Program Details
Psychology, BS
Bachelor of ScienceGeorge Mason University
Students study behavior as it relates to health and well-being, child and adolescent development, education, social situations, the workplace, and the use of technology. Due to Mason’s close proximity to Washington, D.C. the department is especially active in research that informs public policy and national defense. Students who graduate from this program 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. The BS in Psychology focuses on math and science within the psychology field.
Outcomes
1. Knowledge Base in Psychology, a) Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology b) Develop a working knowledge of psychology's content domains c) Describe application of psychology 2. Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking, a) Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena b) Demonstrate psychology information literacy c) Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving d) Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research 3. Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry 3. Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World a) Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice b) Build and enhance interpersonal relationships c) Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels. 4. Communication, a) Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes b) Exhibit effective presentation skills for diffferent purposes c) Interact effectively with others. 5. Professional Development, a) Apply psychological content and skills to career goals b) Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation c) Refine teamwork capacity d) Enhance teamwork capacity e) Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Considerations for Selecting Degree | The Psychology BS is offered both in-person and online. Students transferring to Mason will likely need to take courses in cognitive psychology, biopsychology, and experimental psychology labs, as well as courses that can satisfy requirements in professional development and applied psychology. Supporting requirements include a second math course, science electives, and technical writing. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes https://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/humanities-social-sciences/psychology/psychology-bs/#requirementstext |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Students interested in Mason are encouraged to focus on completing courses that meet general education requirements. Students are encouraged to use the "Contact an Institution" section of the portal and connect with our staff for questions related to specific course equivalencies and requirements. For the BS 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.
|
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | 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. |
Doing 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 BS 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. |
Program Successes & Highlights |
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 George Mason 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 | Transfer associate degree completion is recommended. RBC and VCCS students completing A.A., A.A.& S., A.F.A, or A.S. degrees receive a lower-level Mason Core waiver. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who earn an associate degree through high school dual enrollment should still apply as freshmen and are not eligible for GAA. College coursework will be evaluated for transferable course credit. |
Credit for Prior Learning | https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer-credit-policy |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | George Mason University welcomes 4,500 new transfers each year.
|
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Determined by first semester of enrollment |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Determined by first semester of enrollment |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://go.gmu.edu/GAA |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

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 |
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 |
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 |
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
