Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of ArtsBatten University
As an interdisciplinary subject, historically related to philosophy and biology, psychology is well suited as a major for students seeking a diversified education that will advance their understanding of themselves and others. The Psychology Department offers both B.A. and B.S. degree options featuring a diversified curriculum designed to prepare students to enter a field of professional psychology requiring master's- or doctoral-level training or successfully compete for post-baccalaureate jobs requiring content-specific psychological knowledge and skills. Along with a variety of courses within core content areas from which to choose, both degree paths feature coursework aimed at providing instruction and experiences aimed at fostering scientific inquiry and critical thinking, ethical and social responsibility, communication, and professionalism. The Psychology Major as Preparation for Healthcare Professions Students planning to enter schools of medicine, dentistry, or other healthcare fields after college can major in psychology and still have time to take essential courses in the natural sciences. Practitioners who can consider the psychological factors that contribute to their patients' complaints and reactions to treatment often find that having this perspective improves their diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness. The university's pre-medical advisor can describe how this curricular integration can be achieved through careful planning.
Outcomes
I. Seniors will demonstrate proficiency on standardized tests of their knowledge of the major areas in psychology. Subject areas selected for assessment based on overlap with the existing major course curriculum and Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology of the APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major II. Seniors will demonstrate proficiency in writing about their research in APA style. (Writing) III. Seniors will demonstrate proficiency in presenting and defending their research orally (Oral Communication)
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Psychology is the study of how people think, feel, and behave — and why. As a field with roots in both philosophy and biology, it gives students a genuinely interdisciplinary foundation for understanding themselves and others. The Psychology Department offers both a B.A. and a B.S., each built around core content areas spanning development, biological foundations, social psychology, and applied practice. Both degrees emphasize scientific inquiry, ethical and social responsibility, and professional communication. The B.S. adds a stronger science and statistics foundation, including coursework in research methods and natural science electives, making it well suited to students considering graduate study or healthcare fields. Psychology also pairs naturally with pre-health tracks — students planning to apply to medical, dental, or other healthcare programs can major in psychology while still completing the required science prerequisites. A psychological perspective on patient behavior and communication can be a real asset in clinical practice. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Total Department Credits: 44 Along with a variety of courses within core content areas from which to choose, both degree paths feature coursework aimed at providing instruction and experiences aimed at fostering scientific inquiry and critical thinking, ethical and social responsibility, communication, and professionalism.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | There are no additional requirements for this program. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | A degree in psychology from Batten can take one very far. Many of our graduates have continued their education, obtaining professional degrees in law, business and education, as well as scientific and applied fields of psychology. Psychology majors seeking employment immediately after graduation have found themselves well-positioned for a variety of careers. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | 22 graduates 2024-2025 |
Program Credit Requirements

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Batten University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Batten University is committed to treating transfer students fairly. We believe in recognizing your hard work and making the path to your four-year degree as easy as possible.
The Fair Transfer Guarantee helps Virginia community college graduates save credits, save time, and save money by assuring that those with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Sciences, or Associate of Applied Science- Human Services (Tidewater Community College) will enter Batten U with junior-class status. All lower-level general education requirements—including foreign language—will be deemed complete, allowing students to focus on courses for their major and upper-level elective credits necessary for their bachelor’s degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | First-time college students arriving with a conferred Associate's degree get transfer credit for all acceptable coursework. They are not exempt from any breadth requirements. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Transfer credits are evaluated based on official transcripts from institutions accredited by regional accreditors. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Batten University from all colleges previously attended. The results of the credit transfer evaluation are recorded in the student's Transfer Evaluation Report in WebAdvisor. A formal transfer credit evaluation is completed after admission to the University. The evaluation is completed only by the Office of the Registrar. Transfer grades are not included in the Batten University grade point average. The amount of credit is determined in terms of the appropriate number of semester credit hours. Criteria for the acceptance of transfer credit include the following: Transfer credit is awarded for courses from colleges/universities accredited by regional accreditors and comparable in content and quality to those offered within the academic programs at Batten University. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Transfer students can choose to live on or off campus. Residential students are permitted to live on campus if they are under the age of 23. The average class size is 14. Our location is your advantage. With approx. 1.7 million people in the area, we have excellent access to internships and research opportunities. All students can and are encouraged to get involved on campus through civic engagement and clubs/organizations. Batten University is an inclusive community grounded in the arts and sciences and dedicated to scholarship, service, lifelong learning, and environmental stewardship. Batten University inspires students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at Batten University based on academic year (ex: fall 26-spring 27 entrants use the same catalog) |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at Batten University based on academic year (ex: fall 26-spring 27 entrants use same catalog) |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | There is no specific date by which a student must let us know their intent. However, it is in their best interest to do so early to take advantage of all the perks. Read more here https://www.batten.edu/enrollment-aid/transfers/fair-transfer-guarantee.php |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Psychology | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Psychology, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Sciences in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Sweet Briar College | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Major in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Major in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Hollins University | BA in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Hollins University | BS in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Psychology BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BS in Psychological Science - Counseling Psychology Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Online, Hybrid |
| Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Science in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Psychology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Psychology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Online | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Online |
| William & Mary | Psychology - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| William & Mary | Psychology - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Psychology-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| University of Mary Washington | BS in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Marymount University | Psychology (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Psychology Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | B.S. in Psychology (Minor Required) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Regent University | A.S. in Psychology | Associate | Associate of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| Regent University | B.S. in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Psychology, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Psychology with concentration in Applied Psychology, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Psychology with concentration in Pre-Graduate School, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Psychology with concentration in Life Science, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Psychology with concentration in Addiction Studies, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Psychology with concentration in Urban Psychology, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Emory & Henry University | Psychology (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Psychology (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Science in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Social Science, Major in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Criminal Justice Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Psychology Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Social Work Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9199.11 | Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites. | Management Occupations |
| 19-3039.03 | Clinical Neuropsychologists | Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-3033.00 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 11-9199.02 | Compliance Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards. | Management Occupations |
| 19-3032.00 | Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 11-9199.08 | Loss Prevention Managers | Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9199.00 | Managers, All Other | All managers not listed separately. | Management Occupations |
| 19-3039.02 | Neuropsychologists | Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-3039.00 | Psychologists, All Other | All psychologists not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 25-1066.00 | Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 11-9199.01 | Regulatory Affairs Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures. | Management Occupations |
| 19-4061.00 | Social Science Research Assistants | Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 11-9199.10 | Wind Energy Development Managers | Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9199.09 | Wind Energy Operations Managers | Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete

