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Psychology, BS

Are you interested in examining scientific principles that explain why people think, feel and act the way they do? Learn the science of human behavior and gain experience working in research labs. The knowledge and research experience you gain can be applied to many careers.

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A client meets with a counselor, demonstrating the behavior and well-being topics explored in ASU's Psychology, BS 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 Precalculus
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 degree description

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.

The Bachelor of Science program in psychology emphasizes critical thinking, reasoning, quantitative research and scientific writing.

You have the opportunity to participate in faculty-led research labs on a wide variety of topics. Some labs include:

Courses

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

Sample courses
CED 250 Career Development
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
PSY 224 Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
PSY 230 Introduction to Statistics
PSY 290 Research Methods
PSY 320 Learning and Motivation

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.

  • Develop a broad understanding of psychological principles to explain mental processes and behavior.
  • Apply statistical tools to test hypotheses and draw valid conclusions.
  • Integrate biopsychological principles when conceptualizing human behavior and emotions.

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)

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

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 students are exposed to distinct differences in the human condition worldwide, are able to improve language and cross-cultural skills for effective communication, and are challenged to adapt under new social and cultural circumstances. Participating in one of the more than 300 Global Education programs provides an opportunity for students to develop a valuable skill set that can give them an advantage in their career and provide personal enrichment. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, Global Education programs encourage students to build communication skills, challenge them to adapt and persevere, expose them to differences across the world and improve their ability to work with diverse groups of people.

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 recieve 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
Behavioral Health Specialist 2.3% $71,900
Counselor (General) 5.9% $50,860
Licensed Clinical Psychologist 11.7% $100,580
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) 13.5% $66,940
Mental Health Counselor 18.4% $59,350
School Psychologist 0.8% $95,990
Social Services Director 7.2% $80,390
Social Worker 4.4% $59,550
Substance Abuse Social Worker 10.3% $60,280

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

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth outlook (2024 to 2034) for psychologists is 6%, which is faster than average.

A degree in psychology prepares students for careers in various settings:

  • consulting firms
  • government (sales and marketing, human resources, research, administration, management)
  • hospitals
  • industries and organizations
  • mental health agencies
  • social services (high school psychology teacher, occupational analyst)

The program also provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in areas such as public administration, law, family studies and communication, and the various graduate program fields in psychology:

  • clinical and counseling
  • cognitive neuroscience
  • developmental
  • environmental
  • experimental
  • quantitative
  • physiological
  • social

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.

School of Counseling and Counseling Psychology | SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526

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.

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