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Explore the world of psychology at Grand Canyon University, where our comprehensive programs can equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand human behavior and mental processes. Our curriculum teaches foundational concepts and practical skills to help you prepare to pursue diverse opportunities in this field.
When you choose one of our psychology programs, you commit to learning about the human mind and how our emotions and behaviors are all connected. You gain a greater understanding of people and what makes them think and behave in certain ways. Whether you want to directly help people overcome adversity and improve their mental and behavioral health, or use this versatile skill in another career field, our psychology majors offer you the opportunity to help make a difference in other people’s lives.
Psychology is among the top bachelor’s degrees on campus and online in Fall 20231
Psychology majors are taught to become innovative thinkers and ethical decision-makers who excel at effective communication.
Examine these core competencies through coursework focused on human behavior:
Ethical Issues
Ethical issues in research, forensic psychology and psychotherapy
Promoting Healthy Strategies
Techniques for promoting healthy behaviors and preventing unhealthy habits
Life Stage Transitions
Life stage transitions and their impact on human behavior and development
Research Methods
Research methods and statistics for data gathering, organization, analysis and interpretation
Holistic Development
Physical, social, cognitive and moral developments, including mental health
Earning a bachelor’s in psychology is a great way to prepare for graduate study. Many psychology majors go on to earn a graduate degree in psychology or in a related field such as counseling, social work or education. Others may choose to use their skills in human psychology to pursue advanced education in law, medicine or criminal justice.
Depending on specialization and earned credentials, psychologists can work in a variety of settings, including:2
Hospitals and clinics
Mental health facilities
Nursing homes
Government agencies
Schools
Social service agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Median annual wage for psychologists as of May 20233
Estimated number of new jobs for psychologists from 2023 to 20334
As an institutionally accredited university, GCU offers campus and online psychology degree programs, which provide you with a quality education, led by knowledgeable and industry-experienced faculty. Whether you pursue your bachelor’s or graduate degree in psychology, or want to earn your PhD, there are many different fields of study within psychology offered at GCU.
For high school students or working professionals, GCU’s online programs offer flexible formats designed to help you reach your education and career objectives with more convenience.
If you prefer to earn your degree in person, our on-campus psychology programs offer a supportive and engaging environment.
When you attend GCU as a psychology major, you can be assured of our commitment to providing high-achieving students with access to an affordable private education. Financing your education is a big investment in your future, so let us help you plan for it with these convenient cost-estimating tools and resources:
If you are interested in pursuing a degree in psychology, we have provided answers to frequently asked questions to assist you in your research.
Whether psychology is hard depends on your perspective and interests. Some find the complexities of human behavior and mental processes challenging, while others may find it fascinating and engaging. It requires critical thinking, research skills and an understanding of various theories and methods. Consider what aspects of psychology resonate with you. If you're passionate about the subject, you may find it less difficult.
There are five main types of psychology programs: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD and PsyD.5 Psychology degrees can also offer emphases curriculum to help you work toward careers in specialized areas, such as mental health, addiction, education, child and adolescent disorders and research.
Earning a psychology degree can open a wide range of career opportunities. Psychologists often address issues from trauma and mental illness to promoting well-being and resilience in healthy individuals. With a bachelor's degree in psychology, you can explore social and community service management fields, assist the human services department or specialize in human resources. Advanced degrees may allow for specialization in areas like organizational, forensic, geropsychology, health psychology and life coaching.
Psychology can be classified in various ways and many programs emphasize scientific research and quantitative methods, aligning it with STEM fields. However, it also incorporates social and humanistic elements, which can lead to different perspectives on its classification. At GCU, psychology is part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, emphasizing its ties to social and cultural contexts while incorporating scientific methodologies.
A nationwide survey conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that 45% of adults ages 35-44 reported a mental illness in 2023, up from the pre-pandemic 31% in 2019.6 Support others in achieving their recovery goals as a mental health professional.
1 Includes all traditional students who have a last date of attendance at least three weeks into the Fall 2023 semester, students who participated in a campus evening class in September or October of 2023 and students who have participated in an online class in August or September 2023.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Psychologists Work Environment. Retrieved Sept. 19, 2024.
3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Psychologists as of May 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as psychologists, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
4 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists.
5 Cherry, K. (2022, Oct. 12). 5 Types of Psychology Degrees. VeryWell Mind. Retrieved Feb. 16, 2024.
6 American Psychological Association. (2023, Nov. 1). Stress in America 2023: A Nation Grappling With Psychological Impacts of Collective Trauma. Retrieved Feb. 16, 2024.
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