Psychology - B.A., B.S. Download to print

Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology apply the science of understanding and explaining thoughts, emotions and behavior to solving real-world problems. Topics include stress, biological influences on behavior, growth and development of children and diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. Elective courses may be used to specialize in a number of areas of psychology and to gain hands-on experience in research labs. The degree prepares students for graduate school and employment in a range of fields, including clinical, applied and experimental areas of psychology and related fields such as education, law, human resources and health care.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Child Psychology concentration is designed for students who are interested specifically in children and adolescents. Topics include child development, psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence, children's cognitive processes, personality development and child-related research experience. The concentration prepares students for graduate study and employment in a range of fields, including clinical psychology, school psychology, school counseling and employment in settings such as child development centers and related agencies. 

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Counseling Careers concentration is designed to prepare students for employment in a range of fields and for master's-level study in all fields of counseling. Topics include human adjustment, stress and coping, human development, personality, psychological disorders, treatment and intervention techniques, psychometrics, psychopharmacology and clinical or counseling-related research experience.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is designed to prepare students for graduate study in psychology and related fields. Topics include stress and trauma, neural basis of learning and memory, social and biological influences on mental and physical health, growth and development of children, and diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. Students evaluate and interpret data and gain hands-on experience conducting research. Elective courses may be used to specialize in a number of areas of psychology and related fields such as neuroscience. The degree prepares students for graduate study and employment in a range of fields, including clinical psychology, research and experimental areas of psychology such as cognitive science and behavioral neuroscience, and related fields such as medicine and neuroscience.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology Child Psychology concentration is designed to prepare students for graduate study in clinical psychology, research and experimental areas of psychology, school counseling, developmental psychology, school psychology or related disciplines that require knowledge of interpersonal relationships and human development. Topics include child development, psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence, children's cognitive processes, personality development and child-related research experience. 

Also within the Bachelor of Science degree, the Pre-medicine/Pre-Osteopathy concentration prepares students for graduate study in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The concentration is designed to cover the Pre-medicine/Pre-osteopathy requirements so that students are prepared to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and have the required prerequisites necessary for applying to medical school.

There are many career options for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with most employed in careers in social service and business settings. In business settings, psychology majors work in areas such as personnel, human resources, and marketing. In social services settings, psychology majors work as case workers, residential youth counselors, probation/parole officers, group home coordinators, and other related fields. With a liberal arts (B.A.) degree, psychology majors are qualified to work in many other fields as well, such as working at colleges and universities in alumni relations, admissions, and other areas. With a B.S. degree, psychology majors are also qualified for careers in research.

Students who choose to pursue a graduate degree have many options open to them. School Psychologists and Industrial Psychologists hold at least a master’s degree. With a doctoral degree, students can pursue numerous careers in psychology, including clinical or counseling psychology, health psychology, behavioral neuroscience, cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and others. Many doctoral level psychologists are employed in research and/or teaching at educational institutions. However, about 21 percent are employed in healthcare, primarily in offices of mental health practitioners, hospitals, physicians' offices, and outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers. After several years of experience, some psychologists—usually those with doctoral degrees—enter private practice or set up private research or consulting firms. Many graduates also pursue graduate training in related fields such as community/mental health counseling and school counseling, which require a master’s degree, and careers in neuroscience and medicine. For more information about career options for psychology majors, you can visit the Department of Psychological Sciences website.

General Admissions for Freshman Students: Admission Requirements at the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy at the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends.

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago. For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.
 

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

Minimum 120 total credit hours and 42 upper-division hours. Minimum 2.000 overall GPA and 2.000 major GPA required for the B.A. degree; minimum 2.000 overall GPA and 2.500 major GPA required for the B.S. degree.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Describe the basic theoretical perspectives, principles, concepts, empirical findings and historical trends in psychology.
2. Understand and use fundamental data analysis techniques.
3. Understand and apply basic research methods/tools in psychology and evaluate the adequacy of research designs.
4. Write effectively in the discipline.
5. Recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.