Psychology

The first step toward helping others is understanding them.

With a psychology degree, you can make a positive impact on the world in countless ways. Gain a strong foundation in psychology and unlock numerous career opportunities in fields such as clinical psychology, social work, counseling, education, and even human resource, marketing and business management. At Cumberlands, you will experience a diverse range of psychology degrees courses that reflect the discipline's breadth and cater to your interests. With faculty members bringing real-world understanding and fresh ideas to their teaching, you'll receive a dynamic education that combines theory with practical knowledge.

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$81,040

Average Salary

8%

Industry Growth

#1

in KY, Associate Degree

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Anchor: Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

You have the gift of understanding those around you; hone it with a degree in psychology. Use your talent to help heal, mediate, and provide guidance for those in need. A bachelor's degree in psychology will prepare you for entry-level positions in a variety of human service fields as well as for graduate school. It can position you well for graduate study in psychology, nursing, counseling, social work, business, law, education, medicine, and many other areas. Or, if you aspire to a career in mental health counseling, the psychology degree, courses at University of the Cumberlands can give you an understanding of the intricacies of working with others, and the skills you acquire will be invaluable to your work.

Course Requirements

Required Courses (16 hours)

Electives (24 hours)

Bachelor of Arts option (12)

A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.

Psychology Minors

You don’t need to pursue a bachelor degree in psychology in order to hone your gift of understanding and helping others. The knowledge and skills you learn through a minor in psychology program will help you use your gift to help heal, mediate, and provide guidance for those in need. A minor in psychology complements many major degree programs and is sure to help you succeed not only in the workforce but in other areas of life as well.

Course Requirements

Minor in Psychology (21 hours)

These two courses (6 credit hours) are required:

Select five courses (15 credit hours) from the following:

Notes:
Psychology Minors-Students can take only two 200-level electives for the minor in Psychology *Students who choose to take Both PSYC 234 and PSYC 244 may take One additional 200-level psychology course to satisfy their minor electives. Also, students who take these two courses may also choose from additional courses for which PSYC 234 and PSYC 244 are prerequisites (PSYC 431, PSYC 436, PSYC 438).

Minor in Sport and Wellness Psychology (21 hours)

Note:
Psychology Minors-Students can take only two 200-level electives for the minor in Psychology *Students who choose to take Both PSYC 234 and PSYC 244 may take One additional 200-level psychology course to satisfy their minor electives. Also, students who take these two courses may also choose from additional courses for which PSYC 234 and PSYC 244 are prerequisites (PSYC 431, PSYC 436, PSYC 438).

Associate of Science with a Major in Psychology

At Cumberlands, you have the option to complete an Associate of Science (A.S.) or an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) psychology degree entirely online, at an affordable rate, and in as little as one year. These degree programs are designed to offer a broad understanding of psychology that helps prepare graduates for entry level work in a related career or continued studies through a future bachelor's degree in psychology program.

Course Requirements

Associate of Science Requirements (18 hours)

A Music Therapy pathway for Music and Psychology students who plan to eventually pursue a graduate degree in Music Therapy.

Music Therapy Pathway for Psychology Minors

Required Psychology Courses (24 hours)

Additional courses required to complete the Music Therapy Pathway are found below and under the Department of Music under the Music Therapy Pathway.

Program Notes

Students pursuing the Music Therapy Pathway should pick one of the emphasis options listed for the B.S / B.A. (B.S./ B.A. Piano Emphasis Requirements, B.S./ B.A. Guitar Emphasis Requirements, B.S./ B.A. Instrumental Emphasis Requirements or B.S. / B.A. Vocal Emphasis)

All students, regardless of emphasis, should take MUPR 121 - Class Voice and Diction. Students choosing a vocal emphasis should take this class in their first semester of music study.

Students with limited vocal training may be encouraged to complete additional study in Applied Voice in order to develop a stronger singing voice.

All students, regardless of emphasis, should take MUPR 219 - Guitar Techniques.

Additional study in Applied Guitar is required for two semesters. It is recommended that study focus on chording including I, IV and V7 chords in four major and four minor keys as well as common simple tunes (pop, country, folk, gospel, children’s songs, etc.) from various decades.

Music majors must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in prerequisite courses.

Transfer students may have the pattern of prerequisites altered at the discretion of the Department Chair Students with a piano emphasis will substitute MUPR 221 - Piano Pedagogy for MUPR 117 - Class Piano I and MUPR 118 - Class Piano II.

The following classes are also recommended from the Department of Biology for the Music Therapy Pathway:

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Program Mission

Provide an educational background appropriate for a liberal arts program.

Prepare students for careers in areas that value a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Lay a strong foundation for graduate study in various disciplines.

Develop students' understanding of working with others and enhance their counseling skills.

Foster critical thinking and people skills for success in the workforce.

Anchor: Career Outcomes

Psychology Careers & Outcomes

Psychologist: $81,040

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments.

Career Counselor: $60,510

School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.

Mental Health Counselor: $48,520

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression.

Professor: $79,640

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.

Case Manager: $74,000

Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.

Probation Officer: $60,250

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitating law offenders in custody or on probation or parole.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

What is a psychology degree?

A psychology degree focuses on understanding the mental and emotional processes of individuals, as well as how they interact with their environments. The program combines knowledge of both mind and body, fostering skills in listening and empathy to help people grow and heal. Psychology degrees can open doors to careers in clinical psychology, counseling, social work, and business management.

How long does a psychology degree take?

Can I get a psychology degree online?

Is a psychology degree worth it?

A psychology degree is worth it for those who want to make a positive impact by understanding and helping others. The degree can lead to a variety of careers in fields like mental health counseling, education, and human resources. With growing demand in psychology-related fields, it provides valuable skills and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

What can I do with a psychology degree?

A psychology degree can lead to careers in diverse fields such as clinical psychology, counseling, social work, education, marketing, and human resources. Graduates can work as mental health counselors, career advisors, probation officers, or even pursue advanced degrees for more specialized roles. The skills gained in this program are applicable to any profession that values understanding human behavior.

How do I get a psychology degree?

Is psychology a hard degree?

Psychology can be a challenging degree due to the in-depth study of human behavior, cognitive processes, and mental health. It requires strong analytical and critical thinking skills to grasp complex concepts. However, if you're passionate about understanding people and helping others, the coursework can be both engaging and rewarding. With dedication and good study habits, it is very manageable.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Psychology

Lindsay Bell

Adjunct Professor

Psychology

Lindsay Bell

Contact Information

lindsay.bell [at] ucumberlands.edu

Remote

Dr. Jelenny Marquez

Adjunct Professor

Psychology

Dr. Jelenny Marquez

Contact Information

jelenny.marquez [at] ucumberlands.edu

Remote

Dr. Jean W. Hunt

Adjunct Professor

Psychology

Dr. Jean W. Hunt

Contact Information

828.536.5199

jean.hunt [at] ucumberlands.edu

Remote

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Psychology

Types

Location

Credits

Cost

The first step toward helping others is understanding them.

By the Numbers

$81,040

8%

#1

16:1

Programs & Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Course Requirements

Psychology Minors

Course Requirements

Associate of Science with a Major in Psychology

Course Requirements

Music Therapy Pathway for Psychology Minors

Take the Next Step

Program Mission