Program Overview
Ever wondered why we think, feel, and behave the way we do? With Youngstown State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program, you’ll explore the intricate connections between the heart, mind, and world and how they shape the human experience.
Our bachelor’s in psychology curriculum blends theoretical study with hands-on experiences, giving you the tools to analyze psychological principles and apply them to real-world situations. Whether you’re preparing for a new career or advanced study, your BA degree in psychology will deepen your understanding of human behavior and open doors to a wide range of opportunities.
YSU’s psychology bachelor’s program equips you with insights and practical skills for diverse careers — from research and counseling to education and business. With your Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, you’ll be prepared to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
(Click on each to learn more)
The study of higher mental processes, including attention, information processing, memory and language. (How do people think, reason, and make decisions?)
Incentives, basic needs, values (What drives decision-making?)
Developmental disorders, schizophrenia, autism, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar (What are the causes, symptoms, and treatments of mental illness?)
Attachment, parenting, language, self-regulation, autonomy, aging. (How does behavior change across the lifespan?)
Memory, attention, problem-solving, decision-making, executive function (How do we acquire new information and how does it shape our lives?)
Conformity, compliance, intimate relations, group dynamics, intergroup communication, cultural understanding. (How does membership in and interaction with social groups shape our thought processes?)
Sampling, measurement error, survey instruments, coding of speech and behavior, control groups, confidentiality, human subject protections. (How is research conducted? How do we evaluate the claims in research studies?)
Youngstown State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, available in person or 100% online, offers a holistic and practical approach to learning. Our BA degree in psychology equips you with the knowledge and experience you need to thrive across diverse fields.
As a YSU Psychology major, you’ll benefit from:
A psychology degree is great for any career where you engage with people. You can find our psychology graduates thriving in diverse careers including:
While in the program, psychology students will have exclusive access to Department of Psychological Sciences & Counseling Colloquium Lecture Series, featuring prominent faculty from all over the area speaking on subjects relating to psychological research.
Graduates are also well prepared for advanced study in psychology or related disciplines, including YSU’s Master of Science in Education in Counseling and School Psychology (EDS) programs. With job opportunities expanding in areas where understanding human behavior is critical, your Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from YSU is a powerful step toward a fulfilling career.
YSU’s psychology program curriculum is designed to deepen your understanding of the cognitive, social, and biological foundations of human behavior. Core courses include General Psychology, Research Methods, and Abnormal Psychology, with elective options such as Personality Theory and Cognitive Neuroscience. Each course prepares you with the knowledge and skills to pursue a meaningful career in psychology or related fields.
Joining an educational program isn’t just about the degree – but the journey you’ll take to achieve your goals. Check out the resources below to learn more about the Psychology Program and the Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling
Youngstown State University offers various scholarships to support students in the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. Scholarships are awarded annually and are open to both new and returning students. Explore the financial aid opportunities available for students in our psychology bachelor’s program.
