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)