The proposed microcredential provides foundational knowledge in psychology and human development. This microcredential offers an introduction to psychological science, emphasizing concepts such as behavioral neuroscience, social psychology, and lifespan development. It is designed for students who want to explore psychology and gain a solid understanding of human behavior across different life stages, preparing them for careers in psychology, education, human services, and related fields.

This microcredential serves as an entry point for students pursuing further education in psychology or behavioral health. It can stand alone or precede more specialized credentials, such as the newly proposed Applied Behavior Support Basics undergraduate microcredential, giving students the flexibility to build their expertise progressively.

All courses are typically offered every term of the year, including summer, on Ecampus.

This microcredential supports Oregon State University's strategic goals by providing flexible, foundational education in psychology that can help students build a pathway to degree completion. As it includes prereqs that would otherwise be hidden for existing and new minors, certificates, degrees, and microcredentials, it is a helpful first building block for students with wide interests and goals. It supports diverse pathways to strengthen the healthcare workforce. It aligns with the goal of increasing graduation rates by offering a focused credential that serves as a stepping stone for further study. Additionally, by being available through Ecampus, it contributes to the target of increasing online-only enrollment to 30,000 students, helping to expand OSU's reach to a broader, more diverse student population.