What Is an Accelerated Psychology and Human Development Degree?
Warner Pacific University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology and Human Development degree program explores psychological development across the lifespan, examining the impact of social systems such as families, communities, and broader cultures on an individual’s identity and personality.
Available in both an online and a hybrid format, the accelerated psychology degree program offers working professionals who have some prior college experience a flexible path toward a career in a wide range of industries or graduate studies. Students gain real-world experience through hands-on projects tailored to their goals, supported by expert faculty with practical field experience.
What Do the Accelerated Psychology Degree Online and Hybrid Formats Entail?
Offered through WPU’s Professional and Graduate Studies (PGS) division, the accelerated BS in Psychology and Human Development is designed with adult learners in mind — particularly those who are managing work, family, and other responsibilities — who want to complete their bachelor’s degree efficiently.
Students can choose between a fully online, asynchronous format or a hybrid flexible (HyFlex) model that includes one synchronous class meeting per course that students can attend in person or remotely, providing them with the flexibility they need to stay on track academically without putting their life on hold.
With rolling monthly start dates throughout the year, the accelerated psychology degree online and hybrid program is structured to help students build knowledge and skills in manageable steps by taking just one accelerated course every five weeks.
What Can You Do With a Psychology Bachelor’s Degree?
An accelerated online bachelor’s degree in psychology program provides a versatile foundation for a variety of professional pathways or advanced studies. The program combines the study of theories in psychology and human development across the lifespan with real-world applications in family, community, and human services.
Bachelor’s in psychology graduates pursue careers with employers that include:
- Social service agencies
- Education and youth programs
- Healthcare and wellness organizations
- Nonprofit and community-based organizations
- Administrative, marketing, sales, and human resources departments in companies of all sizes
To become a psychologist, individuals need to complete a graduate education program. Options for fields of graduate study include:
- Counseling or clinical psychology
- Education or school psychology
- Organizational or industrial psychology
- Social work or human development
Whether you’re entering the workforce or planning to pursue an advanced degree, a psychology bachelor’s degree program can offer you the flexibility and relevance to grow with your goals.
Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Careers
Earning an accelerated psychology degree online can lead to a meaningful career that draws on your understanding of human behavior, communication, and social systems. Here are some positions you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree:
| Case Manager Case managers support individuals and families by coordinating services, resources, and care plans for them within a social service or healthcare setting. |
Human Resources Specialist Human resources (HR) specialists help their organization with employee recruitment, employee relations, and maintaining a positive workplace culture using their insights into human motivation and behavior. |
| Behavioral Therapist Behavioral therapists support clients with mental health or behavioral challenges in a clinical or residential setting. Some counseling and therapist roles require a graduate education and licensure. |
Community Outreach Coordinator Community outreach coordinators design and implement programs that connect people in underserved populations with critical resources through nonprofits or local agencies. |
Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment in community and social service occupations is growing faster than average, with nearly 300,000 job openings projected each year from 2023 to 2033.
The median annual salary for community and social services occupations was $57,530 as of May 2024, which is higher than the median annual salary for all occupations. Some occupations in the field require a master’s degree and licensure.
Median annual salaries for psychology-related roles include the following, per the BLS:
| Social and Human Service Assistant
$45,120 |
Human Resources Specialist
$72,910 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor
$59,190 |
Social and Community Service Manager
$78,240 |
Accelerated Psychology Degree Online and Hybrid Program Curriculum
Students pursuing a bachelor’s in psychology have the opportunity to study the development of the individual and their mental processes, emotions, and cognitions.
Students must complete 34 upper-division semester credits of major course requirements, 28 of which must be completed at WPU, plus nine credits of core course requirements. In total for the degree, students must complete 43 semester credits, 40 of which are upper-division courses and 33 of which must be completed at WPU. All courses are three credits and five weeks unless noted otherwise.
Major Requirements (34 Credits)
- PSY 420A | Learning Theory | 3 credits
- PSY 330A | Lifespan Human Development | 3 credits
- PSY/HD 300A | Foundations of Psychology and Human Development | 3 credits
- PSY 314A | Abnormal Psychology | 3 credits
- PSY 441A | Stress, Crisis, Trauma, and Self-Care | 3 credits
- PSY 430A | Counseling Theory | 4 credits
- SOC 320A | Human Sexualities | 3 credits
- SOC 340A | Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 credits
- SS 300A | Leadership and Diversity | 3 credits
- SS 380A | Conflict Resolution | 3 credits
- SS 391A | Research Design and Applied Statistics | 3 credits
Core Requirements (9 Credits)
- HUM 310A | Exploring the Human Condition (Prerequisite: EN 111A, 112A) | 3 credits
- ILR 300A | Advanced Information Literacy and Research (Prerequisite: EN 111A) | 3 credits
- REL 320A | Spirituality, Character, and Service (Prerequisite: EN 111A, 112A) | 3 credits
Minor in Psychology (16 Credits)
A minor in psychology is also available. Courses are five weeks in length.
- PSY 300A | Foundations of Psychology and Human Development | 3 credits
- PSY 314A | Abnormal Psychology | 3 credits
- PSY 420A | Learning Theory | 3 credits
- PSY 430A | Counseling Theory | 4 credits
- PSY 441A | Stress, Crisis, Trauma, and Self-Care | 3 credits
Discover Your Potential With an Accelerated Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree
Ready to turn your passion for understanding people into a purpose-driven career? Warner Pacific University’s accelerated BS in Psychology and Human Development program is designed to fit your busy life while preparing you to make a real impact in your community.
Grounded in a minority-serving, Christian college environment, the program emphasizes culturally responsive practices and attracts a diverse student body, including many first-generation college attendees.
Whether you’re looking to advance in your current field or take the next step toward graduate studies, this flexible, career-focused program can help you get there — on your schedule.
Questions?
Our faculty would love to hear from you.
Dr. Stephanie Mace
Dean of Social Work, Associate Professor
