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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

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Psychology

Turn your passion for understanding people into a powerful career based in science and research. Psychology is embedded into a variety of industries, making your degree a valuable asset for the path you pursue. From the health industry to human services and beyond, unlock your potential and achieve your goals on your terms. Your future in psychology starts here.  

At a Glance

120

Total Credits

Coming Soon*

Cost Per Credit
*Will be posted with the 2026-2027
tuition rate this summer

2 years+

Time to Complete

You know where you want to go. We can help get you there.

With expert, internationally recognized researchers leading the program, you’ll learn about the most cutting-edge research in psychological thought while also understanding the foundational theories and practices that have shaped the field of psychology. Designed as a completion program, this degree will ensure you cross the finish line and obtain the credentials needed for your next move. Get your degree in a way that works for you and explore the career possibilities ahead.

  • Transfer up to 65 credits from a community college; unlimited transfer credits from a an accredited four-year university.
  • Minimum of 30 transferable college credits after high school graduation.
  • Because this is a degree completion program, you’ll leverage previous college credits to be admitted. Learn more about transfer requirements.
  • If you have already attended Iowa State, then you do not need to reapply for admission. If more than 12 months have elapsed since last enrolled, students must apply for reentry to the university. All international students must apply for reentry regardless of the time away from the university.

Join the same on-campus psychology faculty nationally recognized for research in cognitive psychology, social psychology, and counseling psychology.

Jonathan Kelly
Department Chair

Bob Hessling
Teaching Professor, Director of Undergraduate Education

Nathaniel Wade
Professor, Associate Department Chair

 

Several psychology department scholarships and awards are offered to psychology majors: Alison Morris Memorial Scholarship, Jane Ross-Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, Kenneth Sufka Undergraduate Scholarship, Travel Award, and Psychology Poster Competition Award. Psychology majors may also apply for a variety of other scholarships and awards offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Required Psychology courses (17-18 credit hours) 

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Psychology Learning Community Seminar
  • Career Opportunities in Psychology
  • Research Design and Methodology
  • Business Communication
  • Psychological Measurement I
  • Principles of Statistics 

Breadth requirement (15 credit hours) 

  • Counseling Theories and Techniques
  • Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Media Psychology
  • Motivation
  • Personality Psychology
  • Persuasion and Social Influence
  • Psychology and Law
  • Sleep and Dreams
  • Social Psychology

Psychology elective courses (12 credit hours) 

Specific bachelor of arts requirements.  

  • Complete an ISU-approved minor, certificate, or second major. Discuss what options might be available with your advisor. 

You’ll work with an adviser to outline a plan unique to you, your transfer credits, and your needs as a student. 

Lydia Harder

With a degree in psychology, you aren’t held down to one career; you can do so many different things with the same major.

Lydia Harders, ’26 psychology

Boost Your Earning Power

  • $960

    Avg weekly earning with high school diploma

  • $1,732

    Avg weekly earning with bachelors degree

Career Path Opportunities

Open doors to a wide variety of paths with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. With a solid understanding of the human experience, you can confidently take your next professional step.

Sectors:

  • Healthcare
  • Social Assistance
  • Public Administration
  • Community Services

Specializations:

  • Social and Human Service Assistants
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers
  • Medical and Health Services Managers
  • Psychiatric Technicians
  • Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
  • Social and Community Service Managers

A flexible online experience, designed intentionally for you.

With Iowa State’s online programs, your career never has to wait. Gain the same high-quality education and industry-focused knowledge as on campus programs, guided by expert professors preparing  you for your next.

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Take the next step

Anything is possible at Iowa State University with innovative academic programs, hands-on research opportunities, and globally recognized scholars to support you every step of the way.