BA in Psychology
View a complete list of PSY Course offerings
The Psychology BA is a liberal arts-focused degree program that includes a breadth of coursework within the discipline of psychology. Psychology examines human behavior through environmental, genetic, physiological, and social determinants. We deliver a strong general background in psychology and an ability to think clearly and critically in different settings. A degree in psychology will prepare you for a wide variety of careers and graduate studies, including work in counseling/therapy, business, government/law, and education.
The BA degree requires students to complete four semesters of foreign language study. The language curriculum complements students' interests in cross-cultural studies, contributes to the development of a global worldview, and facilitates study abroad experiences.
View full requirements for the Psychology BA Major.
Capstone
Psychology BA majors may select between three capstone experiences:
- Capstone in Psychology: Research Laboratory (PSY 3901W)
- Capstone in Psychology: Individual Interests (PSY 3902W)
- Capstone in Psychology: Community Engagement (PSY 3903W)
BA students commonly choose to enroll in PSY 3902W or PSY 3903W. Students with a second major in another CLA department may choose to complete that department's capstone, but must complete 36 total credits in psychology, using additional electives to replace credits that would have been earned through psychology's capstone course.
View the BA capstone requirements for more information.
Transfer Students
- Students must complete a minimum of 16 upper-level credits within psychology as University of Minnesota Twin Cities credit
- Students may request an evaluation of non-psychology UMN courses with substantially similar content or transfer psychology courses for consideration of inclusion in the major program
View more information for transfer students.
CLA Requirements
Learn more about the College of Liberal Arts BA academic requirements, including the second language requirement.
Transfer Guide
Recommendations from the Department of Psychology
PSY 1001-Introduction to Psychology is a prerequisite to all other courses in the major. DO take an introductory or general psychology course at your current institution to stay on track.
“Statistics” – PSY 3801-Introduction to Psychological Measurement and Data Analysis, is required for both the BA and the BS major. PSY 3801 can be challenging for students with no background in statistics. If you are a community college student who is uncomfortable with math, consider taking an introductory/elementary statistics course at your community college to prepare. While it is unlikely that a statistics course from a community college will count in place of PSY 3801, it can provide a good knowledge base for future success in PSY 3801. Transfer students will typically take PSY 3801 in their first semester at UMTC.
BS Outside Psychology Foundation (OPFC) courses – For the BS Psychology major, 18 or more credits from disciplines outside of Psychology are required – Philosophy, Computer Science/Math, Physical Sciences, and Biological Sciences. Some of the approved courses have prerequisites. For example, Math 1271 - Calculus I can count as an Outside Foundation course; however, depending on your math skills, you may need a prerequisite math course before you can take Math 1271.
Depending on the Outside Foundation courses you choose, plan to start appropriate prerequisites for courses early in your academic career.
A grade of C- or better is required in all courses approved to satisfy major requirements.
See the catalog for all courses in the major.
Remember, when using Transferology to plan courses for the major, look for courses that transfer as direct equivalents to UMTC major courses. In Transferology, a direct equivalent shows as the UMTC course number. For example, COMM 1101 is a direct equivalent, while COMM 1T*** is not.
In CLA, each department has a process to declare the major. This is a necessary step for the major to be added to the student record. New transfer students do not declare their majors until after they attend orientation.
To declare the Psychology major (BA or BS), students must complete an online Pre-Major module, and then meet with a Psychology departmental advisor for a declaration appointment. Intended Psychology BS majors must also submit a BS planning sheet prior to attending their declaration appointment.
Before declaring Psychology as a major, completion of PSY 1001 (or an equivalent transfer course) is strongly recommended.
The Psychology Department reserves some seats in PSY 3801 and PSY 3001W through the end of the sophomore registration queue for declared Psychology majors. Intended majors typically do not have issues registering for PSY 3801 before they are declared. However, students should plan to declare the major prior to taking PSY 3001W, as the majority of the seats in this class are reserved for declared majors.
We recommend that you meet with the Psychology advising staff during your first semester in CLA to discuss your interests and the declaration process. This meeting allows the departmental advisor to tell you about the opportunities within the major, which include research and scholarships, as well as help you stay on track in the major.
Lower division coursework - The only lower division (1xxx-level) course that counts toward the Psychology major is PSY 1001. Completion of PSY 1001 is strongly recommended prior to major declaration. All other courses in the major are 3xxx-level or above.
Major residency requirement - A minimum of 16 upper level credits must be completed through the Department of Psychology at the UMTC campus.
Other limits on the use of transfer credits –
- Few Psychology courses from community colleges transfer into the major as 3xxx-level courses. If you are transferring from a community college, we recommend taking no more than two (2) Psychology courses beyond the Introduction to Psychology at your community college. Abnormal Psychology, a course offered at most institutions, is most likely to be usable toward the major.
- Courses usable toward the psychology major must be theoretical in nature. Courses that have a focus on applied psychology rather than theory (e.g., Psychology of Adjustment, Stress or Management, Psychology of Death and Dying, etc.), or classes that do not have PSY 1001 as a prerequisite are not likely to be approved for use toward major requirements.
- Most developmental/lifespan psychology courses from community colleges are not usable in the major. Any course that is developmental psychology-focused must be evaluated by the Developmental Psychology Department (at UMTC, CPSY is the designator for Developmental Psychology courses) . A developmental/lifespan psychology course MUST be equivalent to one of the two approved CPSY courses (CPSY 3301 or CPSY 4303) in order to count toward the Psychology major.
The Transfer Student webpage on the Psychology Undergraduate website provides information on the department’s process for evaluating Psychology transfer coursework.
Transfer courses are evaluated by the department for use towards the major. Check Transferology to see if an evaluation already exists for the courses you would like to use toward the major. If you find a course that has not been evaluated you can submit the course for review. A copy of the course syllabus is required.
Planning for a BA or a BS with a Psychology major-
- If you are planning to complete a BA degree, consider completing or starting your second language before you transfer to CLA. Be sure to talk with a CLA transfer advisor about any questions you have about completing the CLA Second Language requirement.
- If you are planning to complete the BS Psychology major, you should plan to start taking the courses or the appropriate prerequisites for the courses you intend to use towards to Outside Foundation requirement.
The nature of psychology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities may be different than what you are accustomed to at your current institution. Psychology at UMTC is empirical in nature, with a heavy focus on psychology as a science. It is also the largest major on campus with over 1,500 students; classes are large and often led by graduate students.
The Psychology major is a good fit for many students (especially if you are interested in research and/or the scientific application of psychology). However, some students find a better home in another major. Developmental Psychology and Sociology in CLA, or Family Social Science in CEHD, are common alternatives for students interested in psychology.
Career Paths
All liberal arts degrees help CLA students develop their Core Career Competencies, and psychology majors develop specific skills that are applicable to lots of different careers. These skills include a strong understanding of the human mind and behavior; analytical thinking, problem-solving and quantitative skills; and verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Students who take the SuperStrong Interest Inventory receive a three-letter interest code, which identifies their top three areas of interest, work activities, potential skills, and personal values. The interest code "SIE" is often associated with this major, however, the SuperStrong assessment can help you understand how your interests connect to a variety of majors and career options. You can learn more about common employer types and occupations associated with this major. You can also see CLA specific examples of alumni careers below.
Internship & Job Search Websites
Student Groups
Professional Organizations
- American Psychological Association
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- American Board of Forensic Psychologists
- American Counseling Association
- Association for Applied Sports Psychology
- Association for Psychological Science
- National Association of School Psychologists
- National Board for Certified Counselors
- Society for Human Resource Management
- Society of Clinical Psychology
- Society of Counseling Psychology
- The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Alumni Career Examples
Below is a small sampling of what alumni with this major have pursued, organized by the most common career fields they go into (although keep in mind that there are alumni in all eight of the career fields). You can also utilize the LinkedIn's Alumni Tool and the Maroon and Gold Network to further explore alumni career pathways and connect directly with professionals.
Click to expand each accordion panel below for opportunities pursued by alumni in this major!
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Autism Day Treatment Program Intern, St. David's Center for Child & Family Development
- Research Intern, Veterans Health Administration
- Care Management Intern, Natalis Outcomes
- Community Events Intern, Red Cross
- Medical Research Intern, Fairview Health Services
- Case Management/Resource Facilitation intern, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance
- Occupational Therapy Intern, ACR Homes
- Research Intern, Minnesota Center for Chemical and Mental Health
- Mental Health Intern, Fruitful Fertility
- Renaissance Program Intern, Northpoint Health and Wellness
- Research Assistant, Hennepin County Medical Center
- Critical Care Research Intern, Regions Hospital
- Research Assistant, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Research Volunteer, Hennepin County Medical Center-Emergency Dept.
Entry-Level
- Medical Scribe, Emergency Physicians
- Pharmacy Clerk, Boynton Health Services
- Program Manager, Creative Care Resources
- Care Senior Associate, CIGNA Behavioral Health
- Clinic Administrative Support and Supervisor, UMN Physicians
- Behavioral Aid, Fraser
- Volunteer Services Specialist, Red Cross
- Research Assistant, Center for Homicide Research
- Clinical Research Coordinator, Fairview Health Services
- Personal Care Assistant, Student Experience
Experienced
- Mental Health Practitioner, HFS Autism Therapy Center
- Living Skills Instructor, Alternatives for People with Autism
- Medical Device Associate, Vascular Solutions
- Health Unit Coordinator, Park Nicollet Health Services
- Care Manager, Sunrise Senior Living
- Pharmaceutical Care Clinician, Phillips Neighborhood Clinic
- Health Science Specialist, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
- SHADE Coordinator, Boynton Health Services
Graduate Programs
- Master of Public Health, Emory University
- Cognitive Science PhD, University of Minnesota
- Pharm D, University of Minnesota
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, Health Innovation and Leadership, University of Minnesota
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Early Childhood Development Intern, People Serving People
- Teaching Assistant, Culture in Motion
- Marketing Intern, Prodeo Academy
- Camp Counselor, Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
- International Resources Intern, UMN Housing and Residential Life
- Intern, UMN GLBTA Programs Office
- Communications and Outreach Intern, US Department of Education
- History Day Mentor, History Day Minnesota
- Summer Teaching Intern, Breakthrough Twin Cities
Entry-Level
- Foreign Teacher, Avalon English (Korea)
- Education Program Coordinator, University of Minnesota Medical School
- Research Assistant, Omaha Public Schools
- College Access & Success Coach (AmeriCorps), College Possible
- Research Assistant, The University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development
- Teacher, Eye Level Learning (Malaysia)
- Programming Director, University of Minnesota Disability Resource Center
- Teacher, Woodland Learning Center
- Global Assistance for Universities Team Assistant, Korea Foundation for the Promotion of Private School
- APAS & Transfer Specialist, University of Minnesota
Experienced
- School-Based Mental Health Therapist, Thad Wilderson & Associates*
- Academic Advisor, University of Minnesota*
- Special Education Assistant, Minneapolis Public Schools - Anne Sullivan School*
- Long-term Substitute Teacher, Pulaski Community School District
- Education in the Schools Program Manager, Hmong American Partnership*
- Administrative Director, Page Education Foundation*
- Lead Infant Teacher, KinderCare*
- Student Experience Coordinator, Normandale Community College*
Graduate Programs
- Master of Arts in Education, Hamline University
- Family Social Science Masters, University of Minnesota
- Masters of Leadership in Student Affairs, University of St. Thomas
- Master of Arts in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology, University of Minnesota
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Marketing Coordinator, MN Daily
- Talent Partner Intern, Mortenson
- International Business Intern, Exhibits Development Group
- Business Development Intern: IT & Marketing Division, CEB
- Event Management Intern, Pulse Integrated Marketing (Malaysia)
- Human Resources Administrative Assistant Intern, Planned ParenthoodHeading 4
- Special Events Intern, Phillips Eye Institute Foundation
- Human Resources Intern, Lunds & Byerlys
- Human Resources Intern, US Bank
Entry-Level
- Creative Problem-Solver, Carmichael Lynch
- General Manager/Owner/Manager, The Traveling Photo Booth
- Client Relationship Manager-Asia/Pacific Region, Exhibits Development Group
- Assistant Event Coordinator, Target Field Events - Minnesota Twins
- Recruiter, Spherion
- Talent Qualification Specialist, Kforce
- Account Executive, Metro Sales
Experienced
- Senior Event Coordinator, Target Field Events and Tours - Minnesota Twins
- Consultant & Recruiting Manager, Room & Board
- Founder & Co-President, CareerPrep
- Coach & Owner, ME BOLDLY Coaching Services*
- Realtor, Coldwell Banker Burnet*
Graduate Programs
- Masters in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, University of Nebraska-Omaha
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Intern and Contributing Writer, Lavender MN LGBT Magazine
- Communications/Field Organizing Intern, Ilhan Omar for State Representative - 60B
- Communications Intern, Office of the Governor - State of Minnesota
- Campus Editor-at-Large, The Huffington Post
- Digital Marketing Intern, Art Force
- Social Media Marketing Intern, Meet Minneapolis
- Advertising Intern, Elion Resource Group
Entry-Level
- Associate Media Strategist, LifeTime - The Healthy Way of Life Company
- Human Resources Manager, The Minnesota Daily
- Communications Assistant, University of Minnesota Center for Community-Engaged learning
- Political Advertising Fellow, Google
- Copywriter, Russell Herder
- Social Media Associate, Team Rubicon
- In Game Promotions Team Member, Minnesota Wild
Experienced
- Communications Director, Alondra Cano for Minneapolis City Council Ward 9
- Television Director, Canterbury Park
- Publication Director, MPLSzine
- Emerging Media Workshop Facilitator, Twin Cities Media Alliance
- Creative Director, OLSON
- Group Creative Director, Colle+McVoy
- Creative Lead, Public Works
Graduate Programs
- Masters in Advertising and Mass Communication, Syracuse University
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Leading Guide, Japan America Society of Minnesota
- Archaeology Lab Volunteer, Science Museum of MN
Entry-Level
- Program Officer, Metropolitan Arts Council
- Writer/Author, Self-Employed
- Social Media and Community Manager, Walker Art Center
- Painter, Painting by Jerry Wind
- Dancer, Photographer, and Entertainer, Level11
- Freelance Voice Over Talent
- Membership Drive Host, TPT - Twin Cities Public Television
- Creative Project Manager & Graphic Artist, Creative Apparel Concepts
- Photographer, My Soul’s Anchor Photography
Experienced
- CEO, Juxtaposition Arts
- Library Associate, St. Paul Public Library*
- Adjunct Professor, Minneapolis College of Art and Design*
- Digital Engagement Strategist, Hennepin Theatre Trust
- Project Manager/Writer/Event Planner, Independent Consultant (Self-Employed)
- Producer, Zeus Jones Ltd.
- Creative Director, Mirum Agency
- Senior Creative, Wingnut Advertising
- Digital Project Manager & Freelance Artist/Illustrator
Graduate Programs
- Master of Library and Information Science, St. Catherine University
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Senate Intern, State of MN
- International Relations Intern @ Centro Latino Americano de Aprendizaje y Servicio Solidario (Argentina)
- Adult Probation Aide, Hennepin County
- Intern, The People's Court of Heping (China)
- Intern, Ramsey County Attorney's Office Child Protection Unity
- Project Intern, WATCH
- Research Intern, Center for Homicide Research
Entry-Level
- Administrative Assistant, Zimmerman Reed Law Practice
- Institutional Development Volunteer, Peace Corps
- Government Programs and Membership Services, HealthPartners
- Center Manager, Embassy CES Language Training Worldwide
- Court Advocate, Domestic Abuse Service Center
- Project Coordinator, League of Women Voters St. Paul
Experienced
- Assistant City Manager, City of Brooklyn Park
- Trainer, Ramsey County Workforce
- Somali Court Advocate, Pillsbury United Communities
- Guardian ad Litem, Hennepin County
- Legal Advocate, St. Paul Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project
- Senior Administrator, Council on Black Minnesotans
- Director of International Alumni and Travel, University of Minnesota Alumni Association
- National Academy of Social Insurance Washington Intern, Institute for Women’s Policy Research
- Intergovernmental Relations Counsel, League of Minnesota Cities
- Career Pathways Coordinator, City of Minneapolis
Graduate Programs
- Juris Doctor (JD), University of Minnesota Law School
- Master of Public Administration, Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government
- Master of Public Policy (MPP) - Social Policy, University of Minnesota
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- IT Intern, Martin Williams
- Research Assistant, Minneapolis VA Medical Center
- Business Development Intern, WomenVenture
- Undergraduate Data Collection Research Assistant, University of Minnesota
Entry-Level
- Data Analyst, Prime Therapeutics
- Provider Measurement Analyst, Medica
- Survey Support, University of Minnesota
- Data Analyst, Institute on Community Integration
- Application Specialist, MEDITECH
- Consultant I & II (Integrated fulfillment, SPS Commerce
- Test Scorer, Data Recognition Corporation
Experienced
- Operations Data Analyst, AmeriPride Services
- Customer-Facing Data Deployment Specialist, 3M
- Business Systems Analyst, Ecolab
- Senior IT Recruiter, Kforce
- Employer Network Manager, The Software Guild
- Systems Analyst, Allina Health
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Emergency Shelter Program Intern, The Bridge for Youth
- Program Coordinator, YMCA Twin Cities
- Camp Counselor, True Friends Camp Courage North
- Crisis Counselor Volunteer, Crisis Connection
- Healthy Youth Healthy Communities Intern, Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis
- Intern, Center for Energy and Environment
- Violence Prevention Educator, University of Minnesota Aurora Center for Advocacy and Education
- Intern, Children of Incarcerated Caregivers
- Intern, Wilder Foundation
- Behavior Analyst, Steps Therapy
- Youth & Family Advocate, Tubman
- Youth Family Advocate Intern, The Bridge for Youth
- Shelter Aide, St. Anne's Place of Haven Housing
Entry-Level
- Director of Special Projects, Young Muslim Collective
- Behavioral Aide, Fraser
- Children’s Activities Coordinator, Women’s Association of Hmong and Lao, Inc.
- School-based Service Advocate, Cornerstone
- Parent Coach, Perspectives, Inc.
- Summer Youth Coordinator, San Pabli/St. Paul Lutheran Church
- Children's Activities Coordinator at Women's Association of Hmong and Lao, Inc
- Child Care Worker, University of Minnesota Child Development Center
- Primary Behavior Therapist, Partners in Excellence
- Program Manager, Page Education Foundation
- Events Specialist, Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys
Experienced
- Mental Health Practitioner, Mental Health Systems*
- Employment Specialist & Business Liaison, Employment Action Center
- Manager of Administration & Engagement, College Possible
Graduate Programs
- Masters of Social Work, Augsburg College
- Masters in Counseling Psychology, Bethel University