Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offers a foundation in the analysis and critical evaluation of psychological literature; the communication of psychological concepts and facts both orally and in writing; and the development of psychological research including design, data analysis, measurement, and ability to use computer for statistical analysis. Our B.A. degree provides an excellent foundation for work in the community in many fields that involve human relations and behavior. In addition, the undergraduate degree is excellent preparation for graduate school in all fields of psychology, other behavioral and social sciences as well as for graduate programs in business, law, medicine, and many other professional fields.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge Base in Psychology. Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology. Develop a working knowledge of psychology's content domains. Describe applications of psychology.
2. Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking. Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena. Demonstrate psychology information literacy. Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem-solving. Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research. Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry.
3. Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World. Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science practice. Build and enhance interpersonal relationships. Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels.
4. Communication. Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes. Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes. Interact effectively with others.
5. Professional Development. Apply psychological content and skills to career goals. Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation. Refine project management skills. Enhance teamwork capacity. Develop meaningful professional direction for life after.

Admissions requirements:

1. Be a resident of California or another authorized state. See State Authorization.
2. Have completed a minimum of 60 transferable semester (90 quarter) units.
3. Have a grade point average of 2.0 (C)  or better in all transferable units attempted.
4. Have a grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better in all units completed at SF State.
5. Be in good standing at the last college or university attended.
6. Have completed all lower-division and Ethnic Studies General Education requirements (34 semester units or 51 quarter units) with a grade of C- or better.
7. Have completed PSY 200 with a grade of C or better. 

Psychology (B.A.) — 41 units minimum

The major includes 14 units of core curriculum, 18 units of basic courses, and 9 units of electives. Because of high demand, enrollment priority is given to Psychology majors in all upper-division Psychology courses. Courses numbered 300 and above are not open to freshmen.

• Psychology majors must take PSY 200, PSY 305GW, PSY 371, and PSY 400 for a letter grade and achieve a grade of C or better in all four courses.
• Majors must achieve a grade of CR in PSY 303 and PSY 690.
• PSY 171 (or any quantitative reasoning course) is a prerequisite for PSY 371 .

Core Curriculum (14 Units)

Core courses should be taken in the order listed below.

Basic Courses (18-21 Units)

Choose two courses from each of the following Areas 1 through 3:

• Area 1: Basic Psychological Processes (6)
• Area 2: Psychological Development and Individual Differences (6-7)
• Area 3: Social, Cultural, Organizational, and Community Contexts (6-8)

Electives (9-12 Units)

Choose 3 elective courses from courses in Areas 1–3 not used to satisfy the Basic Course requirement and/or from additional upper-division psychology courses.

Areas of Study

2 Year Student Roadmap

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