Psychology, B.A. Program (120 units)
Program Description
Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. Many psychologists work primarily with people to understand how they think, respond to stress, learn and forget, develop into unique personalities, and interact with one another. Others study the behavior and nervous systems of animals in order to find general principles that apply across species. Psychologists apply their knowledge to do therapy and counseling; to improve practices in schools, prisons, and rehabilitation centers; and to enhance performance in industrial and business settings.
The B.A. program is appropriate for most psychology students. It provides a basic understanding of human behavior and motivation that is valuable in many careers in business, government, and education. It also provides the background expected for entry into graduate programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, health psychology, social psychology, or experimental psychology.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a B.A. in Psychology will be able to:
- Understand key concepts and theories of psychology’s content domains and identify connections to personal and social issues.
- Apply scientific and statistical reasoning to interpret and conduct research on psychological phenomena with openness and transparency.
- Evaluate the ethics of psychological science.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills.
- Describe academic and career options within psychology.
- Recognize how Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion objectives are advanced within psychological science.
Program Roadmaps
These program roadmaps represent recommended pathways through the program. Please see an advisor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs.
| 4-Year Freshmen Roadmap | 2-Year ADT Roadmap |
Career Opportunities
Clinical/Counseling/Child Psychologist • Community Mental Health Employee • Experimental Psychologist • Human Service Worker • Police/Probation Officer • Recreation Worker • School Counselor • Social Worker • Special Education Teacher • Substance Abuse Counselor
Features
The Psychology Department’s facilities include a fully equipped computer lab, a shared vivarium, and several labs for studying human behavior. These facilities support an unusual and important characteristic of the department: its emphasis on hands-on student involvement in the study of human and animal behavior through participation in laboratory courses and faculty research. The department also hosts a seminar with speakers from CSUEB and other institutions around the world.
Both the Psychology Club and Psi Chi (national honor society in psychology) provide opportunities for students to get together to hear speakers and to discuss topics such as career and graduate school opportunities.
Advising
Psychology students are encouraged to visit an advisor when they begin taking classes at Cal State East Bay. Advising is handled by the professional advisors in the College of Science Student Service Center. Students may also visit a Faculty Advisor, whose office hours and locations are available on the Department website and in the department office.
Preparation
For Advanced Placement course equivalencies, see Undergrad Orientation & Enrollment .
Degree Requirements Units-Outline
- A baccalaureate of arts degree requires a total of 120 units:
- The Psychology (BA) major requirements consist of 52-53 units;
- General Education (GE) & Graduation Requirements (GR) consist of 55 units;
- Free Electives may consist of 13 units (actual number of free elective units may depend on GE/GR units).
Note: It may be possible to double-count units within the graduation requirements or that a course may satisfy both a graduation requirement and a major requirement. Students should contact their program advisors for information.
Psychology (B.A.) Major Requirements (52-53 units)
Lower Division Core Requirements (9 units)
The following three (3) courses are required:
Upper Division Research/Statistics Core Requirements (8 units)
The following two (2) courses are required:
Upper Division Foundation Core Requirements (20 units)
Five (5) courses are required from the following. Must complete either PSYC 310 or PSYC 320, or both as part of this coursework:
Upper Division Major Electives Requirements (11-12 units)
Three (3) upper division psychology courses are required. Two (2) of these courses must be 400-level. Courses beginning with PSYC 491, PSYC 492, PSYC 493, PSYC 494, and any class listed as “not for major or minor credit” in the catalog are excluded. See all Psychology courses by Course Types below.
Capstone Requirement (4 units)
One (1) course is required from the following:
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