The number of required credit hours is the clearest difference between the two degrees. Although the BA in Psychology program has the international language requirement, the BS in Psychology does not. Instead, the BS in Psychology requires a core set of four classes (13 credit hours) of non-psychology classes and two additional psychology electives (6 credit hours). The BS in Psychology also requires two classes that the BA in Psychology does not:

• PSYC 4750 Advanced Statistics (3 hours)
• PSYC 4825 Senior Thesis (3 hours)

Additionally, the BS in Psychology has two additional learning objectives: detail the biological and genetic underpinnings of human behavior, and develop a research hypothesis based on the available literature in psychology and then collect, analyze and interpret data to address the question.

Students who successfully complete the BS in Psychology will have the foundation, research skills and data analysis expertise to succeed in a MA/PhD psychology graduate program (e.g. clinical psychology, experimental psychology, etc.).

Students who successfully complete the BA in Psychology degree may be able to apply psychological principles to become a more effective manager, supervisor or educator. In addition, some students may be able to pursue a variety of career and graduate opportunities within psychology, counseling and related fields (e.g. nursing).

Students graduating with either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology will need to pursue a graduate degree before they are able to obtain professional licensure. Students are encouraged to check entrance requirements for any post-graduate programs prior to finishing their bachelor’s degree at Webster in the event they need to take additional coursework.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Describe the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in psychology.
• Implement the use of scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena and demonstrate the ability to to interpret, design and conduct basic psychological research using statistical analyses.
• Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice and apply those standards to build and enhance interpersonal relationships locally and globally.
• Demonstrate effective writing, exhibit effective presentation skills and interact effectively with others.
• Discuss occupational pursuits available in a variety of settings given their psychological knowledge, skills and values.
• * Detail the biological and genetic underpinnings of human behavior.
• * Develop a research hypothesis based on the available literature in psychology and then collect, analyze and interpret data to address the question.

* Bachelor of Science degree only

The 64 credit hours required for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology include the following:

Non-Psychology Supporting Core Requirements:

• WRIT 1010 The Craft of College Writing (3 hours)
• MATH 1430 College Algebra (3 hours)
• BIOL 1010 Human Biology (4 hours)
• BIOL 1040 Human Genetics (3 hours)

Psychology Core Requirements:

• PSYC 1100 Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
• PSYC 1800 Careers in Psychology (1 hour)
• PSYC 2750 Introduction to Measurement and Statistics (3 hours)
• PSYC 2825 Introduction to Research Methods (3 hours)
• PSYC 2975 Sophomore Assessment (0 hours)
• PSYC 3025 Psychology and Ethics (2 hours)
• PSYC 4750 Advanced Statistics* (3 hours)
• PSYC 4825 Senior Thesis* (3 hours)
• PSYC 4925 Senior Capstone: History, Philosophy, and Systems of Psychology (3 hours)
• PSYC 4950 Senior Assessment (0 hour)
• Psychology electives (15 hours)

*Bachelor of Science degree only

The 39 credit hours required for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology include the following:

• PSYC 1100 Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
• PSYC 1800 Careers in Psychology (1 hour)
• PSYC 2750 Introduction to Measurement and Statistics (3 hours)
• PSYC 2825 Introduction to Research Methods (3 hours)
• PSYC 2975 Sophomore Assessment (0 hours)
• PSYC 3025 Psychology and Ethics (2 hours)
• PSYC 4925 Senior Capstone: History, Philosophy, and Systems of Psychology (3 hours)
• PSYC 4950 Senior Assessment (0 hour)
• Psychology electives (at least 3 hours at the 4000-level) (9 hours)

Recommended Courses

• PSYC 4425 Community Practicum (3 hours)
• PSYC 4825 Senior Thesis (3 hours)