Future Students
CURRENT Students
Graduate Students
Get Funding
Future Students
CURRENT Students
Graduate Students
Get Funding
Degree Types: Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of ScienceMinor
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior. Psychologists use scientific methods to understand how people think, feel, learn, develop, and interact with others. Through research and evidence-based practice, psychology seeks to explain behavior, solve real-world problems, and improve individual and community well-being. Psychology is a broad and diverse field with many areas of specialization or subfields. Brain Science and Cognitive Psychology studies thinking, memory, learning, perception, and the biological basis of behavior. Clinical and Counseling Psychology focuses on the assessment, prevention, and treatment of mental health concerns. Developmental Psychology examines human growth and change across the lifespan. Forensic Psychology applies psychological principles within legal and criminal justice settings. Health Psychology explores the psychological, biological, and social factors that influence health and wellness. Industrial–Organizational Psychology applies psychological science to the workplace, including leadership, employee well-being, and organizational effectiveness. School and Educational Psychology supports learning, educational success, and student development. Social and Personality Psychology examines personality, relationships, social interactions, and group behavior.
With a degree in Psychology, you’ll gain key transferable skills like:
  • Scientific reasoning and critical thinking
  • Research design and data analysis
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Written and oral communication
  • Teamwork and interpersonal skills
  • Ethical decision-making
  • Cultural competence
  • Observation and behavioral analysis
  • Understanding human behavior
  • Applying the scientific method to real-world problems
  • Preparation for diverse careers and graduate study
Still 2025-02-24 140206_1.66.1
Questions?

This program is housed 

in the Department of Psychology 
at Penn State University Park and Penn State World Campus.

Explore Interests Related to Psychology

Leverages insights into human behavior and motivation to improve performance, enhance customer experiences, and inform strategic business decisions.

Examines human behavior, cognition, and motivation. Prepares students to design user-friendly AI systems, study human-technology interaction, and assess the psychological impact of emerging technologies.

Examines mental health, behavior, and therapeutic techniques. Prepares students to pursue careers in counseling, clinical practice, mental health advocacy, and research on psychological well-being.

Studies mental health, behavior, and therapeutic techniques. Equips students to pursue careers in clinical practice, counseling, mental health research, and developing interventions to improve psychological well-being.

Studies human behavior, cognition, and motivation. Equips students to understand audience dynamics, influence media content creation, and analyze the psychological impact of cultural and media trends.

Studies human behavior and mental processes. Equips students to address social injustices through behavioral insights, develop equitable mental health policies, and advocate for community well-being.

Examines human behavior and motivation. Prepares students to promote sustainable practices, understand public attitudes toward environmental issues, and design behavioral interventions for sustainability.

Studies human behavior, cognition, and motivation. Equips students to understand cross-cultural psychological trends, contribute to international mental health initiatives, and analyze the global impact of cultural and media trends.

About the Program

You might like this program if

  • Are curious about why people think, feel, and behave the way they do
  • Enjoy science and working with people
  • Like solving real-world problems using research
  • Want to make a positive impact on individuals, organizations, or communities
  • Are interested in a flexible degree that prepares you for many careers or graduate study

What you can explore

  • Clinical psychology
  • Cognitive psychology
  • Developmental psychology
  • Industrial/organizational psychology
  • Social psychology
  • Neuropsychology

Degree Options

Specalize your degree

Four B.S. options: Life Sciences (LS) Business (BUS), Neuroscience (NEURO), Quantitative Skills (QUANT)

Pair it with a popular double major or minor

  • Business
  • Labor and Human Resources
  • Criminology
  • Advertising and Public Relations
  • Marketing
  • Biology/Neuroscience
  • Rehabilitation & Human Services/Life Sciences
  • Biobehavioral Health
  • Statistics
  • Human Development & Family Studies
  • Child Maltreatment & Advocacy Studies
  • Kinesiology

Out-of-Classroom Experiences

Internships

  • Bank of America and BofA Securities
  • Camp Pegasus
  • Centre Safe
  • Institute for Organizational Mindfulness
  • Strawberry Fields
  • Research labs
  • …and many others based on student interests

Education Abroad Opportunities

Cambodia
Greece
Italy
Netherlands
Spain
Turkey
United Kingdom

Post-Graduation Opportunities

  • Business
  • Clinical/counseling
  • Forensics
  • Law
  • Medicine/Dental/Nursing
  • Psychology specialties
  • Public policy
  • Social work

Mental and Behavioral Health

  • Counselor or Therapist*
  • Clinical Psychologist*
  • Psychiatrist*
  • Case Manager
  • Social Worker
  • Victim Advocate

Healthcare

  • Behavioral Health Manager
  • Patient Advocate

Education

  • Teacher
  • Professor*
  • Teaching Professor*
  • School Psychologist*
  • Career Counselor

Business

  • Human Resource Specialist
  • Advertising and Marketing Specialist

Research

  • Research Assistant
  • Data Analyst

Government and Nonprofit

  • Community Outreach Specialist
  • Public Service Specialist
  • Forensic Psychologist*
  • Probation Officer

*Many psychologist roles require graduate education and/or professional licensure.

Administrative and Support Services, Ambulatory Health Care Services, and Technical Services, Credit Intermediation and Related Activities, Educational Services, Hospitals, Insurance Carriers and Related Activities, Nursing and Residential Care Facilities, Professional, Scientific, Social Assistance
  • The Pennsylvania State University
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  • Penn Medicine
  • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Thomas Jefferson University
  • Amazon
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • Johns Hopkins