This program is available at the following locations:

• Corvallis
• Ecampus
• OSU-Cascades

Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behavior. Encompassing biological, social, and environmental influence on human and animal cognition, emotion, and behavior, from neurons to neighborhoods, Psychological Science is a hub science that overlaps with a range of biological, social, and other sciences. Psychological scientists are united to “better understand and improve the human condition, using scientific and rigorous methods" (Association for Psychological Science, 2021).

The Psychology major is designed to provide a foundation of core knowledge covering the major areas of psychology, and also to acquaint students with the research methods psychologists use. The program allows students to specialize in preparation for graduate work in research, clinical, counseling, I/O and other areas of psychology or related fields (e.g., neuroscience, education, law), or to prepare for BA/BS-level positions including those in social sciences, mental health, corrections, rehabilitation, developmental disability centers, and business (management, insurance, opinion polls). Majors are also encouraged to become actively engaged in research activities, including laboratory courses, research seminars, and independent study experiences, as well as volunteer, paid work, and internships related to students’ career goals.

Major Code: 965

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.
• Develop a working knowledge of psychology's content domains.
• Describe applications of psychology.
• Design, conduct, and evaluate basic psychological research.
• Draw appropriate, logical, and objective conclusions from empirical evidence.
• Apply psychological principles to everyday life.
• Use effective writing skills for different purposes.
• Demonstrate effective presentation skills for different purposes.
• Identify values that build community at local, national, and global levels.
• Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice.
• Define and respect human diversity.
• Apply psychological content and skills to meaningful career goals.
• Develop project management skills.
• Function effectively as part of a team.

BA Requirement

¹

The Baccalaureate core requires at least 52 credits total, but two courses required in the Bacc Core (Social Processes and Institutions, and Writing Intensive Course) are embedded in the Psychology major required courses.

²

The Liberal Arts core requires at least 15 credits total, but two categories in Liberal Arts core (Social Science and One additional course) are embedded in the Psychology major required courses.

BS Requirement

¹

The Baccalaureate core requires at least 52 credits total, but two courses required in the Bacc Core (Social Processes and Institutions, and Writing Intensive Course) are embedded in the Psychology major required courses.

²

The Liberal Arts core requires at least 15 credits total, but two categories in Liberal Arts core (Social Science and One additional course) are embedded in the Psychology major required courses.

Psychology Major

*

Baccalaureate Core Course (BCC)

^

Writing Intensive Courses (WIC)

+

Core Education course. Applies only to students admitted to an OSU undergraduate degree from Summer 2025 onwards

¹

Students must receive a grade of C– or better in any course applied toward the major. Such courses cannot be taken with S/U grading

²

A maximum of 4 credits of individualized course work (PSY 401–PSY 410) can be applied to the major

Major Code: 965

Degree plans are subject to change and the following is only an example of how students may complete their degree in four years. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best degree plan for them. Contact details for advisors can be found on the Academic Advising page.

Psychology BA

Psychology BS