School of Social Sciences · Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor’s in Psychology

Program Overview

A Scientific Approach to Human Behavior

Maryville University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology explores the contemporary theories behind human behavior while helping students develop critical thinking, research and analytical skills. Students can gain experience assessing psychological research, conducting projects and applying psychological principles in areas such as healthcare, counseling, business, education and social services. The program can also provide a foundation for graduate study in psychology and related fields.

What sets the program apart

    • Study contemporary psychological theories and the biological, social and clinical dimensions of human behavior.
    • Develop critical thinking, research and analytical skills through applied coursework and faculty-guided projects.
    • Explore experiential learning opportunities with corporate, healthcare and civic organizations in the St. Louis region.
    • Prepare for careers in fields such as counseling, social services, business and education or for advanced graduate study.

An Overview of Psychology at Maryville

 
So psychology sparked my interest because it's always been on my mind, like, how people think the way they think, why they think the way they think. I just kinda had this feeling of wanting to help others. As I've gone through the program, it's grown. All of my classes have taught me a lot, and I would say that my main reason for going into it is, like I said, just because I want to understand the human mind. I want to understand why people behave the way that they do. The professors just, again, care about the students here and where they're going in the future as well. They're always there to help you. I've struggled in a few classes and I've never had a teacher tell me, you know, you're overthinking it. You need to work on it by yourself. It's like they're always gonna lead you in the right direction. I would recommend this program to anybody. I think the professors here have years of knowledge that you might not get from other universities. And with that connection of people, I don't think that you're gonna get the same experience going to, like, a larger university. If you're interested in studying psychology at Maryville, come to campus and take a tour.
Why Maryville

Why Choose Psychology at Maryville?

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

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  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

A psychology degree can prepare graduates to apply their understanding of human behavior, research and communication across a wide range of professional settings. Potential fields include business, marketing, human resources, healthcare, education, social services, research and criminal justice.

Some psychology-related careers, including psychologist, licensed counselor and certain social work positions, require graduate education, supervised experience, certification or licensure. A bachelor’s degree can also provide preparation for advanced study in psychology, counseling, organizational development, social work and related disciplines. Maryville notes that psychology graduates have pursued careers in counseling, social work and law, while others have continued into graduate programs.

Career Paths

Market research analysts study consumer behavior, preferences and market conditions. They collect and analyze data to help organizations understand audiences, evaluate products and improve business and marketing strategies.
Human resources specialists recruit and interview applicants, support employee relations and help administer workplace programs. An understanding of human behavior and communication can be valuable in this field.
Social and human service assistants help clients access community, rehabilitation, behavioral health and social service resources. They may work under the direction of social workers, psychologists or other professionals.
Behavioral health technicians support individuals receiving mental health, substance use or developmental services. Responsibilities may include observing behavior, documenting progress and helping implement treatment plans under professional supervision.
Research assistants help collect, organize and analyze information for social science, healthcare, academic or organizational studies. They may support surveys, interviews, literature reviews and data reporting.
Training and development specialists create and administer programs that strengthen employee knowledge and performance. Psychology graduates may apply their understanding of learning, motivation, behavior and communication in these roles.
$76,950Median Annual Salary

The median annual wage for market research analysts was $76,950 in May 2024.

87,200Annual Job Openings

About 87,200 openings for market research analysts are projected each year, on average, from 2024 to 2034.

7%Projected Job Growth

Employment of market research analysts is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career statistics represent a related occupation that reflects potential career paths for graduates of this program. Actual outcomes vary based on employer, location, experience, education, licensure and specialization.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

Earn Your Psychology Degree Online

Need greater flexibility? Maryville also offers a 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The online program explores contemporary psychology, human behavior and social science research while helping students prepare for careers in areas such as healthcare, counseling, business and education or for further graduate study

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Psychology program.

Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges  2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions

Students study contemporary psychological theories and the biological, social and clinical aspects of human behavior. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, research methods and the ability to assess and contribute to psychological research.
Yes. Maryville emphasizes undergraduate research and provides opportunities for students to work with faculty on research projects, evaluate psychological studies and develop independent research skills.
Yes. Maryville partners with corporate, healthcare and civic organizations in the St. Louis region to provide experiential learning opportunities in a variety of professional environments. Partners listed on the page include SSM Health and Mercy Health Systems.
Psychology graduates may pursue opportunities in fields such as business, marketing, human resources, research, healthcare, education, social services and criminal justice. Specific job requirements vary, and some psychology-related occupations require graduate education or licensure.
Yes. The program provides a foundation in contemporary psychology, research and critical thinking that can support graduate study in psychology, counseling, social work, organizational development and related areas. Maryville notes that previous graduates have continued into graduate programs.
Yes, in most cases. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that psychologists typically need an advanced degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, and licensing requirements vary by state and position.