Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. This program emphasizes critical thinking, reasoning, and empirical research and writing. It adds practical experience through internships, service-learning and faculty-supervised research. The BA program provides a broad foundation in psychology and affords students the flexibility to choose from a variety of courses outside the major. Because of this, the Bachelor of Arts curriculum requires fewer lab science and math courses than the Bachelor of Science program. The Bachelor of Arts program in psychology prepares students for employment or preparation for graduate study in applied psychology and related fields (e.g., social work, counseling and management).
Degree offered
Psychology (BA)
Integrative Sciences and Arts, College of
Location
Polytechnic
Major map
A major map outlines the degree’s requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.Freshman
Transfer
International
Readmission
Affording college
Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the job outlook (2014-24) for psychologists is 19% (which is "much faster than average").
A degree in psychology prepares students for a career in various settings:
- community centers
- consulting firms
- government (sales and marketing, human resources, research, administration, management)
- hospitals
- industries and organizations
- mental health agencies
- private companies
- schools and colleges (school psychologists, educators, professors)
- social services (high school psychology teacher, occupational analyst)
- substance abuse treatment clinics
The degree program also provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in fields such as public administration, law, family studies, communication and the various graduate program fields in psychology:
- clinical and counseling
- cognitive neuroscience
- developmental
- environmental
- health
- legal
- physiological
- social
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Social and Human Service Assistants | 11.4% | $29,790 |
| Health Educators | 12.2% | $50,430 |
| Community Health Workers | 14.9% | $34,870 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | 8.2% | $41,420 |
| Counseling Psychologists | 19.6% | $68,900 |
| Counselors, All Other | 11% | $44,830 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 19% | $90,210 |
| Human Resources Specialists | 4.6% | $57,420 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | 19.1% | $76,950 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 14.8% | $48,040 |
| Mental Health Counselors | 19.6% | $40,850 |
| Physician Assistants | 30.4% | $95,820 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 3.6% | $49,060 |
| Psychiatric Aides | 5.3% | $26,220 |
| Psychiatric Technicians | 5.2% | $31,130 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | 15.8% | $68,690 |
| School Psychologists | 19.6% | $68,900 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 9.5% | $62,740 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 18.9% | $41,380 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation