Psychology
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
At South University Richmond, our well-rounded curriculum and practical training is designed to prepare you for a variety of entry-level psychology positions. Our interactive courses and labs allow you to explore topics that include psychological disorders, cognitive psychology, personality development, and social psychology processes like conformity, persuasion, group dynamics, and self-esteem.
Earning your Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree can help you strengthen your communication skills and critical thinking, as well as develop an understanding of the major theories of psychology, the scientific methodology, the impact of cultural factors on the field, and the connection between psychology theory, concepts, research, and clinical application. Along the way, our faculty will be committed to helping you succeed and pursue your goals, whether that means preparing for graduate studies or for one of the many possible exciting careers in psychology.
Admission Requirements
General Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
To be admitted to any of the undergraduate programs at South University, the prospective student must provide proof of high school graduation as recognized by the state of residence on the date the degree was earned, or the equivalent (e.g. GED with no single test score below 145 or numeric score equivalent to 2.0 on old version or state-issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a High School Diploma) with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests prior to the start of the first quarter for campus students and during the first session of attendance for online students. South University accepts the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation. Credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service. Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.
Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may meet admissions requirements by submitting a minimum combined SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) score of 700 or 900 on the old SAT, a combined ACT score of 18, or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.
Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 CGPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.
Acceptable verification of high school graduation or the equivalent would include a copy of the high school diploma, high school transcript (official or unofficial), GED certificate, or GED scores and state-authorized examination scores (ex. HiSET, TASC) or a state- issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a high school diploma. In states that maintain a database that serves as an official registry of high school and GED graduates, an excerpt from the official database documenting the student's graduation or GED completion may be used.
Campuses in South Carolina must be provided with official high school transcripts or GED scores or state-issued certificates designated as the equivalent of a high school diploma.
Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information
Conditional Acceptance
Students may be conditionally accepted by submitting unofficial copies of documentation required for the admission requirements. Conditional acceptance is allowed for 5 weeks beyond the start of the student’s first session. Failure to provide acceptable, official documentation, as stated in the admissions requirements, within 5 weeks from the start date will result in the following:
- Removal from class
- Cancelation of enrollment
- No final course grades
- No transcript
Students who do not provide acceptable documents for full, unconditional acceptance within the 5 week period will not be responsible for tuition and related fees. South University may grant exceptions to the 5 week period for unusual situations or circumstances. All exceptions must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar for approval.
Admission of Transfer Students
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
To be eligible for admission, transfer students must complete the application procedures and satisfy the following criteria:
- Submit a completed application for admission.
- Have earned 24 or more credit hours, or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution.
- Submit official transcripts (including verifiable faxed transcripts) from all colleges and universities attended.
- Submit self-certification of high school graduation or GED completion.
For transfer of credit practices refer to the applicable section under the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.
To be admitted as a Transfer student into South University the prospective student must have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution. Official transcripts from the collegiate institution(s) must be received within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance), and who are not required to take ENG0099 and/or MAT0099, will be exempt from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success. Students will select another 4 credit course in consultation with their Academic Advisor or Academic Counselor to fulfill the degree requirements.
Students with 24 or more quarter credits with less than a 2.0 GPA may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 GPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.
Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should refer to the section entitled International Student Admissions Policy.
Students who are transferring from or to a school within the University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Community College System should be aware of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement approved by both governing Boards on March 1, 1996 and revised in September of 2008. This agreement may be found in its entirety at the following website.
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Career Outlook
The BA in Psychology program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions such as:
- Counselor Aide
- Therapeutic Assistant
- Academic Advisor
- Career Advisor
- Human Resources Administrator
- Case Worker
- Behavioral Intervention Specialist
- Child Care Worker
- Community Organizer
Course Requirements
Choose one additional course from the list below:
(must be taken concurrently)
(must be taken concurrently)
Note(s):
*NOTE: If a Psychology (BA) student chooses to take an Anatomy and Physiology course, only BIO1011 and BIO1013 satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement. Students enrolling in either course must, however, also take the related co-requisite lab courses: BIO1012 and BIO1014 respectively. Students electing this option for their Natural Sciences requirement will complete 184 credit hours of work for their degree, depending on their exact choice.
Choose one additional course from the list below:
Transfer students may transfer any course to help fulfill the elective pool requirements, provided the course meets the standards of the Credit for Transcripted and Non-transcripted Work policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.
Non-transfer students, with their advisor's consultation and approval may choose courses from any department recommended and listed course or more broadly from any course offered by South University. Work from other fields must include any required prerequisite courses in the elective field.
A course can be used to meet only one requirement in Area I, Area II, or Area III, but not simultaneously in two areas. Students should work with their academic advisor or counselor to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.
Students must take one course within each of the four areas below (16 credit hours) plus an additional 28 credit hours (7 courses) from any area below. Students should work with their academic counselor or program director to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.
Behavioral Health
Behavioral Neuroscience
Human Development
Social/Organizational
Capstone (choose one, 4 credit hours)
Outcomes
Offered at Atlanta, Austin, Columbia, Montgomery, Online Programs, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach, and West Palm Beach.
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program is designed to provide students with a broad background in general education, and to provide initial training and quality instruction for students wishing to seek entry-level positions in psychology or a graduate degree in the behavioral sciences upon graduation.
Psychology (BA)
Graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major theories and content areas comprising the foundation of psychology.
- Actively engage in the process of critically evaluating concepts, theories, research, and applications in the field.
- Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of cultural factors impacting the field of Psychology according to historical and current issues.
- Develop effective verbal and written communication skills necessary in the field. Specifically, students will demonstrate an ability to write and present psychological concepts including an ability to communicate clearly and effectively using APA style.
- Apply the principles of scientific methodology according to human, social, and applied context.
- Demonstrate awareness and understanding of current and future professional issues in the field of psychology including an understanding of The Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
- Demonstrate an understanding and articulate a need for continued professional growth in the field.
- Understand and articulate the connection between theory, concepts, research and clinical application in the field for current and emerging issues.
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Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.
Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.
*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.
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Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers
We're committed to helping our graduates make an impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our counseling and psychology graduates have to say.