UMass Global Psychology Programs

UMass Global’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology gives you the knowledge and practical skills you need through a strong curriculum. The program focuses on psychological theory, critical thinking, research methods, and how principles apply to human behaviors in a variety of settings. You’ll need to complete at least 120 semester units, which include core psychology courses and concentration-specific electives.

You can choose from five unique concentration paths based on your career goals:

• General Psychology – Gives you a broad foundation in multiple psychological domains and lets you explore different topics without picking a specific focus
• Child Psychology – Centers on child development and treatment options for developmental challenges
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology – Uses psychological principles in business settings to boost workplace productivity and employee relations
• Preparation for Advanced Study in Counseling – Perfect for students who want careers in counseling that need graduate education
• Preparation for Advanced Study in Psychology – Gets you ready for graduate study in psychological disciplines of all types

The core curriculum has fundamental courses like Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Human Development Across the Lifespan, along with Research Methods and Statistics. The program ends with a senior capstone where you’ll apply psychological research and theories to ground global issues.

This degree creates opportunities in many career paths. Students who concentrate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology can become Human Resources Specialists, Training Specialists, Job Recruiters, Market Research Analysts, or Public Relations Specialists. Many graduates work in mental health clinics, schools, government organizations, social service agencies, and employee assistance programs.

Students wanting to become practicing I/O psychologists will find this program creates a strong foundation for further education, since this specialization usually requires a master’s or doctoral degree. The BA in Psychology emphasizes skills that organizations value, such as workplace dynamics, employee assessment, and evidence-based management practices – areas that regular business degrees don’t cover.

School info

UMass Global started in 1958 as a Chapman College program that offered classes to military personnel at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in California. The institution grew and changed names. It became Chapman University College in 2001, Brandman University in 2009, and finally UMass Global in 2021 as a nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts system.

UMass Global has changed adult learners’ lives through education for over 65 years. The school shows its dedication to non-traditional students by offering flexible learning paths that blend with their busy schedules. Students remain the focus here, which explains why UMass Global has earned its place on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Online Programs for 13 consecutive years (2013-2025).

Student success drives this private, nonprofit institution’s mission. The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredits UMass Global, which validates its academic quality and institutional integrity. Psychology students find this accreditation valuable when they pursue graduate education or professional licensure.

Working professionals make up the entire faculty at UMass Global. Every instructor actively works in their field, which gives psychology students direct exposure to ground applications and current industry practices.

Students enjoy remarkable program flexibility here. Full-time students take two classes per eight-week session in term-based programs, while part-time students take one. Students in self-paced programs can take as many credits as they manage within a six-month billing period. Term-based classes start six times yearly, and self-paced programs welcome new students year-round.

Students receive total support beyond their classes. Each student works with the same academic advisor throughout their program and gets help from a One Stop Specialist with financial matters. Career coaches help arrange academic work with career goals, which helps psychology students turn their education into career growth.

Programs offered

UMass Global’s Psychology education program has a wide range of options that match different career goals. The substance of their offerings is the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Students need 120 semester units to graduate, which covers psychological theory, research methods, and hands-on applications.

Students can choose from five specialized concentrations:

• General Psychology – Students can explore different psychological areas without focusing on one specific field
• Child Psychology – Let’s take a closer look at child development, learning processes, and treatment options for children with developmental challenges
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology – Gives you the workplace skills that are valuable in human resources, training, and organizational development
• Preparation for Advanced Study in Counseling – Perfect for students who plan to pursue graduate-level counseling careers
• Preparation for Advanced Study in Psychology – These courses are the foundations of further education in psychological fields

Each concentration has four focused courses (12 credit hours) that help you foster expertise in your chosen field. Every student takes core courses like Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Human Development Across the Lifespan.

The university also offers a Minor in Psychology through two different tracks. The general track helps improve understanding of psychological processes. The applied track gives students exposure to the fundamentals of psychological procedures. Both tracks need 18 total credits.

Students who graduate with I/O psychology specialization have a clear advantage in today’s job market. This concentration gives you specialized knowledge in workplace dynamics, employee assessment, and evidence-based management practices that a regular business degree can’t match. Graduates often work as Human Resources Specialists, Training Specialists, Job Recruiters, Market Research Analysts, and Public Relations Specialists.

Most practicing I/O psychologists need a master’s degree, and many ended up pursuing doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.). The bachelor’s program creates a strong foundation to specialize further in this growing field.

Online options

UMass Global puts flexible online learning at the heart of its psychology education. The university started offering online courses since 2007, well before other institutions welcomed digital learning. Students benefit from advanced technology in their coursework that fits naturally into their busy lives.

Students can choose between two different ways to learn online at UMass Global:

Instructor-Led, Session-Based Format:

• A well-laid-out approach that balances structure with flexibility and lets students interact with peers
• Eight-week sessions help students focus deeply on each topic
• Students can start their program at any of six dates throughout the year
• Students complete most work online, with some programs needing hands-on fieldwork
• Taking just two classes per eight-week session qualifies as full-time study

Competency-Based, Self-Paced Format (UMass Global MyPath):

• The School of Business & Professional Studies offers this option for select programs
• Students learn at their own pace online without fixed deadlines
• Each 24-week term comes with flat-rate tuition and unlimited courses
• Tuition includes electronic books and materials
• Perfect for independent learners who need schedule flexibility

The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program gives students a detailed education through three focus areas: general psychology, child psychology, and industrial organizational psychology. This setup lets students manage their studies alongside work and personal life.

Online students complete the same challenging 120-semester unit curriculum as campus-based students. The coursework includes core subjects like Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Human Development Across the Lifespan. The program maintains identical academic standards as traditional classroom programs.

The online psychology degree lets students complete assignments when it works best for them, without required live sessions. Students who want some classroom experience can choose hybrid options that combine online and campus learning. Both paths might include practical work like internships, which online students usually complete in their own communities.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a vital quality indicator when choosing a psychology program. Educational experts say this formal evaluation process verifies that institutions meet high standards of academic excellence and integrity.

UMass Global holds regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This recognition shows that UMass Global meets strict academic standards across all programs, including psychology. WSCUC first accredited the institution in 1956. After its latest review, it reaffirmed UMass Global’s accreditation status through April 15, 2025.

The university’s School of Education has earned specialized recognition from the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC). It also maintains membership in the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). These credentials benefit psychology students who want to pursue educational psychology or school counseling paths.

Attending an accredited institution will benefit you throughout your academic life and career. Accreditation makes you eligible for federal financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Most graduate programs only accept students with degrees from accredited institutions—a significant factor if you plan to pursue advanced psychology studies. State licensing boards require degrees from accredited programs for professional licensure, which matters most for future clinicians.

UMass Global’s accreditation status ensures your psychology degree meets industry standards. The university’s online psychology degrees are just as rigorous as traditional in-person programs. They offer complete curricula that prepare graduates well for their chosen career paths. Employers and graduate admissions committees recognize and value these credentials.

Your choice of an accredited program will affect your educational experience, future academic opportunities, and professional credibility significantly.

Admission Requirements

Your psychology trip at UMass Global starts with a clear understanding of how to get admitted. The university makes the application process simple to help you start your academic goals smoothly.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program needs you to submit an online application with a complete list of your previous colleges where you earned credits. While the online portal serves as the main way to apply and submit documents, you can request PDF versions of additional materials if needed.

You must send your official transcripts from all accredited institutions to the Office of Admission. UMass Global will review these transcripts to check transfer eligibility. They usually accept credits from institutions that agencies like the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize.

You need transferable credits with a 2.0 GPA or higher to meet the minimum academic requirements. Students without college experience must show proof of high school completion or equivalent through one of these:

• High school diploma or official transcript
• General Education Development (GED) certificate
• State-authorized high school equivalency certificate
• State-recognized Home Study certificate or transcript
• Documentation from an approved foreign evaluation service for international high school equivalents

Students who enter with fewer than 12 transferable college credits at a 2.0 GPA must take LBSU 100 (Student Success Strategies) in their first session.

UMass Global’s Academic Fresh Start option helps students with older academic records. This option lets undergraduate applicants exclude academic coursework from ten or more years ago during the admission process.

International students with academic records from outside the US need a recent transcript evaluation. These evaluations should come from IERF, World Education Services, or other NACES accredited members. The evaluation must be less than a year old and include a course-by-course report with official academic document copies.

Tuition

The cost of psychology education at UMass Global needs careful financial planning. Regular students pay $500 per credit hour for the undergraduate psychology program. A complete 120-credit bachelor’s program costs around $60,000. Military students get better rates at $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses.

UMass Global MyPath provides a flexible, competency-based education option with different costs. Students pay $3,400 per 24-week billing period. The total costs reach $6,800 over a complete academic year (48 weeks).

Students should also plan for mandatory fees beyond tuition. Traditional programs charge a technology fee of $140 per session, while MyPath students pay $210 per billing period. Course-specific lab and material fees may apply depending on your selections.

Students can access various financial aid options to reduce these costs. Degree program students qualify for financial aid applications. Recent data shows undergraduates received $4,116 in state and local grants and $12,500 in institutional grants on average during 2021-22.

Smart financial planning makes a big difference. Students can benefit from employer tuition reimbursement programs, military benefits, scholarships, and grants. UMass Global’s website features a handy tuition calculator that helps estimate program costs and graduation timelines.

Additional Information

UMass Global’s psychology program gets a significant boost from its expert faculty. Dr. Marnie Elam’s exceptional experience spans cognitive-behavioral therapy, crisis treatment, and positive psychology. She also holds specialized certifications in Alzheimer’s treatment and disaster mental health. Dr. Nakisha Castillo leads as Psychology Field Director and gives an explanation about clinical therapy that serves underserved populations.

Psychology graduates enjoy reliable career prospects beyond their academic journey. Child and family social workers can expect a 13 percent job growth between 2018-2028. Psychiatric technicians earn $30,860 annually with 12 percent projected growth. Psychology graduates who enter marketing can reach salaries up to $93,832. Career counselors earn a median salary of $56,310.

Recent statistics show that 57 percent of psychology graduates start their careers right after their bachelor’s degree. Only 25 percent pursue graduate studies in psychology, while 18 percent explore different disciplines. Dr. Vanessa Holtgrave explains this diversity: “Psychology is a beautifully complex field of study… one of those fields that straddles the line between hard science and the unknown”.

UMass Global’s alumni success stories showcase the degree’s versatility. James Manning exemplifies this perfectly – he transformed his career from military service to academia and later became part of the Oregon State Senate.

You can complete your psychology degree and start your career in just 24 months with UMass Global’s accelerated program structure. The eight-week terms and credit transfer options help speed up your trip toward professional success.

The accelerated path uses smart course scheduling. Students take two courses every eight-week term to complete 12 courses each year, which adds up to 36 credits annually. With enough transfer credits, you could finish the 120-credit requirement in two years. The MyPath self-paced option allows motivated students to move even faster by taking unlimited courses during each 24-week billing period.

UMass Global’s Psychology program directly addresses workforce needs. Students work with ground scenarios and current industry practices in their coursework. This approach reduces the gap between graduation and employment, and many graduates find jobs in their chosen field soon after getting their degree.

The university’s support team stays with you throughout your studies. Academic coaches help you pick courses and create schedules, while enrollment advisors work to maximize your transfer credits. Career services make your entry into the workforce easier through resume reviews, interview prep, and networking opportunities after graduation.