Does Strayer University Have an Online Psychology Degree? A Comprehensive Guide
Strayer University is a prominent institution that has been offering career-focused education for over 130 years. Known for its flexibility and online programs tailored to working professionals, Strayer has earned recognition for degrees in fields such as business, information technology, and criminal justice. However, when it comes to psychology—a field that has grown significantly in demand—Strayer University does not currently offer a dedicated online psychology degree program. This article explores the available options at Strayer and offers guidance for those interested in pursuing psychology degrees.
What Strayer University Offers
While Strayer does not provide a standalone psychology degree, the university integrates psychology-related courses into several programs, focusing on the practical application of behavioral and social sciences in various industries. These programs often provide students with skills and knowledge relevant to psychology, such as understanding human behavior, effective communication, and decision-making.
Programs with Psychology Elements
- Criminal Justice
- Courses in Strayer’s criminal justice degree often include topics on criminal behavior, victimology, and the social factors influencing crime. This aligns closely with psychology, particularly for those interested in forensic psychology or criminology.
- Business Administration
- Strayer’s business programs incorporate organizational behavior and leadership, which involve psychological principles like motivation, group dynamics, and decision-making. These are ideal for students interested in industrial-organizational psychology.
Strengths of Strayer’s Approach
- Career-Focused Learning
- Strayer’s programs are designed with a practical focus, emphasizing skills that can be directly applied in the workplace. While not offering pure psychology degrees, they provide valuable insights into human behavior in specific professional contexts.
- Flexible Online Education
- Strayer’s online platform is well-suited for working professionals. Students can complete their coursework at their own pace, balancing education with personal and professional commitments.
- Transferable Skills
- The programs incorporate critical thinking, problem-solving, and an understanding of human behavior—skills that are foundational in psychology.
Alternatives for Psychology Students
For students who specifically want to pursue a dedicated psychology degree, several other institutions offer fully online programs. These degrees cover various branches of psychology, including clinical, counseling, educational, and forensic psychology.
Popular Online Psychology Programs
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- Offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with concentrations in mental health, child development, and more.
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- Provides a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, emphasizing scientific research methods and practical application.
- University of Florida Online
- Features a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, exploring the biological and cognitive bases of behavior.
These programs offer comprehensive curricula tailored to students aiming for careers in counseling, research, or advanced psychology studies.
The Growing Need for Psychology Professionals
Psychology is one of the fastest-growing fields globally, with career opportunities in mental health services, education, organizational leadership, and more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for psychologists are projected to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031. As mental health awareness increases, so does the demand for trained professionals in counseling, therapy, and behavioral research.
Why Consider a Psychology Degree?
- Wide Career Scope
- Graduates with psychology degrees can work in education, healthcare, human resources, marketing, and criminal justice.
- Path to Advanced Studies
- A bachelor’s in psychology serves as a foundation for master’s or doctoral degrees, leading to licensed professions like clinical psychology or psychiatry.
- Understanding Human Behavior
- Studying psychology fosters better interpersonal skills and self-awareness, useful in virtually every profession.
How to Decide Between Strayer and Other Institutions
Choose Strayer If:
- You are interested in fields like criminal justice or business that overlap with psychology.
- You prefer a flexible online program tailored to working adults.
- You want to build practical skills that integrate psychology into broader career goals.
Consider Other Institutions If:
- You want a dedicated degree in psychology with diverse specialization options.
- You are planning to pursue licensure in counseling or clinical psychology.
- You aim to engage in psychological research or advanced academic pursuits.
Exploring Strayer’s Resources
Even without a psychology degree, Strayer offers resources that can support students interested in the field:
- Career Services: Help students align their career goals with their education.
- Transfer Credits: Students can transfer credits from previous institutions if they decide to pursue psychology elsewhere.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Strayer emphasizes personalized support through academic advisors and online learning tools.
Conclusion
While Strayer University does not currently offer an online psychology degree, its programs in criminal justice and business provide valuable skills and knowledge rooted in psychological principles. For students specifically seeking a psychology degree, exploring other institutions with dedicated programs may be more appropriate. Strayer remains a strong choice for those looking to integrate psychological insights into broader professional contexts, backed by its flexible and career-focused educational approach.
