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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Gain a deeper understanding of human development, behavior, cognition and emotions with UMass Lowell's flexible and affordable Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

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Your Future in Psychology Starts Here

Offering theoretical foundations in various subfields of psychology, including experimental, developmental, social, community, personality and clinical psychology, UMass Lowell's Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program fosters critical and creative thinking. Grounded in the principles, methods, and ethics of psychology as a scientific discipline and as a profession, the curriculum emphasizes the methods by which we accumulate knowledge, as well as the practical application of that knowledge in many areas of human functioning.

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Transfer up to 90 College Credits
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Courses are taught by full-time faculty who are leaders in the field and by part-time faculty who bring a wealth of real-world experience to their teaching. All faculty members are committed to helping students succeed. Courses often enroll fewer than 20 students, allowing for a truly personal learning experience.

Best Bachelors US News and World Report Award
Ranked as One of the Best Online Bachelor's Programs in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report
"The things that stand out to me most about UMass Lowell's online B.A. in Psychology program are the excellent professors who genuinely care about your learning and the range of interesting psychology courses that are offered."
Debby J.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
A graduated student
Employment of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is projected to grow 14% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth during this same time period for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is predicted to be 23%. Greater demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies should drive employment growth.*
* U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018

Students who graduate from the B.A. in Psychology program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in psychology
  • Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation
  • Demonstrate information literacy and the ability to use critical and creative thinking in seeking and evaluating information about behavior and mental processes
  • Apply psychological principles to individual, social and organizational issues
  • Act ethically and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of formats
  • Recognize, understand and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity
  • Have accurate information about how to use their psychological knowledge, skills and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings or in graduate-level studies

Graduates can go on to careers in social services, mental health, education, research and business. Some may also choose to specialize in developmental disabilities.

Take Your Own Path at Your Own Pace

The B.A. in Psychology program can be completed entirely online, or as a mix of online and on-campus courses. Students can take courses up to five times per year: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer I and Summer II semesters. Most psychology courses are offered at least three times a year, enabling steady progress towards your degree.

Transfer Credits / Credit for Prior Learning

Have you earned credits by taking courses at another accredited college or university in the past? You may be able to count those credits and courses towards your degree at UMass Lowell. Please review our transfer credit policy and email our Advising Center at Continuing_Education@uml.edu for additional details.

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Success Story

"With four children and a husband, the online program was the only way I was able to fit a degree into my life at this time. I could still be Mom, while also pursuing my educational goals."

Betsy R., Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Betsy R.

Betsy R.

UMass Lowell's Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is consistently independently ranked as a top online program

Ranked #7 Best Online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology by TheBestSchools.org
Ranked #7 Best Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology by BestCollegeReviews.org
Ranked #11 Top Ranked Online Psychology Degree Program by PsychologyDegree411.com

Curriculum Outline

- Total Credits Required: 120

  • ENGL.1010 College Writing I (3cr) - Available Spring 2020!
  • MATH.---- General Education - Mathematics (3cr) (92.151/111)
    • OR
  • MATH.2830 Introduction to Statistics (3cr) - Available Spring 2020!
  • PSYC.1010 Introduction to Psychological Science (3cr) - Available Spring 2020!
  • ----.---- General Education - Social Science (SS) (3cr)
  • ----.---- Language Course Level 1 (3cr)
  • ENGL.1020 College Writing II (3cr) - Available Spring 2020!
  • ----.---- General Education - Science w/Lab (4cr)
  • ----.---- General Education - Arts/Humanities (AH) (3cr)
  • PSYC.2600 Child and Adolescent Development (3cr) - Available Spring 2020!
  • ----.---- Language Course Level 2 (3cr)
  • PSYC.2690 Research I: Methods * (3cr) - Available Spring 2020!
  • PSYC.2320 Psychology of Personality (3cr) - Available Spring 2020!
    • OR
  • PSYC.2720 Abnormal Psychology (3cr) - Available Spring 2020!
  • ----.---- General Education - Social Science (SS) (3cr)
  • ----.---- General Education - Science w/Lab (4cr)
  • ----.---- Language Course Level 3 (3cr)
  • PSYC.2090 Social Psychology (3cr) - Available Spring 2020!
    • OR
  • PSYC.2550 Community Psychology (3cr) - Available Spring 2020!
  • PSYC.---- Experimental Psychology Elective (see choices below) (3cr)
  • ----.---- General Education - Arts/Humanities (AH) (3cr)
  • ----.---- General Education - Science (non-lab) (3cr)
  • ----.---- Language Course Level 4 (3cr)
  • PSYC.3690 Research II: Statistics (3cr) - Available Spring 2020!
  • ----.---- General Education - Arts/Humanities (AH) (3cr)
  • PSYC.3000/4000 Psychology Elective (see choices below) (3cr)
  • ----.---- General Education - Social Science (SS) (3cr)
  • ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
  • PSYC.3750 Research III: Laboratory (3cr)
  • PSYC.3000/4000 Psychology Elective (3cr)
  • ----.---- Psychology or Free Elective (3cr)
  • ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
  • ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
  • PSYC.4--- Advanced Psychology Seminar (3cr)
  • ----.---- Psychology or Free Elective (3cr)
  • ----.---- 3000/4000 Free Elective (3cr)
  • ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
  • ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
  • PSYC.4--- Advanced Psychology Elective (3cr)
  • ----.---- Psychology or Free Elective (3cr)
  • ----.---- 3000/4000 Free Elective (3cr)
  • ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)
  • ----.---- Free Elective (3cr)

*Students must earn a minimum grade of C in PSYC.2690 before taking PSYC.3690.

General Education Course Information

For "General Education" course information, see UMass Lowell's Gen Ed website. Psychology majors fulfill Gen Ed Diversity & Ethics requirement by completing the courses in the above outline.

Language Course Information

Students in the Psychology major are required to demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in a foreign language by completing four language courses - See course listing for WLFR.XXXX or WLSP.XXXX courses.

Experimental Psychology Electives - Choose 1:

PSYC.3000/4000-Level Psychology Electives - Choose 2:

Approved 3000/4000-Level Psychology courses include, but are not limited to the following courses:

Advanced Psychology Seminars - Choose 1:

  • PSYC.4720 Seminar: Personality (3cr)
  • PSYC.4730 Seminar in Social Psychology (3cr)
  • PSYC.4740 Seminar in Developmental Psychology (3cr)
  • PSYC.4750 Seminar in Clinical Psychology (3cr) - Available Spring 2020!
  • PSYC.4760 Seminar: Experimental Psychology
  • PSYC.4770 Seminar in Contemporary Trends (3cr)

Advanced Psychology Electives at the 4000-level or higher - Choose 1:

  • PSYC.4--- Any 4000 level Seminar
  • PSYC.4960 Practicum in Psychology (3cr)
  • PSYC.4910 Directed Study: Psychology (3cr)
  • PSYC.5--- Graduate Level Course (Seniors w/instructor's perm.)

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

All bachelor's degree candidates are required to earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA), to present a minimum of 120 semester hours, to fulfill the residency requirements, to conform to the general regulations and requirements of the University, to satisfy the regulations and academic standards of the colleges which exercise jurisdiction over the degrees for which they are matriculating, to satisfy the curriculum requirements established by the departments or programs in their major, and to complete the University's Core Curriculum requirements, which are listed within the program's curriculum outline. For additional information regarding the University's general policies and procedures, transfer credit information and residency requirements; please refer to our Academic Policies & Procedures.

Course Descriptions

A workshop course that thoroughly explores the writing process from pre-writing to revision, with an emphasis on critical thinking, sound essay structure, mechanics, and academic integrity. Students will read, conduct rhetorical analyses, and practice the skills required for participation in academic discourse. Students will write expository essays throughout the semester, producing a minimum of four formal essays. 3 credits.

A workshop course that thoroughly explores the academic research writing process with an emphasis on entering into academic conversation. Building on the skills acquired in College Writing I, students will learn to write extensively with source material. Key skills addressed include finding,assessing, and integrating primary and secondary sources, and using proper documentation to ensure academic integrity. Students will produce analytical writing throughout the semester, including a minimum of four formal, researched essays. 3 credits.

An introduction to descriptive statistics, graphing and data analysis, probability laws, discrete and continuous probability distributions, correlation and regression, inferential statistics. No credit in Sciences (except Biology and EEAS) or Engineering. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Quantitative Literacy (QL). 3 credits. MATH.1115 or equivalent; MA; Previously 92.183

An introduction course that focuses on application of the scientific method to major areas of psychology: biological, cognitive, developmental, social and personality, and mental and physical health. The course addresses the importance of social and cultural diversity, ethics, variations in human functioning, and applications to life and social action both within these areas and integrated across them. The research basis for knowledge in the field is emphasized. 3 credits. BS

Presents an introduction to the study of social behavior in interpersonal relationships, groups, organizations, and the community: Diversity in regard to groups of peoples, cultures, and views is emphasized. Topics include non-verbal communication, social attraction, attitudes and attitude change, group dynamics, prejudice, labeling, stereotyping, interpersonal influence, and applications to social problems. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Diversity and Cultural Awareness (DCA). 3 credits. Human Values, BSV
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req or co-req

Serves as an introduction to the study of human personality including such topics as self- concept, anxiety and adjustment, and achievement motivation. Psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive, and behavioral theories of personality are stressed with consideration of the interplay between theory and research. 3 credits. BS
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req or co-req

Surveys the nature and practice of community psychology, including principles of community organization and change as seen in such areas as education, mental health, the workplace, health care, justice system, corrections and social services. Students may participate in field research or projects in the community, and classroom work will include discussion of the field experiences of the participants. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Diversity and Cultural Awareness (DCA). 3 credits. BS
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req or co-req

The study of childhood and adolescence. The course begins with an overview of major theoretical perspectives, research methods, and ethical issues in human development. Based on a chronological approach, the course covers prenatal development and birth, infancy, childhood and adolescence, and the transition to adulthood. 3 credits. SS; Formerly Human Development I
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req or co-req

An introductory course on the fundamentals of empirical research in psychological science. Instruction will promote understanding and competence in the basic vocabulary of psychological research, addressing information literacy, measurement, reliability, and validity in observed variables and unobserved constructs. Students will learn critical components of experimental, quasi-experimental, and correlational designs, as well as the basics of descriptive statistics, hypothesis and statistical testing, and matching design to analysis strategies. Students will demonstrate this knowledge through he preparation of a research proposal. Finally, this course will provide students a strong basis from which to pursue advanced coursework in a variety of methodological approaches to psychological research. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Information Literacy (IL). 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req

Presents an introduction to the study of various patterns of mental, behavioral, and personality disorders with consideration of issues of diagnosis, etiology, and treatment in terms of contemporary theory, research, and practice. 3 credits. SS
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req

Surveys issues and topics dealing with the physiological and evolutionary bases of behavior. Biological systems and processes that influence behavior are considered, with particular emphasis on brain mechanisms. Recent discoveries in the neurosciences will be presented. Methods of research are reviewed. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req

Traces the development of theories of learning from earlier global theories to more recent and more specific ones. Behavioral, cognitive, and physiological approaches are compared. Current issues of importance in the study of learning also are stressed. 3 credits. BS
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req

The course focuses on human sensations and perceptions. Students will examine how people know the objects and events of the world through hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, moving, and touching. Students will also examine the foundations of experiences which correspond to independent measures of the world (veridical) and those which do not (illusory). 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req

Examines the psychological bases of verbal and visual reasoning, logical and creative thought-processes, and linguistic and conceptual behaviors. The nature and limits of knowledge and creative expression are discussed. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req

An introduction to the application of psychological principles and methods to the work domain. Students will develop an understanding of the individual, social, and environmental factors as they relate to organizational performance. Intended as an introduction to the field of Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology, topics include personnel selection and evaluation, training and development, attitudes and motivation, leadership, group dynamics, diversity, organizational structure and climate, and job design and working conditions. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req

Examines various methods and techniques suitable for the modification of human behavior, based on the principles and findings of experimental studies of animal and human behavior. Considers how such methods can be used in education, mental health and corrections, and self-directed personal change. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req

Considers such topics as: the psychology of sex differences; biological bases of psychological sex differences; the nature of female sexuality; clinical theory and practice concerning women; women as mental patients and mental health consumers; implications for psychology and for women's status. 3 credits. BS/SSD
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req

Addresses the biological, psychosocial, and attitudinal aspects of human sexuality through lectures, discussions, films from a variety of perspectives. 3 credits. BS/SS
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req

The course will cover topics such as motivation, arousal and anxiety in performance, performance enhancement, youth sport and family interactions, leadership, cooperation and competition, team cohesion, gender issues, exercise and mental health, and psychological factors in injury prevention and rehabilitation. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC.1010 pre-req

Begins with an overview of recent theoretical perspectives on adult development and aging. In chronological sequence, it presents the stages of adulthood and concludes with death and dying. Topics covered include personal, family, and vocational development through adulthood, gender pattern differences, and the impact of changing demographics, including the lengthening of the life span. 3 credits. SS; Formerly Human Development II
Prerequisites:

PSYC 1010,260 pre-reqs

This course provides students with a wide range of interests and backgrounds with the opportunity to examine their own mental model(attitudes/values/ assumptions) of disability. It includes an overview of the nature of intellectual disability and other disabilities and it provides opportunities to explore and understand the historical social response to disability. Students will look at a range of strategies for providing support and intervention and they will learn about how to effect change through a variety of strategies, including advocacy. 3 credits. SSDE
Prerequisites:

PHYC.1010, no FAHS.3630

An intermediate level course building on competence in quantitative reasoning skills and the fundamentals of research methods, and focusing on descriptive and inferential statistics and their application and interpretation. The course will include basic computational approaches; the primary goal is for students to develop the ability to articulate and apply statistical concepts, and communicate statistical results. The course includes topics in basic inferential statistics from z-scores up to and including chi-square and factorial ANOVA. Students will learn to use a database and conduct statistical analyses using standard software packages. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Quantitative Literacy (QL). 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

'c' or better in PSYC.2690

An advanced course in which students design and carry out an empirical research project from start to finish, resulting in an individually written research report using APA style and an oral presentation. The primary goal is for students to experience discovery by completing an original study that reasonably extends the prior research literature. Topics may vary, reflecting the interests of the instructor. Students will perform literature reviews; formulate a research question; operationalize variables; develop research designs; obtained ethical review and approval; and collect, analyze, and interpret data. Students will also demonstrate knowledge of the research process in assessments that may include assignments, quizzes, or exams. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Applied & Integrative Learning (AIL) and Critical Thinking & Problem Solving (CTPS). 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC 3690 & 'C' or better in

Focuses on a variety of theoretical conceptualizations of the productive personality, psychodiagnostic tools and techniques and case histories. Students develop and enhance their professional skills with respect to presentation of self, writing, and psychological diagnostic techniques. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC 1010, 269 pre-req

An advanced seminar to consider special topics in social psychology, with special focus on critique of the theoretical and empirical literature, identification of future research pathways, and the potential for application with consideration of ethics and social responsibility. Specific topics will vary and may include such topics as social aspects of health and illness; inequalities in education; the impact of globalization; attitude formation and prejudice; and psychology of sex roles. This is a writing intensive course. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC 1010, 269 pre-req

An advanced seminar to consider special topics in developmental psychology, with special focus on critique of the theoretical and empirical literature, identification of future research pathways, and the potential for application with consideration of ethics and social responsibility. Specific topics will vary and may include such topics as psychology of the family and parent-child relations; infant development; adjustment during adulthood; and death and dying. This is a writing intensive course. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC 2690,260 pre

An advanced seminar to consider special topics in clinical psychology, with special focus on critique of the theoretical and empirical literature, identification of future research pathways, and the potential for application with consideration of ethics and social responsibility. Specific topics will vary and may include such topics as health psychology and behavioral medicine; the nature and causes of or interventions for specific psychological disorders (e.g.,autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia); the community mental health movement; clinical methods of assessment. This is a writing intensive course. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC 1010, 269 pre-req

Intensive study of specific topics and areas of psychological research from among the following: the experimental analysis of behavior, sensation and perception, cognitive psychology, the biology of behavior, the comparative study of animal behavior, and other selected topics related to experimental psychology.

An advanced seminar to consider current trends in psychology, with special focus on critique of the theoretical and empirical literature, identification of future research pathways, and the potential for application with consideration of ethics and social responsibility. Specific topics will vary and may include such topics as contemporary models of addictive behavior; the interaction of psychology and law; existential psychology; psychology of technological change. This is a writing intensive course. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC 1010, 269 pre-req

Through frequent consultation with the instructor, the student carries out the investigation of a particularly specialized area of interest. This course may be repeated, but no more than 12 credits from any combination of PSYC.486, PSYC.488, and PSYC.491 may be counted toward the degree. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC 1010, 269 pre-req

A program of practical experience for Psychology majors only. Specific requirements vary, but the Practicum experience enables Junior and Senior level students to work and study in a variety of areas related to psychological practice and research (mental health agencies, community agencies and groups, work settings, schools, prisons, group homes, etc.). Students meet regularly as a class on campus with the designated instructor to discuss their experiences and to learn more about the settings in which psychologists practice and the challenges that psychologists confront. Practicum may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. Graded Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. (Field Placement Required) 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

PSYC.2720 and Jr/Sr. level

Tuition & Fees

At UMass Lowell, we believe that students should have as much information as possible up front so they can make informed decisions before enrolling in a degree program or signing up for a course.

Tuition for UMass Lowell Online & Continuing Education students is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. Tuition is priced per credit. To calculate the tuition for a course, simply multiply the per-credit tuition by the total number of credits per course. Exception: If the total number of course contact hours is greater than the total number of credits, the per-credit tuition is instead multiplied by the total number of contact hours.

Spring 2020 Tuition

 Per Credit / Contact Hour
Undergraduate Face-to-Face Courses and Audit $340.00
Undergraduate Online Courses and Audit (except Manning School of Business* Undergraduate Online Courses and Audit) $380.00
Manning School of Business* Undergraduate Online Courses and Audit $385.00
Registration includes access to parking after 3 pm and access to Blackboard.

*Applies to courses with the following prefixes: ACCT, BUSI, ENTR, FINA, MGMT, MKTG, MIST, POMS offered through the Manning School of Business
**Applies to courses with the following prefixes: CHEN, CIVE, EECE, MECH, PLAS offered through the Francis College of Engineering

Additional Fees
Registration Fee per Term (nonrefundable) $30.00
Late Fee for Nonpayment $50.00
Fee for Undergraduate Degree Application $60.00

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You can take courses without being officially enrolled in a certificate or degree program, but you must meet course prerequisites. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size is limited. We recommend that you register early to reserve your place in class.

For more information, please visit our Registration Page.

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Questions?

Email our Advising Center for assistance, or call 800-480-3190 to speak with an advisor.

Please Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented within this website, the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies reserves the right to implement new rules and regulations and to make changes of any nature in its program, calendar, locations, tuition and fees. Whenever possible, appropriate notice of such changes will be given before they become effective. In registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations, and procedures for the University as set forth in our Academic Policies & Procedures and on the main UMass Lowell website.

Applying into an Undergraduate Degree Program

Complete the Online Undergraduate Degree Application Form (preferred), or print, complete and submit the Undergraduate Degree Application .pdf form. Please note: Your application will be processed once we have received your $60 application fee. Return your completed application along with your application fee to:

University of Massachusetts Lowell
Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies
GPS Admissions - Southwick Hall, Rm 203
1 University Avenue
Lowell, MA, 01854

Questions? See our helpful Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for acceptance into a bachelor's degree program offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies, students must hold a high school diploma or have passed either the GED® or HiSET®. Graduate, Online & Professional Studies operates on a rolling admissions basis and each application is reviewed when the student's file is complete. Students must be admitted to a degree or certificate program in order to be eligible for most financial aid.

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