What Are My Options If I Need a Bachelor’s Degree Fast from Saint Mary’s?
If you’re looking to complete your bachelor’s degree efficiently, you have options. Accelerated online programs are designed to help motivated... Read More
90-Credit Online Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology
Finish your psychology degree faster
In our FastTrack 90™ online bachelor’s degree program, apply the power of psychology to prepare for a new or advanced career in mental health, education, or social services.
Our B.S. in Applied Psychology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota combines organizational and applied social psychology to give you practical, career-ready skills. As part of FastTrack 90, this fully online degree can be completed in just 90 credits — up to 25% faster than traditional bachelor’s programs — helping you move forward sooner while gaining hands-on, innovative experience employers value.
Our Applied Psychology program meets the American Psychological Association (APA) academic and professional standards, ensuring you earn a high-quality and reputable education..
At Saint Mary’s, holistic growth and the development of strong character and integrity aren’t add-ons; they’re woven into every part of our programs.
This is more than a degree — it’s a path to purpose. Apply today!
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$440
per credit
Aug•Oct•Jan
Mar•May•Jun
start dates
Online
$440
per credit
Aug•Oct•Jan
Mar•May•Jun
start dates
Online
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 bachelor’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.
Admission requirements and application process
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)
What’s an official transcript?
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
B.S. in Applied Psychology program application deadline
- Fall Term 1 — Aug. 1
- Fall Term 2 — Oct. 1
- Spring Term 1 — Dec. 1
- Spring Term 2 — Feb. 1
- Summer Term 1 — April 1
- Summer Term 2 — June 1
B.S. in Applied Psychology program application deadline
- Fall Term 1 — Aug. 1
- Fall Term 2 — Oct. 1
- Spring Term 1 — Dec. 1
- Spring Term 2 — Feb. 1
- Summer Term 1 — April 1
- Summer Term 2 — June 1
Admissions
Ready to apply? Learn about taking the next steps.
Transfer Credits
Students can transfer a maximum of 66 credits toward our 90 credit FastTrack90 programs A grade of C- or better must have been earned in a course to qualify for transfer.
English Language Proficiency
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.
Saint Mary’s accepts:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 4 (formerly 72)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
- Duolingo with a minimum score of 105
- International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0
- Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
- EIKEN with a minimum of Pre-1
- Manchester Exam with a minimum score of 360
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
Completed application form
There is no application fee. For eligible degree-seeking applicants, Saint Mary’s may be able to order and cover the cost of transcripts from institutions that allow third-party requests.Applicants must submit official high school, GED, or secondary school credentials for admission review.
Transfer students who have completed high school and earned 12 or more college-level credits after high school, with grades of C/2.0 or higher, are not required to submit official high school transcripts.
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all post-high school coursework, including technical and community colleges. An official transcript is one sent directly to the university by the credit-granting institution.
Applicants with academic credentials from outside the U.S.
Applicants with academic credentials from outside the U.S. may not need a credential evaluation if the Admissions team is able to verify and evaluate the transcript, including U.S. equivalency and GPA conversion.If a credential evaluation is required, applicants must submit an evaluation from a university-accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, One Earth International Credential Evaluators, or an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org).
Applicants seeking transfer credit from post-secondary coursework completed outside the U.S. must submit an official course-by-course evaluation from a NACES approved service. Students are responsible for any associated costs.
Application materials should be directed to:
Office of Admission
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404Or electronically to: tcadmission@smumn.edu
Application Deadlines
Fall semester term 1 – August 1
Fall semester term 2 – October 1
Spring semester term 1 – December 1
Spring semester term 2 – February 1
Summer semester term 1 – April 1
Summer semester term 2 – June 1
Notice of Acceptance
Get your admission decision within one to two weeks.
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.
Course catalog
You’ll take courses such as:
- Abnormal Psychology
- Brain & Behavior
- Current Issues in Health: Research and Practice
- Multicultural Psychology
- Social Psychology
See all the courses you’ll take and requirements in the catalog.
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?
It allows students to complete a bachelor’s program with 90 credits instead of the traditional 120. The FastTrack 90™ Applied Psychology program focuses on essential coursework to help students finish sooner.
Is a 90-credit bachelor’s degree legitimate?
Yes. Saint Mary’s is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and graduates earn a fully accredited bachelor’s degree.
What support services are available for online students?
Access to Student Central, 24/7 library access, writing support, and Career Services.
Can I work full-time and juggle this program?
Yes. The program is fully online and flexible, designed for working adults and busy students.
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.
Will a 90-credit bachelor’s degree qualify me for admission to a master’s program?
Saint Mary’s graduate programs accept it. However, some external graduate schools may require 120 credits, so students should confirm with their target institution.
Who is the 90-credit bachelor’s degree designed for?
Adult learners, career changers, and students with prior credit who want to advance professionally without a traditional four-year commitment.
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