Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Bachelor of Science
Batten 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
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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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: 64 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.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Batten University within your first year
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 3 graduates 2024-2025
Program Credit Requirements
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Applicable Admissions Agreements
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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.

Institution Name Type Title
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Blue Ridge Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Central Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Central Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Danville Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Danville Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Mountain Gateway Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Eastern Shore Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Germanna Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Germanna Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Brightpoint Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Brightpoint Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Laurel Ridge Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Mountain Empire Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
New River Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
New River Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Northern Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Paul D. Camp Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Patrick & Henry Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Piedmont Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Rappahannock Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Rappahannock Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Southside Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Southwest Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Tidewater Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Tidewater Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Virginia Peninsula Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Virginia Highlands Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Virginia Western Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Virginia Western Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Wytheville Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Wytheville Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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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...
  • 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: Batten University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
119
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
66% (Fall 2025)
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
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in PsychologyAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegePsychology, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Sciences in Computer ScienceAssociateAssociate of Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online
Sweet Briar CollegeBachelor of Arts in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Psychology, Major in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Science in Psychology, Major in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Science PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Hollins UniversityBA in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Hollins UniversityBS in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Arts, Major in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Psychology BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Science in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBS in Psychological Science - Counseling Psychology EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Mary Baldwin UniversityBachelor of Arts in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearOnline, Hybrid
Mary Baldwin UniversityBachelor of Science in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
George Mason UniversityPsychology, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Online
George Mason UniversityPsychology, BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in Psychology - OnlineBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearOnline
William & MaryPsychology - Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryPsychology - Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityPsychology-BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online
University of Mary WashingtonBS in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Marymount University Psychology (BA)BachelorBachelor of Art4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegePsychology Major - BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Science PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in Psychology (Minor Required)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Regent UniversityA.S. in PsychologyAssociateAssociate of Science4-YearHybrid
Regent UniversityB.S. in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearHybrid
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Arts in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPsychology, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPsychology with concentration in Applied Psychology, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPsychology with concentration in Pre-Graduate School, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPsychology with concentration in Life Science, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPsychology with concentration in Addiction Studies, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPsychology with concentration in Urban Psychology, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Arts in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Science in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online
Emory & Henry UniversityPsychology (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegePsychology (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBachelor of Science in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Science in Social Science, Major in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Rappahannock Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science Degree with a Criminal Justice MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science Degree with a Psychology MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science Degree with a Social Work MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
11-9199.11Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site ManagersPlan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.Management Occupations
19-3039.03Clinical NeuropsychologistsAssess 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
19-3033.00Clinical and Counseling PsychologistsAssess, 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
11-9199.02Compliance ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.Management Occupations
19-3032.00Industrial-Organizational PsychologistsApply 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
11-9199.08Loss Prevention ManagersPlan 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
11-9199.00Managers, All OtherAll managers not listed separately.Management Occupations
19-3039.02NeuropsychologistsApply 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
19-3039.00Psychologists, All OtherAll psychologists not listed separately.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
25-1066.00Psychology Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach 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
11-9199.01Regulatory Affairs ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.Management Occupations
19-4061.00Social Science Research AssistantsAssist 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
11-9199.10Wind Energy Development ManagersLead 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
11-9199.09Wind Energy Operations ManagersManage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.Management Occupations
Cost To Complete
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