Required Classes for a Psychology Degree

Obtaining a psychology degree requires hard work.

The field of psychology includes a diverse range of jobs such as clinical researcher, social worker and family counselor. At many universities, a student can choose to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, depending on the career she wants to pursue. The progression of courses will vary based on which degree the student chooses.

Introduction to Psychology

Statistics play a vital role in psychology research.

Most courses of study require students to enroll in an introductory class such as "Psychology 101: Introduction to Psychology." This class provides a general overview of the field, including human behavior, basic theories and principles, and research methods. Taking this class affords a student with the opportunity to learn more about psychology so that he can decide which area of the field he would like to practice. On its website, the American Psychological Association lists guidelines for the psychology major. Psych 101 generally will meet the first three of its listed goals: "1. Knowledge base of psychology; 2. Research methods in psychology; 3. Critical thinking skills in psychology."

Classes for Bachelor of Arts Degree

Psychology majors often work in fields that help others become successful.

For those students who hope to seek careers as social workers or counselors or in related fields outside of psychology such as human resources or marketing, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides the solid understanding of human behavior necessary to be successful in those professions. Required classes, according to Education-Portal.com, often include developmental psychology, which generally covers human development from birth to adolescence; social psychology, which studies human interactions; cognitive psychology, which explores the human thought processes; and statistics, which teaches students the mathematical skills necessary for scientific research. Choosing a Bachelor of Arts degree offers a student flexibility in his career because it provides a base from which to pursue many careers related to understanding human behavior, such as law, politics and education.

Classes for Bachelor of Science Degree

Psychology graduates can embark on careers in many fields.

A Bachelor of Science degree prepares students to continue the study of psychology to the master's or doctoral level for careers as researchers, counselors or psychiatrists. Required classes can include some of the same classes a student would take for the Bachelor of Arts degree, plus subjects such as psychopharmacology, which studies the development and effects of psychoactive drugs, and principles of behavior analysis, which studies human behavior and seeks to apply results to human affairs, according to Education-Portal.com. Classes in other sciences such as biology or chemistry often prove helpful to the student, whether or not her university requires them.

References

• American Psychological Association: APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major
• Education Portal: Bachelor of Arts (BA) Psychology Degree Overview
• Education Portal: Bachelor of Science (BS) Psychology Degree Overview

Resources

• American Psychological Association: Resources for Early Career Psychologists
• American Psychological Association: Student Research
• Social Psychology Network: Ranking of U.S. Undergraduate Psychology Programs