May 15, 2025  
2017-2018 Argosy University Academic Catalog—Undergraduate Programs | Volume 8, Issue 1 
    
2017-2018 Argosy University Academic Catalog—Undergraduate Programs | Volume 8, Issue 1 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree Program


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Offering Campuses


Argosy University, Atlanta; Argosy University, Chicago; Argosy University, Dallas*; Argosy University, Denver*; Argosy University, Hawai’i; Argosy University, Inland Empire*; Argosy University, Los Angeles; Argosy University, Nashville*; Argosy University, Northern Virginia; Argosy University, Orange County; Argosy University, Phoenix; Argosy University, Salt Lake City*; Argosy University, San Diego*; Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area*; Argosy University, Sarasota*; Argosy University, Schaumburg*; Argosy University, Seattle; Argosy University, Tampa; Argosy University, Twin Cities

Notes:

Campuses with an asterisk ( * ) are currently not accepting new students effective July 2, 2018. If you are interested in an Argosy University program of study at another location or online, please call (855) 758-5664.

Argosy University, Seattle is no longer accepting new students in this program.


Program Overview


The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology degree program is designed to blend theory and practice in psychological science to enable students to attain foundational knowledge and skills which can prepare them to seek entry-level employment or for graduate study. The BA in Psychology degree program is designed to prepare students to seek entry-level employment in the human services field in such capacities as entry-level counselor, case manager, human resources administrator, management, and business services, as well as graduate study in fields such as clinical psychology, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy.

Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology degree program can choose one of six concentration areas. The primary goal of the concentrations is to help students acquire more in-depth knowledge of specific areas within the field of psychology. Optional concentrations are as follows:

  • Advanced Studies in Psychology
  • Child and Adolescent Studies
  • Criminal Justice
  • Human Services
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Substance Abuse

Program Learning Outcomes


The BA in Psychology degree program is designed to develop the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Program Outcome 1a: Oral Communication
Prepare and deliver oral presentations employing psychological concepts and data, with consideration of the relationship between the topic, audience and situation, using appropriate technology.

Program Outcome 1b: Written Communication
Prepare written documents employing psychological concepts and data that adhere to conventions of grammar, mechanics, genre and rhetoric, with consideration of the relationship between the topic, audience and situation.

Program Outcome 2: Interpersonal Effectiveness
Describe and employ the communication tenets and skills that develop and sustain effective interpersonal and organizational relationships.

Program Outcome 3: Information Competency
Gather, evaluate, and ethically use information from a variety of relevant technological and library resources to make decisions and take action.

Program Outcome 4a: Ethical Awareness
Identify the ethical dimensions of the science and practice of psychology and these apply to situations in personal and human services setting.

Program Outcome 4b: Diversity
Analyze the complex variations in populations and contexts as related to psychological explanations, and evaluate the role of diversity in the practice of psychology.

Program Outcome 5: Knowledge Base of Psychology
Explain and analyze major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

Program Outcome 6: Research
Design a research study that employs either quantitative or qualitative data to test a hypothesis in the field of psychology.

Program Outcome 7: Application of Psychology (Critical Thinking)
Develop a conclusion, opinion or course of action based on exploration and analysis of information, issues, ideas and events to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.


Admission Requirements


  • Applicants must provide proof of high school graduation or GED documented by one of the following:
    • Official or unofficial high school transcript (except in Georgia and Tennessee)
    • High School diploma (except in Georgia and Tennessee)
    • State issued high school equivalency (home school) (except California)
    • Official General Educational Development (GED) document
    • Official Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) document
    • Official High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) document
    • Official college transcript from a regionally accredited institution or nationally accredited institution approved by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences that shows proof of high school graduation or an appropriately certified foreign institution that shows proof of high school graduation

-OR-

  • Official college transcript from a completed associate’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or nationally accredited institution approved by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
  • A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies, English Language Proficiency Policy .

Other Admission Requirements

All applications for admission must be submitted to the Admissions Department. An admissions representative will help interested applicants complete the following required documentation:

  • Complete Application for Admission Form

Graduation Requirements


  • Completion of 120 credit hours as follows
    • 42 credit hours general education curriculum requirements1
    • 33 credit hours psychology core requirements
    • 12 credit hours psychology elective requirements2
    • 33 credit hours open elective requirements3
  • Completion of a minimum of 42 credit hours of upper division courses
  • An Argosy University grade point average of 2.0 or higher
    • Satisfactory completion of general education curriculum course requirements with a grade of “D-” or better
    • Satisfactory completion of psychology core course requirements with a grade of “C-” or better
    • Satisfactory completion of psychology elective course requirements with a grade of “C-” or better
    • Satisfactory completion of open electives course requirements with a grade of “D-” or better
  • A minimum of 30 credit hours completed at Argosy University
  • A completed Petition to Graduate submitted to campus administration
Notes

1 The General Education Requirements at Argosy University, Sarasota and Argosy University, Tampa are 45 credit hours. To satisfy these requirements, students choose an additional general education elective. Open electives requirements are 10 courses or 30 credit hours. The total credit hours required to complete the program remains the same at 120 credit hours.

2 Students may select an optional concentration that will be applied towards the psychology elective requirements.

3 The open electives requirements are 30 credit hours at Argosy University, Sarasota and Argosy University, Tampa.


Program Requirements


Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology degree program are required to successfully complete a minimum of 120 credit hours distributed as follows: general education curriculum requirements, 42 credit hours; psychology core requirements, 33 credit hours; psychology electives or optional concentration requirements, 12 credit hours; and open electives requirements, 33 credit hours.

General Education Curriculum Requirements (42 Credit Hours)


Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology degree program are required to successfully complete fourteen general education courses (42 credit hours)4 distributed as follows:

Notes

4The General Education Curriculum requirements at Argosy University, Sarasota and Argosy University, Tampa are 45 credit hours.

5 To satisfy the Academic and Interpersonal Skills requirements, students are required to take ASP100 - Skills for Success  and COM180 - Interpersonal Effectiveness  during the first semester of attendance. The requirement to take ASP100 Skills for Success will be waived for students who are admitted with a CGPA of 2.0 and who have either 1) completed an associate’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or 2) successfully completed at least 60 semester credit hours of college level coursework. Transfer credit is not accepted for either course. Exceptions to this policy may occur in the case of established course equivalencies with institutions that have a transfer or articulation agreement with Argosy University. Academic and Interpersonal Skills requirements are 3 credit hours at Argosy University, Twin Cities and are fulfilled by successful completion of COM180 Interpersonal Effectiveness. Students at Argosy University, Twin Cities who are required to take ASP100 Skills for Success apply this course towards the Open Electives requirements. Arkansas residents who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs offered through Argosy University Online Programs are not required to take ASP100 Skills for Success and COM180 Interpersonal Effectiveness.

6 Students at Argosy University, Twin Cities are required to take 9 credit hours within the humanities category.

7 Students at Argosy University, Twin Cities are required to take 9 credit hours within the social sciences category.

8 Students at Argosy University, Sarasota and Argosy University, Tampa are required to take 9 credit hours of general education elective courses. Students at Argosy University, Twin Cities are required to take 3 credit hours general education elective courses. Students who receive a waiver for ASP100 Skills for Success take an additional 3 credit hours of general education elective courses as follows. Students at all campuses except Argosy University, Sarasota, Argosy University, Tampa, and Argosy University, Twin Cities take 9 credit hours of general education elective courses. Students at Argosy University, Sarasota and Argosy University, Tampa take 12 credit hours of general education elective courses. Students at Argosy University, Twin Cities apply ASP100 Skills for Success towards the open elective requirements of their selected degree program, and therefore their general education elective requirements are not impacted by the course waiver.

Psychology Core Requirements (33 Credit Hours)


Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology degree program are required to successfully complete eleven psychology core courses (33 credit hours).

Psychology Electives Requirements (12 Credit Hours)


Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology degree program are required to successfully complete four psychology elective courses (12 credit hours). Students may select one of the optional concentrations that will be applied to this requirement.

Optional Concentration Requirements (12 Credit Hours)


Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology degree program may select a concentration that will be applied towards the fulfillment of the psychology electives requirements . The primary goal of the psychology concentration is to help students gain the knowledge, skills, and competencies in a specific area of study.

Students may choose to complete one of the following optional concentrations:

  • Advanced Studies in Psychology
  • Child and Adolescent Studies
  • Criminal Justice
  • Human Services
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Substance Abuse

Advanced Studies in Psychology Concentration Requirements


The Advanced Studies in Psychology concentration offers coursework for students interested in pursuing graduate study in psychology and related fields, such as counseling and social work. In addition to the four required courses, other courses offered by Argosy University may also assist students in building the foundation for advanced coursework.

Advanced Studies in Psychology Concentration Requirements–Students Are Required to Take the Following


 

Advanced Studies in Psychology Concentration Requirements–12 Credit Hours


 

Child and Adolescent Studies Concentration Requirements


The Child and Adolescent Studies concentration offers coursework for students seeking an in-depth understanding of the psychological development of children and teens. Students will have the opportunity to examine psychological theory and practice, as well as socio-cultural influences related to typical and exceptional development from infancy through adolescence. This concentration is designed to provide knowledge necessary for graduates to seek entry-level positions in a variety of human services settings and may also assist students in pursuing advanced coursework in areas related to developmental psychology such as clinical/school psychology, counseling, social work, or education.

Child and Adolescent Studies Concentration Requirements—12 Credit Hours


 

Criminal Justice Concentration Requirements


The Criminal Justice concentration offers coursework for students interested in the causes, treatment, and impact of crime on communities. Students examine psychological perspectives on the offender, including the history and theories of criminal justice. Policies and procedures of criminal justice, legal, and mental health settings will also be explored. Students also have the opportunity to learn about effective treatment approaches that are effective with offenders, particularly substance abuse treatment.

Criminal Justice Concentration Requirements — 12 Credit Hours


 

Human Services Concentration Requirements


The primary goal of the Human Services concentration is to help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to seek entry level positions in a variety of mental health and social services organizations such as entry-level counselor, case manager, intake counselor, etc.

Human Services Concentration Requirements—12 Credit Hours


 

Organizational Psychology Concentration Requirements


The primary goal of the Organizational Psychology concentration is to help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to seek entry-level management or leadership positions in a variety of organizations.

Organizational Psychology Concentration Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following


 

Organizational Psychology Concentration Requirements — 12 Credit Hours


 

Substance Abuse Concentration Requirements


The primary goal of the Substance Abuse concentration is to help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to seek entry-level positions in substance abuse counseling settings. In addition to the four required courses, other courses offered by Argosy University may be required on individual campuses to meet specific state regulations for licensure or certification of substance abuse/dependency counselors. It is the student’s responsibility to determine the requirements for professional licensure/certification for the state in which they wish to practice. Students interested in pursuing professional opportunities as a substance abuse/dependency counselor should contact that state’s department of professional regulation for information. Licensure or certification requirements for one state may not meet the requirements in another state.

Substance Abuse Concentration Requirements — 12 Credit Hours


 

Open Electives (33 Credit Hours)


Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology degree program are required to successfully complete eleven courses (33 credit hours) to fulfill the open electives requirements. Students may select courses from any area listed under Section Twelve, Undergraduate Course Listings , although they are encouraged to develop a broad understanding of the social sciences.

Students may be eligible to complete select graduate courses to fulfill some of his/her undergraduate electives. To qualify to take graduate courses, the student must apply and be accepted in the Master’s Accelerated Plan (MAP); application criteria include a CGPA of at least 3.0, successful completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours toward the bachelor’s degree, and approval from the College Dean. If approved, students may take up to 24 graduate credit hours in an area of interest (see list below). Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree, the student may apply to the master’s program associated with the area of interest listed below. If accepted, the elective courses completed with a grade of B- or better as an undergraduate student may transfer into the graduate degree. 

  • Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology (up to 18 credit hours may apply)
  • Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Psychology (up to 18 credit hours may apply)
  • *Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (up to 24 credit hours may apply)
  • Master of Science in Human Resource Management (up to 15 credit hours may apply)
  • Master of Science in Human Services (up to 18 credit hours may apply)
  • Master of Public Health (up to 18 credit hours may apply)

*Note: MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling courses are offered in a 7.5 week form only.

Note

The Open Electives requirements at Argosy University, Sarasota and Argosy University, Tampa are 10 courses or 30 credit hours.

Students at Argosy University, Twin Cities apply ASP100 - Skills for Success  towards the Open Electives Requirements. Students who receive a waiver for ASP100 Skills for Success may select a different course to apply towards the Open Electives requirements.

Gainful Employment Information


The following links provide program duration, tuition, fees and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important information for the BA in Psychology degree program offered at Argosy University:

Campus Gainful Employment Information
Argosy University, Atlanta ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/583
Argosy University, Chicago ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/592
Argosy University, Dallas ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/1842
Argosy University, Denver ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/616
Argosy University, Hawai’i ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/631
Argosy University, Inland Empire ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/649
Argosy University, Los Angeles ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/752
Argosy University, Nashville ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/1687
Argosy University, Orange County ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/686
Argosy University, Phoenix ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/717
Argosy University, Salt Lake City ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/1861
Argosy University, San Diego ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/721
Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/737
Argosy University, Sarasota ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/773
Argosy University, Schaumburg ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/802
Argosy University, Seattle ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/827
Argosy University, Tampa ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/841
Argosy University, Twin Cities ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/861
Argosy University, Northern Virginia ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/895
Argosy University Online Programs ge.argosy.edu/programoffering/5419

 

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