New Psychology B.A. at The Chicago School Offers One of the Fastest Paths to Graduate Study

CHICAGO, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago School, a nonprofit university dedicated to training professionals for careers that improve the health of individuals, organizations, and communities, announced the launch of a new B.A. Psychology: Focused Path. This fully online, 90-credit degree program provides one of the fastest, more affordable routes to graduate study and mental health careers in the U.S.

One of the first programs of its kind in the nation, the degree offers a streamlined pathway within an institution renowned for its strong legacy in professional psychology. The program is now enrolling students for the fall 2025 term.

"Education should be a gateway to people's success, not a barrier," said Michele Nealon, Psy.D., president of The Chicago School. "The B.A. Psychology: Focused Path program is designed for the students that higher education often overlooks – working adults, first-gen students, and parents who need flexibility without compromising quality. This program reflects our mission to meet modern learners where they are and to accelerate their ability to contribute in career fields that need them most."

The launch comes at a critical time as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth in psychology and counseling fields through 2033, with most roles requiring graduate-level education. By fast-tracking access to advanced study, The Chicago School's streamlined B.A. offers a timely solution to a persistent workforce need.

Unlike traditional four-year models, this program can be completed in as little as three years, significantly saving both time and tuition, while maintaining the academic rigor required by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), The Chicago School's institutional accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Its fully online format adds further flexibility for students balancing education with work, caregiving, or community responsibilities.

"Fast doesn't mean superficial," said Jonathan Dodrill, Ph.D., dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies at The Chicago School. "This program was built for depth, not just speed. By eliminating redundancy and focusing on essential competencies, we're giving students a rigorous academic foundation—one that prepares them not only to complete a bachelor's degree more efficiently, but to thrive in graduate study and in the communities they go on to serve."

Founded in 1979, The Chicago School is known for its deep roots in psychology education. The new undergraduate program builds on that legacy, with a curriculum designed to prepare students for graduate programs in psychology, counseling, and behavioral health, meeting employer expectations for real-world relevance and aligning with licensure pathways where applicable. Practicum opportunities and career-aligned coursework further enhance readiness.

"We can't solve a mental health crisis with a talent pipeline that's too slow, too expensive, or too inflexible," said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, which includes The Chicago School. "This new program pathway reimagines what's possible by designing education around the lives of real people, not outdated models. It's not just innovative, it's necessary."

For more information about the B.A. Psychology: Focused Path or to apply, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Availability varies by state. Contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

About The Chicago School
The Chicago School is a leading nonprofit university dedicated to training professionals for careers that improve the health of individuals, organizations, and communities. By combining education, innovation, community, and impact, The Chicago School approach provides students a practical and solutions-oriented education in an array of academic programs across psychology, medicine, business, counseling, and behavioral sciences. With more than 6,000 students and locations in Chicago, Dallas, Southern California, and Washington, D.C., the university's extensive network of community partnerships provides applicable training and networking opportunities.

The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. The Chicago School is a proud member of The Community Solution Education System, an integrated nonprofit system of colleges and universities working together to advance student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu.

SOURCE The Chicago School