90-Credit Online Bachelor’s Degrees with Holly Tapper, J.D.
The faces of first-year students are changing, and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota strives to be a place for all... Read More
Online Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology
Finish your psychology degree faster with FastTrack 90™
The online B.S. in Applied Psychology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is available in the FastTrack 90™ format, allowing you to complete your bachelor’s degree in just 90 credits.
Instead of the traditional 120-credit structure, this innovative program requires just 90 credits, allowing you to complete your bachelor’s degree up to 25% faster while preparing for careers in mental health, education, and social services.
The curriculum draws on the same academic expertise behind Saint Mary’s nationally recognized licensed mental health programs and provides a strong foundation for graduate study in counseling, psychology, and related fields.
Read More
$440
per credit
Aug•Oct•Jan
Mar•May•Jun
start dates
Online
$440
per credit
Aug•Oct•Jan
Mar•May•Jun
start dates
B.S. in Applied Psychology Degree Program Highlights
- Earn digital badges throughout the program to showcase mastered skills. Your first badge, earned after three courses, highlights skills you can use immediately in psychology-related work.
- Build additional credentials through in-demand certifications such as First Aid, Brain Health, and Navigating Personality Disorders through renowned institutions, boosting your credentials and expertise.
- Complete a final project that allows you to research and apply what you’ve learned, or gain real-world experience through a flexible internship you can schedule around your life and work commitments.
- Begin graduate-level coursework while completing your bacehlor’s degree and pursue the direct-admit Psy.D. program pathway, allowing qualified students to complete both degrees in as few as six years. Ask your enrollment counselor for details.
- Explore scholarships through our Trusted Partnership Program with over 80 companies and organizations. Check whether your employer participates.
- Most required textbooks are provided as digital editions at no additional cost, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and giving you convenient online access to course materials anytime.
Life moves fast. Your degree should too.
Saint Mary’s FastTrack 90™ online bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology requires just 90 credits instead of the traditional 120, helping you finish your degree sooner and begin your career earlier.
- Enter the workforce earlier
- Start earning income sooner
- Gain real-world experience faster
- Advance in your field while others are still completing their final year
What you’ll learn in the B.S. in Applied Psychology degree program
In your psychology courses, you will study:
- Foundations of psychology; individual development, psychological disorders, and treatment methods
- Theoretical and empirical foundations of learning, cognition, and the nature of the mind
- Strategic decision-making skills within healthcare settings
- Scientific foundations of positive psychology, well-being, human development, and positive emotions
- Etiology, treatment options, and prognosis of abnormal behavior
- Data, measurement, and statistics to inform public health decisions
- Ethical practice in professional settings
Faculty Leaders. Dedicated mentors.
Meet Michael Lee, Ph.D., associate professor in Saint Mary’s B.S. in Applied Psychology and M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy programs. With a Ph.D. in philosophy and an M.A. in social work from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Lee brings a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective to teaching. His expertise helps students connect theory to real-world practice and prepare for meaningful careers supporting individuals, families, and communities.
How to apply for the B.S. in Applied Psychology program
Saint Mary’s accepts applications for online bachelor degree programs year-round. You can start your degree program in the fall, spring, or summer semester once accepted for enrollment.
To apply, you’ll need to provide:
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts
- If you’ve completed college-level coursework: submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities you attended.
- If you haven’t completed any college-level coursework: submit an official high school transcript showing your diploma.
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable), Interview with a program administrator (if requested)
Spring Term 2 (March) - Apply by: Feb. 1, 2026
It must be sent directly to Saint Mary’s University by the issuing institution.
International transcripts must be evaluated course-by-course by an approved credential evaluation service, such as:
- World Education Services (WES)
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- Educational Perspectives
- One Earth International Credential Evaluators
- Any NACES member (naces.org)
Send Materials To:
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Spring Term 2 (March) - Apply by: Feb. 1, 2026
Tuition and Financial Aid
With only 90 credits required, you can save up to $13,500 — money you can put toward a home, graduate school, or your child’s education. It’s an investment in your future.
Financial aid is available through grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and possibly even employer reimbursement.
Careers and Salary
A bachelor's in psychology opens doors to roles in mental health, education, business, and social services. Build skills in understanding behavior, solving problems, and making an impact — or use this degree as a strong foundation for graduate study toward a career in clinical psychology.
Behavioral Health Counselor
Human Resource Specialist
Training and Development Specialist
Explore more career paths and see how this program can help you reach your goals.
Visit our blogFrequently Asked Questions
What is a 90-credit bachelor’s degree?
A 90-credit bachelor’s degree allows students to complete a bachelor’s program with 90 university credits instead of the traditional 120-credit bachelor’s degree structure used by most colleges and universities. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, the FastTrack 90™ Applied Psychology program focuses on essential coursework and career preparation, helping students finish their degree sooner while maintaining academic rigor.
Is a 90-credit bachelor’s degree legitimate?
Yes. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and graduates of the FastTrack 90™ program earn a fully accredited bachelor’s degree from the university. The program is designed to focus on essential coursework while preparing students for professional careers and continued education.
What support services are available for online students?
Online students at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota have access to the same support services as on-campus students. Resources include Student Central for billing and financial aid, 24/7 library access, virtual and in-person writing support, and Career Services to build your skills and enhance your résumé anytime.
Can I work full-time and juggle this program?
Yes. The Applied Psychology FastTrack 90™ program is designed for working adults and busy students. Because the program is fully online and flexible, many students balance coursework with full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments while completing their bachelor’s degree.
Can I transfer credits into the program?
Yes. Students may transfer up to 60 credits from previous college coursework, associate degrees, technical programs, or military training. Credits earned in the past do not expire, allowing many students to build on previous education and complete only the courses needed to earn their bachelor’s degree.
Will a 90-credit bachelor’s degree qualify me for admission to a master’s program?
Graduate admission requirements vary by university. Saint Mary’s awards an accredited bachelor’s degree through the FastTrack 90™ program, but some graduate schools require a traditional 120-credit bachelor’s degree for admission. Students interested in graduate study should confirm admission requirements with the institution where they plan to apply.
Who is the 90-credit bachelor’s degree designed for?
The FastTrack 90™ Applied Psychology degree is designed for students who want to complete a bachelor’s degree efficiently while balancing work and life commitments. It is often a strong fit for adult learners, career changers, and students with prior college credit who want to advance professionally without committing to a traditional four-year degree structure.
News from the School of Advancing Studies
Expanding mission: New 90-credit online program launches at Saint Mary’s University
Saint Mary University of Minnesota has long been an innovator in online adult education. For more than 30 years, we’ve... Read MoreIn the news: Holly Tapper featured on KSTP-TV
Holly Tapper, dean of the school of advancing studies, spoke with KSTP-TV about Saint Mary's new 90-credit online bachelor degree... Read More