Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

Prepare for a Rewarding Career with TROY’s Highly Ranked Psychology Degree.

Are you curious about how the human mind works? What about why some people behave the way they do? Do you want to explore the diversity and complexity of human experiences? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Troy University may be for you. By becoming a psychology major, you’ll be part of one of the most popular programs at TROY, with more than 1,000 students pursuing a bachelor’s in psychology, and you’ll be choosing one of the best psychology programs in the United States. In 2023, the TROY online bachelor’s in psychology program was ranked #12 nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

TROY graduate receiving their diploma at commencement.

“I chose psychology at TROY because, even at the start of orientation, the professors I encountered were so kind and welcoming. I also knew that I could ultimately pursue any career using this degree. The professors at TROY helped me whenever I had questions and ultimately led me to the career path I am on today. I am so grateful for the time I spent in the psychology department at Troy University!”

Hannah Hastie | 2020 graduate, B.S. in Psychology, minor in Applied Behavior Analysis

Why Choose TROY for Your Psychology Degree?

At TROY, you’ll receive a student-centered education that covers both the theory and practice of psychology. This approach prepares you to continue your studies at the graduate level or to start your career in areas like criminal justice, social work and human resources, to name a few. As a psychology major, you’ll benefit from a program led by highly educated TROY faculty. Thanks to small class sizes, you’ll receive more individualized attention and feedback from your instructors as well as have more meaningful interactions with your peers.

Relevant Courses and Hands-On Opportunities

TROY’s psychology degree program features an exciting, rigorous, and balanced curriculum that allows you to focus on developmental, abnormal, or forensic psychology. You can prepare for your future and gain invaluable experience through hands-on learning, including participating in the annual TROY Undergraduate Psychology Conference, examining how culture is related to human behavior through studying abroad, or in a psychology-related field experience.

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Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology Curriculum

While specific courses may vary from year to year, your coursework may include:

Academic Catalog

Degree Maps

Psychology Program Locations

Get the flexibility you need by taking courses online, in class or through a blend of both. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756.

Troy Campus

TROY Online

Other Options

Build In-Demand Skills for In-Demand Jobs

As a TROY psychology major, you’ll develop skills in research, analysis, and critical thinking and communication. These skills are in demand in a range of fields, including counseling, health care, education, business, marketing and advertising. You’ll also grow personally by learning how to cope with life’s challenges and by gaining a better understanding of yourself and others.

You can also build skills and make connections through clubs and organizations, including the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Club, the Psychology Club, Lsi Lambda (a service-learning club) and the TROY chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

photo of Hawkins Hall, where the Department of Psychology is housed.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?

With a psychology degree from TROY you’ll be equipped for a range of jobs in a variety of settings and fields. Careers for psychology majors include criminal justice, social work, education, law enforcement, government and business, marketing, advertising, communications and human resources.

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Heidi Beattie

Dr. Heidi Beattie, Associate Professor, began her career at Troy University in August 2014. She earned her Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She specializes in cognitive development in early childhood and her research interests include examining alternative interventions for improving executive functioning.

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-5848 hbeattie@troy.edu

Dr. Kirk Davis

Dr. Kirk Davis, Associate Professor, is the Associate Chair and COE Director of Operations at the Dothan Campus. He began his career with TROY in 1998. Dr. Davis earned his Ph.D. (1997) in experimental psychology from the University of Mississippi and is passionate about teaching statistics, evolutionary psychology and research methods.

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-5848 kldavis@troy.edu

Dr. Kanessa Miller Doss

Dr. Kanessa Miller Doss is an Associate Professor of Psychology and COE Director of Operations at the Montgomery Campus. She earned her Ph.D. in school psychology and M.Ed. in biology education and school counseling at Auburn University and graduated with a B.S. in biology from Alabama A&M University. Her research interests are social-emotional functioning with an emphasis on school/college campus violence, bullying, school psychology advocacy, youth/young adult suicide and accessibility issues.

Learn more about our faculty 334-241-5803 kmdoss@troy.edu

Dr. Catherine Gayman

Dr. Catherine Gayman is an Associate Professor at TROY. Her teaching interests are learning, behavior analysis, addiction and research methods. Research interests are behavior analysis, contingency management and behavioral teaching methods.

Learn more about our faculty 334-241-5812 cgayman@troy.edu

Dr. Frank Hammonds

Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology, Dr. Frank Hammonds began teaching at TROY in Fall 2002. He has taught a wide variety of courses including Experimental Psychology, Psychology of Learning, Basic Statistics, Advanced Statistics, Evolutionary Psychology, Introduction to Psychology and Senior Seminar in Psychology. His research interests include teaching, learning and philosophical issues in behavior analysis. He has been very involved in helping students acquire experience conducting research. Dr. Hammonds received his Ph.D. in psychology from Auburn University in 2002.

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-5923 hammonds@troy.edu

Dr. Mary Ann Hooten

Dr. Mary Ann Hooten, Associate Professor, earned her Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Auburn in 2002, and enjoys teaching Sensation & Perception, Advanced Statistics, Senior Seminar, General Psychology, I/O Psych, Physiological Psych and Forensic Psychology. Dr. Hooten is passionate about her students and created the Mary Ann and William R. Hooten Study Abroad Current Scholarship to help fund a study abroad experience for a sophomore, junior or senior psychology major who is enrolled full time at the Troy Campus.

Learn more about our faculty 334-670-3358 mahooten@troy.edu

Dr. Gina Mariano

Dr. Gina Mariano is an Associate Professor at TROY. She earned her Ph.D. in educational psychology from Virginia Tech with an emphasis on learning and cognition in college students.

Learn more about our faculty 334-808-6405 gjmariano@troy.edu

Dr. Michael McCormick

Michael McCormick is an Associate Professor. He earned a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a B.S. in Psychology from Appalachian State University.

Learn more about our faculty 334-808-6675 mccormick@troy.edu

Focus Your Studies with a Psychology Minor

At TROY, you can seek an associate degree in psychology or choose from three minors:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA):

Learn how to help people with autism and other developmental delays. The ABA minor meets all education requirements to prepare you for certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). By taking two optional practicum courses in community settings, you can learn to apply your skills directly to your work with clients.

Substance Abuse Addictions Education

Learn how to work with individuals with substance abuse problems.

Psychology

Gain an overview of the discipline without majoring in psychology.

Psychology Degree Scholarship

TROY offers scholarships specific to psychology majors: Mary Ann and William R. Hooten Current Scholarship to help fund study abroad experiences and the Sherrod Curtis Huggins Endowed Scholarships. TROY also offers scholarships for undergraduate students.

Related Programs

Sociology Rehabilitation Social Work

FAQs About the Psychology Degree Program

Learn more about the psychology field and our bachelor’s in psychology program.

What are the best jobs to get with a psychology degree?

The best jobs with a psychology degree include numerous positions — your opportunities are endless. You could become a therapist or behavioral analyst and help people cope with issues such as anxiety and depression. You could become a researcher or science writer. You could apply psychological principles in the workplace as a corporate trainer — or work as a case manager in a health care setting. You could also work in education as an admissions counselor or a coach. These are only a few of the best jobs with a psychology degree.

How long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree in psychology?

With the strong skills in analysis, communication, research and leadership you’ll gain through TROY’s bachelor in psychology degree, you can earn from $50,000 to more than $100,000 per year in jobs such as a psychology program director, behavior analyst, researcher or therapist.

What can you do with a degree in psychology?

Psychology is more than just a major. It’s a fascinating field of study that explores the mysteries of human behavior. And because human behavior is relevant in any situation, psychology opens up a world of possibilities for your future career. No wonder it’s one of the most popular undergraduate majors at TROY — and in the United States, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Learn more about what you can do with a psychology degree.

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Program Info

Prepare for a Rewarding Career with TROY’s Highly Ranked Psychology Degree.

Why Choose TROY for Your Psychology Degree?

Relevant Courses and Hands-On Opportunities