Is a Psychology Degree a Science Degree?

Psychology is considered a social science — that is, scientific methods are used to research and analyze social and human issues.

Psychology also includes some aspects of medicine and anatomy, given that mental and physical health are interconnected.

Psychology degree students can choose whether to get a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS). The two degrees cover much of the same ground, but typically a BS includes a more rigorous foundation in the hard sciences.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree

A BA in psychology is considered a liberal arts degree and includes a foundation in humanities and philosophy.

Because of this liberal arts foundation, a psychology degree can easily be paired with other fields of study, such as business.

Typically, students get a BA in psychology if they want to apply their psychological knowledge to another field, such as marketing.

BA students have similar course requirements as other liberal arts students, including foreign language.

Other than the basic general education requirements, BA students typically don't take hard science courses.

Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree

With a BS in psychology, you'll have more of a science foundation with plenty of hard science courses in addition to psychology courses.

Psychology courses in a BS program also typically focus more on the research and scientific aspects of the psychology discipline.

BS students are typically those who want to continue to graduate school in psychology and become clinical psychologists.

If you get a BS, you typically need at least a master's degree before you can work professionally as a licensed psychologist.

The BS degree usually has fewer liberal arts requirements. For example, there's usually no foreign language requirement.

Choosing Your Program

The main factor you should consider when deciding whether to get a BA or a BS psychology degree, you could still get an MS in psychology.

Your senior project is another thing to consider. Most BS students complete an internship while BA students typically do research.

Master of Arts (MA) Degree

An MA in psychology typically takes two or three years to earn and prepares you for a career in psychology generally.

This degree program covers research methods, psychological theories, and statistics. An MA is more research-focused than an MS, with most students completing a capstone research project.

Some schools offer accelerated programs that allow you to earn a master's degree in as little as one year with your bachelor's degree.

Other schools offer MA programs online so you can earn your master's degree on your own terms without putting your life on hold.

Master of Science (MS) Degree

An MS is also a two or three-year graduate degree program but tends to be designed for students who want to practice clinical psychology.

Unlike an MA, however, MS programs typically require students to choose an area of specialization within the psychology field.

Students might delve deeper into specializations such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, or experimental psychology.

MS degree programs place a greater emphasis on scientific methods and processes for studying psychological phenomena.

Instead of a research project, MS students typically get hands-on experience through a clinical fieldwork project.

Doctoral Programs

There are three different doctoral programs available in psychology, depending on what type of work you want to do in the field.

Any of these degrees typically take between five and seven years of focused study to earn and usually require you to write a dissertation.

Ph.D. in Psychology

A Ph.D. in psychology is typically most suitable for students who want to work in academia as professors. Ph.D. holders also do research in the psychological field and publish their findings in academic journals.

PsyD in Psychology

This program is designed for those who want to work as licensed clinical psychologists in a private practice setting.

Some states require practicing psychologists to have a PsyD before they're eligible for licensure.

EdD in Psychology

Go for an EdD if you're interested in a career in the educational system or working with school-age children in an educational setting.

In addition to working as psychologists, EdD holders might also serve as school or district administrators.

Learn More About Psychology Degrees

If you're interested in how the human mind works, start a fulfilling career with either a BA or a BS in psychology from an accredited program.