2026-27 Undergraduate Academic Catalog | School of Natural and Social Sciences | Psychology

Psychology, B.A., B.S.

[Psychology—2001]

Psychologists assist people with a broad variety of needs. Psychology is both a science and a human service profession. Some psychologists do research with the goal of understanding people better. Many more psychologists work with people in a great variety of settings such as schools, clinics, and hospitals. Students wishing to study Psychology can elect to earn either a B.A. degree or a B.S. degree. The B.A. degree is also offered in a 3-Year accelerated format. A key distinctive of the B.A. and B.S. programs is the strong emphasis on research in the B.S. program (optional for B.A.). Students also have the opportunity for "hands on" experience in an internship (Field Work). Students who choose to take Research Practicum typically become co-authors on at least one research project that will be presented professionally (at a conference or as a journal article). The B.S. degree is recommended for students seriously interested in eventually pursuing an advanced doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD).

Students in the Psychology program may choose to complete a track in one of the following areas:

Clinical/Counseling Psychology
School Psychology/School Counseling
Research/Social Psychology/Developmental Psychology
Forensic Psychology
Industrial Organizational Psychology

For more information on these tracks, contact the Psychology Department at (585) 594-6034.

SPECIFICS OF THE PSYCHOLOGY B.A. DEGREE

The B.A. Psychology degree program at Roberts Wesleyan University provides students with a broad background in Psychology. Students learn the fundamental skills for conducting research and beginning level skills in the helping professions. Graduates from the B.A. Psychology program are prepared for entry-level positions in human services, business, and agencies. Many graduates choose to pursue master’s level training to prepare for professions such as school psychology, school counseling, mental health counseling, occupational therapy, marriage and family therapy, social work, industrial/organizational psychology, and more. In addition, some students use the B.A. degree as preparation for doctoral work in a variety of specialty areas in psychology.

At Roberts Wesleyan University, B.A. Psychology majors frequently choose a second major or minor to enhance their job prospects, gain acceptance into graduate school, or broaden their education in high interest areas such as art, music, Christian ministry, religion, sociology, or criminal justice. All B.A. students are required to complete an internship.

Minimum Total Hours: 120

Total Liberal Arts Hours Required: 90

General Education Requirements: Per Core Curriculum Requirements list (see General Education Council). The behavioral science elective, the mathematics elective, and the social sciences elective are not required since they are covered in the major.

Minimum Requirements: Overall GPA of 2.0; major GPA of 2.0; no grade less than C- in the major.

Transfer Requirements: See institutional transfer policies.

Application to the Major: Standard institutional major application form is accepted. Students should apply early in their junior year. A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required for acceptance to the major.

Major Requirements: 34 credit hours

Intro to Psychological Science: PSYC 1010 (3 credits)
Developmental Psychology: PSYC 2010 (3)
Statistics: MATH 2400 (3)
Cognitive Psychology: PSYC 3040 (3)
Social Psychology: PSYC 3060 (3)
Biological Bases of Behavior: PSYC 3070 (3)
Research Methods in Psychology: PSYC 3090^ (3)
Career Development in Psychology: PSYC 3500 (1)
Psychology & Theology: PSYC 4060 (3)
Internship: PSYC 4500 (3)

Elective courses to reach minimum of 34 hours:

Human Sexuality: PSYC 2020 (3)
The Psychology of Human Relationships: PSYC 2080 (3)
Organizational Behavior: PSYC 2600 (3)
Psychology of Gender: PSYC 3010 (3)
Psychological Assessment: PSYC 3020^ (3)
Learning & Behavior: PSYC 3050 (3)
Theory of Counseling & Psychotherapy: PSYC 3110 (3)
Positive Psychology: 3120 (3)
Counseling Skills & Practice: PSYC 3300 (3)
Personality Theory: PSYC 4010 (3)
Psychological Disorders: PSYC 4020 (3)
History of Psychology: PSYC 4030 (3)
Research Practicum: PSYC 4070 (3)

Special Notes:

^MATH 2400 is a prerequisite for PSYC 3020 and 3090.

SPECIFICS OF THE PSYCHOLOGY B.S. DEGREE

The B.S. Psychology degree program at Roberts Wesleyan University places a stronger emphasis on the scientific approach to the discipline and is designed specifically for students who wish to eventually pursue graduate education that is research-oriented and/or linked to doctoral study (PsyD, PhD). Students preparing for this advanced graduate study must strive to obtain a GPA well above 3.0, be involved in original research, and perform successfully on standardized graduate school admission exams (GREs) to be considered for admission to doctoral programs. While the B.S. program includes all of the coursework required for the B.A. degree, it also requires students to participate in all of the psychology laboratory course offerings as well as a research course. This research/science focus will more fully prepare students for the rigors of graduate education, while also guaranteeing significant experience in research. Those graduates who go on for doctoral study in psychology will be prepared for professions in psychological research, college-level teaching and/or clinical practice.

Minimum Total Hours: 120

Total Liberal Arts Hours Required: 60

General Education Requirements: Per Core Curriculum Requirements list (see General Education Council). The behavioral science elective, the mathematics elective, or social sciences elective are not required since they are covered in the major.

Minimum Requirements: Overall GPA of 2.7; major GPA of 2.7; no grade less than C in the major.

Transfer Requirements: See institutional transfer policies.

Application to the Major: Standard institutional major application form is accepted. Students should apply early in their junior year. A minimum overall GPA of 2.7 is required for acceptance to the major.

Major Requirements: 52 credit hours

Intro to Psychological Science: PSYC 1010 (3 credits)
Developmental Psychology: PSYC 2010 (3)
Statistics: MATH 2400 (3)
Cognitive Psychology: PSYC 3040 (3)
Social Psychology: PSYC 3060 (3)
Biological Bases of Behavior: PSYC 3070 (3)
Research Methods in Psychology: PSYC 3090^ (3)
Career Development in Psychology: PSYC 3500 (1)
Psychology & Theology: PSYC 4060 (3)
Research Practicum: PSYC 4070 (3)
Internship: PSYC 4500 (3)

Elective courses to reach minimum of 52 hours:

Human Sexuality: PSYC 2020 (3)
The Psychology of Human Relationships: PSYC 2080 (3)
Organizational Behavior: PSYC 2600 (3)
Psychology of Gender: PSYC 3010 (3)
Psychological Assessment: PSYC 3020^ (3)
Learning & Behavior: PSYC 3050 (3)
Theory of Counseling & Psychotherapy: PSYC 3110 (3)
Positive Psychology: 3120 (3)
Counseling Skills & Practice: PSYC 3300 (3)
Personality Theory: PSYC 4010 (3)
Psychological Disorders: PSYC 4020 (3)
History of Psychology: PSYC 4030 (3)

Special Notes:

^MATH 2400 is a prerequisite for PSYC 3020 and 3090.

Accelerated 3-Year B.A. in Psychology

The accelerated program in Psychology allows students to complete the B.A. degree in just 3 years. Students in the accelerated program have the same curriculum as those in the traditional 4-year B.A. program. Completing the B.A. degree in three years provides substantial cost savings and allows qualified students to begin master's education a year early.

To be eligible for the accelerated program, students need to have at least 6 credit hours of Advanced Placement or college-level credits prior to their enrollment. In addition, students must be willing to take 17-18 course credits during the fall and spring semesters at Roberts Wesleyan University. Summer coursework between years 1 & 2, and years 2 & 3 is also required, but can be earned at Roberts or transferred in from another institution. See institutional transfer policies.