts & Sciences Requirements: 13-15 credit hours
  3. Psychology Required Core Courses: 42 credit hours
  4. Supporting Courses: 12 credit hours
  5. Electives: 21-23 credit hours

General Education Requirements

Courses Hours
General Education Requirements* 31
The following courses are required by the program and can satisfy the respective General Education Requirement:
PSYC 201 Introduction to Psychology4,7
Some other courses approved as options for satisfying program requirements (e.g., MATH 109) may also satisfy General Education requirements
Minimum Total Hours 31

Arts & Sciences Requirements

Courses Credit Hours
GEN 100 Student Success Center First Year Experience
GEN 101 Arts & Sciences First Year Experience
1
Foreign Language1 6-8
Electives in Humanities or Natural Sciences at the 300-level or above2 6
WR—two approved courses at the 300 level or above3 3
Minimum Total Hours 13-15

Program/Major Requirements

Courses Credit Hours
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences - Required Courses 18
PSYC 201 Introduction to Psychology4,8 3
PSYC 301 Introduction to Social Statistics5,8 3
PSYC 302 Research Methods for Psychology8 3
Core Requirements
PSYC 305 Brain and Behavior 3
PSYC 306 Life Span Developmental Psychology 3
PSYC 307 Cognitive Processes 3
PSYC 308 Foundations of Psychopathology 3
Graduation requirement or culminating undergraduate experience 3
(CUE) requirement that’s fulfilled by completing PSYC 400, PSYC 407, PSYC 408, PSYC 410, PSYC 412, PSYC 415, PSYC 417, PSYC 420, PSYC 425, PSYC 430, PSYC 433, PSYC 440, PSYC 442, PSYC 444, PSYC 492 or PSYC 496 18
Minimum Total Hours 42

Supporting Courses

Courses Credit Hours
Social Science electives (300 level or above), Natural Science electives (200 level or above), or CMDS courses 12
Minimum Electives 17
Minimum Total Hours for Graduation 121

* All degrees require the completion of the university-wide General Education Program. Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

1Completion of the second semester of a single foreign language; hours will vary depending on the language taken.

2 In addition to courses counted toward Cardinal Core.

3May be incorporated into other degree requirements.

4 Fulfills a Cardinal Core Requirement.

5 Students should confirm any substitute class with the department prior to enrollment. Students who substitute a statistics course from another department will need to take an additional Psychology elective to complete the required number of Psychology hours for the program.

6 At least 50 of the total minimum hours required for the degree must be at the 300 level or above.

7 Students who satisfy Cardinal Core Requirements by courses defined by the program will require additional electives to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

8 Grades of C minus or below are not accepted.


START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


Core Course Descriptions



PSYC 201 Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to the methods and major content areas of psychology: sensation, perception, learning, cognition, human development, abnormal and social psychology. Note: Students are required to participate in one or more standard experiments or to submit abstracts of published studies as part of PSYC 201.


PSYC 301 Statistics for Psychology
Prerequisite: PSYC 201; Completion of QR requirement with grade of C or higher. Elementary statistical methods as applied in the social sciences: probability; distribution (theoretical and empirical), statistics and parameters; sampling; tests of hypotheses including ANOVA; regression and correlation; contingency.


PSYC 302 Research Methods for Psychology
Prerequisite: PSYC 201; Completion of QR requirement with grade of C or higher; PSYC 301 with grade of C or above. Introduction to scientific methods in psychology: formulation of hypotheses, design of experiments, execution of experiments, analysis of data, communication of results.


PSYC 305 Brain and Behavior
Prerequisite: PSYC 201. The course will focus on relationships between brain function and human behavior. It will introduce the structures, systems, and methods by which human behavior is reflected in neural activity. It will examine how nerve cells function individually and work together; the structure of the nervous system; how our sense organs provide the nervous system with information about the outside world; how the brain controls movement; and how sleep, eating, sex, stress, and social interaction are represented in the brain. We will also investigate how the nervous system is influenced by bioactive substances including natural hormones (e.g., during a response to stress), pharmacological therapeutics, and recreational drugs. Note: Students who have previous credit for PSYC 344 cannot earn credit for this course.


PSYC 306 Life Span Developmental Psychology
Prerequisite: PSYC 201. A review of human growth and development across the lifespan. This course examines physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development from conception through old age. This course is relevant for students in psychology, neuroscience, communicative disorders, education, nursing, and public health. Notes: Students cannot receive credit for this course and also PSYC 363 or PSYC 365. Note: Previously taught as PSYC 363.


PSYC 307 Cognitive Processes
Prerequisite: PSYC 201. Survey of theory and research on cognition, i.e., thinking, concept attainment, memory, language, creativity, problem solving, and decision-making. Note: Previously taught as PSYC 322.


PSYC 308 Abnormal Psychology
Prerequisite: An introduction to taxonomy, nature, causes, and treatments of maladjusted behavior. Note: Previously taught as PSYC 385.


PSYC 400 Psychology Research and Public Communication
This course will focus on issues surrounding the interpretation and dissemination of psychological concepts and findings. Topics will include the critical analysis of "psychological myths" and how to write and speak about psychology for general audiences. Case studies and in-class activities will be used to illustrate the benefits and challenges of accurately portraying psychological research to the public. The content of the seminar projects will come from each student's research experience in PSYC 491.


PSYC 407 Community Internships in Psychology
On-site formal training and community-based research and/or service with select non-profit agencies. Sites are chosen based on special topics/social issues and programs in applied developmental psychology.


PSYC 408 International Service Learning and Research
Off-campus international travel and field research/service-learning project, which serves as a culminating undergraduate experience, while infusing critical thinking skills and fostering a meaningful community engagement experience. This course is intended to expose students to psychological theories and empirical research while working directly with a faculty member's research project. Application and program fee required.


PSYC 410 Giving Psychology Away: Critical Thinking and Public Communication
Discussion of issues surrounding the dissemination of psychological concepts and findings.


PSYC 412 Modifying Behavior
This course will require mastery of behavior modification theory and techniques, and their application to real-world problems. Because behavior modification requires the systemic application of learning principles and basic research methodology skills, the course will require students to synthesize and apply information/concepts from previous psychology courses.


PSYC 415 Family Risk, Resilience and Mindfulness
The three units of the semester are as follows: 1) Risk Factors, 2) Resilience, and 3) Mindfulness, and each major topic will be addressed for parents, children and the family unit. We will discuss the current scientific literature on such risk factors as poverty, divorce and single parenting, homelessness, mental and physical health issues, nutrition, family and neighborhood violence, and trauma (to include trauma-informed care). The current evidence base on the science of resilience (what is it, how it's demonstrated and how to promote it), and the practice and benefits of mindfulness for parents/children will complete the semester.


PSYC 417 Child Psychopathology
Review of common childhood/adolescent psychological disorders, with discussion of theory and developmental issues in child psychopathology and assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Topics may include attention deficit disorder, autism, mood disorders and family dysfunction. This course is relevant for students in social sciences, neuroscience, communicative disorder, nursing, counseling, social work, premed and public health.


PSYC 420 History of Psychology: A Socio-Cultural Perspective
This course is designed as an overview and synthesis of the history of psychology and how this historical background has led to the development of the systems and issues of contemporary psychology. We will explore how the major historical roots and theoretical contributions led to the development of psychology as a scientific discipline. Emphasis will be on how current psychological perspectives have evolved to be more inclusive to women and minorities and the sociocultural context of this evolution.


PSYC 425 Human Expertise and Achievement
This course explores human expertise, achievement, and success as they are discussed in the field of psychology. Social, environmental, cognitive, and behavioral influences will be explored. Topics will include recent theories of expertise, Dweck's theory of growth mindset, Sternberg's Theory of successful intelligence, Mischel's work on self-control, Gladwell's exploration of mentoring environments, recent studies of cultural effects on intelligence (the Flynn effect), and Duckworth's theory of "grit", among several others. The course will aim at a discussion format and is intended for relatively small groups in which discussion can be especially productive. Attendance is required.


PSYC 430 Psychology of Peace and Ethnic Relations
This course is intended to expose students to the theories, research and psychosocial elements of peacebuilding as they relate to interethnic relations around the world. Empirical readings and discussion will focus on race, ethnicity, identity formation, intergroup contact, spectrum of intergroup relations (e.g., expulsion, genocide, segregation, fusion, assimilation and pluralism), restorative practices and peacebuilding in a multicultural world.


PSYC 433 Music Perception and Cognition
This course provides an overview of the perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and neural bases of listening to music. Why does music have such strong ties to emotion? What are the parallels between music and language? What are the neuroscientific underpinnings of music perception and cognition? What does musical training do to your brain, and what other talents or skills do you acquire through musical training? This course is designed for majors in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and does not require any coursework or other background in music.


PSYC 440 Aging: Science and Stories
The purpose of this course is to help students understand aging through scientific research and the lived experiences of individuals and to better understand how these perspectives might differ from one another. Students will become familiar with current aging issues (e.g., cognitive aging, social and emotional aging, mental health, and Alzheimer's disease), research methods, theories and perspectives on aging and its diversity. Students will learn how to conduct life reviews with older people and integrate these stories with a scientific perspective on aging. The course requires student reflection and critical thinking about how scientific evidence fits with and differs from the subjective experiences of older people and how this relates to their personal aging and life story.


PSYC 442 Psych of Trauma
Introduction to traumatic stress research. Topics will include psychological theories of stress and trauma, the biology of stress and trauma, and risk factors for developing psychological problems subsequent to experiencing trauma.


PSYC 444 Exploration of Self: Theory and Research
We are all subject to distortions in our understanding of ourselves due to cognitive biases and conscious and unconscious processes. This class will draw knowledge gained in prior psychology courses to study theories of self focusing on how we collect information about conscious and unconscious selves, hands-on generation of personality data, and the use of these self-generated data to compare competing theories of self. The course will require understanding and using the empirical tools of psychological science and the ability to defend and critique multiple points of view.


PSYC 492 Undergraduate Psychology Research
An independent study class involving research on a focused topic in Psychology. Students register for individual sections of PSYC 492 after contacting a faculty mentor and arriving at an agreed-upon course of work for the semester. Each psychology research experience is unique to the particular student and faculty research lab in which it occurs.


PSYC 496 Honors Psychology Thesis
Data collection, statistical analysis, and report writing in support of the honors thesis, including presentation of the thesis in written and oral formats

Online BS in Psychology Success Team


Online BS in Psychology Faculty


BAPSY group photo

Visit the department website to see a list of UofL’s psychology faculty.



Online BS in Psychology FAQ


  • Is this program fully asynchronous?

    Yes, the online BS in Psychology program is designed to be fully asynchronous. This means that you can access course materials, participate in discussions and complete assignments at a time that suits your schedule. Asynchronous learning offers greater flexibility for students who may have work, family or other commitments.

  • How many weeks is each class?

    Each class in the online BS in Psychology program typically runs for a duration of 15 weeks.

  • Can I be a therapist with this degree?

    While a BS in Psychology is a valuable and foundational degree, it's important to note that becoming a licensed therapist typically requires additional education and training. Most therapists hold at least a master's degree in psychology or a related field and must complete supervised clinical hours to obtain licensure. Our program can be a great steppingstone towards furthering your education if your goal is to become a licensed therapist.

  • How much time per week will I spend on this program?

    The amount of time you will need to dedicate to the program each week can vary depending on the individual and the specific courses you are taking. As a general guideline, you should expect to spend approximately 2-3 hours per credit hour weekly for your course(s). This includes time for reading, assignments, discussion participation and studying. Keep in mind that time management and study habits play a significant role in your success in the program.

  • Is financial aid available for this program?

    Yes, there is financial aid available for this program. You can learn more by visiting our Financial Aid tab on the Tuition page.



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