Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for LIBERAL ARTS

Transfer Guidance

Transfer Admission Requirements

• Transfer applicants must present a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

• Prior to applying, VCCS applicants must complete an English composition equivalent to ENGH 101 (ENG 112). Students may provide secondary school coursework or test scores demonstrating English language proficiency.

• Prior to applying, VCCS applicants must complete a college-level math course.

• GAA applicants must present a minimum 2.85 cumulative GPA. For more information about Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements, visit: https://www.vccs.edu/transfer-programs/

Important Links & Dates

• Office of Transfer Services: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/office-t...

• Admission Application: By Oct 1 or March 1 at https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now

• Financial Aid: https://www.gmu.edu/financial-aid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: March 15 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission at studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• For the BA in Psychology, introductory courses for the major may be completed prior to transfer to Mason. Students should not exceed a maximum of five courses in psychology, these should include PSYC 100, PSYC 211, and PSYC 231. Students who plan to take credits beyond what is required for the associate’s degree should consult with a Mason advisor for course selection.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Psychology majors can concentrate in up to two of eight sub-disciplines: clinical, developmental, educational, forensic, health, human factors, cognitive behavioral neuroscience, and work and organizational psychology. Students interested in cognitive behavioral neuroscience can apply for admission to an accelerated master’s program. This program allows registration in graduate courses as an undergraduate, with a transition to the master’s program upon completion of the bachelor’s degree.

• The Psychology BA is offered both in-person and online. Students transferring to Mason will likely need to take courses in cognitive psychology and biopsychology, as well as courses that can satisfy requirements in professional development and applied psychology.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Students who complete a transfer associate degree (AS, AA, AA&S, or AFA) from a Virginia Community College will receive a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower division) Mason Core general education categories. To be eligible for the waiver, students must provide the George Mason Office of Admissions with a final, official transcript reflecting the degree conferral date. As a prerequisite for ENGH 302, ENGH 101 is not waived. Students must transfer in or complete ENGH 100 or ENGH 101 at George Mason with a C or higher.

• Dual Enrollment - Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Applicants are required to apply as freshmen.

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credit by exam may be used to fulfill General Education and/or major requirements. See: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer...

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first term of attendance at George Mason.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Located in Fairfax, Virginia, within the Washington metropolitan area, George Mason enrolls more than 28,000 undergraduate students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries in 78 in-demand majors.

• More than 4,500 new transfer students choose George Mason each year, and the university has been recognized as the most diverse in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report.

• Transfer students are welcome to live among our 7700-student residential community or off campus. The Office of Contemporary Student Services is dedicated to the support of off-campus transfers.

• 65% of George Mason students receive financial aid.

• 22 Division I men’s and women’s sports teams, plus club and intramural leagues, and more than 400 student organizations.

• For more information, visit: https://www.gmu.edu/transfer

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor’s degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at George Mason?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• A psychology degree offers a flexible liberal arts background. Students not pursuing psychology-specific careers should build key skills—such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and computer proficiency—through internships, jobs, or volunteering. Those seeking psychology-related roles may face limited client contact with only a bachelor’s degree, so graduate study in psychology, social work, counseling, or related fields can increase opportunities. Research career paths to determine the degree level and specialization best suited to your goals. This link from University Career Services includes common career paths divided by employment type: https://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/psychology/

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• Highly qualified students have the opportunity to graduate with honors in the major by joining the honors psychology program, which culminates in the successful completion and presentation of an independent honors thesis. Additionally, students have the opportunity to work with faculty members in their research labs. Many students continue on to complete graduate degrees; however, a BA in psychology provides a gateway to a variety of career opportunities. Students who graduate from our programs go on to work in a wide range of fields and positions, including human resources, data analysis, user interface design, and social media and marketing.