Earn Your GCU BS in Psychology Fast

Why GCU’s Psychology Program is Perfect for Degree Hacking

Grand Canyon University’s B.S. in Psychology is designed specifically for busy adults seeking a self-paced path to earn their degree. Along with the program’s flexible setup, here’s why it’s ideal for degree hacking:

Open Transfer Credits Policy

• Transfer up to 90 credits, including prior psychology classes or related coursework

• Use CLEP/DSST exams to test out of foundational psych subjects like intro to psychology

• Spend less time on general education and more on advanced psychology courses at GCU

Psychology-Focused Online Courses Designed for Career Growth

• Build expertise in core areas like developmental, social, and abnormal psychology while studying on your schedule  

• Customize your degree with an emphasis in areas like performance and sport psychology or forensic psychology to align with your career goals  

• Develop in-demand skills in research, critical thinking, and communication valued by employers across industries

‍

Why Most People Take 4+ Years (And How to Do It in 12–18 Months)

Why Most People Take 4+ Years

Many students spend over four years and more than $58,000 earning their psychology degree at GCU or other schools simply because they’re unaware they can speed up the process with degree hacking.

‍

Here’s what typically holds them back:

‍

• They enroll in classes with content they already know: Instead of applying prior psychology courses or related experience, some students end up repeating general education courses that could have been bypassed.

• They don’t take advantage of the full 90-credit transfer limit: Many students only transfer part of their credits, which ends up adding extra classes and slowing down their degree.

• They overlook GCU’s accelerated course schedule: Many students stick to a traditional semester pace, not realizing they can move faster with GCU’s 5-week course sessions.

• They pay full tuition for every course: Without using transfer credits or testing options, they spend more on classes that could have been credited through prior learning.

Here's what degree hackers do that others don't:

• Max out transfer credits: Apply previous psychology and general education coursework to skip unnecessary classes.

• Focus on upper-level psychology courses: GCU’s program is designed to let you complete only what’s needed to earn your B.S. in Psychology.

• Move fast with 5-week terms: With multiple start dates and short course sessions, you can finish several classes in just a few months.

• Result: Graduate in <18 months for ~$14,000 total.

The key to finishing your degree efficiently is knowing which psychology and general education courses to complete affordably elsewhere and using GCU strategically for its core psychology classes.

‍

Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack GCU’s Psychology Program

With input from GCU Psychology grads, academic advisors, and degree-hacking communities, we’ve created this accelerated strategy guide for the BS in Psychology.

The aim is to help you navigate your GCU psychology degree program with confidence, avoid common delays, and build a plan that balances speed, affordability, and academic success.

‍

GCU Online Psychology Pre-Enrollment Hacks

• Use CLEP/DSST to Replace Intro Courses - Test out of subjects like General Psychology, English Composition I, or Principles of Sociology with CLEP/DSST exams starting at $97/CLEP exam and $100/DSST exam.

• Fast-Track Your Electives and Gen Eds with Study.com - Study.com offers ACE-recommended courses in general education, electives, and lower-level psychology. Starting at $95/month, you can complete multiple courses for a fraction of the cost, and many are accepted for transfer at GCU.

• Audit Old Credits & Non-Traditional Learning - Dig up past transcripts, military training, or certifications. GCU accepts up to 90 transfer credits, and many students leave free credits on the table without realizing it.

• Create a personalized transfer strategy – Platforms like DegreeHacked.org help you figure out which credits to complete before enrolling through a provided custom degree-hacking plan, so you stay on track, avoid repeating classes, and only pay for what you need.

GCU Psychology Degree Hacking Plan

Psychology Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn't

You won’t be able to transfer all 120 credits, so the real strategy is knowing which courses to complete affordably outside GCU, and which to reserve for GCU’s core psychology curriculum.

‍

Here’s a smarter way to break down the credit requirements and plan your path efficiently:

‍

• ~34 - 40 Credits: General Education courses (easily transferable)

• 48 Credits: Major courses (mostly GCU only)

• ~32 – 38 Credits: Open Electives (many transferable options)

GCU Psychology Degree Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy

Why Degree Hacking Works for GCU Psychology Students

• Graduate Quicker: Psychology students who maximize transfer credits and take 5-week online courses can finish their degree in 12–18 months instead of the typical 4 (or more) years.

• Lower Your Total Cost: By completing general eds, electives, and lower-level psych courses through Study.com or CLEP, students save $20K–$30K+ on tuition.

• Focus Where It Counts: Degree hackers skip the fluff and concentrate on upper-level psych courses at GCU (like abnormal psychology, research methods, and theories of personality) building real value while avoiding extra coursework.

Ready for Your Complete Plan?

The complete degree-hacking roadmap includes the following:

• All 24+ course-by-course transfer equivalencies

• Matching Study.com classes or test-out exams (CLEP/DSST) for each course

• Comprehensive pricing and timeline guide

• Other alternatives if your preferred choice isn’t available

‍

Applying to GCU for the Bachelor’s in Psychology

When to Apply: A Strategic Time for Enrollment

It’s smart to apply only after finishing your transfer credits so you can concentrate on the key psychology courses at GCU.

GCU Admissions and Transfer Logistics

• Submit all admission materials along with the online registration form

• Ensure official transcripts from all previous institutions are sent directly to GCU.

• GCU accepts applications year-round through its rolling admissions process

• Reach out to GCU to check the status and timeline for your transfer credit evaluation, as it can vary based on several factors

GCU Tuition and Other Aid Information

• Tuition costs $485 per credit plus applicable fees

• Financial aid options include FAFSA, work experience credits, dual enrollment, military benefits, and GCU scholarships and grants

• Cut tuition expenses upfront by completing general education, electives, and other core courses before enrolling to reduce your overall course load

GCU Bachelor of Science in Psychology Career ROI

• Average Annual Starting Salary for Entry-Level Roles: $31,000 - $47,000

• Degree Payback Time: 5 - 7 months of work

• Plus: Flexible career paths, remote-friendly roles, and prepares you for graduate school for better earning power and a future career as a psychologist

• Typical Roles: Social Worker, Career/School Counselor, Psychology Assistant, and Mental Health Case Manager

‍