Psychology is the study of behavior, mental processes, and experience.  It is an empirical science focused on expanding our understanding of individuals through both research and clinical work.  Subjects include, but are not limited to, how the brain, behavior, and environment interact; how people develop cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems, as well as how to intervene; how people interact with the world around them, and how these processes are integrated into personality under interpersonal, social, and cultural influences.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology is a 120-credit program that includes study in biological, cognitive, developmental, social, cultural, and individual aspects of people, as well as specific study of research methodologies (including statistics) employed within the discipline and how psychology can be applied in real life. Once this foundational knowledge is gained, students may customize their program based on their personal, educational, and career goals by choosing from a variety of courses to fulfill the degree requirements. The bachelor’s degree in psychology serves as good preparation for most careers that involve working with others, as well as for graduate study in psychology and related fields.

The B.A. in Psychology includes a set of required courses that all students must take, along with SUNY General Education and other academic requirements, in order to be eligible to receive a degree. The required courses for programs in Psychology can be found on the “Program Details” tab. Students should speak with their mentor to see if any credit earned through Individualized Credit for Prior Learning (iCPL) or Professional Learning Evaluation (PLE) might fulfill these course requirements. Courses are offered online, through independent studies, or through a blended approach. 

Program Details

Students completing the B.A. in Psychology will need to complete the following course requirements.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
HUDV 1015	Lifespan Development: Introductory	4
or HUDV 3025	Lifespan Development: Advanced
PSYC 1005	Introduction to Psychology	4
PSYC 2030	Social Psychology: Introductory	4
or PSYC 3020	Social Psychology: Advanced
PSYC 3010	Abnormal Psychology: Advanced	4
PSYC 3040	Biological Psychology	4
PSYC 3045	Cognitive Psychology	4
or PSYC 3100	Learning & Memory
PSYC 3055	Cultural Psychology	4
SOSC 2010	Statistics for the Social Sciences	4
SOSC 3025	Social Science Research Methods	4
Two Advanced Level PSYC or HUDV Electives		8
Total Credits		44

Students must also meet general education requirements. Students with a catalog term start of Fall 2024 need to complete a total of 124 credits to earn their degree. Students with a catalog term start of Fall 2024 or after need to complete a total of 120 credits to earn their degree.  

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to describe overarching themes in the field of psychology, as well as key concepts in major domain and application areas of psychology.
• Students will be able to use scientific reasoning and methodology to interpret psychological and behavioral phenomena, including demonstrating psychology information literacy.
• Students will be able to articulate ethical values in evaluating psychological science and practice in a diverse world.
• Students will be able to interact effectively with others, including demonstration effective writing and presentation skills.
• Students will develop meaningful professional direction that can utilize psychological knowledge and skills.