Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Understand what motivates people and why people behave the way that they do.
"With every course, research lab, presentation, etc., faculty and peers cheer you on, offering words of encouragement and advice. It is really comforting to know you have so many people in your corner as you take on those endeavors."
Rebecca Tse ('25)
B.A. in Psychology
About this Program
The Department of Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. in Psychology. Psychology is the study of the basic laws and principles of human and animal behavior; it seeks to understand what motivates people and why people behave the way they do.
Psychology majors take courses in a variety of subfields, such as social, cognitive, personality, abnormal, developmental, and behavioral neuroscience. They also learn the research process: experimental design, data collection, analysis, and communication.
Students gain experience in the field through service-learning, internships, and experiential courses. They can work with faculty on research or as teaching assistants. Faculty specializations include clinical, cognitive, developmental, experimental, health, neuroscience, and social psychology.
B.A vs B.S. Degree Options
- The Bachelor of Science in Psychology requires additional coursework in psychology, as well as more quantitative psychology classes. It is a more quantitative degree that is more suitable for those preparing for graduate study and/or careers in which an understanding of human behavior and psychological research is beneficial. Students learn the scientific approach to the study of human and animal behavior, engage in experiential learning, gain an understanding of cultural perspectives, and practice using statistical tools.
- The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is more flexible to allow for combining the study of psychology with other areas, and includes a requirement for a minor field of study. It prepares students for a wide variety of careers such as law or medicine.
The Value of a Psychology Degree
Psychology is an excellent major for a wide variety of potential career paths where an understanding of human behavior and motivation is valuable. Psychology majors gain skills in statistical analysis, research, testing, writing, observation, record keeping, surveying, scientific reasoning, and scientific methodology.
Related careers in psychology include:
- Health care
- Behavior analysis
- Education
- Counseling and therapy
- Rehabilitation services
- Business management
- Social work
- Drug/alcohol education
- Human resources
- Advertising and marketing
- Law
- Systems analysis
- Sales
- Urban planning
- Public relations
On this Page…
Program Information
Program Type
Major
Minor
Area of Study
Social Sciences, Law, and Policy
School
Duration
4 Years
Degree
B.A. in Psychology
Program Location
Emphases
N/A
Required Credit Hours
120
Students in the B.A. in Psychology complete 30 credit hours of psychology courses, including
- Psy 201: Introduction to Psychology
- Psy 202: Statistics for Behavioral Sciences
- Psy 205: Research Methods in Psychology
Three core courses from:
- Psy 301: Developmental Psychology
- Psy 309: Learning
- Psy 311: Psychopathology: Integrative Approaches
- Psy 319: Brain and Behavior
- Psy 320: Cognitive Psychology
- Psy 321: Social Psychology
One capstone course from:
- Psy 340: Multicultural Psychology
- Psy 360: Psychology of Human Sexuality
- Psy 365: Environmental Psychology
- Psy 390: Lab in Psy: Behavioral Neuroscience
- Psy 392: Lab in Psy: Experimental Social Psy
- Psy 394: Lab in Psy: Cognition and Perception
- Psy 396: Laboratory in Psychology
- Psy 410: Health Psychology
- Psy 415: Introduction to Clinical Psychology
- Psy 417: Disasters and Mental Health
- Psy 419: Psychology of Parenting
- Psy 430: Positive Psychology
- Psy 451: History and Systems of Psychology
- Psy 456: Integrative Special Topics
- Psy 457: Integrative Special Topics
- Psy 470: Children and Families: Community Work
- Psy 475: Topics in Psychology Abroad
- Psy 565: Psychology of Gender
Three psychology elective courses. See all psychology courses in the online catalog.
Many educational and career paths are enhanced by a knowledge of social science, particularly in the human behavioral questions explored in the field of psychology.
A minor in psychology consists of 18 credit hours of psychology courses including Psy 201: Introduction to Psychology, allowing maximum flexibility to pursue the areas of psychology that interest you the most.
Watch the Video
What can I do with a psychology degree?
- Business Analyst, JP Morgan Chase
- Division Manager, Nordstrom
- Research Analyst, Google
- Human Resources Consultant, Nestle
- Addiction Therapist, Oxford Treatment Center
- Agent, US Department of Justice
- Pediatric Genetic Counselor, Texas Children's Hospital
- Ophthalmologist, Florida Eye Care
- Area Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- Assistant Attorney General, State of Tennessee
- Professor, Emory University
- Clinical Social Worker, Delta Community Mental Services
- Pastor, First Baptist Church
- Legislative Liaison, Office of the MS Lieutenant Governor
- Psychologist, Federal Bureau of Prisons
- Psychologist, Self-employed
Get to Know our Student Ambassadors
Philip Beloate
Why did you choose to attend UM?
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Sofia Diaz
Why did you choose to attend UM?
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Rebecca Tse
When and how did you choose your major?
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Sydni Nguyen
Can you tell me about a professor or a class you've taken that has had the most impact on you?
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Kesler Smith
What would you tell a high school student about your major?
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Brooke Skolsky
Why is your department a special place?
See Brooke’s AnswerWelcome to the College of Liberal Arts
As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!
Annabelle Harris
Admissions Counselor
Future CLA Students
College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Students
We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet.
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