Posted on August 29th, 2025 in Blog, Social Sciences

What Are the Types of Psychology Degrees?

Psychology is one of the most popular fields of study for college students, thanks to its emphasis on understanding human behavior and its reputation as an adaptable foundation for a variety of career paths. Psychology was among the six fields that together made up more than half of the undergraduate degrees awarded in 2021-2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Those interested in this popular major can choose from several types of psychology degrees, whether they’re seeking an undergraduate degree like a bachelor’s in psychology and human development or one of the different kinds of graduate psychology degrees available.

Types of Psychology Degrees

Psychology is a social science that studies how humans’ brains and surroundings affect their behavior. Earning a degree in psychology can provide individuals with a solid background that prepares them for a psychology career in a number of areas ranging from research to counseling, human resources, marketing, and social services.

When exploring the various types of psychology degrees, a good place to start is with the different levels of education students can pursue in the subject.

For those studying at the undergraduate level, an associate degree or bachelor’s degree is an option. Students also may choose to pursue an advanced degree in psychology, such as one available through a master’s or doctoral program.

Undergraduate Psychology Degrees

Undergraduate degrees are the first level of higher education degrees. Undergraduate psychology degrees include:

Associate Degrees

Associate degrees in psychology are introductory undergraduate degrees that typically take two years to complete. Because many roles in psychology require at least a bachelor’s degree, students who choose to pursue an associate degree in psychology often do so as a step toward earning the higher-level undergraduate degree.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor’s degree programs in psychology typically take four years to complete, but accelerated programs are available that give those with prior college experience the opportunity to earn their degree more quickly.

In psychology bachelor’s degree programs, students generally take core classes in the humanities, natural sciences, and math as well as in other areas of social science. They also take courses that focus on psychology, covering topics such as the foundations of psychology and human development, and counseling theory.

There are two types of bachelor’s degrees in psychology:

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Focuses on liberal arts in the program’s general education courses
Bachelor of Science (BS): Emphasizes science in the curriculum’s general education requirements

Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology can provide the foundation for a career or for advancing to a graduate program in the same area of study or in another field such as law, business, or medicine.

Graduate Psychology Degrees

Graduate degree programs in psychology allow students to build on their previous college experience and explore selected specializations within psychology more deeply. Graduate degrees in psychology include:

Master’s Degrees

Those who pursue master’s degrees in psychology have completed a bachelor’s program. This type of psychology degree often features research and work experience as part of its program, with a focus on a chosen branch of psychology. Depending on the program, students generally can earn a master’s degree in psychology in two or three years.

There are two types of master’s degrees in psychology:

Master of Arts (MA): Emphasizes psychological theory and research
Master of Science (MS): Focuses on the practical application of psychological principles

Doctoral Degrees

The highest level of psychology degree is the doctoral degree. Those pursuing this level of psychology degree typically already have a master’s degree. Doctoral degree programs in psychology can prepare individuals for work with patients, academic research, or teaching. These degree programs, which typically take four or more years to complete, generally include work experience as a requirement.

There are two types of doctoral degrees in psychology:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology: Provides advanced education in psychological research, while also including courses on theory and clinical applications
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): Offers a greater emphasis on preparing for professional practice in psychology

What Are the Specialized Types of Psychology Degrees?

Working toward a psychology degree offers students the opportunity to learn about the various branches of the field. But what are the different types of psychology that they can explore in their studies?

One popular area of focus for students pursuing a degree in this field is developmental psychology, which examines how and why people change throughout their lives. Those who earn a degree in this branch of psychology typically study topics such as:

Abnormal psychology
Conflict resolution
Human development throughout the lifespan
Race and ethnic relations
Stress, crisis, trauma, and self-care

Developmental psychology professionals also may specialize even further, focusing on certain age groups or health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Other common types of psychology that can be the focus of a specialized degree include:

Clinical: Assessment and treatment of abnormal behavior, mental conditions, and psychiatric disorders
Cognitive: Understanding how people think, learn, and remember
Counseling: Treatment for clients experiencing mental distress
Educational: Understanding how students learn and how to improve learning
Forensic: Application of psychological principles to legal concerns
Industrial and organizational: Use of psychological concepts to address workplace issues
Quantitative: Development of processes and techniques for evaluating human behavior
School: Assistance for students with academic, emotional, and social challenges
Social: Understanding and explaining social behavior
Sports: Understanding how psychology affects sports and athletic performance

Earn a Degree That Matters

If you’re interested in the type of psychology degree that explores the effect of social systems on people’s thoughts and behaviors, consider the Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Development program at Warner Pacific University Online.

This accelerated degree program offers courses either in a fully online and asynchronous format or in a hybrid flexible (HyFlex) model, allowing students to complete their studies while also managing their work and other commitments. You’ll learn from experienced faculty as you prepare for a wide variety of careers or further education.

Find out how WPU Online can help you achieve your potential with a degree in psychology.

Sources:
American Psychological Association, Psychology Subfields
National Center for Education Statistics, Most Common Undergraduate Fields of Study
Verywell Mind, “5 Types of Psychology Degrees”
Verywell Mind, “Major Branches of Psychology”
Verywell Mind, “Why Is Psychology Such a Popular Major?”