Department website: https://www.atu.edu/behaviorsci/

The Psychology Undergraduate Program is dedicated to fostering a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, thought, and emotion through a scientific lens. Our mission is to cultivate critical thinking, research proficiency, and ethical decision-making, empowering students to explore the biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that shape individual and collective experiences.

We strive to prepare students for a variety of career paths and advanced studies by offering a dynamic curriculum, hands-on research opportunities, and community engagement experiences. By fostering curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning, we aim to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of society and the advancement of psychological science.

A degree in psychology provides a versatile foundation for a variety of career paths in many fields. The psychology program is also aligned to three Accelerated MS Programs. See the curriculum tab footnotes for details.

Example of careers undergraduate psychology majors often pursue include areas such as:

Mental Health and Human Services

Case Manager
Behavioral Health Technician
Rehabilitation Specialist
Crisis Intervention Specialist

Business and Human Resources

Human Resources Specialist
Training and Development Coordinator
Market Research Analyst
Organizational Development Assistant

Graduate Study and Professional Training Preparation

Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Counselor or Therapist
Social Worker
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Education and Child Development

School Counselor
Early Childhood Development Specialist
Educational Program Coordinator
Academic Advisor

Healthcare and Wellness

Patient Advocate
Health Educator
Research Assistant in Behavioral Health
Substance Abuse Counselor

Social and Community Services

Nonprofit Program Coordinator
Community Outreach Specialist
Volunteer Coordinator
Advocacy Specialist

Law and Criminal Justice

Probation or Parole Officer
Victim Advocate
Forensic Technician
Juvenile Justice Specialist

Research and Data Analysis

Research Assistant
Data Analyst
Program Evaluator
Survey Researcher

Media and Communication

Public Relations Associate
Media Content Creator
Science Writer or Editor
Communications Specialist

¹

See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements."

²

Complete a minor, an associate's degree or a second degree.

³

At least 40 of the total hours required for graduation must be 3000 - 4000 level courses.

⁴

Psychology majors must earn a grade of 'C' or higher.

⁵

Take 15 hours from the below Topical Core courses:

PSY 3003 Abnormal Psychology or PSY 3153 Personality Psychology;

PSY 3053 Behavioral Neuroscience or PSY 4053 Sensation and Perception; 

PSY 3063 Developmental Psychology: Childhood or PSY 3183 Development Psychology: Adolescence;

PSY 3073 Psychology of Learning or PSY 4073 Cognitive Psychology;

PSY 3123 Evolutionary Psychology or PSY 4043 Social Psychology/SOC 4043 Social Psychology.

⁶

This program partners the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology undergraduate degree with the Master of Science (MS) in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Students in this accelerated program can substitute up to 12 hours of student affairs administration courses from the following: SAA 6113 Research Design and Analysis for PSY 4003 Capstone: Advanced Research Method and Lab for Psychology; and/or SAA 6023 Introduction to Student Affairs Administration and/or SAA 6033 Student Development Theory for electives; and/or SAA 6043 College Students and Diversity and/or SAA 6073 Counseling Theories and Helping Skills for 3000-4000 level psychology electives.

⁷

This program partners the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology undergraduate degree with the Master of Science (MS) in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Students in this accelerated program can substitute up to twelve (12) hours of emergency management courses from the following: nine (9) hours from the graduate core: EMHS 6063 Principles of Emergency Management, EMHS 6093 Principles of Homeland Security, and EMHS 6103 Research Design and Methods, and three (3) electives from any approved EMHS course for up to 12 hours of 3000-4000 level psychology electives.

⁸

This program partners the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology undergraduate degree with the Master of Arts (MA) in Organizational Leadership and Learning. Students in this accelerated program can substitute up to 12 hours of organizational leadership and learning courses from the following: 6 hours from the graduate core:  OL 5043 Ethical Decision-Making and Development, OL 5643 Organizational Globalization and Diversity, OL 6043 Leadership in Organizational Change, EMHS 6103 Research Design and Methods, OL 6143 Consultation, Coaching, and Leadership Development, and 6 hours from electives:  OL 5143 Nonprofit Organizations, and OL 5343 Community Development for any elective or 3000-4000 level psychology electives.

Understand Key Psychological Concepts

• Demonstrate a broad understanding of major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings in psychology.
• Apply psychological principles to explain behavior, thought, and emotion in various contexts.
• Explore how social and cultural factors influence individual behavior, group dynamics, and interpersonal relationships.
• Gain a basic understanding of psychological disorders, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Scientific Inquiry, Critical Thinking, and Application of Research Methods

• Utilize scientific reasoning and problem-solving to interpret psychological phenomena.
• Develop skills in critical thinking, interpretation of research findings, and understanding ethical considerations in research.
• Learn and apply basic research methods in psychology, including designing studies, collecting data, and analyzing results.

Ethical and Social Responsibility 

• Develop an understanding of ethical standards in psychological practice and research, including issues like confidentiality, consent, and the treatment of vulnerable populations.
• Foster interpersonal and societal responsibility in personal and professional contexts.

Communication

• Communicate effectively in written, oral, and digital formats tailored to varied audiences.
• Construct well-organized arguments supported by psychological evidence in professional and academic contexts.

Professional Development

• Apply psychological knowledge and skills to career development and professional goals.
• Cultivate teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration in academic, professional, and community settings.
• Engage in self-reflection to identify strengths, values, and areas for growth to prepare for post-graduate education or career opportunities.

For program assessment visit: https://www.atu.edu/assessment/program_assessment.php