Psychology (B.A. or B.S.)

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior. The psychology major provides students with basic knowledge about behavior (actions, thoughts, emotions) and the opportunity to apply that knowledge through field experiences and undergraduate research. Through their psychology classes and the broader liberal arts background they receive, psychology majors develop important skills in areas such as critical thinking, research methods, statistics, and writing, and through these also enhance their analytic and computer expertise.

Psychology at Penn State

Students can complete either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in psychology at Penn State Greater Allegheny. The core psychology requirements are the same for the B.A. and B.S. degrees. The difference is that students in the B.A. also take a foreign language and additional arts, sciences, social sciences, and cultures courses, whereas students in the B.S. complete a concentration in either business or science.

Students at Greater Allegheny can also complete the first two years of any psychology major at Penn State.

Why major in Psychology?

Both B.A. and B.S. degrees in psychology prepare students for a variety of government, social service, research, business, and industry occupations, and is also suitable for students who are interested in graduate or professional school. Our alumni are employed in a variety of such occupations or are pursuing graduate study in psychology, business, or health-related fields.

A key way in which students learn and apply these skills is during the required capstone experience. Students can do an internship, a research project, or both. We recommend that students complete up to 12 credits of capstone experiences. This extensive applied experience is an important feature of our psychology majors.

Interested in applying as a first-year or transfer student?

Penn State Greater Allegheny Admissions
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9010
psuga@psu.edu