Bachelors psychology
Union Institute & University’s Psychology major prepares you for a rewarding career in a variety of mental health and human services fields. Small online classes are taught by a dynamic group of practicing mental health professionals, who bring real-world experience to their teaching and value the life experience you bring to your studies. We offer concentrations in Addiction Studies, Forensic Psychology, Holistic Studies, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
Union Institute & University’s Psychology major prepares you for a rewarding career in a variety of mental health and human services fields. Small online classes are taught by a dynamic group of practicing mental health professionals, who bring real-world experience to their teaching and value the life experience you bring to your studies. We offer concentrations in Addiction Studies, Forensic Psychology, Holistic Studies, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
Psychology Concentration Options
Students who choose the Psychology Major may complete a generalized program or elect one of the following three concentrations within the major:
Addictions Studies
The Addictions Studies concentration focuses on knowledge and skills specific to work in the addictions field. Students may choose from a variety of electives that focus on core competencies in addictions counseling, as well as special topics such as mindfulness-based approaches, trauma and recovery, and group work. Core courses are taught by credentialed chemical dependency counselors and are designed to adhere to credentialing standards for chemical dependency counselor assistants.
Forensic Psychology
The Forensic Psychology concentration focuses on the interface between psychology and the law. It focuses on knowledge and skills integral to careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, correctional psychology, and victim advocacy. Students choose from a variety of elective courses in the psychology major and the criminal justice management major. Electives in this concentration include topics such as Criminal Behavior, Gangs and Gang Subculture, and Forensic Psychology, among others.
Holistic Psychology
This concentration examines the interrelationships among health, psychology, and spirituality. It focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in careers such as holistic health, counseling, and spiritual direction. Students may choose from various electives including Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, and Empathy, Altruism, and Compassion.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
This concentration examines human behavior in work settings. It focuses on organizational and leadership development, career counseling, job productivity, conflict and negotiation, and issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Some of the electives in the concentration include Applied Industrial Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Development, and Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, among others.
- 120 credit hour program (minimum)
- Full & part-time options
- Classes start every eight weeks
- Transfer up to 90 credit hours
Students in a concentration track will select at least three electives from within their concentration area. Most core courses in the major offer opportunities for individual learning projects. Students in a concentration area are encouraged to develop projects focused in their concentration area. Students in the general program may select electives from any of the concentrations.
General Program – No Concentration (GP) Forensic Psychology Concentration (FPY) Holistic Psychology Concentration (HPY) Addictions Studies Concentration (ADDS) Industrial-Organizational Psychology (IOP)
GENERAL EDUCATION AT UNION
General education courses are the foundation of a bachelor's degree and aim to introduce students to the world of critical thinking, written expression, broad philosophical topics, scientific method, quantitative reasoning, and more.
General education at Union Institute & University is different with a purpose. Most colleges have an assortment of “Introduction to….” courses for their general education curriculum - not Union. Our general education courses are topic-based, and they have a direct link to our popular majors. These topics make for a seamless transition from the breadth of general education to the depth of your major.
Applying Your Degree to Real World Experience
The major is designed to prepare adult students for a variety of careers in the mental health and human services field at the baccalaureate level. In addition, the real-world focus of this program offers ideal preparation for students interested in pursuing a career in clinical or counseling psychology through graduate-level study. It is closely aligned with Union’s M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which allows students seeking eventual licensure to transition smoothly into a CACREP-accredited MA program.
Graduates frequently gain employment in organizations such as:
- Hospitals
- Mental Health Centers
- Addiction Programs
- Health and Wellness Centers
- Aging and Long-term Care Facilities
- Correctional Facilities
- Youth Service Settings
- Human Resources Departments
- Marketing Departments
Skills & Benefits Union Students Gain
Study at Your Own Pace
Union’s Psychology program is available to you whenever you find the time to study. Union’s flexibility gives you the power to advance your career.
Accelerated Bridge/Dual Enrollment Opportunities
Undergraduate students who excel in the Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology program have the opportunity to accelerate their progress into a master’s degree program in the final term required to complete the B.A. degree. Undergraduates meeting established criteria can save time and money by accelerating into the following master’s programs:
- Master of Arts with a major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Science in Health Care Leadership
- Master of Arts (except Applied Nutrition and Dietetics major)
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
To learn more about our dual enrollment opportunities, view page 189 of the University Catalog, or call us at 800.861.6400 for more details.
Hear What Our Students Are Saying
Funding Your Future
Explore your financial aid & scholarship options. We strive to make college affordable. See what makes Union the best value.