The BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Psychology emphasizes the scientific foundation of psychology. The program is flexible, designed to provide students with the opportunity to tailor coursework, research experience and experiential learning to their particular interests, as well as pursue an additional major or minor. The program prepares students for a wide range of careers, as well as graduate study in psychology and related fields (e.g., law, business, education, social work).
The BA in Psychology requires a total of 35 credit hours. Students must complete 11 courses, with most courses consisting of three (3) credits.
Psychology BA Core
Students must complete the following four courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA:
Substantive Area Courses
Students must complete four 300-level courses, one from each substantive area of Psychology:
Three PSY 400-level Electives
These smaller courses (no more than 42 students per class), focus on a specialized topic and typically involve a writing component. Students may choose their electives from any area of psychology.
Residency Requirement
At least three upper-level classes (300- or 400-level) must be taken at the University at Buffalo.
The department has designed the Major Completion Timeline to help Psychology majors stay on track with their degree and make the most of the opportunities, experiences and resources at UB.
Our BA is the more versatile degree, allowing for customization based on student interests. Most Psychology Majors choose the BA. Our BS is specifically designed for students who seek a more extensive scientific background.
The Student Learning Goals are designed to address the standards established by the American Psychological Association (APA) for the Undergraduate Psychology Major.
Goals | PSY 101 | PSY 207 & 350 | PSY 300 Level | PSY 400 Level |
Goal 1: Content Knowledge and Applications | Introduce | Strengthen | Strengthen | Strengthen |
Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking | Introduce | Strengthen | Strengthen | Strengthen |
Goal 3: Values in Psychological Science | Introduce | Strengthen | Strengthen | Strengthen |
Goal 4: Communication, Psychological Literacy, and Technology Skills | Introduce | Strengthen | Strengthen | |
Goal 5: Personal and Professional Development* | Introduce | Strengthen | Strengthen |