BS in Psychology

Students in APU’s B.A. and B.S. in psychology programs learn about human behavior and how to help people with their psychological and emotional needs.

48 units

The BS in Psychology program helps students understand psychological science and the various statistical and research methodologies used to study human thought and behavior, equipping them with strong foundational knowledge in areas of applied psychological science, as well as a strong skill set in research. Students who complete the program are well equipped to pursue graduate education and/or careers in psychology and allied health fields (e.g., physician’s assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutrition), as well as a variety of research-related careers.

Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is ideal for students interested in psychological research and related careers. The core requirements (Domain 1) give students grounding in the discipline and an understanding of the basics of human behavior. The career-focus electives (Domain 2) provide students with applications of psychology, clustered by common themes and areas of employment. And the applied-learning electives (Domain 3) provide students with internship and/or research experience.

Prerequisites
Introduction to Statistics 1
Choose one of the following:
Biology and Society ((recommended)) 2
General Biology I 2
Domain 1: Core Courses27
Domain courses may not be counted in more than one domain.
General Psychology 3, 4
Data Analysis in Psychology
Writing 2: Psychology Subdisciplines and Career Trajectories 5
Abnormal Psychology
Research Methods in Psychology
Writing 3: Senior Seminar in Psychology and Christian Integration 6
Developmental
Choose one of the following:
Human Growth and Development 4
Psychology of Child and Adolescent Development 4
Psychology of Adult Development
Neurocognition
Choose one of the following:
Introduction to Brain and Behavior
Cognition
Psychology of Learning
Neurological and Behavioral Disorders
Sociocultural
Choose one of the following:
Global-Local Cultural Psychology Integration I
and Global-Local Cultural Psychology Integration II
Social Psychology
Multicultural Psychology 7
Domain 2: Career Focus18
Choose any six courses (18 units) from any of the following clusters; three courses (9 units) must be within the Methods cluster for students to earn a BS in Psychology.
Business and Community Cluster
Global-Local Cultural Psychology Integration I
Global-Local Cultural Psychology Integration II
Social Psychology
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Psychology of Conflict Management and Mediation
Community Psychology
Multicultural Psychology 7
Political Psychology 8
Clinical and Counseling Cluster
Introduction to Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor Credentialing
Psychology of Personality
Psychology of Suicide
Group Process
Intervention Strategies with Children
Psychology of the Family
Counseling Theory
Interventions in Counseling
Substance Use Assessment and Interventions
Case Management in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 9
Theories of Counseling and Therapy 9
Advanced Developmental Psychology 9
Development and Education Cluster
Human Growth and Development 4
Educational Psychology
Psychology of Child and Adolescent Development 4
Psychology of Adult Development
Psychology of Exceptional Children
Psychosocial Interventions in Pediatric Health Care
Advanced Child Development 9
Family Systems Theory and Applications 9
Theories and Practices of Grief and Loss 9
Introduction to Child Life 9
Coping Strategies for Children Experiencing Stress and Trauma 9
Methods Cluster
Select three of the following:
History of Psychology
Research Methods II
Research Experience 10
Psychological Testing and Measurement
Theory, Research and Practice in Psychology 9
Experimental Research Methods 9
Non-Experimental Research Methods 9
Analysis of Variance 9
Neurocognition Cluster
Introduction to Brain and Behavior
Cognition
Psychology of Learning
Bilingualism, Biculturalism, and Cognition
Cognitive Neuroscience
Neurological and Behavioral Disorders
Restoring Wholeness Cluster
Sports Psychology
Health Psychology
Psychology of Religion
Drugs, Behavior, and Society
Stress and Coping
Domain 3: Applied Learning3
Research Experience 10, 11
Total Units48
1

Meets the General Education Quantitative Literacy requirement.

2

Meets the General Education Natural Sciences requirement. 

3

An AP Psychology score of 3, 4, or 5 will be accepted for PSYC 110.

4

Meets the General Education Social Sciences requirement.

5

Meets the General Education Writing 2 requirement.

6

Meets the General Education Writing 3 requirement.

7

Meets the General Education Intercultural Competence requirement.

8

Meets the General Education Civic Knowledge and Engagement requirement.

9

Requires senior standing and departmental permission.

10

Meets the General Education Integrative and Applied Learning requirement.

11

Students may petition to take PSYC 455 instead of PSYC 475.