Bachelor of Science in Psychology Online

Dive deep into the human mind and all its complexities. Gain a thorough understanding of human behavior and thought processes.

Apply by: 2/18/25
Start class: 3/10/25 Apply Now Apply Now

Program Overview

Gain insight into our online bachelor’s degree in psychology program

Prepare to support the mental health of people from all backgrounds with the knowledge and skills you will gain in the 100% online Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northwest Missouri State University. This specialized undergraduate degree program offers you the resources and qualifications to better understand the brain, human behavior, and mental processes.

In our bachelor's degree in psychology online program, you will explore the scientific study of a person's thoughts and behaviors. Specifically, you will enhance your own critical-thinking skills by studying scientific research methods and evidence-based techniques; gain insight of individual behavior, motives and thought processes; and understand the biological and social factors that contribute to human development, cognitive skill building, relationship building and overall personality.

Our experiential learning format prepares you with the relevant knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the workforce upon graduating. The undergraduate-level curriculum goes beyond theory and encourages you, as a student, to think critically and act decisively. Plus, the profession-based learning aspect of the curriculum, influenced by the Professional Advisory Board at Northwest, allows you to apply your studies to real-life contexts. The Board, composed of industry professionals, meet annually to discuss the job market, workforce skills, gaps and needs and provide that information to Northwest faculty, so they may incorporate it in their course learning outcomes.

In our bachelor's degree in psychology online program, you will explore the scientific study of a person's thoughts and behaviors. Specifically, you will enhance your own critical-thinking skills by studying scientific research methods and evidence-based techniques; gain insight of individual behavior, motives and thought processes; and understand the biological and social factors that contribute to human development, cognitive skill building, relationship building and overall personality.

Our experiential learning format prepares you with the relevant knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the workforce upon graduating. The undergraduate-level curriculum goes beyond theory and encourages you, as a student, to think critically and act decisively. Plus, the profession-based learning aspect of the curriculum, influenced by the Professional Advisory Board at Northwest, allows you to apply your studies to real-life contexts. The Board, composed of industry professionals, meet annually to discuss the job market, workforce skills, gaps and needs and provide that information to Northwest faculty, so they may incorporate it in their course learning outcomes.

This online psychology program is fundamental in preparing career-ready graduates

More than 94% of students graduating with this bachelor’s degree in psychology find employment or continue their education within six months after graduation.

To gain a well-rounded experience, students will need to select a minor.

Graduates of this online program will be able to:

  • Utilize their solid research background and understanding of the scientific foundation of psychology
  • Apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation
  • Apply psychological principles to personal, social and organizational issues, including the roles of race and gender
  • Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem-solving
  • Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation
Graduates of this online program will be able to:
  • Utilize their solid research background and understanding of the scientific foundation of psychology
  • Apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation
  • Apply psychological principles to personal, social and organizational issues, including the roles of race and gender
  • Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem-solving
  • Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation

Psychology career opportunities:

  • Market Research Analyst
  • Consumer Behavior Analyst
  • Children's Advocate/Children's Service
  • Crisis Counselor
  • Sales/Management
  • Family Counselor
  • Youth Counselor
  • Substance Abuse/Recovery Counselor
Psychology career opportunities:
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Consumer Behavior Analyst
  • Children's Advocate/Children's Service
  • Crisis Counselor
  • Sales/Management
  • Family Counselor
  • Youth Counselor
  • Substance Abuse/Recovery Counselor

Accreditation:

Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Also available:

Northwest offers a variety of specialized online education program options. Check out our other online undergraduate programs.

Per Credit Hour $334*
Program Transfer Credits: Up to 90 hours
Credit Hours 120

Accreditation:

Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Need More Information?

Call 844-890-9304

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Tuition

Find out how and when to pay your tuition

Our B.S. in Psychology online program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition, which is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course
B.S. Psychology $334* $1,002

Important Refund Information

2nd day of class Last date for 100% refund for dropped course
4th day of class Last date for 75% refund for dropped course
6th day of class Last date for 50% refund for dropped course
8th day of class Last date for 25% refund for dropped course

Required fees

Required fee per course: $30

Use our Tuition Estimator to see how affordable your degree could be. Slide the notch to the number of credits you've already earned—which may qualify for transfer credit—to get an estimate of what your degree might cost.

0
90
Transfer Credits: 0
Your Estimated Tuition: $Your Estimated Tuition:
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Transcripts sent from other colleges and universities will be evaluated, and accepted credits will be added to the student’s Northwest record. The Tuition Estimator is not a guarantee or predictor of the number of credit hours that will be accepted.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour $334*

Calendar

Our application deadlines and class schedules

Northwest online programs are delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working students, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year.

View full calendar  + 

termProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring 11/13/2512/19/241/2/251/7/251/8/252/28/25
Spring 23/10/252/18/252/24/253/3/253/5/254/25/25
Summer 15/5/254/15/254/21/254/28/254/30/256/20/25
Summer 26/23/256/2/256/6/256/13/256/17/258/8/25
Fall 18/25/258/5/258/11/258/18/258/20/2510/10/25
Fall 210/20/259/30/2510/6/2510/13/2510/15/2512/5/25

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date: 2/18/25
Next Class Start Date: 3/10/25
Ready to take the next steps toward

earning your degree?

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Admissions

See the qualifications for our online bachelor’s in psychology degree program

At Northwest, we've streamlined the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Please read the requirements for the B.S. in Psychology online, including what additional materials you need and where you should send them. The requirements include:

Admission Requirements:

  • GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
View all admission requirements +

To apply for this program, you must meet the requirements for one of the sections listed below.

Transfer Criteria

  • Students with 24 or more transferrable credit hours:
    • A minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Students with less than 24 transferrable credit hours:
    • Follow freshman admission requirements and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Transfer students from non-regionally accredited institutions will also be considered a freshman; credit cannot be transferred into Northwest from a non-regionally accredited institution

Returning Students (previously enrolled as degree-seeking at Northwest)

  • A minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA in any coursework completed since last being at Northwest (on 4.0 scale)
  • A probation essay (if returning after being suspended or put on probation) explaining previous time at Northwest, what they've been doing since and how they plan to be successful when they return

Freshman Criteria (Adult - 24+ years old):

  • High school transcript showing graduation date or completion of GED/HiSET
  • Essay
  • ACT/SAT test scores optional; can be submitted for scholarship/placement purposes if available

Freshman Criteria (for non-adult freshmen and transfers with less than 24 transferrable hours):

  • Category I:
    • 21 or higher ACT composite (or the SAT equivalent: SAT-980 or 1060**)
    • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted) or above (on 4.0 scale)

**Per 2016 SAT redesign.

  • Category II:
    • Have an admissions index score (see here) that equals or exceeds 100 points
    • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted) or above (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Category III:
    • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted) or above (on a 4.0 scale)
    • Complete high school college-preparatory curriculum
    • Students who have completed the GED or HiSET are eligible with a minimum score of 660 on the GED or a minimum score of 75 on the HiSET
    • This category is not an option for home-schooled or unaccredited high school graduates unless they have also completed the GED or HiSET

Home-Schooled Students

Applicants must have their ACT or SAT results submitted directly from ACT or College Board. A transcript listing of high school courses and grades in each course is also required for admission.

  • 21 or higher on the ACT (or SAT equivalent), OR
  • GED score of 660 or higher, OR
  • HiSET score of 75 or higher

GED Applicants/HiSET Applicants

A student may be considered for admission after receiving an equivalency certification, meeting the following criteria:

  • GED score of 660 or higher, OR
  • HiSET score of 75 or higher

Official transcripts can be emailed to [email protected]. To submit official documents by mail, send them to:

Office of Admissions
Northwest Missouri State University
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468-6001

Have a question? Call us at 844-890-9304.

Click here for State Authorization information.


Admission Requirements:

  • GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

Courses

A look at the online psychology degree courses

For the B.S. in Psychology online, the curriculum is comprised of 120 credit hours, including: 44-47 credit hours of Northwest Core (general education), 4 credit hours of our university seminar, 27 credit hours of major coursework, 9 credit hours of advisor-approved electives, and as many credit hours needed to complete a minor and general electives needed to fulfill the 120-credit-hour degree requirement.

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Students must take 44-47 credit hours of general education courses to meet the degree plan requirements.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the themes, events, people, issues, and debates in U.S. history since Reconstruction.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the themes, events, people, issues, and debates in U.S. history from the earliest settlements through Reconstruction.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study and practice of writing as a form of engagement in public and personal contexts. Builds on skills practiced in English 111 (academic rhetoric, argumentation, research, and documentation) while broadening the contexts in which these skills are used. Students will complete an extensive writing project which may incorporate various forms of writing and other media. Prerequisite: ENGL 10111.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
A two-hour laboratory which must be taken concurrently with BIOL 04102.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study and practice in reading and writing texts towards development of college-level academic literacies. Students will engage through writing and reading in knowledge-based inquiry and sustained critical thinking for the purpose of better understanding the subject or issue. Concepts taught will include academic rhetoric and argumentation, research and documentation.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A general course in biology providing a broad understanding of the basic principles of biological science such as cells, energy production, photosynthesis, genetics, plant and animal physiology, ecology, environmental issues, and diversity. Upon completion, students will understand the relationship between living organisms and their environment and make more informed decisions regarding issues facing our society. Must co-register in BIOL 04103.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Attention is directed toward the fundamental principles, institutions, and problems of American Constitutional Government-national, state, and local. Particular stress is given to the Missouri Constitution, as well as to national Constitutional growth.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of the fundamental concepts, principles and major theoretical approaches of ethics used to determine the moral demands of human conduct with applications to ethical questions of contemporary concern in medical practice and research.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Beginning course for those who did not take chemistry in high school. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 24113. Serves as a refresher course for science majors and satisfies the general laboratory physical science requirement. Involves a study of elements, compounds and fundamental chemical laws. Three hours of lecture and recitation per week. Prerequisite: High school algebra.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Basic concepts of decision making, central values, variability, probability and statistical inference, elementary concepts of correlation, parametric tests of significance, and regression analysis. Will satisfy The Northwest Core requirement in mathematics. Proficiency examination is available.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
University Seminar is designed to help students transition to college life and achieve success. Topics of exploration will include the privileges, rights, and responsibilities associated with a university education, skills necessary for success, assuming responsibility for one's own university experience, and available resources.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to computer systems. Topics include integrated office applications, hardware, software, Internet, and the rights and responsibilities of computer users.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introductory course surveying the aesthetic process by which plays are translated into theatrical terms and projected from a stage to an audience, including play analysis, acting, directing, scene design, costume, makeup and stage lighting.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Course introduces a geographical perspective that examines the cultural, political, and physical processes that shape the diverse regions of the world.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A general introduction to literature organized around central themes in our global society. Selected themes will vary, but each course offering will include (1) literature from various genres, (2) literature from three centuries and (3) readings from at least three of four distinct cultural categories. Satisfies the Literature requirement in The Northwest Core.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An overview of the theory and guided practice of the skills utilized in intrapersonal, interpersonal, group and public communication. The student will perform an interview, small group discussion, informative speech and persuasive speech.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A general studies course designed to provide the student a better understanding and appreciation of the varied styles of music. Fulfills Fine Arts component of The Northwest Core requirements.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to provide a greater understanding of the social world. Sociology is defined as a scientific study of human behavior in social life with an assumption that there are social forces which shape and influence patterns of behavior and ways of thinking. These include social forces such as culture, stratification, age, gender, race and ethnicity, and globalization. Several sociological perspectives serve as the point of reference by which human behavior at the micro and macro level are better understood.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the elements and principles of art as well as forms of expression in works from the major periods of Western art. Although the works will be studied in the context of history, the course is not a chronological survey. Not a studio course. Not for art majors.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey course designed to introduce students to the foundation of human and animal behavior. Students will study the content and the processes used by behavioral scientists to discover, describe, explain and predict human behavior. The course provides an environment in which students learn how to critically evaluate the biological, social/cultural and psychological variables that contribute to behavior and to reflect on those to develop an informed sense of self and others.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Beginning laboratory course which must be taken concurrently with CHEM 24112 lecture. Two hours of laboratory and recitation.

Students are required to take a University Seminar (1 credit hour) and a digital literacy course, usually Computers and Information Technology (3 credit hours). Below is the information for each course.

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
University Seminar is designed to help students transition to college life and achieve success. Topics of exploration will include the privileges, rights, and responsibilities associated with a university education, skills necessary for success, assuming responsibility for one's own university experience, and available resources.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to computer systems. Topics include integrated office applications, hardware, software, Internet, and the rights and responsibilities of computer users.

If a course in this program is also used to fulfill a Northwest Core requirement or a requirement in another program, the number of credit hours may be counted only once toward the total number of credit hours required for graduation.

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey course designed to introduce students to the foundation of human and animal behavior. Students will study the content and the processes used by behavioral scientists to discover, describe, explain and predict human behavior. The course provides an environment in which students learn how to critically evaluate the biological, social/cultural and psychological variables that contribute to behavior and to reflect on those to develop an informed sense of self and others.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Discusses the way psychological theories can be applied to understand behavior in organizations. Topics include personnel selection and placement, performance evaluation, leadership, and motivation. Prerequisite: PSYC 08103.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Communicating: Use speaking and writing to respond to a variety of purposes and audiences.
  • Critical thinking: Reflect on and evaluate their critical-thinking processes. Assimilate, retain, and interpret information. Recognize the role of diagnosing and identifying abnormal behavior and aiding in psychotherapy.
  • Managing Information: Present information clearly. Gather, distill, and present information. Define and discuss assessment strategies used to evaluate abnormal behavior.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrate knowledge of concepts that influence interpersonal interactions in diverse settings and that relate to cultural competence. Gain an understanding of how biology, cognition, emotions, and the social-cultural world impact behavior. Be able to define and discuss numerous patterns of abnormal behavior. Evaluate legal and ethical considerations for people with mental illness.
  • Valuing: Consider multiple perspectives, recognize biases, deal with ambiguity, and form and defend reasoned positions. Recognize how psychology may be applied to various majors and everyday life.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Designed to continue to develop student's critical thinking skills by introducing them to the scientific method and the research and data analysis techniques commonly used in psychology. Prerequisites: PSYC 08103 and MATH 17114.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an in-depth survey of the philosophical and historical foundations of psychology, discussing the influence of important people, ideas, and schools of thought within their social, cultural, political, and economic context. With an emphasis on critically thinking about historical principles and ideologies, the course will include historically engaging experiences as well as philosophical and critical perspectives that led to these approaches and ways of thinking. Prerequisite: 08103 General Psychology.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an examination of the various career paths within psychology. Students will have the opportunity to explore their skills, interests, and values while developing a tentative career plan. Emphasis is placed on preparation for graduate study as well as career options within psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 08103 with a minimum grade of C.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces students to cognitive processes including perception, attention, memory, mental imagery, problem solving, language and decision making. The class balances theory (model building), research (inductive/deductive reasoning), and application to areas such as social psychology, law, education and engineering. Prerequisites: PSYC 08103 or PSYC 08299.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will be able to define the basic principles of cognitive psychology (e.g., how do people learn, remember, and reason).
  • Students will be able to have an increased understanding of cognitive psychology topics.
  • Students will be able to evaluate their own increase in knowledge about cognitive psychology.

Other:

When I provide a demonstration of the procedures of a classic experiment in cognitive psychology, students should remember that they are not participating in an experiment, but rather gaining practical first-hand knowledge of how such experiments would occur.

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Discusses the way psychological theories can be applied to understand behavior in organizations. Topics include personnel selection and placement, performance evaluation, leadership, and motivation. Prerequisite: PSYC 08103.

Learning Outcomes:

Explain how knowledge from I/O Psychology can be applied to help managers and supervisors, including:

  • Managing organizations through leadership and strategic planning
  • Supervision and human resource management
  • Managing professional development of staff
  • Recruiting and managing volunteers
  • Use feedback to increase knowledge and improve exam scores
  • Demonstrate the ability to assimilate, retain, and interpret information (Critical Thinking outcome in Northwest Competencies)
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A comprehensive survey of human developmental principles emerging during conception and continuing through to the process of death. Emphasis is placed upon the physical, intellectual, cognitive and social-emotional growth from research, theoretical and applied viewpoints based upon empirically demonstrated psychological knowledge. Prerequisite: PSYC 08103 or PSYC 08299.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Designed to build on concepts and skills covered in PSYC 08234. Focuses on the design/logic of experimental design, internal and external validity, how to collect meaningful psychological data, how to analyze and interpret data, and the role of theory in psychology. Prerequisites: PSYC 08103, PSYC 08234, and MATH 17114. Behavioral Science majors must earn a grade of C or higher in each prerequisite course.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of the relationship between behavior, thinking, and emotion and the underlying biological mechanisms of behavior, including elementary neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Prerequisites: PSYC 08103 and PSYC 08234.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explores recent literature and research related to biological and cultural factors influencing the development of racial and gender identities. Explores the ways in which stereotypes and social roles affect our lives at the personal, social and institutional levels. Prerequisite: PSYC 08103.

Learning Outcomes

  • Communicate effectively about issues of gender and race.
  • Identify and define core constructs related to the psychology of race and gender.
  • Analyze and critique the psychology of race and gender literature.
  • Participate in discussions of diversity, equity, and inclusion from a scientific perspective.
  • Integrate knowledge learned in the course into your everyday life.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines individual patterns of behavior and reviews diverse theoretical positions that explain personality in terms of individual dynamics, biology, culture, and cognition. Emphasis is placed on understanding the research and philosophy of personality in the context of widely recognized theories of psychology. A survey of relevant and current research is included. Prerequisite: PSYC 08103.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Describe and differentiate among the major psychological approaches which explain personality
  • Develop an understanding of some of the most frequently studied individual differences in personality psychology
  • Critically evaluate both scientific and popular personality tests and research
  • Apply personality psychology concepts to the real world and their own lives
  • Create a product based on a personality psychology concept, theory, or measure that could be used by a lay audience
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introductory course probing the development of human behavior in its social context. Significant theories and methodologies in social psychology developed within the disciplines of sociology and psychology are considered, along with representative research in areas such as social perception and attribution, interpersonal attraction, aggression, altruism, role- and self-development and group processes. Prerequisites: SOC 35101 OR PSYC 08103.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Builds on concepts from PSYC 08234 and PSYC 08334 through the implementation of a research project. Course objectives include choosing a research design, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings to peers. Statistical analyses will also be covered, with an emphasis on cleaning data and testing hypotheses. Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in PSYC 08103, PSYC 08234, PSYC 08334, and MATH 17114.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Basic concepts of decision making, central values, variability, probability and statistical inference, elementary concepts of correlation, parametric tests of significance, and regression analysis. Will satisfy The Northwest Core requirement in mathematics. Proficiency examination is available. Prerequisite: An ACT Math score of 22 or higher, high school GPA of 3.00 or higher, or a minimum grade of C in MATH 17082, or concurrent enrollment in MATH 17014.

Students must complete a minor for this program.  Please note, not all minors are available online.  Students must also complete general education free electives as needed to reach a minimum 120 graduation hours.

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Ranked #13

Northwest Missouri State University is ranked No. 13 in "Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology" by EduMed (2023).

Highly Qualified Faculty

100% of classes are taught by professionals, not graduate assistants

*Tuition and fees are based on current rates. Textbooks and laptops are not included with tuition. A one-time fee of $20.50 will be charged for remote proctoring of required Assessment of Core Proficiencies.

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