Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology prepares students to understand human behavior and mental processes through the scientific study and application of psychology. The program provides a comprehensive foundation in psychological theory, research methods, ethical practice, communication, and applied learning while preparing graduates for employment in psychology- related fields or continued study at the graduate level.

The curriculum incorporates opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with professional practice through applied projects, research, service learning, internships, and capstone experiences. Students develop transferable skills in communication, collaboration, problem-solving, information literacy, data interpretation, and professional decision-making that are valuable across behavioral health, human services, education, business, criminal justice, healthcare, and other people-centered professions.

Students may further tailor the degree to their professional interests by selecting one of four career-focused pathways: Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavioral Health & Human Services, Sports Psychology, or Forensic Psychology. Each pathway consists of six courses that provide focused study and applied preparation within an area of psychology while maintaining the broad academic foundation of the Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

in Psychology).

• Apply scientific reasoning and critical thinking skills to formulate research questions, evaluate psychological claims, analyze and interpret data, and draw evidence-based conclusions using appropriate research methodologies. (Consistent with APA Learning Goal Scientific

Inquiry and Critical Thinking).

• Demonstrate ethical decision-making, cultural humility, and social responsibility by evaluating the influence of diversity, equity, inclusion, and sociocultural factors on behavior and psychological functioning and applying ethical principles to academic, research, and professional contexts. (Consistent with APA Learning Goal Ethical and Social Responsibility in

a Diverse World).

• Communicate psychological concepts, research findings, and evidence-based arguments effectively through written, oral, interpersonal, and digital formats using professional standards and APA conventions appropriate for diverse audiences. (Consistent with APA

Learning Goal Communication).

• Demonstrate professional competence by applying psychological knowledge and skills in academic, community, and workplace settings; engaging in self-reflection; collaborating effectively with others; and developing career readiness skills for employment or advanced

study. (Consistent with APA Learning Goal Professional Development).

• Apply psychological theories, research, and evidence-based practices to analyze and address individual, group, organizational, and societal challenges in diverse real-world contexts.

(Consistent with APA Learning Goal Application of Psychology).

• Locate, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use psychological information, scholarly literature, and emerging technologies to support research, decision-making, and professional practice.

(Consistent with APA Learning Goal Information and Technological Literacy).

• Integrate knowledge, research skills, ethical principles, communication abilities, and professional competencies through internships, service-learning experiences, research projects, or capstone activities that demonstrate readiness for psychology-related careers or graduate education. (Consistent with APA Learning Integrative Learning and Applied

Experience).

Program learning objectives.

• Explain and apply major psychological theories, concepts, and empirical findings across the core domains of psychology, including biological, cognitive, developmental, social, personality, and abnormal psychology. (Consistent with APA Learning Goal Knowledge Base

To be considered for admission into a degree or professional certificate program, students must be a high school graduate or have received a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), Pennsylvania Home School Diploma or other recognized equivalency diploma. High School Students applying with an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher may be considered for regular admission. Students applying with a GPA below a 2.0 in high school or from another college or university, if accepted, will be admitted conditionally. Please submit an application for admission and a copy of high school and/or college transcript(s). Some applicants may be required to attend a personal interview with the Admissions Office.

An admission essay may be deemed optional for all applicants whose GPA meets or exceeds the minimum for acceptance into the desired program. For certificates and degrees in the Schools of Humanities and Business, the minimum GPA for acceptance is 2.0. For most Health Sciences certificates and degrees, unless otherwise specified, the minimum GPA is 2.2.

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 operates on accelerated 11-week academic terms.

This program has Spring and Fall starts. Upcoming start dates: April 12, 2027, October 11, 2027.

Tuition and fees. Undergraduate tuition is $525 per credit for all majors. A Student/Technology Fee of $510 per term (5 or more credits) or $315 (4 or fewer credits) is required. A one-time $150 graduation fee applies.

Books and other expenses. Variable expenses per term (estimates): textbooks $350–$450; course material fees approximately $50–$150 per course; personal $150–$250; transportation $150–$300. Uniforms (where required) are estimated at $100–$150.

Housing and meals. Campus housing per term: individual private bedroom $2,205, standard apartment bedroom $1,505, super suite bedroom $1,595, utilities $330. Meal plans per term range from $550 (Block 75) to $1,125 (14 Meal Plan); a $250 housing security deposit is required.

Financial aid. Central Penn College processes grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study through federal, state, private, and institutional sources to help eligible students meet some of those costs, including the Federal Pell Grant, PA State Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Work-Study and Federal Direct Stafford Loans. To apply for all federal and state financial aid programs, students must complete the FAFSA; Central Penn’s Federal School Code for FAFSA is 004890. To receive financial aid a student must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program and be enrolled on at least a half-time basis (4 credits).

Payment options. Tuition and expenses are paid each term approximately three weeks before the term starts. Central Penn has a short-term three-month payment plan through CASHNet that divides the balance of the tuition owed by three payments; there is a $35 non-refundable application fee paid with the first payment. An Employer Reimbursement Tuition Agreement Plan lets students who receive tuition reimbursement from their employer defer payment until the specified dates.

Military benefits. Military benefits accepted include the Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapters 30 and 1606), Veterans Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31), the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) and Yellow Ribbon Program, Dependents’ Education Assistance (Chapter 35) and Tuition Assistance.

Net price calculator. Use Central Penn’s Net Price Calculator at https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/centralpenn for an early estimate of your total annual cost.

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.

College-wide outcome. 89.2% of Central Penn graduates were employed in their chosen field or continuing their education within one year of graduation (graduates July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025; One-Year Graduate Follow-up Report published July 1, 2026).