Arizona State University (West Valley Campus)
Arizona State University (West Valley Campus)

Arizona State University (West Valley Campus)

4701 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306, United States Arizona, Glendale, USA Visit web page

Psychology, BA

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Psychology, BA ASPGSBA : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

Available online

Additional information

Program description 

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior. This diverse field includes mental health and counseling, as well as child development, neuroscience and brain function, memory and decision-making, behavior analysis, statistics and more. It also crosses over into other disciplines, including medicine, law, business and economics.

All New College psychology programs have a quantitative research focus, equipping students with skills in critical thinking, statistical analysis and academic writing. Students have the opportunity to go beyond the classroom, adding practical experiences through internships, service-learning and faculty-supervised research. The BS degree differs from the BA degree in that it requires additional lab science coursework and advanced statistical training, both of which are increasingly important for destinations in research or clinical practice. The Bachelor of Arts degree allows for exposure to a wider breadth of psychological and related topics through additional elective coursework. Both pathways provide a strong foundation for future graduate studies.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: West Valley campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. 

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to choose a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor. Fast track options appear at the top of the major map.

This program also allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Communication Studies, MA
  • Global Management, MGM
  • Interdisciplinary Studies, MA
  • Psychology (Industrial and Organizational Psychology), MS
  • Psychology (Positive Psychology), MS
  • Psychology (Sport Psychology), MS
  • Psychology, MS
  • Social Data Science, MA
  • Social Justice and Human Rights, MA

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. 

Global opportunities
Global experience 

Study abroad allows students in the psychology program to acquire enhanced knowledge and experience that will enable them to stand out in many career fields. Students are exposed to unique differences in the human condition worldwide, are able to improve language and cross-cultural skills for effective communication, and are challenged to adapt under new social and cultural circumstances.

With more than 300 options available, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, Global Education programs give students a global perspective and knowledge in preparation for their career. Students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.

Career opportunities

A degree in psychology prepares graduates for a career in:

  • government (sales and marketing, human resources management)
  • industry
  • mental health professions (youth counselor, substance abuse counselor)
  • social services (high school psychology teacher, occupational analyst)

The degree 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
  • experimental
  • health
  • legal
  • physiological
  • social