Arizona State University – Online Bachelor’s Programs in Psychology & Forensic Psychology

The New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University offers online Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology degrees with an optional concentration in Forensic Psychology for each degree pathway.

The BA and BS in Psychology cover topics such as behavioral neuroscience, cognitive systems, developmental and health psychology, and cross-cultural psychology. Through this program, students also gain writing skills, qualitative and quantitative research skills, and critical thinking skills. Faculty include psychologists, anthropologists, geographers, sociologists, and political scientists.

The BA in Psychology has Fast Track Options that allow completion of the degree in 2.5 or three-year paths. The BS degree focuses more on science, math, and statistics. Students in the BS path learn the relationship nuances between psychology and other social/behavioral sciences.

The BA and BS with a concentration in Forensic Psychology offer a combination of basic psychology training with focused coursework in criminal behavior, criminal law, and the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Forensic psychologists may assist in court cases regarding the mental state of a criminal at the time of a crime. The degrees prepare students for graduate education in forensic psychology, which is required for many career paths in this arena.

The BA in Psychology – Forensic Psychology focuses on human behavior and the justice system, including courses on the foundations of behavior and social-behavioral sciences. The corresponding BS focuses on the scientific connection between psychology and law, statistical reasoning, and research. Two additional scientific lab courses and advanced statistical training are required for this degree. Graduates will have a deeper knowledge of the neuroscientific and biological tenets of psychology as applicable to research and clinical forensics.

Each of these degrees comprises 120 credits and can be completed in four years on a full-time basis. The BA in Psychology has two Fast Track Options that allow students to complete the degree in either 2.5 or three years. ASU courses begin every 7.5 weeks in the fall, spring, and summer. The programs are 100% online with no campus visits required. Courses are taught asynchronously with videos, readings, assignments, and assessments included, as well as lab courses depending on the degree. Some synchronous activities may be required. Interaction between students and faculty may take place through online multimedia tools, email, chat, and discussion boards. Students may choose to add internships, service learning, and research projects as part of their program. Students can access 24/7 technical support, library services, career services, advising, and faculty hours.

Courses for the Psychology and Forensic Psychology bachelor’s degrees overlap heavily with more math and science required for the BS degrees. Students complete general degree requirements in math, English, composition, humanities/art and design, history, and science. Other required courses include Research Methods; Natural Science – Quantitative; Introduction to Psychology; Global Awareness; and Cultural Diversity in the U.S. Other courses are required in specific focus areas as listed below depending on the degree path chosen, as well as electives.

Courses in the cognitive science focus area include Learning and Motivation; Sensation and Perception; and Memory and Cognition.

Courses in the social/developmental focus area include Personality Theory and Research; Social Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; and Developmental Psychology.

Upper Division Psychology electives may include Effective Thinking; Organizational Behavior; Psychology of Gender; Abnormal Child Psychology; Psychology of Gender; Health Psychology; Social Psychology; Psychology of Academic Success; Positive Psychology of Emotional Intelligence; Psychology and Law; Sex Crimes; and Correctional Psychology.

Forensic psychology concentration courses may include Introduction to Statistics; The Criminal Mind; Criminal Law I: Introduction to Substantive Criminal Law; Research Methods; Correctional Psychology; Criminology; Abnormal Psychology; and Forensic Psychology. Forensic psychology electives may include All About Data: Design, Query, and Visualization; Computer Applications and Information Technology; Computer Literacy; and Technology Literacy: Problem Solving using Digital Technology Applications.

Arizona State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.