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Psychology (BA)

About

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.  Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree prepares students with a general knowledge of psychology, critical thinking skills, communication and writing skills, and data analysis – all of which can be applied to entry-level employment or graduate education. Careers are found in industrial and government agencies, business, job analysis, corrections and social service agencies. 

The Psychology (BA) requires students to complete a foreign language and a minor. You will have the opportunity to learn from faculty throughout the Department of Psychology who are expert researchers and teachers. Students often participate with faculty in research projects and are encouraged to pursue an internship, two opportunities that offer practical experience. 

After Graduation

Employment: Psychology majors are competitive for many bachelor’s entry-level jobs because of their ability to think critically, their strong oral and written communication skills, and their tendency to be concerned by real-world problems and ability to pull from scientific literature to solve them.

Graduate School: Students go on to receive advanced degrees in psychology, counseling, clinical psychology, experimental psychology and social work. Schools include Wake Forest, Appalachian, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UNC-Wilmington.

Career Exploration website

Careers in Psychology, American Psychological Association

People

  • Alumnus Profile: Abraham Howell ’20
    Alumnus Profile: Abraham Howell ’20

    Howell graduated with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in Arabic and now serves as a college adviser for students at Brevard High School in Transylvania County as part of App State’s College Advising Corps (CAC).

  • Alumnus Profile: Andrés Rosa ’19
    Alumnus Profile: Andrés Rosa ’19

    After graduation, Andrés Rosa ’19 joined the Peace Corps in Peru, where he is using his B.A. in psychology to help young people overcome challenges and build self-esteem.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Psychology (BS) - Business
  • Psychology (BS) - Health Studies
  • Psychology (BS) - Human Services
  • Psychology (BS) - Natural Science
  • Psychology (BS) - Social Science
  • Psychology (BS) - Education Studies
  • Psychology (BS) - Sustainability

Minors

A minor is required. Popular choices include:

  • Foreign Language
  • Criminal Justice
  • English
  • Sociology
  • Statistics

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

  • Appalachian State University Chapter of Psi Chi - A chapter of the national honor society in psychology sponsored by the American Psychological Association (APA). It is open to students who complete 9 hours of psychology course and meet a cumulative GPA requirements.  
  • Students in the department are involved with research presentation days and competitions through the Council on Undergraduate Research, including the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
  • Southeastern Psychological Association - a regional psychological association affiliated with the American Psychological Association (APA).

Admission Requirements

Must complete at least 30 credit hours of Appalachian course work and complete freshman and sophomore English in order to be admitted into the major.

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Why Appalachian?

  • Students at both the undergraduate and graduate level participate in research with faculty on a volunteer basis or for academic credit. Each semester, approximately 70-100 students participate in research per semester.
  • The Department of Psychology offers four graduate degrees in clinical, school, experimental psychology, and industrial/organizational-human resources management.
  • Students are encouraged to pursue an internship with the help of the department’s internship coordinator.
  • Scholarships are available through the department.

Location

Boone and Hickory*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

Careers

Some of these jobs require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.

  • College Student Affairs Administrator
  • Community and Social Service Worker
  • Community Relations
  • Corrections Officer
  • Correctional Caseworker
  • Counselor
  • Crisis Intervention Counselor
  • Customer Service Manager
  • Employment Recruiter
  • Health Educator
  • Sales Representative
  • Wage/Benefits Analyst

View more career possibilities

Careers in Psychology, American Psychological Association

Contacts

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Psychology

Dr. Rose Mary Webb
Chair
webbrm@appstate.edu
828-262-2272

  • Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology

    Appalachian’s Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology serves more than 1,000 undergraduate majors seeking the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, as well as 80 graduate students in three master’s programs (experimental psychology, school psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management) and the clinical psychology (Psy.D.) doctoral program. Learn more at https://psych.appstate.edu.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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