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CAREER OUTLOOK
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology and Biophilic Design?
92
K
Interior Designers jobs in the U.S., 2023
Interior Designers jobs in the U.S., 2023
$ 61
K
Interior Designers average pay, 2024
Interior Designers average pay, 2024
+ 5
%
Projected growth for Interior Designers jobs through 2033
Projected growth for Interior Designers jobs through 2033
*Source: ONet Online/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.
In the BS in Applied Psychology and Biophilic Design Program You’ll Learn To:
- Explore how built environments shape behavior by analyzing their impact on mood, cognition, attention, and social interaction.
- Apply biophilic design principles to foster human-nature connections that support psychological well-being and sustainability.
- Use human-centered research methods like surveys, observational studies, and environmental assessments to evaluate user experience.
- Design spaces that promote mental and physical health by integrating insights from environmental psychology and design thinking.
- Advance sustainable design practices that strengthen community ties and encourage environmental responsibility through intentional spatial planning.
What Will You Study
Applied Psychology and Biophilic Design Course Examples
Biology: Foundations of Life
The purpose of this course is to serve as an introduction to fundamental biological principles emphasizing common attributes of all living organisms. Unifying concepts include the chemical structure of living matter, structure, and function of the eukaryotic cell, including characteristics of plant and animal cells, respiration, photosynthetic pathways, genetics, and microevolution.
Biophilic Patterns: Physiological Optimization in Built Environments
This course looks at how ancient patterns in the spaces around us shape well-being. Students explore why certain designs feel safe, inspiring, or restorative, often on a subconscious level. Topics include how environments can reduce stress, support immune health, and even spark feelings of awe, along with the role of natural instincts like thigmotaxis in design.
Economic Development Within Planetary Boundaries and Sustainable Development Goals
This course explores how we can balance economic growth with sustainability. You’ll engage with key concepts like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), planetary boundaries, and innovative models like Doughnut Economics.
FAQ
Learn More About Degrees and Careers in Applied Psychology and Biophilic Design
Applied Psychology and Biophilic Design explores how psychological principles can shape built environments that support human well-being, cognition, and emotional health. This interdisciplinary field combines human-centered design with nature-inspired (biophilic) strategies to create spaces that reduce stress, boost mood, and promote sustainability. Students learn to evaluate how environments affect behavior, apply research to real-world design challenges, and foster deeper connections between people, place, and the planet—making it ideal for careers in design, wellness, sustainability, and community development.
The BS in Environmental Psychology and Biophilic Design trains students to understand and influence how people interact with the built and natural environment. Combining psychology, sustainability, and design theory, students learn to create human-occupied spaces—both indoor and outdoor—that promote well-being, inclusion, and ecological harmony. With a foundation in environmental psychology, human factors, and biophilic design, graduates are equipped to shape environments that reduce stress, enhance mental health, and encourage sustainable behavior. This program prepares learners for impactful careers in sustainable planning, interior and landscape design consulting, wellness architecture, and human-centered community development.
Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won’t be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.
Our team of Distance Education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.
Our comprehensive 120-credit program can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals! Completion time is flexible, determined by the number of credits you choose to take each term (8 terms/year) and less time with transfer credits. Without transfer credits, you can anticipate the following completion times:
- 24 credits/year: Complete in just 5 years
- 30 credits/year: Achieve your degree in 4 years
- 48 credits/year: Fast-track your education in only 2.6 years
General Education Core: 35 credits
Environmental Professional Core: 13 credits
Elective Courses: 3 credits
Program Core: 69 credits
- ARTS 102: Art, Nature, and Biophilia
- BDSG 201: Neuroscience of Place: Evolution, Emotion, and Design of Well-Being Environments
- BDSG 202: Embodied Experience of Place Laboratory
- BDSG 301: Embodied Cognition and Intersensory Design
- BDSG 302: Biophilic Patterns: Physiological Optimization in Built Environments
- BDSG 401: Biophilic Elements and Place/Space Design
- BDSG 402: The Economics of Biophilic Design: Case Studies, Data, and Analysis
- BDSG 403: Of Birds and Buildings: Adaptive Investments in Biodiversity and Public Health
- BDSG 404: Biophilic Design Studio
- BIOL 103: Biology: Foundations of Life
- BIOL: 105 Biological Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution
- ECON 305: Economic Development Within Planetary Boundaries and Sustainable Development Goals
- MATH 201: Statistics for Environmental Professionals
- PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology
- PSYC 201: The Mind-Body Connection: Human Anatomy and Physiology for Applied Psychology
- PSYC 202: Psychology of Cultural Diversity
- PSYC 303: Psychology of Motivation and Intentional Behavior Change
- PSYC 402: Action Research Methods in Applied Psychology
Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology and Biophilic Design Academic Information
Degree Requirements and Courses Needed
The applied psychology and biophilic design degree requires 120 credits. You may transfer in up to 90 credits from outside institutions. View our full course catalog for a better look into your program. Then apply online for free to get started.
Realizing Your Potential. Protecting Your Planet.
Why Unity Distance Education?
Sustainability Core
Committed to sustainable practices to prepare for a future of environmental awareness.
Personalized Guidance
Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.
Transfer-Friendly
Accepting up to 90 transfer credits to graduate sooner and save money.
Inspiring Faculty
Connect with experts who share your passion for working in the industry.
Future Success
Ranked #1 independent university in the U.S. by the Social Mobility Index.
Multiple Start Dates
With up to 8 terms a year, you can take a break without jeopardizing financial aid.
Learning Flexibility
Balance life, work, and education by studying when and where you want
Real Students, Real Impact
Real Students, Real Impact
Read Ron’s Full Quote“I have found value in each course. I have been able to apply each course to real-world experiences”
