Completion of an approved transfer associate degree from a Virginia Community College (Transferable Associate Degrees - JMU) will guarantee complete fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements.
Completion of a Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) or Passport program from a Virginia Community College will guarantee partial fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. Visit our website for specific requirements that are fulfilled (Credit From a Virginia Community College - JMU).
Students who will not be earning an approved transferable associate degree will be responsible for completion of JMU's general education program. For guidance about courses that can be used to complete core community college requirements and will assist with the satisfaction of general education requirements at JMU visit (VCCS and RBC Course Equivalents for JMU's General Education Program - JMU).
Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Arts
James Madison University
Program Details
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology
Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology
James Madison University
General psychology is the major to consider if studying the area of science that explores how people and animals think, feel and act is of interest. General psychology majors complete course work that explores behavior, emotions, cognitive processes and the factors that influence them from a variety of perspectives. Psychologists study behavior at both a cellular (e.g. examining the role of the brain and the nervous system) and at a more global level (e.g. examining the influences of culture). As general psychology majors students will enhance their problem-solving, critical thinking, writing and oral expression skills as they learn to use the tools available to behavioral scientists.
Students choose to major in general psychology for many reasons. Psychology can be students' primary area of interest within a liberal arts education that will lead to many professional opportunities that require a bachelor's degree, or it can be a pre-professional program leading to advanced study in graduate school. Popular types of graduate programs pursued by graduates of our program have been counseling, school psychology, education, clinical psychology, psychological science, social work, forensic psychology/criminal justice, industrial/organizational psychology, behavior analysis, law school and college administration.
Each year hundreds of psychology students participate in research and service learning projects. Each year approximately 40 complete field placements and five complete honors thesis projects. Many of our students take their scholarship to a high level, participating as co-authors with faculty on professional conference presentations. See http://psyc.jmu.edu/ug/studentachievements.html for examples of student accomplishments
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | The general psychology major is appropriate for students who are interested in the scientific study of behavior. Courses in statistics and research methods, as well as courses across a broad range of psychological science, are required. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Complete courses that are equivalent to the prerequisites for admission to the General Psychology major, as well as courses in psychological statistics and research methods if possible.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | The Psychology Department offers numerous opportunities for hands-on experience, including research, teaching assistantships, and a field placement program for selected students. In addition, the department offers summer Study Abroad classes. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Each year more than 500 students participate in research with faculty members or gain experience as teaching assistants in classes. Many students present their work at our annual Psychology Symposium, as well as at regional, national, and international psychology conferences. Our graduates pursue many areas of graduate study as well as a wide variety of jobs following their bachelors’ degrees. Our department has a strong emphasis on teaching and on the scholarship of teaching and learning; many of our faculty have been recognized at the local and national levels for outstanding teaching. |
Program Credit Requirements
Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio
and the requirements for the selected program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology
120
General Psychology - BA
120
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 90 credits may be applied to this program.
General Education
40
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Madison Foundations
9
Writing - C1W
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Critical Thinking - C1CT
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Human Communication - C1HC
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Arts and Humanities
9
HumanQuestions&Context - C2HQC
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Visual & Perform Arts - C2VPA
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Literature - C2L
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
The Natural World
9
Quantitative Reasoning - C3QR
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Physical Principles - C3PP
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Natural Systems - C3NS
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Lab Experience - C3L
1
Independent Labs - C3L
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Physical Principles / Natural Systems Lab Courses
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
American and Global Perspectives
6
The American Experience - C4AE
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
The Global Experience - C4GE
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Sociocultural and Wellness Area
6
Wellness Domain - C5W
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Sociocultural Domain - C5SD
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Degree Requirements
6
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
6
BA Philosophy
3
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
OR
Complete courses from the following Course list:
But NOT
courses from the following Course list:
BA Foreign Language
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Major Requirements
44
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
PSYC Major Requirements
56
General Psychology
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Methods Core Seq: 210/212
4
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Methods Core Seq: 211/213
4
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Social Science Content Core
9
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Natural Sci Cont - NON-BS
9
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Specialty Content
3
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Capstone
6
Capstone
3
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Honors Thesis Capstone: 499ABC
6
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
400-Level Elective
3
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
But NOT
courses from the following Course list:
Additional Psyc Electives
6
Earn 6 credits: Complete the following
Earn 6 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Course(s) of level 300
OR
Course(s) of level 400
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
But NOT
courses from the following Course list:
Sociocultural Competency
3
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
60 Required Non-PSYC Credits
60
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students will complete courses outside the major to reach at least 60 non-PSYC credits. General Education credits that are not PSYC or any of the below listed exclusions will be included in the 60 non-PSYC credits.
Earn 60 credits: Complete the following
Earn 60 credits: Use the following rules
Earn 60 credits by completing any available course
But NOT
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
OR
Complete courses from the following Course list:
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison 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.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
| Credit for Prior Learning | JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise. |
| Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
2481
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
55% (2023-2024)
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with Specialization in Psychology | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| 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 |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Psychology/Social Work Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Science in Psychology | 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, Hybrid, Online |
| George Mason University | Psychology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, 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 |
| 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 Addiction Studies, 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 Life Science, 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 Urban Psychology, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Philosophy, Political Science, Economics (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| University of Lynchburg | BS in Psychological Science - Counseling Psychology Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
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