Bachelor of Science

Program Description

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior.

An undergraduate degree in psychology enhances career opportunities in many areas, and a graduate degree prepares students for professional careers in psychology and related fields. The Psychology Dept at CSU provides coursework leading to the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Students also have the opportunity to participate in CSU's pre-medical program for application to medical school.

Our faculty represent a diversity of psychology's specializations including clinical, cognitive, developmental, social, personality, biological, and behavior analysis. The curriculum encompasses empirical, theoretical, and applied approaches, and students have opportunities to explore specialty areas within the discipline. Internships and independent study are available to qualified students.

Our research labs and facilities enhance the learning experience. We provide opportunities for student / faculty research collaborations leading to publications and presentations at professional conferences. We host a local chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, as well as our own Psychology Club.

Career Opportunities

Graduates find employment in many fields including human services, research, and administration.

Admission Requirements

There are no program specific admission requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Our learning outcomes are based on Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major (APA, 2012):

1) Knowledge Base- Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings in psychology

2) Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking- Students should develop scientific reasoning and problem solving skills, including effective research methods skills

3) Communication- Students should demonstrate competence in written and oral communication skills

4) Professional Development- Students should develop skills that sharpen readiness for post-baccalaureate employment, graduate school, or professional school

5) Ethical and Social Responsibility- Students should develop skills related to ethical and socially responsible behavior for professional and personal settings

Additional Program Requirements

Minimum grade of C in all courses in Areas F, G, and H of the curriculum.

Program of Study

Area A Essential Skills Required Hours: 9
ENGL 1101 (with a grade of "C" or better)
ENGL 1102 (with a grade of "C" or better)
Select one of the following courses:

Area B Institutional Options Required Hours: 5
COMM 1110
Select two of the following courses:

OR
Select one of the following courses:

Foreign Language 1001, 1002, 2001, or 2002
Any Area C-E course with a study abroad component.

Note: the extra hour may be used as an elective.

Area C Humanities/Fine Arts/Ethics Required Hours: 6
Select one of the following humanities courses:

Select one of the following fine arts courses: *ITDS 1145, though listed under both humanities and fine arts, may be taken only once.

Area D Science/Math/Technology Required Hours: 10
Select two science courses from the list below, one of which must include a lab.

Select one of the following courses or a science course from above:

Area E Social Sciences Required Hours: 12
Select one course from the following two courses:
HIST 2111
HIST 2112
Take the following course:
POLS 1101
Select one behavioral science course from the following courses:

Select one world cultures course from the following courses:

Wellness Requirement Required Hours: 3
PHED 1205
Select any one PEDS course.

Area F Courses Related to Major Required Hours: 18
A grade of "C" or better is required in all courses.
BIOL 1215K Principles of Biology
PSYC 1101 Intro to General Psychology
PSYC 2103 Life-Span Developmental Psychology
PSYC 2105 Psychology as Major and Career
STAT 1127 Introductory Statistics

Select one of the following:
PHIL 2020
PHIL 2500

Area G Program Requirements Required Hours: 21
A grade of "C" or better is required in all courses.