Program Details
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bachelor of ScienceRoanoke College
The field of psychology is broad, examining scientifically how people think, feel, and behave across their lifespan and in relation to other people. For these reasons, a Roanoke College degree in psychology covers the four domains of developmental, biological, cognitive, and social-personality psychology, with a strong core in research methodology. All students will engage in an original research study as part of a capstone course in the major.
Outcomes
Demonstrate a working knowledge of psychology's content domains: biological social/personality, cognitive, and developmental. Apply scientific reasoning skills to interpret behavior, understand research, and apply research design concepts. Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice. Demonstrate effective professional writing and presentation skills appropriate for the field of psychology. Apply psychological content and skills to articulate career goals for life after graduation.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | Do you ask yourself common questions of interest to psychology majors, such as "How does the mind work?", "Why do people do what they do?", or "How can I help people achieve better mental health?" There are a variety of courses offered so that students can select ones that fit their interests or needs, including granting credit for internships. Our program is research focused since psychology is an empirical science, with required courses in research methods, statistics, and conducting research. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Useful choices for transfer include any psychology coures. Transferring some foreign language courses will help students finish that college requirement faster.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | Many students engage in additional research projects, internships, or study abroad experiences to deepen their understanding of the field and prepare for their life after graduation. All of our faculty work with students on research projects. The Human Development and Neuroscience concentrations can be combined with any major, including the Psychology major, to give students focused preparation for additional school or careers after graduation. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Many students co-author conference presentations and use college funds to attend disciplinary conferences each year, several have even co-authored publications! Multiple Psychology graduates have been Fulbright recipients - a prestigious opportunity to teach or research abroad after graduation! Each year, several students in Psychology are invited to join Phi Beta Kappa - the most prestigious academic honors society! |
Program Credit Requirements

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.
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.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Roanoke College 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 |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Courses completed as part of an associate's degree or general education certificate will be evaluated by our Registrar at admission, and appropriate transfer credits will be awarded. Nearly all general education requirements can be completed with transfer credits. Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university taken as dual enrollment while in high school will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. Up to three additional World Language courses can satisfy the language requirement. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer. |
Credit for Prior Learning | In general, Roanoke does not offer credit for prior learning outside of higher education coursework. Military training transcripted by an accredited institution of higher education is accepted. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Roanoke has about 2000 students, mostly undergraduates. Classes are small, averaging 17 students, with a real commitment to teaching and supporting students. Expect close personal interactions with faculty and staff members who get to know you. Active athletic and recreational opportunities are part of the college as are a wide range of student clubs and activities. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance. VCCS transfer students may choose a catalog from the two years prior to their first term of attendance if desired. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year for freshmen is determined by first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Expected transfer students should notify the admissions office as soon as possible, so we can provide advice on courses which will transfer. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Major in Neuroscience | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Life Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
George Mason University | Neuroscience, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Neuroscience - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Marymount University | Neuroscience (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Behavioral Neuroscience (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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19-1029.01 | Bioinformatics Scientists | Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1042.00 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-1029.00 | Biological Scientists, All Other | All biological scientists not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4021.00 | Biological Technicians | Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-1029.04 | Biologists | Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-9121.01 | Clinical Research Coordinators | Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data. | Management Occupations |
19-1029.03 | Geneticists | Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-1029.02 | Molecular and Cellular Biologists | Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-9121.00 | Natural Sciences Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
11-9121.02 | Water Resource Specialists | Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. | Management Occupations |
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
