Ames, Iowa – Working adults and transfer students who started an undergraduate degree but never finished now have a flexible path to completion. Iowa State University will launch a new online bachelor’s degree completion program in psychology in fall 2026, designed to help students advance their careers while balancing work and life commitments.
Built specifically for transfer students and working adults who have completed at least 30 credits of a bachelor’s degree, the program offers the flexibility to complete coursework entirely online. Students may bring in transfer credits from prior college work, including up to 65 semester credits from a two-year institution, and complete the remaining degree requirements online at Iowa State University. Students in the program meet the same core curriculum requirements as Iowa State’s on-campus psychology degree, progressing on a timeline that fits their needs while earning a degree from a nationally recognized research university.
“Psychology is one of the largest undergraduate degree programs on the Iowa State campus, and we’ve heard from working adults and transfer students who want to finish what they started without putting their lives on hold,” said Jon Kelly, chair of the psychology department. “We’re excited to meet the demand with new flexibility and opportunities for advancement in the workplace.”
Graduates of the program will possess the skills employers consistently seek across industries, including data literacy, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making. Those skills prepare students for roles in mental health services, community and nonprofit organizations, business and human resources, public service, and the legal and criminal justice fields, as well as for continued study in graduate or professional programs.
“Psychology majors develop strong skills in working with people, communicating effectively, and collecting and analyzing data,” said Bob Hessling, teaching professor in psychology. “These are exactly the skills that employers are looking for.”
Students in the online program gain access to the same academic strengths that define Iowa State’s psychology department, including evidence-based coursework, opportunities to engage with faculty research, and exposure to current developments in the field. Dedicated online advisors and career services support students from enrollment through graduation and beyond.
“Iowa State’s psychology department is known for cutting-edge research, and all of our students benefit from that expertise,” Kelly said. “Many of our classes are taught by the top researchers in their field, giving students exposure to current developments and faculty research.”
The degree completion program is built for students returning to school or transferring from a two-year program. Students must also complete a minor of at least 15 credits as part of the degree.
Enrollment in the online program will open in fall 2026. Prospective students interested in learning more can visit online.iastate.edu or contact Cassidy Heckman at conwayca@iastate.edu.