Psychology, B.A.
Understand human minds and behavior to help people.
Study the science behind human behavior, psychological research methods and how psychology translates into real-world settings, from mental health care to business organizations. Explore brain function, personality theories, psychopathology, lifespan development, psychological testing and statistics for the behavioral sciences.
Develop your skills in:
- Human behavior investigation
- Psychological counseling theories
- Research and data analysis/evaluation
- Self-awareness and showing empathy
- Interpersonal communication
- Cultural sensitivity
- Solving problems
At A Glance
Program: Bachelor of Arts
Audience: Undergraduate adult learners
Format: Face-to-face classes
Next Start Date: January 21, 2025
Cost: $465 per credit
Time to Completion Two to four years, depending on credits transferred
"I chose to pursue a degree in psychology because when I was discharged from the army after serving in Afghanistan, I needed to see a psychologist who helped me make sense of what I had been through. The experience gave me a passion for wanting to help others who struggled with the same mental health issues that I did. I kept hearing about how great the Psychology program was at Immaculata. I finally visited and fell in love with the school. I was blown away by how professional everyone was, and I immediately applied. I have been able to learn so much from the professors because most of them have had real-life experience working in psychology. The faculty at Immaculata have been amazing. They are all willing to go out of their way to make sure we as students succeed."
Jonathan Bittner
Founder and Therapist at Chestnut Hill Therapy Collective
Career Outlook
Job prospects for the field of psychology are projected to grow rapidly. Specifically, positions for mental health counselors, marriage & family therapists and social & human service assistants are all expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median salaries for careers in psychology include:
- Arbitrators, Mediators and Conciliators: $49,410
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors: $48,520
- Marriage & Family Therapists: $49,880
- Psychiatric Technicians: $36,570
- Rehabilitation Counselors: $38,560
- Social & Human Service Assistants: $37,610
For students who go on to pursue master’s and/or doctoral degrees, median salaries can be considerably higher, ranging from $78,200 to $92,880.
Psychology graduates can also look forward to a multitude of career options in other sectors, such as:
Business
- Marketing and advertising research
- Public relations
- Talent development and management training
- Labor relations
Research
- Grant and report writing
- Research analysis
- Social policy research
Education
- Admissions counseling
- Behavior analyst
- Academic advisor
- Career counseling
- Guidance counselor
- Youth director
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will:
- Identify and utilize aspects of psychological theory to explain human behavior scientifically and objectively
- Identify theory and research central to the major domains of the field
- Exhibit appreciation for psychological dimensions of human diversity
- Employ ethical knowledge and skills appropriate to level of experience and education
- Exhibit quantitative literacy and understand the role of statistics in psychological research
- Design and conduct a basic study to address a psychological question using appropriate research methods
- Maximize your previous coursework by transferring up to 72 credits into the program or earn credit for workplace training through Immaculata’s Credit for Prior Learning program.
- Complete a capstone project as your culminating educational experience. Develop a hypothesis, design a research study, analyze results and give a professional presentation.
- Learn from talented faculty with expertise in clinical psychology, neuroscience, cognitive psychology and developmental psychology.
- Tailor your course of study to meet your career needs and add optional minors in Spanish, business, data analytics and more.
- Continue your studies at the graduate level with Immaculata’s Master of Science in Strategic Leadership, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Doctor of Clinical Psychology.
Curriculum
MAJOR COURSES – 48 credits
- Foundations of Psychology
- Math Requirement
- Cross-Cultural Psychology or Social Psychology
- Statistics
- Principles of Psychological Testing
- Brain and Behavior
- Theories of Personality
- Experimental Psychology I
- Experimental Psychology II
- Abnormal Psychology
- Lifespan Development
- Learning and Cognition
- History of Psychology
- Contemporary Research Issues
- Psychology Electives – 6 credits
LIBERAL ARTS CORE – 36 credits
- Composition (Writing) 6 credits
- Natural & Physical World (Lab Science) 3 credits
- Quantitative Reasoning (Mathematics) 3 credits
- Human Creativity (Art, Literature, Music) 3 credits
- Social Consciousness (Sociology, Psychology, Economics) 3 credits
- Historical Consciousness (History) 3 credits
- Global Society (Foreign Language/Culture) 3 credits
- Pursuit of Faith (Religion, Theology) 6 credits
- Pursuit of Wisdom (Philosophy) 6 credits
ELECTIVES – 42 credits
TOTAL – 126 credits
You can apply to Immaculata’s adult professional programs in four simple steps. If you have questions, please contact us via admiss@immaculata.edu or by phone at 484-323-3060.