Psychology

Psychology

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Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Develop Critical Thinking and Research Skills: Master research design, data analysis, and the evaluation of scientific evidence.

02

Gain Hands-On Experience: Engage in value-added experiences like faculty research labs and community service.

03

Understand Mental Health: Explore topics like clinical and cognitive psychology through a scientific, evidence-based lens.

04

Explore the Roots of Behavior: Investigate biological, developmental, cognitive, and social influences on how people think and act.

05

Build Skills Valued by Employers: Enhance teamwork, scientific writing, data analysis, and communication abilities.

Core
Skills

  • Research Design and Experimental Methods
  • Statistical Analysis and Data Interpretation
  • Scientific and Professional Writing
  • Understanding Human Behavior and Individual Differences
  • Problem Solving and Ethical Awareness

Sample
Jobs

  • Human Resources Manager
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Case Manager/Community Outreach
  • Research Technician
  • UX Research Assistant

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Healthcare and Mental Health Services
  • Business and Human Resources
  • Education and Academic Settings
  • Government and Non-Profit Agencies
  • Behavioral Research in Several Industries

Brag
Points

  • More than 90% of our graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school upon graduation.
  • More than 130 students conduct research in faculty labs each year.
  • Approximately 1/3 of student researchers present independent research projects annually.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

You can work alongside faculty researchers and graduate students in various labs or through university research centers. You're also encouraged to participate in community service through the Maroon Volunteer Center to apply psychological principles to real-world issues.

Spotlight

Engage in the "Psychology Research Program" (PRP) to gain early exposure to behavioral studies and find your specific area of interest.

Psychology

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Complete PSY 1013 General Psychology (C or better required) and enroll in PSY 1021 Careers in Psychology in the spring to explore career tracks. Focus on English Composition and your math course to prepare for advanced coursework.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Year

Prioritize the "Data Sequence": PSY 3104 Statistics and PSY 3314 Experimental Psychology. These courses build the data analysis and scientific writing skills that graduate schools and employers demand.

3rd Year

Complete your core requirements, including Developmental, Abnormal, Social, Cognitive, Learning, and Biological Psychology. Begin taking the 18 hours of upper-division psychology (PSY) electives that align with your specific Value-Added-Experience (VAE) interests.

 

 

 

 

 

4th Year

Finish remaining psychology (PSY) electives and ensure you have at least 31 hours of 3000/4000 level courses within the College of Arts & Sciences. Complete a final degree check with your advisor and via DegreeWorks.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Seek Value-Added Experiences (VAEs). Start by participating in behavioral studies via the Psychology Research Program (PRP) to experience research in action.

2nd Year

Identify your "Psychology Major Advantage" by matching course skills to real-world applications. Seek out job shadowing opportunities through the MSU Career Center to explore different professional environments.

3rd Year

Join a faculty research lab or a campus-wide institute like the Social Science Research Center (SSRC) or nSPARC. Use a cold email strategy that demonstrates your competence and interest to potential supervisors.

4th Year

Pursue high-impact leadership roles or independent research. Formalize these experiences by registering for EXL 0190 through the MSU Career Center to ensure they appear on your academic transcript.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Explore the Psychology Club, the Neuroscience Club, and other student organizations. Register with the Maroon Volunteer Center (MVC) and explore Cowbell Connect for service opportunities that align with your career goals.

2nd Year

Attend department research talks or other events sponsored by the Psychology Club or the Neuroscience Club. Focus on "The Hidden Market" by identifying local organizations, like schools or shelters, and proposing a specific volunteer role that utilizes your psychology skills.

3rd Year

Explore faculty research interests and learn more about opportunities for research experiences in the department. Consistently log your service hours in Cowbell Connect to build your Co-Curricular Transcript (CCT). Aim for a meaningful, long-term role that will lead to a strong letter of recommendation.

4th Year

Attend department research presentations, continue developing relationships with faculty, and present your undergraduate research. Finalize your service hours to earn the Maroon Volunteer Cord (200+ hours). Reflect on your community impact and how you can use it in personal statements for graduate school or employment.

Explore the World

1st Year

Research the MSU Office of Study Abroad (OSA) to learn about diverse global programs, deadlines, and potential scholarships.

2nd Year

Identify programs that offer a unique psychological perspective, such as cross-cultural psychology or global mental health.

3rd Year

Apply for study abroad opportunities and seek funding through the MSU Office of Study Abroad or the Office of Undergraduate Research if your travel involves a research project.

4th Year

Reflect on how your global experiences shaped your cultural competence and incorporate these insights into your graduate school or job interviews.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Start your Value Added Experience (VAE) Journal on Day 1 to track transferable skills and quantifiable achievements in real-time. Use PSY 1021 to understand the difference between bachelor-level and graduate-level careers.

2nd Year

Create a professional LinkedIn profile and use the MSU Alumni Search to find and connect with professionals in fields like human resources, counseling, or market research.

3rd Year

Draft your Curriculum Vitae or resume, ensuring you quantify your results (e.g., "Trained 5 new volunteers"). Join the Bulldog Mentor Program to connect with alumni for career advice and mock interviews.

4th Year

Secure strong letters of recommendation by providing your writers with a "Letter Request Packet," including your curriculum vitae/resume and your reflections. Finalize your personal statement by telling a compelling story about your growth through your Value Added Experiences (VAEs).

Alumni
Success

Psychology graduates are scientifically minded problem-solvers who apply their understanding of human behavior, data analysis, and interpersonal insight to address complex real-world challenges. They utilize Value-Added Experiences (VAEs) to bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional practice, demonstrating the adaptability that 92% of our graduates use to secure employment or graduate placement immediately after MSU.

Our alumni successfully navigate diverse professional landscapes as:

- Healthcare Providers (including Doctors, Dentists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists)

- Legal Professionals and Attorneys

- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners and Counselors

- Researchers and Academicians

- Educators and Teachers

- Business Leaders in Human Resources, Market Research, and Management

Student
Testimonial

"I loved the scientific community that working in a faculty research lab brought me into, and I loved the genuine feeling that I was stepping into a sort of unknown of the universe."

Learn More

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