Named an “Apple Distinguished School” for 2021-2024
Ranked a “Best National University” for 2022 by U.S. News & World Report
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Program Guide
Learn in-depth theory. Pursue your research interests. Get applied experience in your chosen field. That’s what you can accomplish by earning Maryville University’s online bachelor’s in psychology.
Connect to a supportive program and develop in-demand expertise in contemporary psychology that is applicable in many settings.
Start your journey
At a glance
Apply with no application fee or entrance exams
Benefit from psychology coursework designed to meet American Psychological Association standards
100% online curriculum
Explore financial aid and transfer credit friendly admission
Choose to start in fall, spring, or summer
Eligible for Early Access — get a head start on your graduate degree
Curriculum
Maryville’s 128-credit hour program is designed to adhere to recommendations by the American Psychological Association, which emphasizes a broad foundation including courses in experimental methodology, critical thinking, human development, and the biological, social, and clinical aspects of behavior. In addition, the social science research sequence includes a series of courses that culminates with a senior project, designed to help students emerge with an interconnected understanding of how to craft research, analyze results, and present findings.
Core Psychology Courses
Study the biological, social, and clinical aspects of human behavior as well as the broad theoretical issues of modern psychology.
- PSYC 101: General Psychology
- SOSC 240: Critical Thinking in Social Science
- PSYC 254: Human Development through the Lifespan
PSYC 321: Abnormal Psychology - PSYC 325: Social Psychology
- PSYC 365: Multicultural Psychology
- PSYC 435: Human Cognition
- PSYC 451: Biological Psychology
Social Science Research Sequence
The social science research sequence includes a series of courses designed to help students emerge with an interconnected understanding of how to craft research, analyze results, and present findings.
- SOSC 245: Research Design
- SOSC 341: Understanding Statistical Inference
- SOSC 485: Senior Project
To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry demands. Undergraduate programs and certificates are designed to be taken at a part-time pace. Please speak to your advisor for more details.
Admission requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (high school) / 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (college)*
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended
- Official high school transcript (required for applicants with fewer than 60 transfer hours from a regionally accredited school)
- Eligible transfer credits accepted; associate degree completion may satisfy general education requirements
- Click to view our transfer credit policy
- The acceptance of transfer credit is at the discretion of Maryville University
- No standardized tests required
*Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement may be considered for provisional admission.
Explore our additional resources to help guide your admission journey.
Accreditation and rankings
Why Maryville Online?
We’ve been progressively challenging the norms of higher education for nearly 150 years. We started as one of the first universities to educate women. Today, we continue to push the boundaries and prepare students like you for a digital world. At Maryville, we understand what it takes to step beyond your comfort zone.
Maryville University is a nationally ranked private college recognized for comprehensive and innovative education focused on student learning, outcomes, and success — both online and on campus. We’re located just 22 miles from downtown St. Louis.
Early Access program
Did you know that Maryville undergraduates can qualify for graduate level credits? Once you are accepted — and as long as you have not yet completed your elective requirements — we invite you to explore Early Access as an option.
Through Early Access, you can get a head start on earning a graduate degree by taking master’s-level courses that count toward your undergraduate and graduate degrees. Graduate-level Early Access courses are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate — so you can save time and money.
You can learn more at our Early Access page.
Faculty spotlight
Meet Dr. Peter Green
Dr. Green joined Maryville University in 2008 as an assistant professor of psychology and is now a professor. He uses his professional and research-based insight to teach students the guiding principles of psychology — and how to tailor them to a student’s area of interest.
- PhD, University of Iowa
- MA, University of Iowa
- BA, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Dr. Green is a social psychologist whose expertise includes alcohol use among college students, intimate partner violence, and racial differences in judicial sentences. Dr. Green also has a background in research, and undergraduate students in the psychology program often engage in research to inform and enhance their learning.
Start your journey today
Learn more about the Maryville University online bachelor’s in psychology.