Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Overview

The South University Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program is designed to provide students with a broad background in general education, and can provide initial training and quality instruction for students seeking entry-level careers in psychology or a graduate degree in the behavioral sciences.

This versatile bachelor's degree in psychology is applicable to a number of industries. Coursework includes topics on:

• Psychological disorders and the contrasting theoretical views and representative research investigating these disorders.
• Intrapersonal and interpersonal processes such as conformity, social perception, persuasion, group dynamics, and self-esteem.
• The major theoretical perspectives of personality development, structure, dynamic assessment, and psychological adjustment.

Employment Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor statistics a bachelor's degree in psychology qualifies a person to assist psychologists and other professionals in community mental health centers, vocational rehabilitation offices, and correctional programs. Bachelor's degree holders may also work as research or administrative assistants for psychologists. Some work as technicians in related fields, such as marketing research. Many find employment in other areas, such as sales, service, or business management.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm.

Academic Requirements

To be admitted to our Psychology bachelor's degree program online at South University, the prospective student must be a high school graduate OR have the equivalent GED (General Education Development certificate).

After meeting this qualification, applicants must:

1. Achieve a satisfactory score on either the SAT I, the ACT, or the CPTs OR
2. Meet the eligibility requirements for a transfer student.

Getting Started

Set a course for your own career growth by enrolling in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology online at South University. Click here to get started.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - 180 Total Hours

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree -
180 Credits Total

Area I Core Curriculum 76 credits

Electives

BUS1101 - Introduction to Business

An introduction to business functions and their opportunities. Students will also be given information about resources available to them through a variety of sources, including the university.

Prerequisite(s): None.

Credits: 4

CRJ1101 - Introduction to Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement

This course is intended to be an overview of the various facets of the criminal justice system and an in-depth look at contemporary policing in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on crime information, the processing of offenders, the criminal justice system and subsystems (and how they interrelate), and punishment and its alternatives. Additionally, the course explores the principles of policing, history of police, police administration, and police operations. The overall goal of the course is to acquaint students with the operation of the criminal justice system and law enforcement in the United States and to provide an appreciation for the diverse values and viewpoints that make up that system.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

CRJ1102 - Introduction to Criminal Courts and Corrections

This course provides a comprehensive look at the criminal court system and the correctional system in the United States and the interaction of the actors within these systems. Students will focus on the roles of prosecutors, judges, and defense attorneys and the dynamics of their interactions as well as all aspects of corrections, including probation and parole.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

HIS1101 - US History I: 1492-1864

This course covers main themes of American history from the country's beginnings until the end of the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001 as Co-requisite or Pre-requisite

Credits: 44

HUM1001 - Art History: Prehistory to the Middle Ages

This course is a history of art from the prehistoric/tribal period through the Middle Ages. Students will analyze the design and artistic concepts common to all art work, and will also cover the external themes and influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite

Credits: 4

HUM1002 - Art History: Renaissance to the Modern Period

This course is a history of art from the Renaissance to the Modern period. The concepts, artists, works, and styles of the periods will be studied. Students will analyze the design and artistic concepts common to all art work, and will also cover the external themes and influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ITS1000 - Computer and Internet Literacy

This course is for students to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using computer office production software and Internet features. A broad range of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database and Internet usage concepts will be covered.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

ITS1101 - Foundations of Information Technology

This course introduces students to Information Technology in a non-programming context and provides students with a solid foundation in computer organization, computer systems, operating systems, safety issues and technologies.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MGT2037 - Principles of Management

The latest major approaches and techniques of management are studied, including planning, systems management, new organizational concepts, computer influence, controlling, and quantitative measurement.

Prerequisite(s): BUS1101

Credits: 4

Personal Development

UVC1000 - Strategies for Success

Designed to help entering students develop a more effective approach to college success, this course emphasizes positive self-evaluation, goal-setting, and motivation; practical skills of successful students; effective use of the library and the many sources of information available; and the concepts and tools of critical thinking, and their applications.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Social Sciences

POL2076 - American Government

This course is an introduction to American politics and government, focusing on political processes and institutions and on contemporary political issues.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002 or ENG2001 Co/Pre-Requisite

Credits: 4

PSY1001 - General Psychology

The fundamental questions guiding this course are relatively simple. In what ways are we all alike and in what ways are we different? And why? Although these questions may be simple, the answers, as we shall see, are complex, interconnected, and too often invisible to the untrained eye. Different families... different backgrounds...different sexes... different cultures...different ethnic groups...different ways of looking at things...different behaviors...different values—how are we to understand this incredible diversity of human experience so that we can navigate successfully in an increasingly chaotic and shrinking world? The intent of this course is to examine the psychological foundations underlying the identity of the "self," "identity" and "world view" in an effort to understand the differences that exist from culture to culture, from generation to generation, from family to family, from profession to profession, and from individual to individual.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

SOC1001 - Introduction to Sociology

This course, a scientific study of human social activity, will provide the student with a new way of looking at the world. In learning about the sociological perspective, the student will be challenged to see the general in the particular, the strange in the familiar, and the importance of the global perspective.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Humanities

ENG1001 - Composition I

Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, including theme, composition, and research. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, writing styles and voices, and on writing procedures. Selected readings in prose, drama, and poetry supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and writing assignments.

Prerequisite(s): ENG0099 or Exemption

Credits: 4

ENG1002 - Composition II / Literature

This course is designed to introduce the student to fiction, poetry, and drama and, through literary analysis and interpretation, to develop the life skills of critical thinking and written expression.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ENG2001 - Composition III

The goal of this course is to refine the student's reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. By analyzing ineffective arguments and constructing effective ones, the student will discover how ambiguity, evasiveness, vagueness, and obscurity weaken his or her credibility as a writer.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ENG2002 - World Literature

This course focuses on world literary selections. Topics include the critical evaluation of the literary genres: story, poetry and drama.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002

Credits: 4

PHI2301 - Introduction to Philosophy

This course introduces students to critical philosophical thinking. Students will confront fundamental questions of self and identity, of freedom and determinism, of belief and truth, and of ethics and morality. Critical thinking activities will challenge students to incorporate philosophy into their daily lives by applying the questions of philosophy to themselves and their world. As a methodology, this course will use the specifics of current events in the world to give a concrete context for the philosophic topics covered in the study materials.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002 or ENG2001

Credits: 4

SPC1026 - Public Speaking

Students will develop and refine presentation skills focusing on compiling, organizing and outlining the research material in preparation for the assignments.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Mathematics/Science

BIO1020 - Biology I

Principles of Biology I is the first in a two-course sequence in biology. The course introduces biology, scientific methods, biological chemistry, cells, energy for life, basic genetics, and biotechnology. The course also compares human and plant organization and function. The student will also complete writing assignments that will introduce the student to scientific literature.

Prerequisite(s): and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite MAT0099

Credits: 4

BIO1021 - Biology II

Principles of Biology II is the second in a two-course sequence. This course continues the study of biology detailing the roles of the endocrine and nervous systems in maintaining homeostasis. The course continues with the study of human development, chromosomal, inheritance, human evolution, and the environment. The student will also complete writing assignments that will advance the student's use of scientific literature.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1020 WITH "C" or better and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite

Credits: 4

MAT1001 - Intermediate Algebra

Concepts of algebra including linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, exponents, logarithms and functions. Emphasis on graphical representations of functions. This course is designed to build an adequate background for the college-level mathematics, science and business courses.

Prerequisite(s): and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite MAT0099 or Exemption

Credits: 4

MAT1500 - College Mathematics

College Mathematics covers the fundamentals of several areas of mathematics, including set theory, logic, geometry, graph theory, probability, and statistics.

Prerequisite(s): MAT0099

Credits: 4

MAT2058 - Statistics

This course introduces the student to fundamental laws of probability, levels of measurement, measures of central tendency and variance, random variables, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, small sample techniques and non-parametric methods.

Prerequisite(s): MAT1001 OR MAT1002

Credits: 4

Area II Major Curriculum 104 credits

Labs Psychology Foundation

PSY2008 - Statistics for Behavioral Sciences Lab (11-week course)

An understanding of the statistical principles associated with the study of behavioral science research through application and computerized data analysis (i.e., SPSS).

Prerequisite(s): PSY2007 with a C or better

Credits: 2

PSY2061 - Research Methods Lab (11-week course)

An understanding of the methodological principles associated with behavioral science research through an application of the theoretical, conceptual, and practical principles.

Prerequisite(s): PSY2060 & 2008 with a C or better

Credits: 2

Core 28 credits

PSY3001 - Cognitive

The Cognitive course is designed to provide historical and current perspectives regarding the examination of human attention, language, vision, memory, and other forms of information processing (e.g., decision making).

Prerequisite(s): PSY1001 with a C or better

Credits: 4

PSY3010_S - Social Psychology

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY3300 - Personality

This course covers the major theoretical perspectives of personality development, structure, dynamics, assessment, and psychological adjustment. Additional topics include consideration of biological and environmental indices of personality.

Prerequisite(s): PSY1001 with a C or better

Credits: 4

Electives (Choose 4 from the following) 16 credits

PSY3400 - Sensation & Perception

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY3500 - Motivation

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY3520 - Child/Adolescent Development

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY3530 - Adult Development

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY3540 - Elderly Development

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

Labs 4 credits

PSY3002 - Cognitive Lab

This course explores the design, operation, analysis, and write-up of experiments focusing on human cognition (for example, attention, memory, and information processing).

Prerequisite(s): PSY3001 with a C or better; PSY2061 with a C or better

Credits: 4

Courses 48 credits

PSY4001 - Addictions

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY4030 - Multicultural Psychology

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY4040 - Human Sexuality

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY4200 - Psychology and the Media

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY4300 - Anxiety Disorders

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY4320 - Psychology and Gender

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY4400 - Child and Adolescent Disorders

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY4420 - Health Psychology

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

Electives (Choose 4 from the following) 16 credits

PSY4470 - Psychology and Law

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY4480 - Psychology of Religion

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY4490 - Biological Psychology

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY4540 - Introduction to Professional Counseling

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY4550 - Introduction to Psychological Testing and Assessment

Prerequisite(s):

Credits:

PSY4800 - Senior Seminar I

n/a

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 0

Psychology Foundation 20 credits

PSY2007 - Statistics for Behavioral Sciences (11-week course)

An investigation of the methodological principles regarding behavioral science research, descriptive and inferential techniques, and the process of using these techniques for psychological experimentation and data analysis.

Prerequisite(s): PSY1001 with a C or better; MAT1001 and MAT1002 with a C or better

Credits: 4

PSY2010 - Abnormal Psychology

This course exposes students to a survey of psychological disorders, contrasting theoretical views and representative research investigating these disorders. Topics include a concentration on classification, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders.

Prerequisite(s): PSY1001 with a C or better

Credits: 4

PSY2022 - Human Growth and Development

In Human Growth and Development, students will learn the normal developmental stages of the human life cycle. The stages of human development will be examined within the context of the biological, psychological, sociological, intellectual, and emotional processes. Relevant cross-cultural comparisons are used to illustrate the unity and diversity of human life.

Prerequisite(s): PSY1001

Credits: 4

PSY2050 - History and Systems

A survey of the major and modern theories in psychology through an examination of historical controversies and an understanding of the roots of psychology in natural and social sciences as well as a consideration of the diversity of psychological study and the future of psychology.

Prerequisite(s): PSY1001 with a C or better

Credits: 4

PSY2060 - Research Methods (11-week course)

Research design and methodology. An analysis of the approaches to developing, understanding, and interpreting psychological phenomena. Topics include experimental vs. nonexperimental research such as survey, observation, case study, and archival data. An understanding of reliability, validity, and experimental control issues.

Prerequisite(s): PSY2007 with a C or better

Credits: 4

Software Requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Professional
• Microsoft Office Professional
• Norton Antivirus
• Microsoft Project

Minimum Technology Requirements:

• PC: As a general guideline, students should not have computer specifications less than a Pentium III CPU, Windows XP with Service Pack 2, and 512 MB of RAM.
• Mac: As a general guideline, students should not have computer specifications less than a G3, G4, or G5 processor, MAC OS, and 512 MB of RAM.

Internet Requirements:

56K or faster Internet connection is required for online courses, however broadband is strongly encouraged.

Web Browser Requirements:

PC: At least one of the following browsers with Java enabled:

• Internet Explorer 7.0 (recommended)
• Internet Explorer 6.0 (supported)
• Internet Explorer 5.5 (supported)
• Firefox 1.x (supported)
• Firefox 2.0 (recommended)
• Firefox 3.0 (supported)

Mac: At least one of the following browsers with Java enabled:

• Safari 3.0 (supported for OS X)
• Safari 2.0 (recommended for OS X)
• Safari 1.2 (supported for OS X)
• Firefox 1.x (supported)
• Firefox 2.0 (supported)
• Firefox 3.0 (supported)

 

Software may be purchased through JourneyEd.

Dr. Andrea H. Goldstein

Dr. Goldstein earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Forensics at the Miami Institute of Psychology in Miami Florida. Prior to this, she received a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, certification in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. Dr. Goldstein has worked at several maximum security mental health facilities before teaching at the college level. She is now an Assistant Professor with South University and enjoys writing in her spare time.

Dr. Tonia R. Parker

Dr. Parker received her Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology from Capella University and previously earned a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, both from Georgia State University. She is licensed in Georgia as a professional counselor, and is also credentialed as a National Certified Counselor, Certified Trauma Specialist, and Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress.

Dr. Parker has taught counseling and psychology courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level, in both classroom and online settings. Before teaching in higher education, Dr. Parker spent approximately ten years providing psychotherapy and related services to children, adolescents, and families in a variety of settings. She continues to provide some clinical services through volunteer work with the American Red Cross (where she currently serves as her local chapter’s disaster mental health team leader), the Medical Reserve Corps, and the East Georgia Crisis Response Network. She encourages students and colleagues alike to become active in their communities through volunteer activities—especially in the area of disaster planning and response. She plans to continue research in the areas of crisis intervention and traumatic stress.

Mr. Mark Fabbri

Mr. Fabbri’s credentials include a Doctor of Psychology from Capella University (2006) with an emphasis in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University (2001), a Master of Science in Education & Psychological Services from the University of Wisconsin, Superior (1989) and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Michigan University (2001). He is currently working toward a Master of Science in Educational Leadership at Argosy University.

As a clinician, Mr. Fabbri has served persons with mental retardation and mental illness for about 12 years. He has worked as an adjunct instructor and full time faculty, and it was during that time that he realized that his passion was teaching, sharing with others his knowledge and experiences of psychology and healthcare. Recently, he has discovered another passion for course design and curriculum development.