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Degree Overview

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

NEED
Dr. Laura May, Department Chair and Program Director, Pyschology

At South University Tampa, 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

o 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. 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 a satisfactory score on the university-administered admissions examination (see the Admissions Office) 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.

To facilitate the admissions process, unofficial documentation, such as copies of transcripts or grade reports, may be used to determine admission status. Transfer status cannot be designated, however, without some verifying documentation. Admissions test scores on university administered entrance exams will not be accepted from other universities. Prospective students must take a University administered admission exam, like the Accuplacer, at South University.

A student's failure to provide acceptable verification of proof of high school graduation within 5*/10 weeks of his or her start date will result in the following:

  • Removal from class
  • Cancellation of enrollment
  • No final course grades
  • No transcript

NOTES: Students who do not provide proof of high school graduation within the 5*/10-week period will not be responsible for any tuition and related fees.

South University may grant exceptions to the 5*/10-week period for unusual situations or circumstances.  All exceptions must be submitted to the office of the University Registrar for approval.

Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information

*Effective March 22, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Montgomery campus or High Point Off Campus Instructional Site will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. ​*Effective April 1, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Richmond and West Palm Beach campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation.  *Effective May 31, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Tampa and Orlando campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. *Effective July 12, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Austin and Columbia campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. *Effective August 16, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Savannah and Virginia Beach campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation.

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

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: 180 Credits

For students enrolled prior to January 2024.

Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits
Professional Development
Basic Communications
ENG1100 Composition I 4 Credit Hours
ENG1200 Composition II 4 Credit Hours
Choose one additional course from the list below:
Mathematics and Statistics
MAT2058 Statistics 4 Credit Hours
Choose two additional courses from the following:
Natural Sciences (choose two)

(must be taken concurrently with BIO1012 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab)

*

(must be taken concurrently with BIO1014 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab)

*

BIO1020 Biology I 4 Credit Hours
BIO1021 Biology II 4 Credit Hours
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. 

Social and Behavioral Sciences
Area II Foundation Requirements: 32 Credits
Elective Pool (eight courses or 32 credit hours)

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.

Area III Major Requirements: 84 Credits
Core: 44 Credits

(must be taken concurrently with PSY2008 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences Lab)

(must be taken concurrently with PSY2061 Research Methods Lab)

(must be taken concurrently with PSY3002 Cognitive Psychology Lab)

(must be taken concurrently with PSY3011 Social Psychology Lab)

PSY3300 Personality 4 Credit Hours
Major Curriculum: 36 Credits

Students must take one course within each of the four areas below (16 credit hours) plus an additional 20 credit hours (5 courses) from any area below.  Students should work with their academic counselor or program director to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.

Capstone (choose one, 4 credit hours)
PSY4800 Senior Seminar 4 Credit Hours

OR

OR

AND

Note:  Senior Thesis I and Senior Thesis II jointly count as one capstone option.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: 180 Credits

For students enrolled on or after January 2024.

Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits
Professional Development
Basic Communications
ENG1100 Composition I 4 Credit Hours
ENG1200 Composition II 4 Credit Hours
Choose one additional course from the list below:
Mathematics and Statistics
Natural Sciences (choose two)
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.

Social and Behavioral Sciences
Area II Foundation Requirements: 32 Credits
Elective Pool (eight courses or 32 credit hours

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.

Area III Major Requirements: 84 Credits
Major Curriculum: 44 Credits

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.

Capstone (choose one, 4 credit hours)
PSY4800 Senior Seminar 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:
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the major theories and content areas comprising the foundation of psychology.
  2. Actively engage in the process of critically evaluating concepts, theories, research, and applications in the field.
  3. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of cultural factors impacting the field of Psychology according to historical and current issues.
  4. 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.
  5. Apply the principles of scientific methodology according to human, social, and applied context.
  6. 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.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding and articulate a need for continued professional growth in the field.
  8. Understand and articulate the connection between theory, concepts, research and clinical application in the field for current and emerging issues.
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success stories

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.

Sandy S Johnson 2008
Sandy Johnson Grad Alumni
Class of '08
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling: South University, Montgomery

“Having [instructors] that are experts in the field was an inspiration to me and allowed me that firsthand experience of the day-to-day knowledge. I am elated that I had these professors, and when I have had to call on them post-graduation, they have always been so helpful. Having a master's degree has made me a competitive applicant…[and has] given me the confidence in myself to accomplish any goals I may set for myself.”

Mary Blevins 2014
Mary Blevins Grad Alumni
Class of '14
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling-South University, Columbia

“My education has made a huge difference in my life! Without my degree from South University, I would still be working a dead-end job. The professors had worked extensively in the field and incorporated real-life experiences into the textbook material. For the first time in my life, I can genuinely say I am happy with my career and where I am in life.”

LaDonna Cook 2011
LaDonna Cook Grad Alumni
Class of '11
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling-South University, Savannah

“South University impacted my life in numerous ways, from the phenomenal staff and faculty who helped me to believe in and challenge myself, to my amazing peers in my cohort, who became lifelong friends. My time at South University was the best. The faculty and staff encouraged us to excel in all areas of our lives, and it pushed me to be a better person and counselor.”

blue cap and gown graduate icon
Niya Warner Calderon Grad Alumni
Class of '10
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling-South University, Columbia

“My professors at South University placed a great deal of knowledge and resources at my fingertips. My classes were never just a presentation of material; they were a discourse of experience where the instructor could answer the question directly when I asked.”

Ty White 2009
Ty White Grad Alumni
Class of '09
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling-South University, Savannah

“The teachers were so caring and personable. We all became family. We cried together. We laughed together. It was a domino effect: the people at South University were so helpful to me that I wanted to help others.”