Penn State World Campus offers two programs leading to a baccalaureate degree. The basic difference between the two programs is that the PSYBS degree has the option for specific career areas, while the PSYBA degree represents a more typical degree in the liberal arts, which means acquiring a very broad education in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. This page provides an overview of the two programs.
PSYBA Requirements
All B.A. programs, including the PSYBA program, require you to complete what are called the "Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements." These requirements include 12 credits (by exam and/or courses) of a foreign language; 9 credits from the arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, or quantification; and 3 credits of other cultures. (These credits are beyond the credits required in the University's General Education requirements for the arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and intercultural and international competence that must be completed to earn either the PSYBA or PSYBS degree.)
PSYBS Requirements
The PSYBS degree requires only that you had two years of a language in high school or at least a C in one language course at Penn State. Instead of the B.A. requirements, the PSYBS program requires that you complete the business option.
Students who want to work in businesses typically choose the PSYBS degree. This option requires you to take additional supporting courses in the arts or humanities, natural sciences, and social and behavioral sciences. Visit the Department of Psychology website to view the list of approved supporting courses for the PSYBS option.
ENGL 202 Requirements
Another difference between the programs is that the PSYBS program specifically requires ENGL 202A: Writing in the Social Sciences, whereas PSYBA allows any of the ENGL 202 courses: 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D.
Credit Requirements
Finally, there is no difference in the total credits required to complete either degree: The PSYBA degree and the PSYBS degree each require you to complete a minimum of 123 credits to graduate.
Note: The psychology department has compared the success of students completing both degrees. There does not seem to be a particular advantage for one degree over the other in terms of getting a job or going on to graduate or professional school. What is more important for your successful future is to take the more challenging, higher-level courses when you have a choice — and to do well in them.