Program Overview

Touro University Worldwide offers an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology for students who want a deeper understanding of human behavior and mental processes. The flexible online format supports credit transfer and allows students to complete the program at an accelerated pace.

The degree includes eight concentration options and supports both personal and professional skill development. It also provides a strong academic foundation for students who plan to continue into graduate-level study.

The curriculum follows American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines for undergraduate education. Courses explore key areas such as learning psychology, developmental psychology, experimental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.

TUW’s online BA in Psychology is designed for adult learners returning to finish a degree, transfer students bringing previous college credit, and students planning to continue into graduate psychology study through a California-based university.

This Bachelor of Arts in Psychology does not lead to licensure or certification.

Concentrations

Students tailor the BA in Psychology through a concentration aligned with their academic and career interests. The eight concentrations currently listed on the program page require 12 to 15 credits, with most requiring 12 credits and Human Services requiring 15. The concentration is the primary structural choice within the 120-credit degree.

Education Concentrations

Elementary Education

The 12-credit Elementary Education concentration applies psychology to learning, motivation, and development in elementary education. It may suit students interested in education-related settings or graduate study in educational psychology and elementary education.

Secondary Education

The 12-credit Secondary Education concentration focuses on psychological principles related to learning and motivation among older school-age children and adolescents. It may suit students interested in secondary educational settings or graduate study in educational psychology and secondary education.

Special Education

The 12-credit Special Education concentration examines psychological concepts related to learning disabilities and students who may need additional academic support. It may suit students interested in special education settings or graduate study in educational psychology and special education.

Applied Psychology Concentrations

Clinical and Counseling Psychology

The Clinical and Counseling Psychology concentration examines mental health, human behavior, counseling principles, and the application of psychological science in clinical and counseling settings. It may suit students interested in behavioral health, human services, helping professions, or graduate study in psychology and related fields.

Forensic Psychology

The 12-credit Forensic Psychology concentration explores the relationship between psychology, criminal behavior, and the legal system. It may suit students interested in criminal justice and legal settings or those planning to pursue graduate study in forensic psychology.

Child and Adolescent Psychology

The 12-credit Child and Adolescent Psychology concentration focuses on psychological and cognitive development, psychopathology, special needs, and social influences affecting children and adolescents. It may suit students interested in working with young people or pursuing graduate study in psychology, social work, or counseling.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The 12-credit Industrial/Organizational Psychology concentration applies psychological principles to people and behavior in workplace settings. It may suit students interested in organizational performance, employee needs, human resources, or graduate study in industrial/organizational psychology.

Human Services

Human Services

The 15-credit Human Services concentration focuses on supporting individuals and families across community, mental health, healthcare, justice, and related settings. It may suit students interested in human services careers or graduate study in psychology, counseling, or social work.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the BA in Psychology must meet one of the following admission criteria:

  • Be a high school graduate.
  • Have successfully completed the General Educational Development (GED) test.
  • Be a transfer student from another accredited college or university in good academic standing.

Students who meet one of these criteria must then:

  1. Submit an application.
  2. Pay no application fee. TUW has waived the $60 application fee for prospective students.
  3. Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institutions. Students who completed college coursework outside the United States must also meet TUW’s international admission requirements.

Official transcripts must be submitted by the end of the first term of enrollment.

Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarships

TUW’s current standard tuition for bachelor’s programs is $400 per semester credit. At that rate, tuition for the full 120-credit BA in Psychology is $48,000 before scholarships, financial aid, employer assistance, or approved transfer credit.

Transfer credit can substantially reduce the tuition required to complete the degree. A student who receives the maximum 90 approved transfer credits would have at least 30 credits remaining at TUW. At the current standard rate, tuition for those 30 credits would be $12,000 before scholarships or other assistance. The number of credits accepted varies by student and is determined after TUW reviews previous coursework and other eligible credits.

Eligible students may use federal financial aid, scholarships, student loans, and employer tuition assistance to help pay for their education. TUW tuition assistance counselors are available to help students review available funding options.

Military & Veteran Benefits

Military training and experience may be evaluated for transfer credit, which can be especially valuable in the 120-credit BA in Psychology because students may transfer up to 90 approved credits. TUW also considers eligible credit from sources such as ACE, CLEP, DANTES, and other approved examinations or prior coursework.

Eligible military-affiliated students may qualify for a reduced military tuition rate and receive military advising to help them understand their education benefits.

TUW participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and accepts eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

A BA in Psychology develops an understanding of human behavior that can support careers across business, human services, criminal justice, research, education, and related settings. Career opportunities depend on your concentration, previous experience, employer requirements, and any additional education or credentials required. Clinical psychology careers require graduate education and applicable state licensure.

  • Career Counselor
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Probation Officer
  • Case Manager
  • Education Program Coordinator
  • Sales Representative
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Research Assistant

Some positions, including certain counseling roles, may require graduate education, professional credentials, or other qualifications beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Psychology graduates may work across business, human services, education, criminal justice, healthcare, research, and community-based settings. Depending on the role, opportunities may be found with private companies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, schools, healthcare organizations, social-service providers, research organizations, and other employers that value an understanding of human behavior.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 1.1 million job openings in management occupations each year from 2026 to 2035. Psychologists have a median annual wage of around $100,000, while market research analysts earn a median annual wage of approximately $79,000. Social and community service managers have a median annual wage of around $80,000, with employment projected to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035.

Core Requirements

39 Semester Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The principles of psychology course provide a broad overview of topics in the field of psychology. The course serves as a foundational course for the BA in Psychology program. Topics included in the course contribute to the BA in Psychology program for courses such as research methodology, biological bases of human behavior, cognitive psychology, etc.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course will consist of an examination of psychology as a science and a profession. It explores the development of modern psychology, the role of science in that development, and career paths related to scientific psychology.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines and discusses the value of empirical evidence, tolerance of ambiguity, ethical behaviors (including the APA Ethics Code), and other values that underpin psychology as a science and profession.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Community psychology examines the relationships of individuals with their surrounding communities along with the ways society has an impact upon an individual and community functioning. This area of psychology seeks to understand people in their social worlds and uses this understanding to enhance people’s well-being in their environments. Some of the tools used by community psychologists include social service, mental health services, social action, psycho-education, and action research. Furthermore, the efforts of community psychologists often focus on preventing mental disorders and promoting community mental health and well-being.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introduction to psychological research techniques and methodology. Topics to be covered include the logic of research, the issues that must be considered in deciding how to study various psychological phenomena, and ways to address the difficulties posed by the limitations of specific studies. Ways for assessing threats to the internal and external validity of studies will be examined. These issues will be illustrated through reference to the examples of research on various topics in psychology.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course uses the life-span developmental approach to developmental psychology, including prenatal life development. Gain perspective on biological, physical, cognitive, emotional, linguistic, socio-cultural and spiritual changes across the life span, from prenatal and birth through the major stages of childhood, adolescence and adulthood. The course examines fundamental theories, perspectives and critical thoughts about historical and current arguments in the field.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Social Psychology is the study of the relationship between the individual and society. This course covers the theory and method in social psychology, impression formation, social cognition, attitude change, social influence, group processes, and applications of social psychology.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course surveys classic and current theories of personality that represent several of the major perspectives in psychology (e.g., psychoanalytic, biological, developmental, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, socio-cultural), highlighting the contributions of each theory to personality description, assessment, research, therapy, and application.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course deals with examination of the experimental investigation of complex cognitive processes, including the storage and retrieval of information, concept formation, reasoning, problem-solving and decision making.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course provides a comprehensive study of the various forms of mental illness and maladjustment.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course provides an introduction to the science and practice of clinical and counseling psychology from integrated perspectives. History, major theories, and scientific underpinnings are covered, as well as current developments in practice and research. Major topics include research design, theoretical models, diagnostic and assessment methods, psychotherapeutic interventions, treatment effectiveness, specialization, and training.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Designed to introduce the principles that underlie the development, use and interpretation of psychological assessment tools. Topics include: test construction, survey development, scaling, norming, assessment interpretation issues and psychological assessment applications in industrial, vocational, clinical and research settings. Additionally, psychological assessment will be discussed in terms of social, legal and ethical concerns.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Capstone course provides an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills developed in the program, which demonstrates mastery of the program learning outcomes through application of psychological theories and principles.

CREDITS

3

Elective Requirements

24 Semester Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Focus on the study and application of psychological principles, theories, and methodologies related to teaching and learning. Emphasis on developmental, learning, and motivational theories. Current trends also covered.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course addresses the relationship between our underlying physiological systems and behavior. The topics investigated include neural communication, the anatomy of the nervous system, and the biological bases of sleep, reproductive behavior, stress, learning and memory, and mental disorders.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course deals with the application of research and psychological principles to human behavior in the workplace. Course topics will include the psychological aspects of employment selection and assessment, performance appraisal, employee and work team development, reorganization and downsizing, work stress, employee violence, work/family conflict, and the changing nature of the workplace.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Through the use of theoretical and empirical approaches, this course focuses on a biopsychological approach to health psychology including psychological and physiological aspects of U.S. and global health issues. Students will develop knowledge of the psychological aspects of a variety of health topics. Potential topics include body management systems, disease prevention, chronic illnesses, pain, stress and coping, substance abuse, nutrition, and alternative models of health behavior change.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will examine approaches to parenting and development of parenting skills; communication systems study of children and families with various cultural patterns and lifestyles. Topics examined will include: different family structures of communication patterns within the family system context; theoretical implications of techniques used when working with family systems; the importance of cultural awareness when working with families.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to help students understand alcohol and drug addiction from a biological, psychological, and social approach. Students will learn about the different causes of addiction, with the goal of understanding that addiction is both a disease and a behavioral phenomenon. Students will learn about the most common drugs of addiction as well as a variety of treatments for drug addiction. The societal effects of addiction will also be examined, with a focus on the impact on mental health centers, hospitals and prison systems.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines the interaction of psychology and the legal system including the topics of insanity, eyewitness testimony, police interrogation, lie detection, offender rehabilitation, and criminal profiling, and various key experiments in the field of forensic psychology.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will examine the comparative study of cultural effects on human psychology including such topics as: psychological diversity and the links between cultural norms and behavior; the ways in which particular human activities are influenced by social and cultural forces; and the comparative method used to establish psychological concepts, principles, and hypotheses. Through discussions and readings students can expect to develop a broader, global perception of contemporary psychology.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course deals with the nature and experience of adult development from the end of adolescence until the end of life. As a psychology course, emphasis will be placed on psychological issues related to personal/ individual issues and differences in aging, as well as on information that has been collected using the scientific method. Topics covered include: kinds of problems that confront people during adulthood; successful and unsuccessful outcomes for adult life; the types of psychological problems that can occur during the aging process; and the role does death play in our lives as we age.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course covers the theory, construction, and use of some of the more popular assessment instruments used in the field of psychology. The course will also review the interpretation, scoring, reliability and validity of the instruments, the ethics of testing and assessment, and the professions which use these techniques, including clinical and counseling psychology, forensics, neuropsychology, and employment screening.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course discusses positive psychology throughout the field of psychology and how positive psychology seeks to increase positive emotions, happiness and satisfaction with life instead of focusing on treating disease and reducing negative emotions. The course reviews and summarizes the most notable contributions of positive psychology over the last decade.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Psychology of a new language acquisition. Comparison and evaluation of various types of language educational models including Structured English Immersion (SEI), English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual. Includes SEI, ESL, and bilingual strategies.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course provides a foundation for students in understanding the terminology and methods used for experimental psychology. Students will engage in online laboratory work and become familiar with research design in various areas of psychology.

CREDITS

3

Secondary Education Concentration

12 Semester Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Psychology of a new language acquisition. Comparison and evaluation of various types of language educational models including Structured English Immersion (SEI), English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual. Includes SEI, ESL, and bilingual strategies.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will provide skills necessary for working effectively with adolescents with mental health needs or health related problems requiring mental health services. The course will also address how to develop and evaluate treatment, and intervention programs for these populations. Special topics include practical, legal, and ethical issues for working with adolescents in educational, mental health, and medical settings.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Political and social development of the United States, with emphasis on colonial period, the Constitution, and American institutions, up to the Civil War.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Focus on the study and application of psychological principles, theories, and methodologies related to teaching and learning. Emphasis on developmental, learning, and motivational theories. Current trends also covered.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Exploration of the general theories of reading, cognitive models of reading, how we read, draw on ideas from linguistics, cognitive psychology, writing systems, the region of the brain involved in reading, factors associated with reading difficulties, how brain damage impact reading, reading research, relationship between language and intelligence, and the complicated human language processing system.

CREDITS

3

Elementary Education Concentration

12 Semester Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Political and social development of the United States, with emphasis on colonial period, the Constitution, and American institutions, up to the Civil War.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Psychology of a new language acquisition. Comparison and evaluation of various types of language educational models including Structured English Immersion (SEI), English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual. Includes SEI, ESL, and bilingual strategies.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Focus on the study and application of psychological principles, theories, and methodologies related to teaching and learning. Emphasis on developmental, learning, and motivational theories. Current trends also covered.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Exploration of the general theories of reading, cognitive models of reading, how we read, draw on ideas from linguistics, cognitive psychology, writing systems, the region of the brain involved in reading, factors associated with reading difficulties, how brain damage impact reading, reading research, relationship between language and intelligence, and the complicated human language processing system.

CREDITS

3

Special Education Concentration

12 Semester Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Psychology of a new language acquisition. Comparison and evaluation of various types of language educational models including Structured English Immersion (SEI), English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual. Includes SEI, ESL, and bilingual strategies.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to provide a foundation for understanding learning disabilities both in and out of the school setting. Students will become acquainted with historical trends associated with the development of the field and will review related federal and state legislation. Research related to general characteristics of learning disabilities, cognitive processing patterns, and the academic and social performance of the learning disabled is examined. Students explore the education of students with learning disabilities based on various theoretical models.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to provide a basic background in, as well as practical opportunities with, general methods and materials appropriate for working with students with disabilities at the elementary through secondary level. Emphasis will be placed on approaches to learning and teaching, specific teaching and learning strategies, and the role of the special educator in the school community. Students explore the selection, adaptation, and development of instructional materials across curriculum areas, student needs and school environments.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Political and social development of the United States, with emphasis on colonial period, the Constitution, and American institutions, up to the Civil War.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Focus on the study and application of psychological principles, theories, and methodologies related to teaching and learning. Emphasis on developmental, learning, and motivational theories. Current trends also covered.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Exploration of the general theories of reading, cognitive models of reading, how we read, draw on ideas from linguistics, cognitive psychology, writing systems, the region of the brain involved in reading, factors associated with reading difficulties, how brain damage impact reading, reading research, relationship between language and intelligence, and the complicated human language processing system.

CREDITS

3

Industrial/Organization Psychology Concentration

12 Semester Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces the student to issues and strategies related to effective communication and interviewing skills. The course will identify professional communication skills that facilitate effective relationships with clients, and other professionals and will highlight skills necessary for interacting effectively as members of teams for interviewing and communicating with clients from multicultural backgrounds.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Examine the foundations of applied social psychology; explore how social psychological theory and research inform the analysis of social issues and social problems, such as the applications of social psychology to education, business and industry, environmental problems, interpersonal and intergroup relations, health, communication, judicial and political systems.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Explore different theories associated with attitude change, persuasion, and resistance processes; implicit versus explicit attitudes; cognitive versus affective influences; dissonance and attitudinal ambivalence; selective exposure and biased processing; increased understanding of how individuals form and maintains change. Examine the structure and function of attitudes, the relationship between attitudes and behavior, the cognitive and motivational background of attitude change, models of persuasion, interpersonal influence, the influence of behavior on attitudes and ensuing behavior.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Explore theories relating to culture in industrial organizational psychology, impact of culture, ethnicity, and race on human behavior within the framework of industrial and organizational psychological theory and research; understanding of fundamental concepts and theoretical perspectives related to the study of culture and human behavior. Examine cultural differences in the application of individual differences and organizational-level interventions to improve the utilization of human capital and organizational effectiveness; understand the theory and scope of cross-cultural industrial and organizational research.

CREDITS

3

Child And Adolescent Psychology Concentration

12 Semester Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will examine the psychological and cognitive development from infancy to adolescence. Students will learn about different theoretical perspectives and models of development as well as current issues and themes including biological, cognitive, social and moral aspects of development specific to stages of childhood and adolescence.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will focus on introducing the classification, diagnosis, and current treatment approaches for psychological disorders of childhood and adolescents. Students will learn about the differences between disorders of childhood and adolescence and those of adulthood as well as the etiology of psychopathology in childhood and adolescence.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines atypical development of children and adolescents, including those with disabilities as well as those considered gifted and talented. Research on environmental, biological, and cognitive influences on development, as well as considerations for culturally and linguistically diverse children are explored. In addition to identifying the continuum of exceptional children, best practices for interventions and services for home, school, and transition to adulthood are included. Legal and ethical considerations are also considered.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will focus on the impact of society on children and adolescents. Special topics include but are not limited to social media, technology, violence, community relations, diversity, bullying. Students will also receive an overview on the impact of society within different types of family units.

CREDITS

3

Forensic Psychology Concentration

12 Semester Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines the interaction of psychology and the legal system including the topics of insanity, eyewitness testimony, police interrogation, lie detection, offender rehabilitation, and criminal profiling, and various key experiments in the field of forensic psychology.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Examine the foundations of applied social psychology; explore how social psychological theory and research inform the analysis of social issues and social problems, such as the applications of social psychology to education, business and industry, environmental problems, interpersonal and intergroup relations, health, communication, judicial and political systems.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will focus on the psychological aspects of criminal behavior. The following topics will be explored: the concept of psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder, substance abuse and addiction, types of offenders including juvenile offenders, sex offenders, white collar criminals and female offenders.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course focuses on the application of psychology and psychological research to legal issues at both societal and individual levels. Topics that will be explored include competency to stand trial, insanity defenses, psychology and socialization of police officers, mental health courts, and jury decision making.

CREDITS

3

Human Services Concentration

15 Semester Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines social policies and interventions that address child abuse including neglect and abandonment. Students explore child abuse relative to historical, legal, policy, treatment and prevention. Special topics include attachment, separation, and the long-term effects of abuse on the developing child and the associated risk factors such as substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an overview of the social worker’s role with service members, veterans and their families. Students explore services and resources in a variety of settings to include community, government, education, health and mental health. Special topics include military culture, educating stakeholders, advocacy through the social worker’s knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and other associated policies that ensure optimal care for the military population.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to international social work and the theoretical underpinnings for social work practice in contemporary settings. Students examine the history, environment, culture, socioeconomic factors and social welfare policies in various geographic locations around the world. Special topics include but are not limited to global poverty, health disparities, treatment of women, population growth and migration. Students will analyze and employ critical thinking skills in a variety of models that demonstrate prevention and or intervention of international social work practice.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will examine approaches to parenting and development of parenting skills; communication systems study of children and families with various cultural patterns and lifestyles. Topics examined will include: different family structures of communication patterns within the family system context; theoretical implications of techniques used when working with family systems; the importance of cultural awareness when working with families.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course deals with the nature and experience of adult development from the end of adolescence until the end of life. As a psychology course, emphasis will be placed on psychological issues related to personal/ individual issues and differences in aging, as well as on information that has been collected using the scientific method. Topics covered include: kinds of problems that confront people during adulthood; successful and unsuccessful outcomes for adult life; the types of psychological problems that can occur during the aging process; and the role does death play in our lives as we age.

CREDITS

3

Elective Courses

30 Semester Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will provide a systemic perspective on Family Violence (FV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) (IPV is formerly and is still referred to as domestic violence). Included in the course is an overview of associated theories and research FV and IPV, various types of abuse, the legal systems response, assessment and intervention techniques and community support services for batterer intervention programs. Special topics will also include socioeconomic status, gender and religion relevant to domestic violence.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces victim advocacy and victimization in the United States relative to social work. Students examine the impact of crime from the victims’ perspective. Special emphasis in the course addresses interventions for victims as well as victim’s rights and services. Students engage victim advocacy topics in both current events and local resources.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introductory examination of Youth at Risk in the United States. Students explore the physical, psychological, social and cultural dimensions of youths at risk. The course includes topics in diversity, socio-cultural contexts, and social work interventions pertinent to at risk youth populations. Students assess behavioral, emotional, and situational problems facing youth in our society today.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course focuses on child protective services social workers role to ensure the safety and well-being of children living in households where abuse or neglect may be taking place. These social workers may provide counseling to families where poor parenting practices are endangering children. They may identify resources for the troubled families. In some cases, child protective services workers may remove endangered children and arrange adoptions or find foster care for them.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course explores various aspects of human heterogeneity. Students will utilize the CSWE 9 Core Competencies and associated behaviors to develop skills, practice cultural sensitivity, and learn to advocate for individuals, fairness, groups, communities, and organizations.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course uses the life-span developmental approach to developmental psychology, including prenatal life development. Gain perspective on biological, physical, cognitive, emotional, linguistic, socio-cultural and spiritual changes across the life span, from prenatal and birth through the major stages of childhood, adolescence and adulthood. The course examines fundamental theories, perspectives and critical thoughts about historical and current arguments in the field.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Social Psychology is the study of the relationship between the individual and society. This course covers the theory and method in social psychology, impression formation, social cognition, attitude change, social influence, group processes, and applications of social psychology.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course surveys classic and current theories of personality that represent several of the major perspectives in psychology (e.g., psychoanalytic, biological, developmental, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, socio-cultural), highlighting the contributions of each theory to personality description, assessment, research, therapy, and application.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course deals with examination of the experimental investigation of complex cognitive processes, including the storage and retrieval of information, concept formation, reasoning, problem-solving and decision making.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course provides a comprehensive study of the various forms of mental illness and maladjustment.

CREDITS

3

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course provides an introduction to the science and practice of clinical and counseling psychology from integrated perspectives. History, major theories, and scientific underpinnings are covered, as well as current developments in practice and research. Major topics include research design, theoretical models, diagnostic and assessment methods, psychotherapeutic interventions, treatment effectiveness, specialization, and training.

CREDITS

3

Credits

120


Duration

3.5 years full-time; 4 years typical


Format

100% online, eight-week courses


Concentrations

Eight


Start dates

Six per year


Next start

October 26, 2026


Apply by

October 23, 2026


Accreditation

WSCUC


Tuition

$400 per credit


Transfer credits

Up to 90


Licensure

Does not lead to licensure or certification


Application deadlines are generally the Friday before the term begins. Confirm the date with an enrollment counselor.


Request Information

Accreditation & Institutional Recognition

Touro University Worldwide is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Institutional accreditation applies to TUW as a university, including its online academic programs.

TUW is a California-based nonprofit university and part of the Touro University System. The BA in Psychology is delivered through TUW’s online learning environment under the university’s institutional accreditation.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree requires a total of 120 credit hours for completion.

The time it takes to complete the psychology degree online can vary. The duration of the program depends on several factors, including the number of credits accepted for transfer and whether or not students take time off between courses.

Students who enroll full-time (12 credits per semester for three semesters each academic year) can complete the degree in three and a half years. Students who enroll part-time (six credits per semester for three semesters each academic year) complete the program in seven years.

TUW presents a flexible course of study by offering the psychology degree online. The degree is designed to maximize the number of transfer credits counted toward the degree, resulting in a shorter completion time.

Drawing on TUW’s exceptional professional practice faculty, students learn firsthand from industry experts who bring relevance to the classroom. Students can immediately apply the lessons learned in the classroom to their current job while preparing to advance their careers to the next level.

TUW presents a flexible course of study in the Psychology major through online coursework. The accelerated program is designed to maximize the number of transfer credits counted toward the degree and offers courses in accelerated 8-week sessions, resulting in a shorter completion time.

Drawing on TUW’s exceptional professional practice faculty, students learn firsthand from industry experts who bring relevance to the classroom. Students can immediately apply the lessons learned in the classroom to their current job while preparing to advance their psychology or social services careers to the next level. 

Our Bachelor’s in Psychology is designed to be student-centered and supportive, even as a fully online program. Class sizes are limited and more personal, allowing you to receive the full attention of your dedicated professors. All TUW faculty members are carefully selected for their credentials, passion as educators, and relevant professional expertise.

The time it will take to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree online can vary. The duration of the program depends on several factors, including the number of credits accepted for transfer and whether or not students take time off between semesters.

The typical length of time for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is four years.

Disclaimer:
Students who enroll full-time (12 credits per semester for three semesters each academic year) can complete the degree in three and a half years. Students who enroll part-time (six credits per semester for three semesters each academic year) will complete the BAP program in seven years.

Why TUW: Faculty, Proof & Credibility

TUW’s BA in Psychology combines flexible online study with faculty whose backgrounds include academic psychology, clinical psychology, counseling, and applied practice. Students learn from faculty across the School of Psychology while completing a curriculum designed to build a broad understanding of human behavior and prepare them for professional or graduate study.

Faculty expertise

Abby Harris, PhD

Director of TUW’s Bachelor and Master of Arts in Psychology programs and Professor of Psychology. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a PhD in Clinical Child Psychology and worked clinically with a range of populations and psychological disorders before moving into teaching.

Jacey Coy, PsyD, LMFT

Listed among TUW’s BA in Psychology faculty and is also a full-time faculty member in TUW’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. Her PsyD and LMFT credentials bring a clinical perspective to her academic work.

Patricia Dudley, PhD, LCPC

Listed among TUW’s BA in Psychology faculty and holds the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor credential. She also teaches in TUW’s Master of Arts in Counseling program.

A female counselor helps a young man navigate through his grief.

Frequently Asked Questions

A BA in Psychology generally combines psychology with broader study in the liberal arts and social sciences, while a BS often places greater emphasis on research, quantitative methods, and natural sciences. The exact curriculum varies by university. TUW offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which provides broad psychology preparation and allows students to focus their studies through a concentration.

A bachelor’s degree can support roles in areas such as market research, human services, criminal justice, business, and research support. Careers that require professional practice as a psychologist or licensed counselor generally require graduate education and additional state-specific licensing requirements. Students should review the education and credential requirements for the particular psychology-related career they plan to pursue.

Graduate programs set their own admission requirements, so acceptance depends on the individual institution and program. TUW is institutionally accredited by WSCUC, and its online programs fall under that institutional accreditation. Students planning to continue at TUW can explore the MA in Psychology or MS in Forensic Psychology.

Choose Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or Special Education for education-focused interests; Clinical and Counseling Psychology for interests in mental health and helping professions; Forensic Psychology for psychology and criminal justice; Child and Adolescent Psychology for work involving younger populations; Industrial/Organizational Psychology for workplace and organizational interests; or Human Services for community and support-service settings. Your concentration is the primary structural choice within the 120-credit BA in Psychology. 

You may transfer up to 90 approved semester credits into our 120-credit BA in Psychology, leaving at least 30 credits to complete at TUW. Eligible transfer credit may come from accredited colleges and universities and approved sources such as ACE, CLEP, and DANTES. All transfer credits are subject to TUW’s evaluation and approval.

No. The BA in Psychology is delivered 100% online, so you do not need to live in California to enroll. TUW is approved to participate in NC-SARA for interstate distance education and is separately authorized to offer distance education in California, allowing students across the United States to complete the program online.