Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Psychological Sciences

Psychological Sciences, Bachelor of Science


Academic Information

The Bachelor of Science degree in Psychological Sciences provides students with opportunities for focused study in this quintessential behavioral science and builds critical thinking skills necessary for evaluating scientific research within this discipline. This degree has proven useful for careers in psychology and in many other areas including law, writing, journalism, government, education, business, entertainment and the arts. 

The BS in Psychological Sciences helps students learn about human behavior from several perspectives in the psychological sciences, the ability to apply and synthesize that knowledge within specific psychological domains, and research method skills in order to become critical evaluators of knowledge of human behavior.

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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Psychological Sciences

Psychological Sciences, Bachelor of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences?

If you find yourself fascinated about why we think, feel, and behave the way we do, consider pursuing a degree in psychological sciences. Psychologists take a scientific approach to studying behavior and mental processes, researching the ways in which life experiences, environment, culture, and biology all work together to shape the mind and brain. Our psychological sciences major can explore a wide range of topics such as compassion, creativity, health, development, interpersonal relationships, psychological disorders and treatments, cognition, neuroscience, and sexuality, and critically evaluate the research that professional psychologists use. Majors may also have the opportunity to complete undergraduate research, an internship and/or fieldwork during their coursework.  

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Case worker, program manager, child protection worker, counselor aide, group home coordinator, social service director
  • Community relations officer, affirmative action officer, college admissions recruiter, hospital patient service representative, human resources professional
  • Administrative assistant, job analyst, public relations, sales representative, customer relations, staff training and development

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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Psychological Sciences

Psychological Sciences, Bachelor of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Psychological Sciences

Psychological Sciences, Bachelor of Science


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Major GPA C
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 114
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Research Optional
University Honors Program Optional
Some online/blended coursework Required
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

The Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences provides students with opportunities for focused study that builds critical thinking skills necessary for evaluating scientific research within this discipline. The ability to engage in critical analyses of psychological ideas and scientific evidence constitutes a valuable personal asset and is a key to success in many professions. 

Completion of this degree helps students understand human behavior from several perspectives in psychological science, develop their ability to apply and synthesize that knowledge in specific psychological domains (e.g., developmental, social, personality, cognitive, behavioral neuroscience, clinical), and learn the fundamentals of psychological research methods in order to be a critical evaluator of scientific knowledge of human behavior.  You will learn important skills such as problem identification and application of research findings, critical thinking skills, and communication skills (writing, visual, verbal). 

Careers that are available for students with a BS in Psychological Sciences are varied and include early childhood behavioral specialist, occupational therapy assistant, administrative assistant, science technician, case manager, and many others. The BS in Psychological Sciences degree is also valuable for students interested in pursuing a masters’ degree in applied mental health professions such as clinical mental health counseling or social work, and in other related graduate programs. Students interested in pursuing a PhD in psychology or related field can strengthen their education by taking advanced research methods (PSY 304W), and undergraduate research with a faculty mentor (PSY 279, PSY 485, PSY 486C).


Student Learning Outcomes (See Detailed Student Learning Outcomes)

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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Psychological Sciences

Psychological Sciences, Bachelor of Science


Details

Major Requirements
General Electives
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Psychological Sciences

Psychological Sciences, Bachelor of Science


Campus Availability

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