Bachelor of Science with a Major in Psychology
What is psychology, and why should you major in it?
Dr. Phil and Sigmund Freud might be the first thing you think of, but as the science of mind and behavior, psychology is much more than that. While some are devoted to diagnosing and treating mental illness, psychologists have diverse specialties and a variety of professions. A degree in psychology equips you with the critical thinking, communication, and quantitative skills that help you be successful in the many career paths our students choose.
Psychologists help patients recover after stroke, keep pedestrians and motorists safer, employ neuroimaging to understand how emotions and traumatic memories affect the brain, and study the visual process. They figure out better treatments for conditions such as eating disorders, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, cancer survivorship, and sleep disorders. They help major companies hire better employees, make advertising campaigns more appealing to their target audience, and create work environments that reduce stress and boost productivity. They serve as expert witnesses.
Why Study Psychology at UAB?
One word: Research.
Our program is part of a world-class research institution that provides interdisciplinary work not found anywhere else in the state. UAB is one of the largest research institutions in the Southeast and consistently ranks among the best in the nation. Our multidisciplinary faculty hold secondary or joint positions in departments such as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vision Sciences, Anesthesiology, Rheumatology, Neurology, Gerontology, and Preventive Medicine.
How does this help you? It gives you the chance to work in a research laboratory. Working in a lab allows you to take the material you are learning in the classroom and use it to help solve real-world problems. This shows graduate schools and future employers that you can excel outside as well as inside the classroom. More than 30 percent of our students conduct independent research with a faculty member.
In addition, UAB also offers a number of different honors programs to help students get the most out of their classroom and laboratory experience including the Psychology Honors Program, the Science and Technology Honors Program, and the University Honors Program. We offer opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience in clinical settings through our practicum courses. We have placed students in agencies such as the Crisis Center, Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center, and Youth Villages.
Program and Admissions Requirements
All program requirements, courses, and a proposed four-year plan of study are outlined in the UAB Undergraduate Catalog. Read the program's admissions requirements on the UAB Students website.
Available On-Campus and 100% Online
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in psychology is offered in both on-campus and online formats to best fit what you need. We invite you to explore the site to learn who we are. Take a look at our courses and our research. Get to know our faculty. Once you're done, we hope to see you in the classroom next semester!
