Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

South University is currently offering a new format in addition to on-campus classes, called South VR [South Virtual Remote] which is a live instruction, interactive virtual classroom experience. This temporary learning format that was created to help our students continue their education remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At South University Savannah, our well-rounded curriculum and practical training can prepare you for a variety of entry-level psychology positions. Our interactive courses and labs allow you to explore topics that include psychological disorders, cognitive psychology, personality development, and social psychology processes like conformity, persuasion, group dynamics, and self-esteem.

Earning your Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree can help you strengthen your communication skills and critical thinking, as well as develop an understanding of the major theories of psychology, the scientific methodology, the impact of cultural factors on the field, and the connection between psychological theory, concepts, research, and clinical application. Along the way, our faculty are committed to helping you succeed and achieve your goals, whether that means preparing for graduate studies or for one of the many possible exciting careers in psychology.

Outcomes

Upon earning your psychology bachelor’s degree, you should be equipped to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the major theories and content areas forming the foundation of psychology.
• Critically evaluate concepts, theories, research, and applications in the field.
• Understand historical and current cultural factors impacting the field of Psychology.
• Write and present psychological concepts, including communicating clearly and effectively using APA style.
• Apply scientific methodology principles according to human, social, and applied context.
• Understand professional issues in Psychology, including an understanding of The Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
• Understand and articulate a need for continued professional growth in the field.
• Understand and articulate the connection between theory, concepts, research, and clinical application for current and emerging issues.

Career Outlook

The BA in Psychology program can prepare you to study in graduate programs in the behavioral sciences or to work in entry-level positions such as:

• Counselor aide
• Therapeutic assistant
• Academic advisor
• Career advisor
• Human resources administrator
• Caseworker
• Behavioral intervention specialist
• Child care worker
• Community organizer

Course Requirements

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: 180 Credits

Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits

Professional Development

• ITS1000 Computer and Internet Literacy, 4 Credit Hours
• UVC1000 Strategies for Success, 4 Credit Hours

Basic Communications

• ENG1100 Composition I, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG1200 Composition II, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG1300 Composition III, 4 Credit Hours
• SPC1026 Public Speaking, 4 Credit Hours

Mathematics and Statistics

• MAT2058 Statistics, 4 Credit Hours
• Choose two additional courses from the following:
  • MAT1001 College Algebra I, 4 Credit Hours
  • MAT1005 College Algebra II, 4 Credit Hours
  • MAT1500 College Mathematics, 4 Credit Hours
  • MAT2000 Pre-Calculus, 4 Credit Hours
  • MAT2101 Calculus I, 4 Credit Hours
  • MAT2102 Calculus II, 4 Credit Hours

Natural Sciences (choose two)

• BIO1011 Anatomy and Physiology I, 4 Credit Hours (must be taken concurrently with BIO1012 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab)*
• BIO1012 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, 2 Credit Hours
• BIO1013 Anatomy and Physiology II, 4 Credit Hours (must be taken concurrently with BIO1014 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab)*
• BIO1014 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, 2 Credit Hours
• BIO1020 Biology I, 4 Credit Hours
• BIO1021 Biology II, 4 Credit Hours
• CHM1010 General Chemistry, 4 Credit Hours

Note(s): *NOTE: If a Psychology (BA) student chooses to take an Anatomy and Physiology course, only BIO 1011 and BIO 1013 satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement. Students enrolling in either course must, however, also take the related co-requisite lab courses: BIO 1012 and BIO 1014 respectively. Students electing this option for their Natural Sciences requirement will complete 184 credit hours of work for their degree, depending on their exact choice.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

• POL1150 Contemporary Issues, 4 Credit Hours
• POL2076 American Government, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY1001 General Psychology, 4 Credit Hours
• SOC1001 Introduction to Sociology, 4 Credit Hours

Arts and Humanities (choose two)

• ENG2002 World Literature I: From the Ancient World to the Middle Ages, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG2003 World Literature II: From Enlightenment to Modernity, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG2011 Introduction to American Literature: 1865 to present, 4 Credit Hours
• ENG2020 Introduction to Film Studies, 4 Credit Hours
• HIS1101 U.S. History I: Colonial to 1865, 4 Credit Hours
• HIS1102 U.S. History II: 1865 to Present, 4 Credit Hours
• HUM1001 History of Art through the Middle Ages, 4 Credit Hours
• HUM1002 History of Art from the Middle Ages to Modern Times, 4 Credit Hours
• HUM2101 World Civilization I: Prehistory to 1500 C.E., 4 Credit Hours
• HUM2102 World Civilization II: 1500 to Present, 4 Credit Hours
• PHI2301 Introduction to Philosophy, 4 Credit Hours
• REL1001 World Religions, 4 Credit Hours

Area II Foundation Requirements: 32 Credits

Elective Pool (eight courses or 32 credit hours)

Transfer students may transfer any course to help fulfill the elective pool requirements, provided the course meets the standards of the Credit for Transcripted and Non-transcripted Work policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

Non-transfer students, with their advisor's consultation and approval, may choose courses from any department recommended and listed course or more broadly from any course offered by South University. Work from other fields must include any required prerequisite courses in the elective field.

A course can be used to meet only one requirement in Area I, Area II, or Area III, but not simultaneously in two areas. Students should work with their academic advisor or counselor to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.

Area III Major Requirements: 84 Credits

Core: 44 Credits

• PSY2007 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences, 4 Credit Hours (must be taken concurrently with PSY2008 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences Lab)
• PSY2008 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences Lab, 2 Credit Hours
• PSY2010 Abnormal Psychology, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY2022 Human Growth and Development, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY2050 History and Systems, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY2060 Research Methods, 4 Credit Hours (must be taken concurrently with PSY2061 Research Methods Lab)
• PSY2061 Research Methods Lab, 2 Credit Hours
• PSY3001 Cognitive Psychology, 4 Credit Hours (must be taken concurrently with PSY3002 Cognitive Psychology Lab)
• PSY3002 Cognitive Psychology Lab, 2 Credit Hours
• PSY3010 Social Psychology, 4 Credit Hours (must be taken concurrently with PSY3011 Social Psychology Lab)
• PSY3011 Social Psychology Lab, 2 Credit Hours
• PSY3200 Biological Psychology, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY3300 Personality, 4 Credit Hours

Major Curriculum: 36 Credits

Students must take one course within each of the four areas below (16 credit hours) plus an additional 20 credit hours (5 courses) from any area below. Students should work with their academic counselor or program director to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.

Behavioral Health

• PSY4001 Addictions, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4030 Multicultural Psychology, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4400 Child and Adolescent Disorders, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4540 Introduction to Professional Counseling, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4541 Introduction to Clinical Psychology, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4600 Anxiety and Mood Disorders, 4 Credit Hours

Behavioral Neuroscience

• PSY3400 Sensation and Perception, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY3500 Motivation, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4610 Advanced Analysis and Methods, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4620 Learning and Memory, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4630 Principles of Behavioral Neuroscience, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4640 Comparative Cognition, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4650 Human Neuropharmacology, 4 Credit Hours

Human Development

• PSY3520 Child/Adolescent Development, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY3530 Adult Development, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY3540 Elderly Development, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY3800 Introduction to Psychological Testing and Assessment, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4040 Human Sexuality, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4320 Psychology and Gender, 4 Credit Hours

Social/Organizational

• PSY4200 Psychology and the Media, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4420 Health Psychology, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4470 Forensic Psychology (formerly Psychology and Law), 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4480 Psychology of Religion, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4560 Industrial-Organizational Psychology, 4 Credit Hours
• PSY4580 Psychometrics and Assessment, 4 Credit Hours

Capstone (choose one, 4 credit hours)

• PSY4800 Senior Seminar, 4 Credit Hours OR PSY4900 Field Placement, 4 Credit Hours OR PSY4861 Senior Thesis I, 2 Credit Hours AND PSY4862 Senior Thesis II, 2 Credit Hours

Note: Senior Thesis I and Senior Thesis II jointly count as one capstone option.

Online Classroom

Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.

South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:

• Advanced media content
• Personalized navigation
• Simplified online learning atmosphere
• Access to digital books
• Emailing and instant messaging options

We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.

How to apply

We make the application process as smooth as possible so you can start earning your degree right away. Our admissions representatives will guide you through our three-step process.

To get started, call 888-444-3404, to speak with an Admissions Representative or fill out our request information form. An admissions representative will review our degree programs with you, give you an overview of the admissions process, and help you complete the application process. You can take a guided tour of our campus or a virtual tour online. Apply Now A Finance Counselor will work with you to discuss options and qualifications and to develop a payment plan that works for you. Programs with alternative application procedures.

2020-21 Starting Dates

South University provides a warm, supportive learning environment that will encourage you to engage with a community of faculty, staff and students eager to play a role in helping you achieve your educational goals, on-campus and online. We take pride in the South experience of small classes that offer a hands-on experience that will be important to help shape your skills and excellence in your chosen field, but also help shape your character through community involvement, volunteerism, and pursuit of lifelong learning.

South University is an academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, and professional development of a diverse student population. To achieve this purpose, the institution offers focused and balanced programs at the associate’s, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral levels. A broad-based core curriculum is offered, promoting critical thinking, effective verbal and written communication, and skills for life-long learning. Additionally, the University focuses on developing the requisites to appreciate knowledge as well as a pursuit of lifelong learning.