Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

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Application Deadlines
  • Spring 2027 Priority Deadline: November 3, 2026
  • Spring 2027 Regular Deadline: December 1, 2026
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US News Bachelor's Psychology 2026

Ranked #7 by U.S. News
& World Report

The CUNY SPS BA in Psychology online degree program focuses on scientifically studying the human mind and behavior. Throughout the program, students also gain a solid foundation in research methodology, motivation, learning, social behavior, and development that they can apply toward a variety of careers in psychology and related fields as well as graduate studies. Students learn how to conduct research, interpret behavioral situations, and communicate effectively while developing sociocultural and international awareness.

The program’s fully online format separates it from other psychology programs, allowing students to read course materials, participate in class discussions, and complete assignments on a more flexible schedule.

Students select one of four tracks for their advanced coursework:

Health Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Psychological Development, or Psychopathology

Consistent with the American Psychological Association's educational goals, the BA in Psychology enables students to:

  • Acquire a robust knowledge base including familiarity with the major concepts, content domains, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in the field of psychology
  • Apply basic research methods in psychology, including design, data analysis, and interpretation
  • Use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes
  • Administer psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues at the local, national, and global levels.

Students develop competencies in communication skills, sociocultural and international awareness, personal development, and career planning and development.

General education courses complement this specialized study and emphasize critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, effective communication, and an exploration of the foundations of knowledge and culture.

A minimum grade of C is required in all courses in the Psychology major, both required courses and Psychology electives, and all Psychology minors, as well as all prerequisite courses. Where there are prerequisites, a student may not progress to the next course in the sequence without having a C in the prerequisite course(s).

Career and Academic Prospects

The BA in Psychology program is an excellent foundation for a variety of careers including those in human and social services, management and business, marketing and market research, health care, and government. This program also offers the essential knowledge and training typically required for admission to graduate programs in psychology. Students interested in graduate professional programs in the law, international development, and administration will benefit from the program’s strong emphasis on critical thinking, ethics, and multiculturalism.

Online Psychology Academy

The Online Psychology Academy provides students from CUNY community colleges with a seamless path to enroll in the fully online BA in Psychology degree at CUNY SPS. Students who meet the program requirements from their home campus are given the opportunity to bypass the traditional application process and are awarded 60 credits towards their bachelor’s degree.

Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements are formal agreements between CUNY School of Professional Studies, (CUNY SPS) and two-year colleges and universities, allowing students to transfer the maximum number of credits with ease to our BA in Psychology program from institutions with which we have an established transfer process in place.

Scholarship Opportunities

Meet Some of Our Faculty

Admissions Criteria

Applicants must possess at least 24 transferrable credits from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants need to demonstrate basic proficiency in reading, writing, and math.

Application Deadlines

  • Spring 2027 Priority Deadline: November 3, 2026
  • Spring 2027 Regular Deadline: December 1, 2026
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Student/Alumni Profiles

Darnell Wold

Darnell Wold

BA in Psychology 2023

"CUNY SPS not only solidified my career trajectory as a behavioral health professional, but also afforded me immediate opportunities to serve as a crisis counselor while advancing toward my graduate degree."
Sarah Krusemark

Sarah Krusemark

BA in Psychology 2018

"It was important for me to do a fundraiser for the ACE Scholarship last year because it had such a huge impact on my academic career and progress.”
Tiffany Washington

Tiffany Washington

BA in Psychology 2019

"I enjoyed the overwhelming support from fellow classmates and faculty.”
April Outen

April Outen

BA in Psychology

"My time at CUNY SPS and in the psychology program made me realize the possibilities of this degree are only limited by my own ideas. I went from a single-lined vision to exploring options for opening my own clinic."

Recent news about Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

What It Means to Be a “Floater Friend”—and Why It Can Feel So Lonely

July 06, 2026

Real Simple

In this Real Simple feature story, CUNY SPS Psychology program faculty member Dr. Lauren Mahoney is frequently quoted for her expert testimony. The article examines people who have multiple social circles, or "floater friends." As Dr. Mahoney points out, “Being a floater friend can absolutely be a strength. These individuals are often socially intelligent, emotionally perceptive, adaptable, curious, and capable of connecting with people from very different backgrounds." But sometimes floater friends can feel that they lack the deeper friendships people often need for support. According to Dr. Mahoney, “We need to feel remembered, prioritized, emotionally safe, understood, and valued for who we are rather than for the role we play.” However, she also points out that if the floater friend feels fulfilled with their diverse social life, then there is "nothing to fix."

A Full-Circle Cycle

July 02, 2026

CUNY SPS blog

This post from the CUNY SPS blog is the first segment of the new “Alums Making the Grade” series. The Q&A feature profiles CUNY SPS alum Dr. Steven Samrock (MA Psychology ‘18), who will be returning to CUNY SPS in the fall to teach at his alma mater.
Dr. Steven Samrock, MA in Psychology alum and CUNY SPS Professor

CUNY SPS Alum Shares Inspiring Story at Psychology Speaker Series Event

July 01, 2026

CUNY SPS alum Dr. Steven Samrock recounts his rich and varied path in the latest segment of the Psychology Program's series, "A Day in the Life." Dr. Samrock, who returns to CUNY SPS this fall as a faculty member, credits that varied background for deepening his clinical insight.

Parenting May Permanently Improve Brain Health for Mums and Dads

June 24, 2026

NewScientist

CUNY SPS Psychology programs faculty member Dr. Lauren Mahoney is quoted in this NewScientist report on changes in the brain that result from parenting. These changes, which may ultimately even stave off Alzheimer's disease, are a direct result of the parent's brain adapting as the parent develops child-rearing skills. “The brain is becoming more specialised, rather than impaired,” said Dr. Mahoney. “[It] appears to prioritise information that is relevant to caregiving, threat detection, emotional interpretation and rapid environmental monitoring.”

A Cut Above the Rest

June 11, 2026

CUNY SPS Blog

The City University of New York proudly presented its second annual “50 Under 50” alumni list earlier this year. As one of the three CUNY SPS alumni selected for this prestigious list, “50 under 50” inductee Darnell Wold (BA Psychology’ 23) shares his takeaways about receiving this honor, as well as his plans for the future, in this CUNY SPS blog post.