Psychology, BA
Psychology Department
Program Overview
Psychology, BA
The B.A. in Psychology (120 credits) provides training in human behavior and mental processes. This degree prepares you for graduate school in clinical, social, and forensic psychology, or for careers in health care, government, and industry, featuring required internships and research practica.
HEGIS Code: 2001.00
NYSED Program Code: 02295 – PSYC-BA
Major
Description
Have you ever wondered why people do what they do? Are you fascinated by how the human brain works, how we learn, how we remember things, or why we feel certain emotions? A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology is the perfect degree for diving deep into the study of human behavior and mental processes!
This four-year program is designed to train you like a scientist of the mind, preparing you for an incredibly wide range of careers.
What Will You Learn to Do?
You’ll take courses that teach you the theories and skills needed to understand people. Psychology is huge, so you’ll touch on many cool areas, including:
- Clinical Psychology: Understanding mental health and therapy.
- Social Psychology: How groups and relationships affect us.
- Developmental Psychology: How people change from babies to old age.
- Biological Psychology: How the brain and body influence behavior.
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology: How psychology is used in the workplace and business.
We also specifically focus on addressing minority and diversity issues, preparing you to work in a world with diverse communities.
Where Can This Degree Take You?
A BA in Psychology is incredibly versatile. It prepares you for jobs in healthcare, education, government, research, and industry. Plus, it’s the perfect stepping stone if you want to go to graduate school to become a licensed clinical psychologist, counselor, researcher, or specialist in any of the many fields of psychology!
Student
Learning Outcomes
The Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for the Psychology program are aligned with the American Psychological Association Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major (2023; see APA GUIDELINES for the Undergraduate Psychology Major), a nationally recognized framework for psychology education. As a result, these outcomes are presented as a structured set of goals and associated learning outcomes, reflecting disciplinary standards and best practices in undergraduate psychology education. This format differs from other departments because it follows established national guidelines to ensure undergraduate students are prepared for graduate study and professional pathways in the field. The APA learning goals and outcomes are as follows:
Goal 1: Content Knowledge and Applications
- 1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and theories in psychological science
- 1.2 Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s major subfields
- 1.3 Portray significant aspects of the history of psychological science
- 1.4 Apply psychological content to solve practical problems
- 1.5 Provide examples of psychology’s integrative themes*
Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
- 2.1 Exercise scientific reasoning to investigate psychological phenomena
- 2.2 Interpret, design, and evaluate psychological research
- 2.3 Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific research practices
- 2.4 Use statistics to evaluate quantitative research findings
Goal 3: Values in Psychological Science
- 3.1 Employ ethical standards in research, practice, and academic contexts
- 3.2 Develop and practice interpersonal and intercultural responsiveness
- 3.3 Apply psychological principles to strengthen community and improve quality of life
Goal 4: Communication, Psychological Literacy, and Technology Skills
- 4.1 Interact effectively with others
- 4.2 Write and present effectively for different purposes
- 4.3 Provide evidence of psychological literacy
- 4.4 Exhibit appropriate technological skills to improve communication
Goal 5: Personal and Professional Development
- 5.1 Exhibit effective self-regulation
- 5.2 Refine project management skills
- 5.3 Display effective judgment in professional interactions
- 5.4 Cultivate workforce collaboration skills
- 5.5 Demonstrate appropriate workforce technological skills
- 5.6 Develop direction for life after graduation
Major
Requirements
As part of your degree, you must fulfill the CUNY Pathways general education requirements, which consist of the Common Core (Required and Flexible) and the Medgar Evers College Option. These courses provide the essential quantitative, scientific, and socio-cultural literacy that complements your technical training.
Students must fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Foundation/Core: PSYC 101, FS 101, FS 102, PHIL 101, SPCH 102
- Social Science Core: ANTH 201, ECON 212 (or 100), POL 101, SOC 101, SSC 305
- Psychology Core: PSYC 209, PSYC 213, PSYC 215, PSYC 290, PSYC 322
- Psychology Electives: 18 Credits (Choose 6 courses at the PSYC 200/300/400 level, e.g., Abnormal Psych., I/O Psych., Clinical Practicum, Sports Psych., Cross-Cultural Psych., etc.)
- Free Electives: 18 Credits (Any course not used to meet other requirements)
Degree Map
To help you stay on track and graduate on time, Medgar Evers College has developed four-year degree maps for all its majors. These guides are designed to help you plan your studies efficiently and make the most of your academic journey.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you have questions regarding the Department of Psychology or need assistance navigating the application process, please reach out to our department office.
Chairperson: Hollie Jones | hjones@mec.cuny.edu
Phone: 718 270-4995 Fax: 718 270-4828
Location: 1650 Bedford Avenue, B-1032 J