Applied Psychology

Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology prepares you to attend graduate school for a research or clinical career, or to work in a range of organizations. You will study human behavior, quantitative analysis, and research methods, among other subjects.

Format

Hybrid

In-Person

Online

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Schedule

Classes start: January 24
and March 22

Credits Required

120 credits

Cost

In-person 3-credit class: $1,059

Online or Hybrid 3-credit class: $1,299

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Ways to Save

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At UC, You Can

Whether you're in high school and want to earn college credits, or are a working professional seeking a bachelor's degree, we'll find a path for you here. Our faculty are established psychologists with expertise in teaching learners of all ages and backgrounds. A degree in Applied Psychology  prepares you to be a critical thinker, understanding your community and society. You may apply these skills to research, a clinical practice, human resources, management, social work, communications, and more.

image of China YangChina Yang, who began taking courses at RWU during her sophomore year in high school, has learned what it means to be a college student and gained the confidence to succeed in college - all while earning almost a semester's worth of credits.

China Yang, college student pursuing double major
At UC: Classes, including Psychology, in high school; Community Development Certificate 2018
More: Seizing Opportunity to Gain Experience, and College Credits, in High School

How You'll Get There 

At UC, we support you on your individual path. Whether you are just starting out or picking up where you left off, we work with you to accomplish your goals. As you work with our faculty, each respected in their field, you'll build lasting connections that open doors to your success.

"I help students understand what they need to know to work with people in the field."

Nancy Kubic, MSW, LICSW, UC Adjunct Professor and psychotherapist at Psychological Wellness Center 
More:'Knowledge is power,' says UC Adjunct Nancy Kubic, MSW, LICSW

You'll receive one-on-one guidance from your advisor each step of the way. You may take advantage of our prior learning assessment, applying transfer credit, trainings and assessments, military experience, work experience, and self-taught skills toward your degree. 

You NeedYou Don't Need
  • An interest in working with people and communities
  • Official transcripts from high school, college
  • Entrance exam
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Pre-requisites
  • Admission essay
  • Application fee

Sample Courses

People talking in a group.
Social Science Research Methods
One person giving the other a psychological evaluation.
Experimental Psychology with Laboratory
Two people talking.
Applied Practicum in Psychology

Bachelor Degree

The Applied Psychology degree prepares you to think critically about your own ideas and those of others, applying these methods to the problems of community and of the larger society. Students are trained to be independent thinkers and active participants in a rapidly changing world.

Courses explore the relationships among psychology and other social sciences and within the context of cultural, socio-historical, and communicative issues. The program will also teach you to develop skills in writing, critical thinking and quantitative and qualitative research methods, to round out your preparation for your future career or graduate studies.

Ultimately, the Applied Psychology graduate has the skills useful for a wide range of careers, including human resources, management, communication, and social work.

      10 core courses
        4 required courses

        1 lab (4 credits)
        6 remaining core/applied psych courses    

18 electives
_________________________
     39 courses (120 credits)

See Degree Requirements

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Flexible Options to Suit Your Schedule

You may complete this entire program online, from anywhere, on your own schedule. Depending on the needs and interests of our students, we also offer in-person courses to bring your learning to life through face-to-face discussion. Our hybrid on-line and in-person courses give you the best of both worlds. Your advisor will help you determine which path is best for you. 

Your Career

Applied psychology can open doors to a number of careers, some entry level and others requiring masters degrees or PhDs. Because of increased awareness of mental health, overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 14% in the next eight years. While career outlooks depend on candidate experience and specific employer requirements, the table below reflects salaries for the following potential positions*

ProfessionWhat You'll DoWhat You NeedAverage Salary
Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists 

Diagnose and treat; design and implement programs. 

Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, PhD (sometimes), License$81,330
Training and Development SpecialistPlan and administer trainings that improve skills and knowledge of employees. Bachelor's degree$65,120
School or Career CounselorHelp students in public or private schools develop the academic and social skills they need to succeed; help college students and/or adults build their career paths. Bachelor's degree, Master's degree$60,160
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor Provide treatment for people experiencing alcoholism, addiction, or other mental health challenges, in a variety of settings like mental health centers, community health centers, prisons, and private practice. Bachelor's degree, Master's degree for some positions$46,050

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Job outlook: 2018-2028. Median salary: 2018

Individualized Support, More Affordable

At University College, you get the individualized attention of a private university at a more affordable cost. There are multiple options for financial aid, scholarships, and accelerated paths to get you to the degree you need. Some programs run by Roger Williams are awarded by simply applying for admission, while others are awarded to students through a more formal aid application process.

To ensure full consideration for all aid programs, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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Questions?

Everyone has questions. 

Our Pathway Specialists are here to help. Contact UC Admissions at ucadmissions@rwu.edu.