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
PSYC 1005	Introduction to Psychology	4
PSYC 2000	Careers in Psychology and Human Development: Introductory	2
or PSYC 3000	Careers in Psychology and Human Development: Advanced
PSYC 1015	Writing and Research Literacy in Psychology	2
SOSC 2010	Statistics for the Social Sciences	4
SOSC 3025	Social Science Research Methods	4
HUDV 1015	Lifespan Development: Introductory	4
or HUDV 3025	Lifespan Development: Advanced
PSYC 2030	Social Psychology: Introductory	4
or PSYC 3020	Social Psychology: Advanced
PSYC 3010	Psychopathology: Advanced	4
or PSYC 2020	Psychopathology: Introductory
PSYC 3040	Biological Psychology	4
PSYC 3045	Cognitive Psychology	4
or PSYC 3100	Learning & Motivation
PSYC 3055	Cultural Psychology	4
or PSYC 3080	Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination
or HUDV 3155	Developmental Perspectives Across the Globe
Two Advanced Level PSYC or HUDV Electives		8
Capstone: Any 4000 Level PSYC Course		4
Total Credits		52

Students must also meet general education requirements. Students with a catalog term start prior to 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

• Concepts - Students will be able to articulate key concepts, principles, and theories in psychological science within the major domains.
• Research/Ethics - Students will be able to apply scientific reasoning and ethical principles to design or evaluate psychological research.
• Diversity - Students will evaluate the ways in which diversity (e.g. cultural, social, or individual differences) impacts psychological concepts, theories, or applications.
• Communication - Students will be able to communicate psychological concepts through written reports or presentations, adhering to APA style, while appropriately integrating emerging technologies (e.g., AI tools).
• Professional Direction - Students will be able to evaluate professional pathways aligning them with their interests, strengths, and academic development.
• Capstone - Students will be able to synthesize foundational psychological knowledge with practical applications and/or current research, engaging in advanced inquiry to deepen their understanding of core psychological concepts.