Central Penn College

Central Penn College Announces New Bachelor of Science in Psychology Degree

New applied psychology degree connects the study of human behavior with real-world careers and professional experience

by Joseph Caviston

Enola, PA (09/15/2026) — Central Penn College is expanding its career-focused academic offerings with the launch of a new Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a 120-credit applied psychology degree designed to help students understand human behavior and, just as importantly, learn how to put that knowledge to work.

While many psychology degree programs are built primarily around the traditional study of psychological theory and research, Central Penn College's new program places a strong emphasis on applied psychology, connecting psychological science to real-world situations, industries and career paths.

That approach directly reflects Central Penn College's renewed focus on Career-Focused Education and its commitment to helping students connect what they learn in the classroom with what they want to do professionally.

The new Psychology program gives students a foundation in psychological science while creating opportunities to explore how psychology is applied in areas such as behavioral health, human services, behavior analysis, athletics and the criminal justice system.

"Psychology is an incredibly versatile field because people are at the center of nearly every career, organization and community," said Central Penn College President Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams. "What makes this program such a natural fit for Central Penn is its focus on application. We want our students to understand psychological science, but we also want them to know how to use that knowledge to solve problems, work with people and prepare for meaningful professional opportunities. That is what career-focused education is all about."

Taking Psychology Beyond the Textbook

Central Penn College's Bachelor of Science in Psychology combines the science of human behavior with practical application.

Students will study areas including developmental, biological, social, abnormal, multicultural and applied psychology while building career-ready skills in research, critical thinking, communication, data analysis, scientific inquiry and ethical decision-making.

The difference is what students are encouraged to do with that knowledge.

Throughout the program, students will examine how psychological principles can be applied to people, organizations, communities and professional environments. Applied coursework, research, experiential learning and a dedicated Psychology internship are designed to help students make the connection between psychological concepts and the situations they may encounter after graduation.

"At Central Penn, we believe students should be able to see the connection between what they are learning today and where they want to go tomorrow," Fedrizzi-Williams said. "That means hands-on experiences, faculty who connect learning to the real world, flexible pathways and programs built with careers in mind."

Four Applied Psychology Career Pathways

Students can further shape the degree around their interests and professional goals through 18 credits of career pathway coursework.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology includes four career pathway options:

Applied Behavior Analysis
Behavioral Health & Human Services
Sports Psychology
Forensic Psychology

Each pathway gives students an opportunity to explore how psychology is used in a particular professional area.

Applied Behavior Analysis

The Applied Behavior Analysis pathway allows students to explore how principles of behavior can be used to better understand and influence human behavior in real-world settings.

Students interested in behavior, learning, intervention and human development can use the pathway to build additional knowledge in an area with applications across behavioral health, human services, education and related fields.

Behavioral Health & Human Services

The Behavioral Health & Human Services pathway focuses on the application of psychology in settings that support individuals, families and communities.

It may be a strong fit for students interested in people-centered careers or future graduate education in behavioral health, counseling, psychology, social work or related fields.

Sports Psychology

The Sports Psychology pathway connects psychological science with athletics, competition and human performance.

Students can explore the psychological factors behind motivation, confidence, teamwork, performance and how individuals respond to pressure, making it a natural option for students interested in athletics, coaching, wellness, performance and sport-related careers.

Forensic Psychology

The Forensic Psychology pathway explores the intersection of psychology, human behavior and the criminal justice system.

Students can examine how psychological principles connect with crime, justice, public safety, victim services, corrections, law enforcement and other justice-related environments.

Together, the four pathways give students opportunities to move beyond a broad understanding of psychology and begin applying it in areas that align with where they may want to go professionally.

Real-World Experience Built Into the Degree

A central component of the new program is a dedicated Psychology internship, giving students an opportunity to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it in a professional environment.

The internship is designed to help students gain experience, strengthen their resume, develop their professional network and better understand how psychology is used outside of the classroom.

That emphasis on application is intentional.

Central Penn College's broader brand refresh places increased focus on career preparation, hands-on learning, flexible education and academic experiences that prepare students not simply to earn a credential, but to understand how to use it.

Where Can an Applied Psychology Degree Lead?

Because understanding people and behavior is valuable in nearly every industry, an applied psychology education can provide a versatile foundation for a wide range of professional environments.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology can also provide an undergraduate foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate or professional education in psychology, counseling, behavioral health, social work and related disciplines.

Some careers in psychology, counseling, therapy, social work, applied behavior analysis and related professions may require graduate education, professional licensure, certification or additional credentials.

Flexible, Career-Focused Education

Like many Central Penn College programs, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology is designed with flexibility in mind.

The degree will be offered in a hybrid format, with a significant portion of coursework available through distance education depending on course scheduling and rotation.

Students will also benefit from Central Penn College's accelerated 11-week academic terms, designed to help them maintain momentum as they work toward completing their degree.

The new program represents another step in Central Penn College's continued evolution as a career-focused institution.

Rather than asking students simply, "What do you want to study?" Central Penn's approach increasingly asks a second question:

What do you want to do with it?

For students interested in understanding why people think, feel and behave the way they do, the new Bachelor of Science in Psychology provides an opportunity to study those questions while preparing to apply the answers in the real world.

About Central Penn College

Central Penn College provides career-focused education designed to connect learning with professional opportunity. Through accelerated academic terms, flexible learning options, hands-on experiences and programs built around the needs of today's workforce, Central Penn helps students develop the knowledge, skills and experience to move from potential to profession.

For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, visit CentralPenn.edu.

Central Penn College

Central Penn College Announces New Bachelor of Science in Psychology Degree

New applied psychology degree connects the study of human behavior with real-world careers and professional experience

Central Penn College

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