Psychology & Human Services (BA/BS) Program Overview

The innovative hybrid psychology and human services (PSY/HS) degree program delivers a strong faith- and heart-centered foundation for students who value both. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for the workplace.

“We offer high-quality psychology and human services education through the lens of the Christian faith,” notes Dr. Richard A. Farmer. The psychology and human services major focuses on fundamental psychology concepts as well as statistical principles concerning human experience and behavior. Our faculty members offer a variety of perspectives in education and practice and make themselves available to every student. Our goal is to serve our majors. “Teaching gives me the blessed opportunity to share all I have learned and discovered along the way with like-minded explorers,” says Dr. Farmer.

Career Ready or Graduate School

The major also includes the opportunity for an internship to gain critical real-world experience. Once you complete the psychology and human services degree, students are prepared for graduate school such as the Master of Arts degree in Counseling, or Master of Arts in Human Services Leadership degree. Students may also choose to begin meaningful careers helping families and individuals address stress and behavioral issues in the workplace.

If you’re called to explore human behavior through relationships, mental processes, and environmental variables, we want to meet you. Make your plans to visit Bluefield University today!


The Academic Catalog is the student guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

Tuition: $395 Per Credit Hour
On-Campus Tuition & Fees
Next Start: June 28, 2023 (Online)
Next Start: August 16, 2023 (On-Campus)
Time to Complete: 2-4 years*

* Time to complete can be reduced with prior learning and transfer credits

Learn how to save on your degree

Courses & Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS)
General Education (39-41 Credits)

General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors


  • Bluefield Core (6 Credits)
  • Christian Studies (6 Credits)
  • Composition (3 Credits)
  • Health & Physical Activity (3 Credits)
  • Humanities – Fine Arts, History, Literature (6 Credits)
  • Math/Natural Science (3-4 Credits)
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 Credits)
  • Degree-Specific Requirements (6-7 Credits)
    • B.A. Foreign Language or Cultural Understanding (6 Credits)
    • B.S. Math/Science Courses (6-7 Credits)
Core Requirements (42 Credits)

  • Introduction to the Helping Professions
  • Human Development Across the Lifespan
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Family Dynamics
  • Social Research
  • Understanding Addiction & Addictive Behavior
  • Human Diversity
  • Human Sexuality
  • Case Management
  • Tests & Measurements
  • History & Systems
  • Counseling & Psychotherapy
  • Group Dynamics
  • Internship
Electives (30-34 Credits)
Total Credits: 120

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Psychiatric Technician
Behavioral Researcher
Case Manager
Probation/Parole Officer
Employment Counselor

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Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Jenna Fitzgerald

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Raymond

Assistant Professor of Counseling

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