Psychology, BA

Program Description:

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) curriculum offers students an array of courses in psychological theory supported by coursework in research methodology, statistics, and writing. Students will also choose from a variety of elective courses including those related to counseling and psychotherapy, forensic psychology, neuroscience, as well as applied areas in human performance and effectiveness. The BA degree offers flexibility encouraging students to supplement their education in psychology with additional courses outside of psychology. This enables students to customize their degree to meet individual goals. BA graduates prepared with knowledge of human behavior who are adaptable and willing to learn, socially skilled, and focused on problem solving will have the greatest flexibility in pursuing the jobs and careers of their choice given the demands of employers in the 21st century.

To be admitted as a major into the department of psychology, students must earn at least 15 semester hours and have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 and complete an introduction to psychology course, earning a grade of at least a C. Admission decisions will be based on Wright State courses, transfer courses, or both. Once accepted by the department, students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to learn more about curriculum choices, degree completion requirements, graduate school, and career opportunities. Because of the breadth of psychology, a variety of educational options are available, therefore, students should continue to work with the psychology undergraduate program advisors to facilitate progress towards their degree.

Degree Requirements–Psychology - Bachelor of Arts Degree

The B.A. curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to achieve four outcomes.

Be familiar with current theory and research in diverse areas of psychology
Have fundamental research design and mathematical/statistical skills needed to understand psychological science
Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms
Have skills in integrating and communicating about psychological knowledge

Psychology Honors Program

Students interested in being admitted to the psychology honors program should apply in their junior year. After acceptance, students enroll in one departmental honors seminar each academic year. Part-time students must complete one honors seminar prior to graduation. All students must complete an honors thesis, for which academic credit is granted.

For additional information:

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 40 Hours

Element 1 - Communication: 6 Hours

Element 2 - Mathematics: 4 Hours

STT 1600 - Statistical Concepts Credit Hour(s): 4

Element 3 - Global Traditions: 6 Hours

Element 4 - Arts and Humanities: 3 Hours

Element 5 - Social Sciences: 7 Hours

PSY 1010 - Introduction to Psychology Credit Hour(s): 4 required

Element 6 - Natural Sciences: 8 Hours

Additional Core Courses: 6 Hours

II. Departmental Core Requirements: 26 Hours

PSY 3010 - Research Methods in Psychology I Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3020 - Research Methods in Psychology II Credit Hour(s): 4

6 Core Courses (at least 2 from Row 1 and 2 from Row 2): 18 Hours

III. Departmental Requirements and Electives: 21 Hours

Two PSY 4100-4990 (seminar courses) Credit Hour(s): 6
Psychology Electives Credit Hour(s): 15

IV. College Requirement: 18 Hours

18 hours outside the College of Science and the College of Engineering and Computer Science

V. General Electives: 15 Hours

Total: 120 Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.