Psychology
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
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 achieve 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
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. 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 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 10-week period will not be responsible for any tuition and related fees.
South University may grant exceptions to the 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
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
(must be taken concurrently with BIO1012 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab)
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(must be taken concurrently with BIO1014 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab)
*
*NOTE: If a Psychology (BA) student chooses to take an Anatomy and Physiology course, only BIO 1011 and BIO 1013 satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement. Students enrolling in either course must, however, also take the related co-requisite lab courses: BIO 1012 and BIO 1014 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.
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.
(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)
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.
OR
OR
AND
Note: Senior Thesis I and Senior Thesis II jointly count as one capstone option.
Outcomes
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.
Learn More About the South University Program That's Right For You.
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Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers
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