Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Department of Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.S. in Psychology, a research-focused and quantitative approach to studying human behavior. This degree emphasizes the scientific approach to studying human and animal behavior, equipping students with the skills to design, conduct, and analyze research.

About the Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The B.S. in Psychology provides a curriculum tailored to those students wishing to conduct psychological research, including additional coursework in research methods and statistical analysis. It offers students the opportunity to engage deeply with data-driven approaches to understanding behavior. This pathway is ideal for those with a strong interest in utilizing psychology as a basis for future professions focused on scientific inquiry and quantitative analysis.

B.S. vs B.A. Degree in Psychology

• The Bachelor of Science in Psychology provides a curriculum tailored to those students wishing to conduct psychological research, including additional coursework in research methods and statistical analysis.
• The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offers a broad and flexible curriculum, allowing students to combine psychology with other fields of study.

Behavioral Analysis Emphasis

Both the B.A. and B.S. degrees offer an emphasis in Behavior Analysis, which provides students with a strong foundation in both general psychology and specialized behavior-analytic training. This curriculum aligns with the requirements for certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), equipping students with skills to engage in clinical practice in settings such as schools, centers, and communities.

The Value of a Psychology Degree

Psychology is an excellent major for a wide variety of potential career paths where an understanding of human behavior and motivation is valuable. Psychology majors gain skills in statistical analysis, research, testing, writing, observation, record keeping, surveying, scientific reasoning, and scientific methodology.

Program Information

Degree

B.S. in Psychology

Emphases

• Behavioral Analysis

Required Credit Hours

120

Program Type

Major

Program Location

• Oxford
• Booneville
• DeSoto
• Tupelo

School

College of Liberal Arts

Duration

4 years

Academic Requirements

General Education Requirements

Students in the College of Liberal Arts earning the B.S. degree have a common set of 36-38 hours of general education. The specific courses taken to complete the categories of general education may differ between majors.

• First Year Writing I, II
• English Literature Survey
• Fine or Performing Arts Appreciation
• Social Sciences and Humanities
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences

B.S. in Psychology

Students in the B.S. in Psychology complete 39 credit hours of psychology courses. Students must achieve a grade of C or better in all course work counted for the major in psychology. Psychology courses require a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses, including those prerequisite courses from other departments.

• Psy 201: Introduction to Psychology
• Psy 202: Statistics for Behavioral Sciences
• Psy 205: Research Methods in Psychology
• One advanced statistical course from:
  • Psy 303: Intermediate Statistical Methods for Psychology
  • Psy 503: Adv. Topics in Statistics for Psychology
  • Psy 530: Single Subject & Small Group Research Design
• Five core courses from:
  • Psy 301: Developmental Psychology
  • Psy 309: Learning
  • Psy 311: Psychopathology: Integrative Approaches
  • Psy 319: Brain and Behavior
  • Psy 320: Cognitive Psychology
  • Psy 321: Social Psychology
• One Cultural Perspectives course from:
  • Psy 340: Multicultural Psychology
  • Psy 350: Ecopsychology and International Youth
  • Psy 353: Black Psychology
  • Psy 365: Environmental Psychology
  • Psy 425: Depictions of Psychopathology in Culture
  • Psy 565: Psychology of Gender
• One Experiential Learning Research course from:
  • Psy 390: Lab in Psychology: Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Psy 392: Lab in Psychology: Experimental Social Psychology
  • Psy 394: Lab in Psychology: Cognition and Perception
  • Psy 405: Research Problems I
  • Psy 406: Research Problems II
  • Psy 408: Research Internship in Behavior Analysis
  • Psy 420: Readings and Research in Psychology I
  • Psy 421: Readings and Research in Psychology II
  • Psy 422: Research Experience
  • Psy 506: Clinical Internship in Applied Behavior
• One capstone course from:
  • Psy 340: Multicultural Psychology
  • Psy 360: Psychology of Human Sexuality
  • Psy 365: Environmental Psychology
  • Psy 390: Lab in Psy: Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Psy 392: Lab in Psy: Experimental Social Psychology
  • Psy 394: Lab in Psy: Cognition and Perception
  • Psy 396: Laboratory in Psychology
  • Psy 410: Health Psychology
  • Psy 411: Memory
  • Psy 412: Sports Psychology
  • Psy 415: Introduction to Clinical Psychology
  • Psy 417: Disasters and Mental Health
  • Psy 419: Psychology of Parenting
  • Psy 423: Behaviorism: History & Theory
  • Psy 430: Positive Psychology
  • Psy 451: History and Systems of Psychology
  • Psy 456: Integrative Special Topics
  • Psy 457: Integrative Special Topics
  • Psy 470: Children and Families: Community Work
  • Psy 475: Topics in Psychology Abroad
  • Psy 565: Psychology of Gender
• One psychology elective course

Emphasis in Behavioral Analysis

Students pursuing this optional emphasis in Behavioral Analysis complete the following 7 courses as part of the requirements.

• Psy 309: Learning
• Psy 313: Experimental Analysis of Behavior
• Psy 323: Applied Behavior Analysis
• Psy 328: Ethics of Behavioral Practice & Research
• Psy 423: Behaviorism: History & Theory
• Psy 408 or 506: Research Internship or Clinical Internship
• Psy 530: Single Subject & Small Group Research Design

Department Opportunities

The Department of Psychology offers various resources and opportunities for student success, including student ambassadors, success resources, and undergraduate opportunities to enhance education with experiences beyond the classroom.

University of Mississippi

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Overview:

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. It is a time-honored institution known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and rich tradition of success. Ole Miss offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering a strong sense of community and providing students with boundless opportunities.

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Services Offered:

Academics:

Ole Miss offers over 90 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, as well as a variety of graduate programs. The university also provides a Freshman Studies program for undecided students.

Admissions:

The university offers comprehensive admissions services for both undergraduate and graduate students, including campus visits, request information, and application processes.

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Ole Miss provides a diverse and engaging student life experience, including campus living, student involvement, support and resources, campus recreation, and international student support.

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As an R1 research institution, Ole Miss offers opportunities for students to engage in research with expert faculty across various fields.

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Ole Miss is known for its competitive athletics program, with teams competing at the highest level of college athletics.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Ole Miss boasts a vibrant student community with a vast array of extracurricular activities. Students can experience the renowned tailgating tradition in the Grove, explore the charming town of Oxford, and participate in various student organizations. The university also emphasizes community engagement and service opportunities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

Ole Miss offers a high-quality education with a wide range of programs and expert faculty.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic and engaging student experience with numerous opportunities for involvement and social interaction.

Strong Community:

Ole Miss fosters a strong sense of community, both on campus and in the surrounding town of Oxford.

Research Opportunities:

As an R1 research institution, Ole Miss offers students the chance to participate in cutting-edge research projects.

Athletics Tradition:

Ole Miss is known for its competitive athletics program and passionate fan base.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate Programs:

Ole Miss offers over 90 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, including programs in the arts, sciences, humanities, business, engineering, and more.

Graduate Programs:

The university offers a variety of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in various fields.

Special Programs:

Ole Miss provides special programs for undergraduates, such as study abroad opportunities and programs tailored to specific interests.

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Other:

Regional Campuses:

Ole Miss has regional campuses located in DeSoto, Tupelo, Booneville, Grenada, Rankin, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Alumni Network:

Ole Miss has a strong alumni network that provides support and opportunities for graduates.

Community Engagement:

The university is actively involved in the Oxford community and surrounding areas, offering various programs and initiatives.

Campus Culture and Traditions:

Ole Miss has a rich history and unique traditions, including the iconic Grove and the "Hotty Toddy" cheer.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Ole Miss is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community.