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Aug 21, 2025
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2025-2026 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook
BS Business Psychology
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Return to: Programs of Study
Distance Learning
Program Overview
The BS Business Psychology program prepares students for a career in business, applying psychological principles to create lasting solutions to tough problems and unlock an organization’s potential. Graduates will be prepared to use their education to further their professional careers in various settings through the program’s three distinctive tracks in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Organizational Leadership, or Behavioral Economics, earning graduate program credit while completing their BS Business Psychology degree.
Students in their final year will choose one of three tracks of master’s level program coursework, which will count for 15 credits toward the BS Business Psychology Program, as well as toward the related MA program. Students completing the graduate courses while enrolled in the BS Business Psychology program will also earn the graduate certificate related to their chosen track;
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Organizational Leadership
- Behavioral Economics.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program students will be able to:
Professional Practice
- Synthesize relevant psychological research into strategies for addressing complex workplace problems.
- Collaborate effectively and fulfill various leadership functions in a team environment, to include managing projects and supporting the development of practical workplace solutions.
- Apply business and human resource management principles to maintain the operations of an organization.
- Analyze data typically collected in the measurement of organizational behavior and workforce dynamics.
Diversity
- Advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion when developing workforce initiatives.
Professional Behavior
- Make ethical decisions in the application of psychological principles to workforce initiatives.
- Communicate effectively in oral presentations and written reports, translating scientific research and statistical findings to both professional and layperson audiences.
Scholarship
- Search scientific literature to identify foundational psychological principles and theories.
- Analyze statistical data and apply logical reasoning to explain human, organizational, and workforce behaviors.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BS Psychology program is open to any person who meets entrance requirements as outlined below. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to successfully complete an undergraduate degree program. Generally, a high school cumulative GPA of a 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. However, applicants with a cumulative high school GPA below 2.3 or applicants seeking admission with a GED will be considered for admission with the submission of additional required documents. It is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all undergraduate schools where credit was received (and no degree was earned) to support their application and request for transfer credit. (See Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy). The Chicago School does not accept transfer credit for BA300 Foundations of Psychology, BA340 Research Methods, BA380 Statistics, and BA400 Capstone.
Factors and materials to be considered for admission will include:
- Completed application and $50 application fee
- Applicants must provide proof of the qualifying conferral - high school graduation (or the equivalent) or proof of an earned Associate degree. Information about acceptable proof of qualifying conferral can be found here.
Applicants with a cumulative high-school or undergraduate GPA below 2.3 and applicants seeking admission with high school equivalency documentation that does not show a GPA (such as GED, home school, or testing) are required to submit additional documentation.
- Resume/CV
- One Letter of recommendation (optional)
- Essay of intent
- Please compose a written essay to answer the questions below. Your essay should be typed, double-spaced, and three pages (approximately 500-750 words) while clearly addressing the program for which the applicant is applying.
- Psychology is a vast discipline with many career options:
- Why are you interested in this particular program to earn your undergraduate degree in psychology? Cite specific experiences and examples.
- What are your professional career goals as they relate to this degree? Why do you believe this program will assist you in reaching these goals?
- Why is it important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes cultural awareness, competence, and understanding of diversity (see our Commitment to Diversity Statement)?
- If you are a first generation undergraduate degree student, please integrate this into your essay.
- SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission, however applicants who have taken the SAT/ACT may submit their scores to enhance their application.
Applicant Notification
The Chicago School reviews applications on a rolling basis. Once review begins, complete applications will be considered by the Admission Committee and applicants will be notified regarding the admission decision. The Chicago School does not share information or provide any feedback regarding admission decisions.
If a student is offered admission, in order to secure a place in the incoming class, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $100 will be required by the deposit deadline indicated in the offer of admission. The non-refundable deposit will be applied in full toward the student’s tuition upon enrollment.
Degree Completion Requirements
Completion of 120 credit hours to include:
- Successful completion of General Education requirements as listed
- Successful completion of Core Curriculum as listed
Policies
The following policies are located under Academic Policies and Procedures : Admissions Requirements, Attendance, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Service Learning, and Transfer Credit/Course Waiver.
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The Curriculum
Business Psychology Major: 55 Credit hours
General Education: 44 Credit Hours
- Students entering with an A.A.S. or A.A. degree may have this requirement waived
- Total number of general education credits to be completed at The Chicago School depends on transfer credit as evaluated per The Chicago School transfer credit policy
- All BS Business Psychology students must complete SBS 100 Introduction to Pychology, MATH 107 Algebra, and PLS 100 Introduction to Biology with Lab or their equivalent.
Specilized Track: 21 Credit Hours
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Organizational Leadership
- Behavioral Economics
Program Total: 120 credit hours
Business Psychology Major (55 Credit Hours)
Industrial Organizational Psychology Track (21 Credit Hours)
Courses with the IO prefix are graduate level courses and may be also applied toward the MA Industrial/Organizational Psychology program providing the student meets the admission requirements for that program. Students successfully completing the Industrial/Organizational Psychology Track may petition for conferral of the Industrial and Organizational Psychology Generalist Certificate upon completion of IO 510 Organizational Behavior and any two of the remaining courses with the IO prefix.
Organizational Leadership Track (21 Credit Hours)
Courses with the IO and MP prefixes are graduate level courses and may be also applied toward the MA Organizational Leadership program providing the student meets the admission requirements for that program. Students successfully completing the Industrial/Organizational Psychology Track may petition for conferral of the Certificate in Organizational Leadership upon completion of IO 525 Organizational Leadership and any two of the remaining courses with the IO or MP prefix.
Behavioral Economics Track (21 Credit Hours)
Courses with the IO and BE prefixes are graduate level courses and may be also applied toward the MA Behavioral Economics program providing the student meets the admission requirements for that program. Students successfully completing the Industrial/Organizational Psychology Track may petition for conferral of the Certificate in Behavioral Economics s upon completion of BE 505 Fundamentals of Behavioral Economics and any two of the remaining courses with the IO or BE prefix.
General Education for Baccalaureate Programs
The General Studies courses for bachelor’s programs at The Chicago School consist of three (3) categories: 1) General Education requirements, 2) Interdisciplinary Studies courses, and 3) General Electives.
The Chicago School’s bachelor’s programs share a common core of 44 credit hours of general education requirements, including a capstone experience. The coursework is designed to meet general education requirements in all 50 states and the District of Columbia while providing the groundwork for success in the following years of study of the Bachelor’s Degree.
Students residing in Florida must complete a total of 45 credit hours of general education requirements, which may be fulfilled by taking an additional course from the general education course offerings.
General Education Courses are all delivered in an online format.
Student Success Seminar (3 Credit Hours Required)
All undergraduate students, as a part of the general education requirements will complete the SEM 100 Pathways to Success course (or the BA305 or CR305 course equivalent) except for those who transfer into the institution with an earned associate degree from an accredited institution.
Interdisciplinary Studies Courses
Interdisciplinary studies courses are designed to be taken by students from various academic disciplines. These courses may be required or otherwise serve as elective course options within a program of study or within the general studies curriculum. Review the academic catalog for the specific requirements within an academic program of study.
General Education Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the general education coursework, students will be able to:
Professional Practice
- Technology and Innovation: Apply technology to enhance learning, collaboration, and application of knowledge in academic and professional settings.
Diversity
- Valuing and Understanding Difference: Analyze historical and social contexts that shape cultural values and belief systems to enrich discourse and promote ethical, inclusive, and respectful environments.
Professional Behavior
- Contemporary Issues and Social Responsibility: Analyze complex global challenges to understand their implications, assess and propose solutions, and collaborate with diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
Scholarship
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Effective Communication: Demonstrate skills to communicate effectively in written and oral format, within and across academic, professional, and social contexts.
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Written: Students will be able to effectively communicate ideas in writing, tailoring their message to the specific audience and purpose.
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Oral: Students will be able to effectively communicate ideas orally, tailoring their message to the specific audience and purpose.
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Reading: Students will be able to critically read and comprehend texts through the analysis of information and synthesis of ideas to inform judgments.
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Information Literacy: Evaluate the credibility and purpose of information in the application of research and communication.
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Critical Thinking: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of evidence presented to identify underlying assumptions, biases, and logical fallacies in the pursuit of creative problem-solving in diverse academic and real-world contexts.
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Quantitative Literacy: Apply mathematical concepts to effectively interpret data, solve problems, and draw evidence-based conclusions in various real-world contexts.
General Education Capstone
The CAP 200 Introduction to Research Methods course serves as an introduction to various research methodologies and techniques. This course helps set a foundation for students to apply learned knowledge of research approaches in future program of study courses, the workforce, and their communities at large. During the course, students will demonstrate their knowledge by completing a research proposal signature assignment. All undergraduate students will complete this course except for those who transfer into the institution with an earned associate degree from an accredited institution.
General Education Required Core (44 Credit Hours)
Writing and Communication (9 Credit Hours)
English courses develop a student’s communication skills by enhancing their understanding of how language works. Students will refine their written and oral communication through the lens of rhetoric, focusing on practical reasoning and organization. These courses also strengthen a student’s ability to discover, critically evaluate, and report information, while improving their reading, writing, and listening skills. For students transferring credits, accepted courses must be in English composition and public speaking or communication.
Students must complete nine (9) credit hours of Writing and Communication coursework to fulfill general education requirements.
Humanities and Fine Arts (9 Credit Hours)
The humanities and fine arts courses provide a broader perspective on human experience, culture, and history. These courses help students develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills, which are highly transferable across diverse majors and professions. The humanities also help students analyze complex social issues, understand their historical context, and contribute to meaningful solutions. For students transferring courses, accepted courses for humanities and fine arts include literature, philosophy and ethics, history, religious studies, foreign languages, mythology, art history, music, theater, dance, race studies, and cultural anthropology or sociology.
Students must complete nine (9) credit hours of Humanities and Fine Arts coursework to fulfill general education requirements.
Mathematics (3 Credit Hours)
Mathematics courses provide a foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students learn analytical reasoning, data interpretation, and the application of mathematical concepts to real-world situations. These abilities are valuable in any field, from scientific research and criminal investigations to business and management. For students transferring credits, accepted courses must be in the allowable categories, including college algebra, pre-calculus, statistics, discrete mathematics, and other courses focused on mathematical theory, application, or logical reasoning. Transfer credits will not apply to developmental or remedial math courses.
Students must complete three (3) credit hours of Mathematics coursework to fulfill general education requirements.
MATH 107 is required for BS Business Psychology and BS Healthcare Management students.
MATH 107 or higher is required for students residing in Arkansas.
Physical and Life Sciences (8 Credit Hours)
Life and physical science courses explore the natural world through scientific inquiry, investigating the fundamental principles governing living organisms, matter, and energy. These courses develop essential scientific literacy, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning skills, enabling students to understand complex natural phenomena and apply scientific methods to real-world challenges. For students transferring credit, accepted courses include:
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Life Sciences: Biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, zoology, botany, and other disciplines focused on living organisms and their processes.
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Physical Sciences: Chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology, meteorology, and other disciplines focused on non-living systems, matter, and energy.
Students are required to take at least one (1) Life Science with a corresponding Lab and one Physical Science course with a corresponding Lab for a total of eight (8) credit hours of Physical and Life Science coursework to fulfill general education requirements.
Students residing in Louisiana are required to complete nine (9) credit hours of Life and Physical Science coursework to fulfill general education requirements. Six (6) credit hours shall be earned in a single life or physical science; the remaining three (3) credit hours must be earned in a natural science area other than that previously selected.
BIO 100 is required for BS Business Psychology students.
Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 Credit Hours)
Social and behavioral science courses systematically investigate human behavior, societal structures, and institutions to understand how social, political, and economic systems interact and influence one another. These courses enable students to explore contemporary and historical issues across diverse cultural contexts, examining the principles and methodologies of social scientific inquiry to address real-world challenges. For students transferring credits, accepted courses include categories in sociology, psychology, economics, political science, geography, criminal justice, and interdisciplinary studies that analyze social phenomena and human behavior.
Students are required to complete nine (9) credit hours of Social and Behavioral Sciences coursework to fulfill general education requirements.
If a student resides in Arkansas, one of the three courses is required to be completed in US History or US Government.
BS Business Psychology students must take SBS100 Introduction to Psychology
Capstone (3 Credit Hours)
Interdisciplinary Studies Courses (Elective)
Prior Learning Assessment - Portfolio (Electives)
A student may develop a portfolio that documents acquired college-level learning from non-college experiences-those that did not occur in a classroom setting. The portfolio is a collection of essays, documents, or other materials that provide evidence of that learning, such as professional training, life experiences, civil or military service, job related activities, or volunteer work. To participate in Portfolio Review, students are required to enroll in a sequence of two .5 credit hour online courses (PLA101 and PLA102) that provide step-by-step guidance on the development of an electronic portfolio. Once enrolled, the portfolio development course facilitator will help students determine what documentation is necessary to demonstrate mastery of the learning outcomes for the targeted course(s). Department approval is required for enrollment in these courses.
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