Program Overview

Introduction to the BA in Psychology Program

The Psychology Department at Chapman University offers a comprehensive understanding of the various branches of psychology, including cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, health psychology, psychopathology, and developmental psychology.

Program Details

• The program is designed to be completed in 4 years.
• It is classified as an R2 research program.
• The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Arts (BA).
• The average class size is 23 students.
• The program requires 46 credits out of 120 needed to graduate.

Program Objectives

In this program, students will:

• Use the scientific method to study human cognition, emotion, and behavior.
• Develop the ability to analyze data and think critically.
• Participate in hands-on internships and research.
• Customize their academic experience with minors, such as the Neuroscience minor.
• Be able to apply to the BS in Psychology program.

Career Opportunities

By the time students graduate, they will be prepared to:

• Put their experience and knowledge to use helping others.
• Conduct cutting-edge research.
• Work in fields such as mental health, medicine, education, wellness, law, and business.
• Take their studies further in graduate school.

Curriculum

The Psychology curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education in psychology. Students can explore the curriculum in-depth, including classes, credits, and projects, in the course catalog. A suggested 4-year plan is also available to guide students through the program.

Application Deadlines

• November 1: Early Action and Early Decision deadline for first-year students.
• January 15: Regular decision deadline for first-year students.
• October 15: Spring priority deadline for transfer students.
• February 15: Fall priority deadline for transfer students.

Alumni Stories

Psychology alumni have gone on to achieve great things, including Angela Thalheimer '25, who describes Chapman as home, and Noah Estrada-Rand '20, who works as a Product Owner with Pacific Life.

Campus and Facilities

The Psychology department is located in Crean Hall, a dedicated health sciences building. Students can explore the Chapman campus virtually with an interactive 360-degree tour.

Career Paths

A degree in Psychology can lead to careers in:

• Social work
• Human resources
• Recruiting and talent management
• Education
• Mental health
• Business management
• And much more

Integrated Graduate Programs

Chapman offers integrated graduate programs that allow students to earn a master's degree with just one additional year of coursework.

Career Advising

As a Psychology student at Chapman, students will have a career advisor to help them succeed. The career advisor for Crean College students can support students with navigating careers and post-graduate options.

Scholarships and Funding

Psychology students at Chapman are eligible for scholarship and funding opportunities specific to the Psychology program, as well as general financial assistance offered by the university.

Research and Labs

At Chapman, students will have the chance to do research alongside their peers and professors and dive into topics that really interest them. Psychology majors work directly with faculty in research and fieldwork internships, as well as in dedicated psychology laboratories on campus.

Student Organizations

Chapman has hundreds of clubs and student organizations, including the Psi Chi psychology honor society, which is dedicated to excellence in psychology and psychology-related subjects.

Study Abroad

Psychology students at Chapman have the opportunity to take major-specific classes while studying abroad. Over 30 international partner schools offer psychology credits that transfer to Chapman.

Academic Support

As a Psychology student at Chapman, students will have a team of dedicated advisors to support them academically and help them get the most out of their Chapman experience.

Related Majors

Related majors include Health Sciences, Philosophy, and Sociology. Students can explore all of Chapman's undergraduate majors and minors using the program finder.