B.A. in Psychology
- San Diego, CA
- Full-Time, Part-Time
- 4 years
For over 40 years, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has established a national reputation as a premier university for those seeking graduate-level study in psychology and related behavioral sciences. We are proud to announce that the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is now available at the San Diego Campus.
The Chicago School’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program version at the San Diego Campus is a total of 120 credit hours. The major course of study consists of 33 credit hours of required coursework and 12 credits of Psychology Electives. Students generally will complete additional general electives to meet the 120 credit hour graduation requirement.
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program continues The Chicago School’s long-standing educational mission by offering an undergraduate psychology program that provides access to the same distinguished faculty, expertise, and resources as our graduate-level students.Â
This program offers students from all walks of life who are seeking an understanding of human behavior the chance to develop knowledge and skills that can be used in a variety of fields.
Graduates of this program will be prepared to begin work or advance their career within various professional roles and settings or to continue their studies in psychology, counseling, or health sciences at the graduate level. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program can provide an excellent foundation for careers in:
- Advertising, promotion, and marketing
- Human resources
- Organizational training and development
- Medical and health services management
- Public relations
- Social and community services management
- Retail sales management
Additionally, it can also act as a stepping stone for students seeking to advance to graduate-level programs in psychology, counseling, or health sciences—each of which is offered through The Chicago School. Electives offered via this program can serve as direct prerequisites for our graduate programs.
This program is offered through an on-ground/online blended format. Most of the classwork is completed online, while classes meet weekly on campus.
A minimum of 42 credit hours out of 120 must be earned at The Chicago School.
Students who require additional coursework or General Education credits to attain junior standing (48 credit hours at the 100 and 200 levels) will take those courses before starting 300-level courses.
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Abnormal Psychology:Â This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to theories and research concerning abnormal behavior (psychopathology). The course will address such topics as the incidence (frequency) of abnormal behavior of various types; how abnormal behaviors are classified into various diagnostic categories; the etiologies (causes) of psychological disorders; and the variety of methods employed in the treatment of abnormal behavior.
Developmental Psychology:Â This course will explore the field of developmental psychology, and will investigate developmental changes regarding physiological, behavior, and emotional and mental processes across the life span. Students will examine the individual through the various stages of development from infancy to the aging adult. The course will include an evaluation of current methods of psychology evaluation, including its theoretical conflicts and sociocultural contexts.
Neuropsychology: This course is a comprehensive introduction and examination of human neuropsychology and is intended to provide students with a basic understanding of the relationship between the brain and behavior. It will provide the basis for appreciating the many different ways in which behavior is related to specific regions of the human brain. Topics will include foundations of neuropsychology, structure of the nervous system, functional specialization of the brain, as well as cognitive functions and assessment of brain disorders.
For information on where The Chicago School of Professional Psychology meets, does not meet, or has not determined if the program meets licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit: https://staging.thechicagoschool.edu/admissions/licensure-disclosures/.
For information on where The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is currently authorized, licensed, registered, exempt or not subject to approval, please visit https://staging.thechicagoschool.edu/why-us/state-authorization/
Admission to the BA Psychology program is open to any person who meets entrance requirements as outlined below. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to successfully complete an undergraduate degree program. Generally, a high school cumulative GPA of a 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. However, applicants with a cumulative high school GPA below 2.3 or applicants seeking admission with a GED will be considered for admission with the submission of additional required documents. It is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all undergraduate schools where credit was received (and no degree was earned) to support their application and request for transfer credit. (See Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy). TCSPP does not accept transfer credit for BA300 Foundations of Psychology, BA340 Research Methods, BA380 Statistics, and BA400 Capstone.
Factors and materials to be considered for admission will include:
- Completed application and $50 application fee
- Applicants must provide proof of the qualifying conferral – high school graduation (or the equivalent) or proof of an earned Associate degree. Information about acceptable proof of qualifying conferral can be found here.
Applicants with a cumulative high-school or undergraduate GPA below 2.3 and applicants seeking admission with high school equivalency documentation that does not show a GPA (such as GED, home school, or testing) are required to submit additional documentation.
- Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
- One Letter of recommendation (optional)
- Essay of intent
- Please compose a written essay to answer the questions below. Your essay should be typed, double-spaced, and three pages (approximately 500-750 words) while clearly addressing the program for which you are applying.
- Psychology is a vast discipline with many career options:
- Why are you interested in this particular program to earn your undergraduate degree in psychology? Cite specific experiences and examples.
- What are your professional career goals as they relate to this degree? Why do you believe this program will assist you in reaching these goals?
- Why is it important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes cultural awareness, competence, and understanding of diversity (see our Commitment to Diversity Statement)?
- If you are a first generation undergraduate degree student, please integrate this into your essay.
- SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission, however applicants who have taken the SAT/ACT may submit their scores to enhance their application.
The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will help provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.