Report an accessibility problem

Psychology, BA

Uncover, discover and understand behavior. You'll explore the why behind actions and thoughts while learning from top-tier faculty about tackling addiction, enhancing child development and improving the ways people interact with one another.

Apply now
A student works on a laptop outdoors, exploring human behavior in ASU's Psychology, BA program.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: Moderate program math intensity moderate
First required math course: MAT 119 - Finite Mathematics
or MAT 170 Pre-Calculus
View more details

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Psychology, BA degree description

The Bachelor of Arts program in psychology offers you a deep understanding of human and animal behavior. Alongside distinguished faculty, you explore topics such as stress, emotions, conflict and the pivotal role of body image in shaping identity.

What sets this program apart is its robust support network that connects you to an engaged community of alumni. Internships complement classroom learning and provide you with practical experience that bridges psychology education with careers in various areas.

The program's rigorous curriculum hones your practical skills in writing and public speaking, enabling you to apply psychological concepts and principles across various fields.

A foundation in psychology empowers you for personal and professional growth, paving the way for success in work, relationships and family roles.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

Why study psychology at ASU?

Launch into faculty-led research from the start of your academic journey through the Department of Psychology's extensive research enterprise. Home to more than 50 laboratories, this psychology degree connects you to real inquiry into human behavior. At ASU's Department of Psychology, psychology and neuroscience sit alongside nationally recognized graduate programs in both research and clinical training, including tracks that prepare students for licensure. As an undergraduate, you can work beside faculty and peers investigating behavioral health, addiction, neuroscience and genomics, social challenges and interpersonal relationships, gaining hands-on experience that uses research and data to understand behavior and development across the lifespan.

Along the way, you build skills in research design, statistical analysis and the interpretation of scientific evidence, creating a strong foundation for graduate study and a wide range of professional paths.

Additional details

Beyond the classroom, student groups can help you explore your interests, build professional networks, and engage with topics that spark your curiosity. The Tempe Chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, connects you to a distinguished network of students, faculty and professionals dedicated to advancing psychological science.

The Psychology Engagement Team strengthens connections among students through events focused on research, career exploration and engagement. NeuroDevils brings together students interested in neuroscience for educational programs, community outreach, networking events and professional development with faculty and researchers from ASU and local research organizations.

Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
PSY 230 Introduction to Statistics
PSY 290 Research Methods
PSY 320 Learning and Motivation
PSY 400 Topics in Neuroscience
PSY 323 Sensation and Perception

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Exercise scientific reasoning when investigating psychological phenomena in a research project.
  • Differentiate the specific subfields and themes (e.g., nature vs. nurture; mind and body) of Psychology.
  • Create career development materials appropriate for future employment or graduate study in Psychology.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

First-year student admission requirements for this program are the same as the university's first-year admission requirements.

Transfer admission requirements:

Transfer applicants must meet university transfer admission requirements.

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program

Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

Study abroad enables students in the psychology program to acquire additional skills and knowledge. They are exposed to distinct differences in human behavior, are able to improve language and cross-cultural skills for effective communication, and are challenged to adapt to new social and cultural circumstances.

The expanded education that students acquire through a Global Education program is a valuable enhancement to their resume, helping them stand out when applying to graduate school or pursuing their choice of careers.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in psychology.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Addictions Counselor 18.4% $59,350
Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist) 6.4% $75,940
Lawyer 4.7% $159,670
Market Research Analyst 7.0% $78,760
Mental Health Counselor 18.4% $59,350
Occupational Therapist (OT) 14.8% $100,330
Physician Assistant (PA) 21.1% $135,880
Probation Officer 3.0% $66,270
Psychiatric Aide 1.9% $44,910
School Psychologist 0.8% $95,990

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Careers this psychology degree prepares you for

Graduates are empowered with a versatile skill set encompassing analytical thinking, effective communication, teamwork and leadership. They are well-prepared for a wide array of career paths, including roles in law, business, health care and the helping professions, including social work and counseling. Graduates are also positioned to excel in competitive professional graduate degree programs in these areas.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

Department of Psychology | PSY 202
psych.advisor@asu.edu
480-965-7258

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

click back to top