Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. The department is internationally known for its innovative research, teaching, and scholarship programs. Graduates are prepared for professions in mental health, research, education, and human service settings. Given that most career paths in psychology require graduate training, Utah State's psychology program is directed toward helping majors meet the prerequisites of competitive graduate programs and preparing them for research and graduate work in psychology.
Faculty involve students in research opportunities, which can be conducted in any number of Utah State’s excellent research facilities. Students are required to complete an apprenticeship course which allows them to gain work experience outside of the classroom. They are also encouraged to get involved with Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, in order to help them with their academic pursuits and get more information about opportunities available with a degree in psychology.
Getting Involved
Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
Admission Requirements
In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the psychology program has additional requirements:
- Freshmen: Students that meet the USU admission requirements can be admitted in to the pre-psychology major.
- Transfer Students: Transfer students and USU students transferring from other majors qualify for the pre-psychology major with a 2.75 USU/Overall GPA.
- Students will remain as pre-psychology majors until they have completed the requirements below:
- Completion of at least 40 semester credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completion of at least 18 USU credits with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completion of the following psychology pre-requisite courses: Psy 1010, 1100, 1400, 1410, 3010, 2010 with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- After the prerequisites above have been met, students must make a written application to the department to declare a psychology major.
International students have additional admissions requirements.
With a degree in psychology, students will be well prepared for graduate study in psychology and other areas. Graduates can also pursue the following careers:
- Probation and parole officer
- Career counselor
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Psychiatric technician
Career Services provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.