B.S. in Psychology
At Tarleton, our well-rounded psychology program combines a small-school feel with the resources of a state-supported university for exceptional value in a bachelor’s degree. Working closely with faculty from your freshman year onward, you’ll have research, scholarship and service opportunities that are oftentimes only available in graduate school or at larger institutions.
With three concentrations to choose from General Psychology, Pre-Clinical Psychology or Educational Psychology, you can take classes face-to-face, online or a combination of the two.
Earn a psychology bachelor’s degree while learning new skills in a fast-paced and changing world to prepare for job opportunities in a variety of career pathways.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is a broad subject that focuses on the study and observation of how biological and environmental factors interact and influence human behavior. Psychology studies encompass sub-disciplines in developmental and cognitive psychology, social psychology, clinical and counseling psychology, human factor engineering, evolutionary psychology, forensic psychology and health, educational psychology, industrial and organizational psychology and quantitative psychology.
Our psychology program faculty offer a diverse set of courses, shared knowledge about the field, research experiences and service options that will help guide you towards a career or graduate program options.
What Can You Do With Your Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
With basic skills in empirical and critical analysis using research and statistical tools, you will be prepared for graduate school or a wide variety of careers in fields such as case management, clinical research, counseling, educational psychology, health, sports, nonprofit and government.
A graduate degree or professional license opens up opportunities for additional career paths. Many of our students have been accepted into psychology-related graduate school programs, including our own MS in Applied Psychology, MSW in Social Work or MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, as well as occupational and physical therapy and law.
How Much Do Psychology Graduates Make?
The median annual wage for PhD/PsyD-level psychologists was $79,010 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Estimated Completion
120 Credit Hours (4 years)
Application Process
Cost
Locations Available
1Admission to some outreach locations, excluding select programs in Fort Worth, requires a minimum of 24 transferable credit hours, a 2.0 GPA and that a student be TSI complete.
College
Why Major in Psychology?
Gain academic knowledge, leadership skills and cultural experience for personal and professional enrichment in your psychology studies. Majoring in psychology prepares you for graduate school and a successful career.
Our faculty offer unique student opportunities such as internships, pre-clinical placements and undergraduate research. For example, you could work with the Star Council on prevention, education and treatment related to substance abuse issues or participate in research on eyewitness testimony and the weapon focus effect. Depending on which campus you’re studying at, you could also work with organizations and clinics such as the Tarleton Center for Child Well-Being, TREAT, Star Council or Veterans Affairs.
Conduct, analyze and present research while working with a faculty member on psychology studies. Our students have been co-authors on published research papers and presented poster and oral presentations with faculty at conferences for the Society for Neuroscience, Southwestern Psychological Association, Psychonomic Society and the American Psychological Association.
Build research profiles with faculty members in the Neuroscience, Numerical Cognition, Applied Cognition and Group Collaboration Labs. These labs are equipped with advanced technology such as an EEG machine, an eye-tracker and a variety of computational modeling workstations.
With diverse expertise, faculty transfer their knowledge and experience to their classrooms. Their research interests include child psychology, youth development, neuroscience, group dynamics and Bayesian statistics. Some of our faculty are regularly invited to give lectures and workshops worldwide.
Participate in the Society for Professional Journalists and the Region 8 Conference, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Texas Center for Community Journalism, Texan Debate and more.
You can travel the world while completing psychology and cross-disciplinary coursework in an international context. Study abroad experiences offer a global perspective and deeper understanding of human behavior across cultures. Faculty members and psychology majors in the past have explored destinations such as the Galapagos Islands, Ireland, Italy, Paris, Amsterdam and Mexico. Some scholarships are available to help undergraduate students pay for study abroad.
What Classes Will You Take as Psychology Major?
Through diverse coursework, you’ll build a strong foundation in the knowledge of human behavior and skills in collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. Study topics such as child psychopathology, neuropsychopharmacology and psycholinguistics.
The General Psychology concentration is an option for undergraduate students majoring in psychology who are interested in a variety of areas. This track provides flexibility in selecting coursework that fits personal interests and professional goals.
The Pre-Clinical Psychology concentration is an option for students who want to delve into clinical coursework. Students will take courses in abnormal, child psychopathology, behavioral neuroscience and biological psychology.
The Educational Psychology concentration is an option for students who are interested in working within the educational and cognition fields. Students are encouraged to take courses in human cognition, psycholinguistics and psychological tests and measurements.
If you choose a specific concentration, you will be able to engage in courses specifically related to your field of interest.
View all required classes for the psychology bachelor’s degree.
Accreditations
How Do You Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology?
Take the next step toward earning your bachelor’s degree in psychology. We have the resources to help you get started.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
- Workforce Hours: B.S. in Applied Science in Psychological Sciences degree will accept Workforce course taught at a community college in drug and alcohol, mental health, social work, psych (PSYT), etc.
- Certifications: The program will accept training documentation that is psychology and mental health related. In the areas of psychology, drug and alcohol counseling, mental health counseling, etc.
- Military Service: Your military experience and training are documented on your joint services transcript (JST) in ANY MOS Will apply For credit
- Flexible Learning Options: We offer online and hybrid formats on our Stephenville, Waco and Ft Worth campuses to accommodate your busy schedule.
- Reduced Time to Completion: By leveraging your existing knowledge and skills, you will be able to complete your degree faster and at a lower cost.
- Experienced Faculty: Our instructors are industry professionals who understand the value of real-world experience and can help you connect your learning to your career goals.
- Scholarships: Discover our Career Enrichment Scholarship for a steady, affordable education. The Fixed-Price Degree Scholarship keeps costs constant, covering the difference to ensure your cost will be, at most, $200 per credit hour for five years after you start your degree. Secure your education with confidence.
Addressing a mental health care shortage in Stephenville, Texas, the Tarleton Center for Child Well-Being offers prevention, psychological and consultation services and behavioral health resources for children and their families. While majoring in psychology at Tarleton, you’ll have access to internship and research opportunities at the Center.
Through integrated coursework, service projects and volunteer activities, our undergraduate students give back to the Texas community while helping others in many meaningful ways.
Neuroscience is the study of the relationship between the brain, nervous system, learning and behavior. Enhance your psychology bachelor’s degree with a neuroscience minor on the Stephenville campus.