Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Science
Virginia Commonwealth University
Program Details
Psychology with concentration in Urban Psychology, Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of SciencePsychology with concentration in Urban Psychology, Bachelor of Science
Virginia Commonwealth University
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology curriculum reflects the discipline’s major functions — scientific research, teaching, acting as a healing profession and raising philosophical questions about the assumptions, values and ideals of human beings and their societies, which reflects psychology’s origin in philosophy. Through a core set of requirements the student systematically develops understanding and skill in scientific methods of inquiry, focusing on the human mind and behavior. To fulfill the degree requirements, students may pursue the standard curriculum by selecting courses from four content areas that introduce students to the healing and philosophical sides of psychology and provide a broad understanding of the field as a whole; or the student may apply to one of several more focused concentrations that draw upon the special strengths of the VCU Department of Psychology.
Outcomes
Student learning outcomes: I. Communication and professional development: Effective communication skills: Students will be able to communicate psychological theory and research to a range of audiences in oral and written formats in the capstone course. II. Development of intellectual domain: Critical evaluation skills: Students will be proficient in evaluating psychological theory and research methods; thinking scientifically about behavior and mental processes; and basing judgments on psychological theory and research. Empirical research skills: Students will demonstrate proficiency in applying methodological knowledge in measurement, experimental design and analysis of psychological data. III. Ethical responsibility in a diverse world: Ethical practices: Students will demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues in psychological research and practice.
Program Overview & Guidance
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 | This degree offers considerable flexibility. In addition to a common core of coursework for all majors, students completing a Psychology concentration have tailored course requirements within each major domain area to support their interests, in addition to choices of course electives. There are also special topics courses that vary each semester for students to consider, as well as research internship opportunities. |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes The Bachelor of Science in Psychology curriculum requires a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 30 credits in psychology courses. A maximum of 40 credits in psychology (this limit does not apply to PSYC courses numbered 490 and above) can be presented for the degree. At least 15 of the 30 minimum-required credits must be completed at VCU. All students must complete the following:PSYC 101, PSYC 214, PSYC 317, BIOL 101 and BIOZ 101, BIOL 103 or BIOL 201, and STAT 210. This information outlines the requirements for students who are admitted and pursuing the urban psychology concentration. To be admitted, continue and graduate with this concentration, students must achieve a minimum cumulative VCU GPA of 2.5 and also achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the major. This concentration requires 33 credit hours in the major. Standard psychology courses must be taken sequentially and ideally should be completed by the end of the junior year. These courses are PSYC 101 with a minimum grade of C; PSYC 214 with a minimum grade of C (PSYC 214 also has the prerequisite requirement of STAT 210 or its equivalent with a minimum grade of C); and PSYC 317 with a minimum grade of C (PSYC 317 also has the prerequisite requirement of PSYC 214 or its equivalent with a minimum grade of C). PSYC 451 is the capstone course and must be taken in the senior year. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Psychology majors study both content across areas of the discipline as well as statistics and research methods used within the field, all of which translate to many different career pursuits and areas of further study at the graduate level.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Psychology majors can pursue the standard curriculum or one of five concentrations (Addiction Studies, Applied, Life Sciences, Pre-graduate School; Urban) which provide specific course requirements across the content domains. Undergraduates have opportunities to complete research internships for degree credit as well as community-based service learning classes. Students can apply to an accelerated master's degree in counselor education. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | VCU Psychology offers peer mentoring specifically for transfer students. New transfer students who are interested in having a mentor are paired with another Psychology major who previously transferred, allowing them to connect and discuss the transfer experience. Students have many research internship opportunities within the labs of our large faculty, and fieldwork opportunities with community partners. |
Program Credit Requirements
Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If 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.
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Commonwealth 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 | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Social Sciences or General Studies is recommended for this major. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Social Sciences or General Studies is recommended for this major. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
1902
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
VCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their pre...see moreVCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their previous institution. Some degree programs like Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Engineering have more competitive GPA requirements. Admission to programs in VCU Arts is also based on an evaluation of additional application materials and may be more competitive. Transfer applicants with fewer than 24 earned semester (36 quarter) hours will also be reviewed based on their high school GPA.
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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