Jun 15, 2025  
2025-2026 General Catalog 
  
2025-2026 General Catalog

Psychology - BA, BS


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Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services

Department of Psychology

About This Degree

Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. The department is internationally known for its innovative research, teaching, and scholarship programs. Graduates are prepared for professions in mental health, research, education, and human service settings. Given that most career paths in psychology require graduate training, Utah State’s psychology program is directed toward helping majors meet the prerequisites of competitive graduate programs and preparing them for research and graduate work in psychology.

The modern and forward-thinking curriculum includes a series of courses designed to help students think, plan, and practice for future careers both within and outside of the classroom setting.  To further enrich their educational experience, students are encouraged to join Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, participate in the University Honors Program, and the Psychology Leadership Advisory Board.  These platforms allow students to deepen their learning, foster leadership skills, and connect with peers and faculty who share their passion for psychology.

Students earn a BS in psychology by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.  The courses within the major are designed and selected to align with the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines for the bachelor’s degree.  Course substitutions are a rare but viable option for students who have completed or plan to undertake a course with similar objectives.  Approval for such substitutions requires a consultation with an academic advisor in the psychology department and is contingent upon a compelling justification based on the guidelines’ objectives.

Minimum University Requirements


Admission Requirements For This Program


  • New freshmen must be admitted to USU in Good Standing.
  • Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU must be admitted to USU in Good Standing.

Major Requirements


A grade of C or better is required for all major courses. 3.0 Psychology major Course GPA required at graduation.

PSY 1010  is a prerequisite for ALL psychology courses. Many of these psychology courses also have additional prerequisites as listed in the USU General Catalog.

Undergraduate Research Core (4 credits)


Choose one of the following courses to fulfill the undergraduate research requirement. The other course may be used as a major elective.

Human Psychology in Context Core (3 credits)


Choose one of the following courses to fulfill the Human Psychology in Context requirement. The other course may be used as a major elective.

Major Electives (12 credits)


Students must complete 12 credits of major electives. Courses from the Undergraduate Research Core and the Diversity and Inclusivity Core may count in the major elective area if the additional courses have not been used for the core requirements. 

Capstone Experience (3 credits)


Choose one of the following courses to fulfill the capstone requirements:

Minor or Certificate Requirement


Students are required to complete a minor certificate housed in another department. The minimum GPA and grade for minor courses will be determined by the minor the student selects and are not determined by the psychology major GPA and minimum grade requirements.

Experiential Courses (Suggested Electives)


The following courses will count toward general elective credit but will not count toward major electives or other major requirements. These courses are designed to allow credit for research, teaching, or related employment experience outside of the classroom.

Open Electives


Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your Academic Advisor for details.

Total Credits: 120


Suggested Degree Map - Psychology BA, BS


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