Program Overview

Psychology B.A.

Understand how people interact with each other and what drives behavior. Learn more about the human experience and make lives better.

About this Program

• Engage in the scientific study of behavior by exploring the human mind.
• Work side-by-side with faculty and graduate students on cutting-edge research, exploring topics such as substance use, autism, ADHD, romantic relationships, prejudice, memory and decision-making.
• Take part in the SPARC summer research experience, a seven-week program in which students from underrepresented groups work closely with faculty and graduate student mentors on an original research project.
• Challenge yourself as a Renée Crown University Honors student.
• Join the Psychology Club to network and collaborate with students in the program.
• Gain a variety of skills to succeed in graduate school, professional school and the workplace.
• Students have the opportunity to join the Psychology in Action Living Learning Community.

Program Information

• Degree Type: Major
• Outcome: B.A.
• Modality: In-person
• College or School: College of Arts and Sciences
• Career Path: Social Justice and Advocacy, Social Sciences, Sports

Curriculum

This robust curriculum is strengthened by research into individual and social problems. Core coursework encompasses statistics, biology and human behavior alongside practical experience in the lab or the field.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Identify the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends relevant to the foundational domains of psychology, including cognitive, social, clinical and developmental bases of behavior.
• Formulate testable research hypotheses, design a simple study to test the hypothesis, and apply appropriate statistical tests to answer basic research questions relevant to the field of psychology.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the American Psychological Association ethical guidelines and their applications in the context of conducting psychological research.
• Employ the effective use of written and oral communication in the psychological sciences.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively work in the field of psychology through involvement in faculty-mentored research, community-based internships and independent study.

Degree Options

Either the B.A. or B.S. degree is appropriate for students planning to pursue graduate study in psychology, and also for students planning other careers in which a background in psychology is useful (e.g., medicine, business, communications, social services or law).

The B.S. degree is an option for students who are interested in taking significantly more physical and laboratory science classes than are required for the B.A. degree.

Sample Courses

• Introduction to Research Methodology
• Cognitive Psychology
• The Social Psychology of Stigma
• Internships in Clinical Psychology
• Laboratory in Forensic Psychology

Extracurricular Opportunities

• Student organization: Psychology Club
• Research: Undergraduate Research in Psychology, SPARC

Related Programs

• Communication Sciences and Disorders B.S.
• Health Humanities B.A.
• Linguistic Studies B.A.
• Neuroscience B.A.
• Sociology B.A.