Psychology, B.A.

A bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology is excellent preparation for graduate programs in psychology, health and social service. Typically, professions in these areas require a post baccalaureate degree. Many of our students have been accepted into prestigious nationally recognized Ph.D. programs and many have gone on to master’s degree programs. Other professionals, such as executives, lawyers, and business leaders often have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and advanced degrees in other areas.

A major in psychology is also useful preparation for career areas such as counseling, media, management, survey research, assessment or program evaluation, and law enforcement. Students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology develop a number of highly marketable skills such as: the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data; conduct research, write reports and proposals clearly and objectively; communicate effectively and sensitively in both individual and group situations; and identify problems, plan and recommend solutions.

All psychology students are required to adhere strictly to the Ethical Standards of Psychologists, published by the American Psychological Association, and to all Cal Poly Humboldt procedures and policies concerning use of humans and non-humans as experimental participants. Failure to comply will result in immediate expulsion from the department’s programs, courses, and facilities.

We recommend that students who are interested in this major take algebra and biology in high school.

Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree Pathway

Psychology majors may apply while in undergraduate status to begin graduate coursework, allowing for the completion of the B.A. and the Psychology: Academic Research, M.A. in five years total. Interested students, who satisfy the admission requirements, are strongly encouraged to apply to the program during their junior year at Cal Poly Humboldt. For additional information, see Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree Pathway .

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements . This major includes a Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) certified course.

Requirements for the Major (41 Units)

Fundamentals of Psychology (10 Units)

PSYC 104 - Introduction to Psychology Units: 3
PSYC 109 - Introduction to Psychological Statistics Units: 4
PSYC 240 - Foundations of Research Methods in Psychology Units: 3

Core Content Areas in Psychology (19 Units)

PSYC 311 - Developmental Psychology Units: 3
PSYC 321 - Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience Units: 3
PSYC 324 - Cognitive Psychology Units: 3
PSYC 335 - Social Psychology Units: 3
PSYC 338 - Abnormal Psychology Units: 3
PSYC 342W - Application of Research Methods in Psychology Units: 4

Specialized Topics (12 Units)

Complete 12 units from the following courses. A maximum of 3 units supervision courses can be counted toward the 12 units. The 3 units of supervision courses do not need to be taken in the same semester.

PSYC 300 - Psychology of Gender Units: 3
PSYC 302 - Psychology of Prejudice Units: 3
PSYC 306 - Health Psychology Units: 3
PSYC 320 - Behavior Analysis Units: 4
PSYC 322 - Learning and Motivation Units: 3
PSYC 323 - Sensation and Perception Units: 3
PSYC 325 - Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience Units: 4
PSYC 336 - Social Influence and Persuasion Units: 3
PSYC 337 - Personality Theory and Research Units: 3
PSYC 345L - Psychological Tests and Measurement Units: 4
PSYC 411 - Social Neuroscience Units: 3
PSYC 414 - Psychology of Adolescence and Young Adulthood Units: 3
PSYC 415 - Psychology of Aging and Older Adulthood Units: 3
PSYC 418 - Developmental Psychopathology Units: 3
PSYC 436 - Human Sexuality Units: 3
PSYC 454 - Interviewing and Counseling Techniques Units: 3
PSYC 473 - Substance Use and Addiction Units: 3
PSYC 478 - Analysis of Variance Units: 4
PSYC 480 - Selected Topics in Psychology Units: 0.5-3
PSYC 484 - Culture and Diversity in Psychology Units: 3
PSYC 486 - History and Systems of Psychology Units: 3
PSYC 487 - Evolutionary Psychology Units: 3
PSYC 488 - Regression/Multivariate Topics Units: 4
PSYC 489S - Community Psychology Units: 3
Supervision Courses
PSYC 490 - Senior Honors Thesis Units: 3
PSYC 495 - Research Practicum in Psychology Units: 1-4
PSYC 497 - Mentoring in Teaching Psychology Units: 1-3
PSYC 499 - Independent Study Units: 1-3

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program.

Knowledge of the major concepts, theories, and empirical findings in the core content areas of psychology.
Knowledge of methodological, analytical, and research skills appropriate to the field of psychology.
Knowledge of the sociocultural and contextual nature of psychology.
Knowledge of ethics involved in conducting research and working in the field of psychology.
Skills needed for post baccalaureate employment, graduate, or professional school.

Programs Leading to Licensure and Credentialing

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from the Office of Academic Affairs, Siemens Hall 216, 707-826-3722.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).