Psychology

Psychology Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

About Psychology

Delve into the fascinating science of the mind with a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Gain scientific insight into the feelings, behaviors and thoughts that permeate our lives. A bachelor's degree in psychology from PennWest California trains you in the theories and practices of general psychology - focusing on typical and atypical human and animal behaviors - while giving you a broad background in undergraduate liberal arts. 

This career-oriented degree program teaches you how to apply the scientific method to human problems, preparing you to excel in a wide variety of jobs and graduate study.

Discover PennWest California's experiential approach to education.

  • Engage in psychology research projects and on-site psychological observations.  
  • Participate in psychology internships in mental health centers, HR departments, zoological institutions and more.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS - PSYCHOLOGY

Flexibility: This degree program can accommodate both full- and part-time students, students with or without professional experience, and incoming freshmen and transfer students.

School Psychology Clinic: PennWest California's Psychology Department operates a clinic that offers psychological testing services to evaluate behavioral or learning issues, assist with career exploration, assess kindergarten readiness and more. Services are available to the public and to PennWest California students and employees. Learn about the School Psychology Clinic.

 

100% 
Of PennWest California psychology program graduates since 2013 are in jobs or enrolled in graduate school. Fifty-one percent went directly into employment and 49% pursued master's degree programs.
4 
Areas of specialization are offered within the psychology curriculum so students can hone their expertise.
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Degree Benefits

Psychology degree courses will develop your ethical decision-making, critical thinking and empathy skills. Knowledge obtained in psychology classes can improve relationships, increase self-awareness and strengthen social skills. You will also gain valuable instruction in:

  • Statistical techniques used in psychology.

  • Applying psychological concepts to understand (and help others understand) our complex world.

  • Conducting  psychological research, including institutional review board approval, data collection and the interpretation of results.

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Graduate Outcomes

A bachelor's degree in psychology from PennWest California prepares you for advanced training in psychology, and graduate study in law, medicine or business. Program graduates also find immediate jobs in mental health settings, group homes, hospitals and other helping institutions. Alumni employers include:

 
  • Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
  • Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services.
  • Try Again Homes.
  • Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.
Psychology - Bachelor of Science Degree

Psychology Bachelor of Science Degree Courses and Related Programs

This professional bachelor's degree program focuses on the study and explanation of patterns of individual behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Courses emphasize strong foundations in the scientific methods of psychology, as well as the liberal arts.

Curriculum

Course Credits
General Education Courses 40 or 41
Building a Sense of Community
UNI 100  First-Year Seminar
1
Composition
ENG 101  English Composition I
3
Public Speaking
Any Public Speaking Course
3
Mathematics and Quantitative Literacy
Any Mathematics and Quantitative Literacy Course
3
Health and Wellness
Any Health and Wellness Course
3
Technological Literacy
Any Technological Literacy Course
3
Humanities
Any Humanities Course
3
Fine Arts
Any Fine Arts Course
3
Natural Sciences
Any Natural Sciences Course
3
Social Sciences
Any Social Sciences Course
3
General Education Options
  • Any Ethics and Multicultural Awareness Emphasis Course
  • ENG 102  Composition II
  • Any Gen Ed BIO/CHE
  • Any Gen Ed PHL/ML/CMD350/WST
12
   
Required Major Courses 18
PSY 100  General Psychology 3
PSY 220  Descriptive Statistics in Psych. 3
PSY 331  Inferential Statistics in Psychology 3
PSY 345  History and Systems in Psychology 3
PSY 365  Research Methods in Psychology 3
PSY 460  Senior Seminar: Special Topics 3
   
Research Competency 12
Select 12 credits from the following:
  • PSY 301  Sensation and Perception Lab 
  • PSY 306  Cognitive Psychology Lab 
  • PSY 335  Advanced Learning Lab 
  • PSY 340  Psychological Measurement Lab 
  • PSY 350  Principles of Behavior Modification 
  • PSY 415  Childhood Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice
  • PSY 420  Social Psychology Lab 
  • PSY 430  Physiological Psychology
  • PSY 425  Senior Project Senior Project 
  • PSY 469  Internship (3 to 6 credits)
12
   
Psychology Electives 15
Select PSY courses NOT used to complete the above requirements 15
   
Free Electives 34 or 35
   
Total 120

Additional requirements, not counted toward the General Education requirements, include:

  • Special Experience Course (1 course required): Any Special Experience Course
  • Writing-Intensive Component Courses (2 courses required): PSY 345 History and Systems of Psychology AND PSY 365 Research Methods in Psychology
  • Laboratory Course (1 course required): Any Lab Course

Program Notes: A minimum overall and psychology GPA 2.0 is required. 42 credits of upper-level courses are required. Minors are strongly encouraged (see adviser). Developmental courses (ENG 100, DMA 092) do NOT count toward the 120 credits needed for graduation, but are used in calculating GPA.

Minor


Psychology Minor:
PennWest California also offers a 21-credit minor in psychology for any undergraduate interested in a systematic study of behavior and mental processes. Courses include PSY100 General Psychology, PSY220 Descriptive Statistics in Psychology, and five elective classes in psychology (two at the 200 level and three at the 300 or 400 level).

bachelors degree in psychology

Alumni Success Story #1

Meet Becky S. Karluk. After earning a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in counselor education from PennWest California, Becky became a guidance counselor with the Central Greene School District in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, where she is responsible for 600 students, all student records and all state and achievement testing.

bachelor degree in psychology

Psychology Degree Careers

What can you do with a degree in psychology? While we typical think of psychologists in a clinical setting with a master’s degree or higher, there are plenty of career options for students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Learn More
Two women speak to each other in a group meet-and-greet.

Psychology Club + Psi Chi

Meet other students interested in psychology, hear speakers from various community agencies that involve psychological services, and learn about ongoing psychology research by joining PennWest California's Psychology Club. And if you maintain a high GPA, you will be invited to join Psi Chi - the international honor society for psychology students that offers networking opportunities, service projects, academic prestige and more.