This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2023-2024 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs and courses approved by the publication deadline; however we may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

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.

Program outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:

  • Understanding of content domain
    The curriculum of the B.S. in Psychology is designed to provide students with an accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of psychological concepts, principles and findings in the key domains of the field, including developmental processes, social processes, physiological and behavioral processes, and mental health and well-being.
  • Development of intellectual domain
    The curriculum of the B.S. in Psychology fosters the development of the intellectual skills required to generate theories, do research, communicate ideas and information to others, evaluate conclusions statistically and locate the information needed for these intellectual pursuits. Students will learn to think scientifically, understand the relationships between theories, observations and conclusions, and skillfully evaluate the empirical support for various theories and findings.
  • Development of affective and interpersonal domain
    Students seeking the B.S. in Psychology learn a number of practical, applied life skills pertaining to personal adjustment, relations with others and cross-cultural awareness.

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.