2021-2022 Humboldt State University Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Humboldt State University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Psychology, B.A.


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The B.A. degree with a major in psychology is excellent preparation for graduate school and careers. Many of our students have been accepted into prestigious nationally recognized Ph.D. programs and many have gone on to master’s degree programs. The psychology major (graduate study preparation pathway) provides the background needed for graduate programs in most areas of psychology, require a Ph.D. or M.A. degree. Executives, lawyers, and business leaders often have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and advanced degrees in other areas. If you are not planning on graduate school, psychology graduates (on both paths) still leave with a number of highly marketable skills such as the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data; write reports and proposals clearly and objectively; communicate effectively and sensitively with people from diverse backgrounds; obtain information about problems through library research and personal contacts; solve problems and apply critical thinking and interpersonal skills to new contexts.

There are two pathways for the B.A. in psychology. The Graduate Study Preparation Pathway is for students who desire an advanced degree in psychology or related discipline or seek a greater understanding of research methods. The General Psychology Pathway is for students who plan to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology and then enter the workforce or obtain a graduate degree in another field. In addition, HSU offers a 5th Year Blended Pathway for students interested in psychology, academic research. Eligible students may apply during their junior year to begin graduate coursework, allowing for the completion of the B.A. and M.A. in five years total. See Psychology, Academic Research Concentration 5th Year Blended Pathway   for more information.

Students have access to neuroscience laboratories, research and computer labs, a library of psychological tests and measurements, and other resources for psychological research and applications.

A B.A. degree in psychology is helpful in health and social service professions, such as nursing and social work, as well as in other career areas such counseling, media, management, survey research, assessment or program evaluation, and law enforcement.

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

A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. For a description of degree requirements to be fulfilled in addition to those listed below for the major, please see “Bachelor’s Degree Requirements ” section of the catalog.

Requirements for the Major (39-46 units)

Lower Division


Select one pathway

Additional Upper Division Requirement (1-2 Units)


Complete at least one of the core content corequisite “D” discussion or breadth courses listed below. The total for the core content will increase to 20 units or the breadth will increase to 13 units, depending on the course selected.

Upper Division Coursework


The following upper division coursework is required for all undergraduate psychology majors (either pathway)

Capstone Experience (3 Units)


Complete one of the following:

Psychology, B.A. Program Learning Outcomes


Students will demonstrate:

  • 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 & 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).

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