Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Minor

Psychology

Behavioral Sciences
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Tuition Cost per Credit

Average Completion*

Understand People. Build Skills.
Make an Impact.

Psychology is the study of human behavior, thoughts, emotions, and relationships โ€” and it offers a powerful foundation for careers in helping professions, business, education, healthcare, human services, and beyond.

At Athens State University, the Psychology program prepares students to understand how people think and behave while developing the communication, research, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills employers value.

Whether you’re interested in working directly with people, pursuing graduate study, or applying an understanding of human behavior in a business or organizational setting, Athens State offers both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology to help you reach your goals.

Choose the Psychology Path That’s Right for You

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides a broad-based education in psychological science while allowing students to develop a well-rounded liberal arts background. This pathway is a strong choice for students interested in understanding human behavior and applying that knowledge in fields such as human services, education, communication, business, social services, and other people-focused careers.

The B.A. can also provide a strong foundation for students planning to pursue graduate or professional education in psychology, counseling, social work, education, or related fields.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology emphasizes the scientific and research-oriented aspects of psychology. Students develop a deeper understanding of psychological research, scientific inquiry, data, and the biological and cognitive processes that influence human behavior.

The B.S. is an excellent choice for students interested in research, behavioral science, healthcare, neuroscience, or graduate study in psychology and related disciplines.

Your Career Advantage Starts Here

A Psychology degree isn’t just about understanding peopleโ€”it’s about learning how to apply that understanding.

At Athens State, you’ll develop skills that employers value across industries, including the ability to communicate effectively, analyze information, understand different perspectives, conduct research, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions.

Those skills can give you an advantage whether you’re beginning a career after graduation or continuing your education.

Explore your career pathways with the Psychology degree, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.

Important: Many careers involving the diagnosis or treatment of mental health conditions require additional education, supervised experience, and professional licensure. If your goal is to become a licensed psychologist, counselor, or other licensed mental health professional, be sure to research the graduate degree and licensure requirements for your intended career.

Related Careers

$71k

Counselor/Psychologist Estimated Entry Salary

$106k

Counselor/Psychologist Estimated Median Salary

Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.

Admissions & Aid

Athens State University provides an affordable and accessible path to a bachelor’s degree for transfer students, working adults, and students ready to strengthen their quantitative and analytical skills.

Whether you’re transferring after completing an associate degree, returning to college to complete your bachelor’s degree, or preparing for graduate or professional study, Athens State can help you move forward.

Our Admissions & Aid team can help you understand admission requirements, transfer credit, financial aid, scholarships, and other resources available to help make your education more affordable.

Ready to take the next step? Explore your admission and financial aid options and discover how Athens State can help you reach your goals.

Why Choose this Program at Athens State?

Life doesn’t stop while you’re earning your degree. That’s why the Psychology degree is offered through a variety of flexible course formats, allowing you to complete coursework when it fits your schedule without sacrificing academic quality.

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Built for Today’s Professionals

You shouldnโ€™t have to choose between advancing your education and advancing your career. Athens Stateโ€™s degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible learning options allow you to pursue your degree while continuing to meet your professional and personal commitments.

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Invest in Your Future The Smart Way

Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn an advanced degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt. Plus, our learning partnerships make a degree from Athens Sate even more accessible.

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Learn from Experienced Faculty

Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey aloneโ€”our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.

Meet Angelique

Student Stories

What started as an idea to create a life skills book for her own children has turned into an entire academy dedicated to providing life skills education for young people […]

– Angelique H.

Meet Courtney

Student Stories

After moving to Huntsville from Florida with her family, Courtney was on an urgent mission to transfer to a new college that would accept all of the credits she had […]

– Courtney B.

Meet Dustin

Student Stories

Meet Dr. Dustin Vick, a 2009 graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences Behavioral Sciences program. Athens State places a high value on helping students discover not only their […]

– Dustin Vick

Meet Katelyn

Student Stories

Meet Katelyn Dooley, a 2023 graduate from the Athens State University Behavioral Science program and recipient of the Athena Scholarship Award. Dooley says through her studies she was strengthened personally […]

– Katelyn Dooley

Meet Kenyetta

Student Stories

In December 2024, Kenyetta Ashford graduated magna cum laude from Athens State University with a Bachelor of Science focused in Education and Psychology and a minor in Childhood Development. But […]

– Kenyetta Ashford

Our Faculty

Dr. Joseph Chandler
Joseph Chandler, PhD
Associate Professor of Psychology
College of Arts and Sciences
Branton Baird
Branton Baird, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
College of Arts and Sciences
Lori Price
Lori Price, PhD
Associate Professor of Psychology
College of Arts and Sciences
Founders Hall, Room 306

*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.