Undergraduate Program

B.A. in Psychology

The undergraduate Psychology curriculum at CSUB balances the structure of a common set of foundational courses needed by all Psychology majors with the flexibility that allows them to pursue their own special interests within the discipline.

As part of their preparation, students participate in a supervised applied experience in psychology , a feature unique to the Psychology major at CSUB. This applied experience may involve working in a psychology-related position in the community for pay or as a volunteer, serving as a teaching assistant, or getting involved as a research assistant.

Students also gain valuable experience in the science of psychology through a carefully planned sequence of research methods courses. This sequence culminates in an advanced laboratory course in a specialized area of the student's choosing. Many students continue to pursue their research interests outside the classroom under the guidance of faculty research mentors.

The Psychology major at CSUB prepares students for a wide array of job opportunities  in human services and business settings that require strong written and oral communication skills, critical thinking, interpersonal sensitivity and confidence, data analytic abilities, and information technology skills. The major also prepares students for advanced graduate work in Psychology.

Students should develop a plan of study and consult with their academic advisors frequently to stay on track toward graduation. See Advising in Psychology

Psychology Goals & Objectives

Degree Requirements for the B.A. in Psychology

Prerequisites (12 units)

  • PSYC 1018, Explorations in Psychology
  • PSYC 2018, Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychological Research, 
  • PSYC 2020, Psychology as a Profession
  • PSYC 2030, Interpersonal and Group Process Skills

Core Courses (6 units)

  • PSYC 3110, Scientific Inquiry
  • PSYC 4908, Senior Seminar OR
  • PSYC 4910, Senior Thesis

Foundation Courses (12 units)
Two courses from Area A and Two from Area B

 

Area A

  • PSYC 2230, Biological Psychology
  • PSYC 3210, Principles of Learning
  • PSYC 3220, Sensation and Perception
  • PSYC 3240, Cognitive Psychology

Area B

  • PSYC 2250, Lifespan Development
  • PSYC 3250, Child Psychology
  • PSYC 3260, Social Psychology
  • PSYC 3270, Abnormal Psychology
  • PSYC 3280, Personality

Advanced Laboratory (3 units)
One lab from PSYC 4210, 4220, 4230, 4240,
4250, 4260, 4270, or 4280

Foundation A or Foundation B (3 units)

Area A:  PSYC 2230, 3210, 3200, 3240
Area B:  PSYC 2250, 3250, 3260, 3270, 3280

Applications of Psychology (3 units)
Choose one of the following:

  • PSYC 4810, Directed Research in Brain & Behavior
  • PSYC 4820, Directed Research in Applied Psychology
  • PSYC 4860, Internship in Applied Psychology
  • PSYC 4870, Cooperative Education
  • PSYC 4880, Directed Study in the Instruction of Psychology

Psychology Electives (12 units)
#1:  lower division, or CR/NC course
#2:  upper division or lower division
#3:  upper division
#4:  upper division

Mission

Gradpic

The B.A. in psychology at California State University, Bakersfield, exposes students to the broad range of perspectives, problems, methodologies, and bodies of knowledge found in contemporary psychology.  Students will understand psychology from the perspectives of (1) a natural or biological science, (2) a behavioral or social science, (3) an applied or professional field, and (4) a set of experiential or humanistic concerns.  These four perspectives are expressed through five goals, which are areas of knowledge, skills, and values that the faculty believe represent the primary outcomes of majoring in psychology.  To the extent that these goals are met, students will be prepared for entry into a psychology-related graduate program and/or for a career in a psychology-related field.