Academic Programs

Psychology

Understand People. Build What’s Next.

People are at the center of nearly every career, organization and community. Understanding why people think, feel and behave the way they do can help you communicate more effectively, solve problems, support others and make better decisions.

With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Central Penn College, you will study human behavior while building practical, career-ready skills you can use in the workplace, graduate school and beyond.

Central Penn’s Psychology degree combines the science of psychology with real-world application. You will explore developmental, biological, social, abnormal, multicultural and applied psychology while strengthening your abilities in research, critical thinking, communication, data analysis and ethical decision-making.

And because there is no single career path for someone interested in psychology, you can shape your degree around where you want to go next.

Choose career pathway coursework in:

  • Behavioral Health & Human Services
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Sport Psychology

Through applied coursework, research and a dedicated internship experience, you will have opportunities to take psychology beyond the textbook and see how it can be used to understand people, organizations and real-world challenges.

Whether you want to enter the workforce after graduation or continue to graduate or professional school, Central Penn College can help you turn your interest in people into professional momentum. From Potential to Profession.


Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of human thought, emotion and behavior. A bachelor’s degree in psychology can provide a versatile educational foundation for careers that involve people, communication, behavior, research, leadership and decision-making.

Psychology graduates can bring their understanding of people and behavior into a wide range of professional environments, including human services, business, healthcare, education, criminal justice, community organizations, athletics and other people-centered fields.

A bachelor’s degree can also provide an academic foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate study in psychology, counseling, social work, behavioral health or related disciplines.

At Central Penn College, the goal is not simply to study psychology. It is to learn how to apply psychology in the real world.


What Will You Learn in Central Penn College’s Psychology Program?

As a Psychology major, you will develop knowledge of psychological science while building skills that employers and graduate programs value.

You will build career-ready skills in:

  • Psychological theory and human behavior
  • Research methods and data analysis
  • Scientific inquiry and critical thinking
  • Ethical and professional decision-making
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Cultural awareness and competence
  • Evaluating information and evidence
  • Understanding individual and group behavior
  • Applying psychology in professional settings

The curriculum emphasizes psychological knowledge, scientific reasoning, communication, ethical responsibility, cultural competence and professional development.

You will study psychology from multiple perspectives, helping you better understand how biological, social, developmental, environmental and cultural factors influence human behavior.


Choose a Psychology Career Pathway

Your interests can help shape your Psychology degree.

Central Penn College’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology includes 18 credits of career pathway coursework, allowing you to explore an area of psychology that connects with your professional goals.

Behavioral Health & Human Services

Interested in helping people and strengthening communities?

The Behavioral Health & Human Services pathway allows you to explore the application of psychology in settings focused on human behavior, behavioral health, community support and human services.

This pathway may be a strong fit for students interested in people-centered careers or future graduate education in behavioral health, counseling, psychology, social work or related fields.

Forensic Psychology

Interested in the connection between psychology, human behavior and the criminal justice system?

The Forensic Psychology pathway introduces students to areas where psychological principles intersect with crime, justice, public safety and human behavior.

This pathway may appeal to students interested in careers or continued education involving criminal justice, victim services, corrections, law enforcement, behavioral analysis or other justice-related environments.

Sport Psychology

Why do some athletes perform well under pressure? What influences motivation, confidence, teamwork and performance?

The Sport Psychology pathway explores the psychological principles connected to athletics, competition, motivation and human performance.

It may be a strong option for students interested in the intersection of psychology, athletics, coaching, wellness, performance and sport-related careers.


Put Psychology Into Practice

Learning about human behavior is valuable. Learning how to apply that knowledge is what helps prepare you for what comes next.

The Psychology program incorporates applied coursework, research and experiential learning, including a dedicated Psychology internship.

Your internship gives you an opportunity to connect classroom knowledge with a professional environment while gaining experience, building your résumé and developing your professional network.

Central Penn College Career Services can also support you as you prepare for internships, employment and professional development.


What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?

A Psychology degree can prepare graduates for entry-level opportunities across a variety of industries and can provide a foundation for graduate education.

Depending on your experience, career pathway, additional education and professional requirements, psychology graduates may pursue opportunities in areas such as:

  • Behavioral health and human services
  • Community and nonprofit organizations
  • Case management and client services
  • Human resources
  • Recruiting and talent development
  • Training and employee development
  • Marketing and consumer behavior
  • Sales and customer experience
  • Criminal justice and victim services
  • Youth and family services
  • Healthcare organizations
  • Research and program support
  • Athletics and sport-related organizations
  • Graduate and professional education

Some careers in psychology, counseling, therapy, social work and related fields require graduate education, professional licensure or additional credentials. A Bachelor of Science in Psychology can provide an undergraduate foundation for students who plan to continue their education.


Is a Psychology Degree Right for You?

You may be a good fit for Central Penn College’s Psychology program if you:

  • Are curious about why people think, feel and behave the way they do
  • Enjoy learning about people and human behavior
  • Want to make a difference in the lives of individuals or communities
  • Like analyzing information and asking questions
  • Want to strengthen your communication and problem-solving skills
  • Are interested in behavioral health, forensic psychology or sport psychology
  • Want a versatile degree that can apply to multiple career fields
  • Are considering graduate education in psychology or a related profession
  • Want to connect what you learn in college to where you want to go professionally

If you are interested in people, behavior and what motivates us, psychology can give you a new way to understand the world around you and prepare for the opportunities ahead.


Why Study Psychology at Central Penn College?

At Central Penn College, career preparation is built into your education.

Benefits of earning your Psychology degree at Central Penn include:

Career-Focused Education

Study psychological theory while learning how to apply it to professional situations and real-world challenges.

Flexible Learning Options

The Psychology program is offered in a flexible hybrid format, with a significant portion of coursework available through distance education depending on course scheduling and rotation.

Accelerated 11-Week Terms

Central Penn College operates on accelerated 11-week academic terms, helping students maintain momentum toward completing their degrees.

Hands-On, Experiential Learning

Connect classroom knowledge with research, projects, applied coursework and professional experiences.

A Dedicated Psychology Internship

Gain experience in a professional environment while strengthening your résumé and career network.

Career Pathway Options

Explore Behavioral Health & Human Services, Forensic Psychology or Sport Psychology through 18 credits of career pathway coursework.

Career Services Support

Receive support with internship preparation, professional development, résumé building and your transition from college to career.


Flexible Psychology Degree Options in Central Pennsylvania

Central Penn College provides students with the flexibility to balance college with work, family and other responsibilities.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is delivered in a hybrid format, with a significant portion of coursework available through distance education depending on course scheduling and rotation.

Central Penn College serves students from its campus in Enola, Pennsylvania, in the Harrisburg region, while offering flexible learning opportunities that can make earning a degree more accessible for students throughout Central Pennsylvania and beyond.


Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a 120-credit undergraduate degree that combines psychology courses with general education, experiential learning, open electives and career-focused study.

The program includes:

  • A comprehensive psychology core
  • General education coursework
  • Research and scientific inquiry
  • Experiential and applied learning
  • A Psychology internship
  • Open electives
  • 18 credits of career pathway coursework

Students can explore Behavioral Health & Human Services, Forensic Psychology or Sport Psychology while preparing for entry-level professional opportunities or continued graduate education.


Frequently Asked Questions About the Psychology Degree

What is a Bachelor of Science in Psychology?

A Bachelor of Science in Psychology is an undergraduate degree focused on the scientific study of human thought, emotion and behavior. Students study psychological theory, research methods and the biological, developmental, social and cultural factors that influence behavior while developing skills in research, communication, critical thinking and ethical decision-making.

Does Central Penn College offer a Psychology bachelor’s degree?

Yes. Central Penn College offers a 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Psychology designed to combine psychological science with practical, career-focused learning.

Is Central Penn College’s Psychology program online?

Central Penn College’s Psychology program is delivered in a flexible hybrid format. A significant portion of coursework may be available through distance education depending on course scheduling and rotation.

What concentrations or pathways are available in the Psychology program?

Psychology students can complete 18 credits of career pathway coursework in one of three areas:

  • Behavioral Health & Human Services
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Sport Psychology

These pathways allow students to explore an area of psychology that aligns with their professional interests.

Does the Psychology degree include an internship?

Yes. Central Penn College’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology includes a dedicated Psychology internship, giving students an opportunity to apply what they have learned in a professional setting.


Turn Your Interest in People Into a Career-Focused Education

You already know that people are complicated.

Now learn how to better understand them.

With Central Penn College’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology, you can explore the science behind human behavior, develop practical professional skills and create an educational pathway around the areas of psychology that interest you most.

Study behavior. Ask better questions. Build career-ready skills.

From Potential to Profession.

Ready to take the next step?

Request information about the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, explore Central Penn College or apply today.

Loading...

Careers you can pursue

  • Behavioral Health Technician
  • Case Manager
  • Community Support Specialist
  • Human Services Specialist
  • Mental Health Technician
  • Residential Program Coordinator
  • Youth Services Specialist
  • Family Services Coordinator
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Social Services Assistant
  • Crisis Services Coordinator
  • Victim Advocate

You will succeed if you are...

  • Behavioral Health Technician
  • Case Manager
  • Community Support Specialist
  • Human Services Specialist
  • Mental Health Technician
  • Residential Program Coordinator
  • Youth Services Specialist
  • Family Services Coordinator
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Social Services Assistant
  • Crisis Services Coordinator
  • Victim Advocate

89.2%

89.2% of our graduates were employed in their chosen field or continuing their education within one year of graduation.

* Based on graduates whom we have information during a one-year period from 2024-25.

Opportunities Start HERE

A few minutes can start a lifetime of success! Fill out our free online application now.

Apply Now
×
Request Info