Psychology Major - BA or BS Psychology Programs

At GMercyU, you can pursue either a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA) or a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS). Both the BA and BS psychology degree programs provide a solid foundation in core areas of study in psychology:  

• Human Development
• Abnormal Psychology
• Research Methods and Experimental Psychology
• Personality Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Biopsychology

To earn your BA in psychology, you will need two semesters (six credits) of coursework in a foreign language. To earn your BS in psychology, you will complete six credits within the natural and computational sciences.

We believe that psychology is best understood through an integrated approach combining classroom lecture, internships, and an emphasis on research and professional development – this includes the ability to develop and execute your own research projects, present your work at professional conferences, and participate in faculty-led research. For example, Professor Rebecca Gullan and several of her students co-authored this “Mentors That Matter” publication.

Through these exciting opportunities, you will:

Learn how to organize, design, and conduct original research protocols so you’re fully prepared for a future career or for graduate-level study.

Receive professional development mentorship from faculty.

Present your findings at professional conferences, such as The Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education (SEPCHE) Conference, the annual meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association, and other professional settings.

Present your research at GMercyU’s annual University Research Conference (see photo). Topics from our Spring 2020 conference included:

• “Attitudes Towards Accommodating Students in the Academic Setting”
• “Empathetic Perspective”
• “How We View Death”

Build skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and communication – key skills employers want.

Use electives to explore your passions and interests. Take courses in specific areas of study, such as forensic and adolescent psychology, or courses in other disciplines. For example, if your goal is working with people in the corrections system, you might take criminal justice or criminology courses in addition to your psychology coursework. Or, if you plan on attending medical school, you can take the pre-med courses needed to help prepare you. Passionate about the sports industry? At GMercyU, you can take courses within our Sports Management major.

And, at GMercyU, you can connect and bond with other psychology majors at events like GMercyU’s “Painting Away Stress Nights.” This particular event is hosted by the Social Work and Psychology (SWAP) Club.

The Griffin Edge will help you connect the dots between your GMercyU experiences and your future aspirations, so you can ace future job interviews and launch a successful career. Learn more about the Griffin Edge below. 

Whether you're pursuing the BA or BS academic track for your degree in psychology, GMercyU offers a robust core curriculum. Here’s a peek of just a few of the classes you’ll take as a psychology major.

PSY 150 Social Psychology
This course is a study of human behavior as influenced by group situations, interpersonal relations, attitudes and opinions, groups and group conflicts, language and communication as social products.

PSY 211 Fundamentals of Biopsychology
This course is an introduction to biological bases of behavior in humans and animals. Topics include basic neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, information transmission, neuropathology, sensory-motor functions, biochemical processes and psychopharmacology, with applications to human behavior and intervention.

PSY 435 Psychology Practicum
This course is designed to afford senior psychology majors practical experience in the application of psychological theory and research. With the recommendation of the psychology faculty and the approval of the program coordinator, students may work in a 40-hour-per-credit practicum opportunity.

For all Psychology course descriptions, please refer to the undergraduate catalog.

The Griffin Edge is comprised of five touchpoints -- Excellence, Engagement, Experience, Empathy, and Encouragement -- that become the cornerstones of your Distinctive Mercy Experience as a full-time undergraduate student.

The Griffin Edge includes an e-portfolio for documenting your GMercyU educational and extra-curricular experiences (no matter your major), reflecting on those experiences, and receiving feedback from faculty. It's designed to help you take ownership of your educational journey and chart the right career path for you. It will also help you learn how to talk about your college experiences in meaningful ways — and that can make all the difference in a job interview. 

For example, a student might say in a job interview: "I conducted research at the undergraduate level." 

A Griffin Edge student might say: "The opportunity to conduct my own research alongside expert faculty taught me the importance of being exact in my data collection and analysis. I was even able to present my findings at our annual research conference! I know this is the career for me."

Learn more about the Griffin Edge here.

As a top psychology college in PA, GMercyU can help you achieve your career goals in this rewarding and expansive field. Your possible career paths include:

• Advocacy
• Clinical psychology
• Corrections
• Drug and alcohol treatment
• School and counseling psychology
• Family counseling
• Politics
• Public relations
• Sales
• Social work

Here’s a closer look at just a few of the many career paths for psychology majors.

Psychologist

Description: A psychologist uses observational and conversational skills to identify the root cause of behavioral, cognitive or emotional struggles an individual may be facing. Work in a private practice or in the health care or school setting.
Degree Requirements: PhD or PsyD in psychology. Additional licensure may also be required.
Average Salary: The average salary for a psychologist in the United States is $80,370.
Source

Licensed Professional Counselor

Description: Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) assess and treat mental and emotional disorders and work with individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations in a variety of settings.
Degree Requirements: Master's degree
Average Salary: The average salary is $48,293.
Source

Substance Abuse Counselor

Description: A substance abuse counselor works with individuals struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction. They often work in an independent practice, addiction treatment facilities, prisons, and mental or community health programs.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Average Salary: The average salary for a substance abuse counselor in the United States is $46,240.
Source

Learn more about what it's like to be a Psychology major by exploring our viewbook!

Have questions about GMercyU's admissions requirements? Contact us! Our Admissions staff is ready to walk you through the process of applying to GMercyU’s Psychology Program.

Email: admissions@gmercyu.edu
Phone: 215-641-5510

Get the education you need for career that improves lives. Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or Bachelor of Science in Psychology at GMercyU!