About the Program

The Department of Psychology at BSU offers students two options for the major: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS). Either can be completed fully online

Deciding Between the BA and BS

There is no difference in requirements – we offer both degrees to make it easier for students to pursue a double major.

In general, if you are pursuing a BA in another field, you should pursue a BA in Psychology. If you are pursuing a BS in another field, opt for the BS track in Psychology. Otherwise, you’ll need to accumulate more than the standard 120 credits for your Bachelor’s degree.

We also offer a minor.

Psychology Program Admission and Registration

Once you have been accepted as a student at BSU, becoming a psychology major or minor is easy. You need to complete the Student Personal Data form and submit it to the Records office.

Registration for Spring Semester courses usually takes place toward the end of October. Registration for Fall Semester Courses usually takes place in March. Before registering for courses you will need to meet with your adviser to obtain a registration access code. It is important to meet with your advisor and to register for courses early to ensure you can get into the courses you need. Courses often fill quickly, especially online courses.

Taking Online Courses

The online sections of the required psychology courses are only available to students in the online program, PSYO. They are not open to on-campus students.

These courses are:

  • Introductory Psychology (PSY 1100), 4 credits
  • Abnormal Psychology (PSY 2217), 4 credits
  • Learning and Cognition (PSY 2227), 4 credits
  • Lifespan Development (PSY 3237), 4 credits
  • Basic Statistics for Research (PSY 3401), 4 credits
  • Research Methods (PSY 3402), 4 credits
  • Multicultural Psychology (PSY 4588), 4 credits

Online elective courses (those that aren’t required for the program) will open to on-campus students 30 days after registration begins. If you aren’t in the online program (you can check whether you are by looking for the PSYO designation at the top of your DARS), you’ll need to wait for this period to end in order to register.

If you are either an online or on-campus student and the course you would like to take is full when you go to register, get on the waiting list. Waiting lists can fluctuate a lot between registration and the beginning of the semester, so you may be able to get into the course.

Working with Your Psychology Advisor

If you declare psychology as your major when you first enroll at BSU you will automatically be assigned an advisor from the psychology department. If you declare psychology as your major after you have been enrolled here as a student, you will need to contact the chair of the psychology department and ask to be assigned to an advisor in the major.

Early in your college career, you should discuss your interests and career goals with your advisor and work out a plan of study that best fits your needs.  You should visit with your advisor at least once a semester before you register for classes to discuss your progress and update your plans.

Transfer and Returning Students

Students who have transferred to BSU or those who are returning to BSU after a period of absence can find out more about their credit and course requirements in Student Resources.