Psychology BS

Major: Psychology
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits:180.0
Co-op Options: Three Co-op (Five years); One Co-op (Four years); No Co-op (Four years)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 42.2799
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-3031

About the Program

Drexel University's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is a tight-knit, active community of internationally known faculty and impressive student scholars. The department defines psychology as a science of mind and behavior. From the neurophysiological underpinnings of cognition to defining the impact of human behaviors within the judicial systems and policies. Psychology contributes to the human behavioral aspects of other fields, including STEM, medicine, law, arts, and other social sciences. Our students work alongside professors on cutting-edge research and clinical projects in a range of areas, including health, forensic, neuropsychology, human development, experimental, cognitive, and clinical psychology. Undergraduates also benefit from Drexel's cooperative education program, gaining hands-on, extensive work experience in areas of their interest.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program learn how to ask and answer important questions regarding human behavior, cognition and emotion, and how to apply their findings to improve lives. Based on one’s interest, students have the option to select psychology electives and experiential learning opportunities centered around the following areas of focus:

Mind, Brain and Behavior

This area of focus allows students to concentrate their plan of study on how the mind and brain influences human behavior. Courses vary from an introduction to the biological structure of the mind, understanding its underlying brain systems, to exposing students to the formal study of the neural foundations of behavior.

Human Development

This area of focus allows students to concentrate their plan of study on issues affecting human development across the lifespan. Using a biological, cognitive and socio-emotional perspective, students gain both breadth and depth in the understanding of current issues in child, adolescent, and adult development.

Clinical and Health

This area of focus allows students to concentrate their plan of study on the application of clinical psychology within the health field. Students explore various health outcomes related to, for example, women's health, disordered eating, coping with chronic illnesses, and more. 

Combined Accelerated Degrees

There are two accelerated programs to which undergraduates may apply: the Psychology BS/MS program as well as the Psychology BS/JD in Law program (a collaboration with the Thomas Kline School of Law). For more information, visit the Drexel University Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences degree offering page.

Additional Information

To schedule an appointment, students should contact the Psychological and Brain Sciences department's academic advisor:

Devon M. Thomas
Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Program
Phone: 215-895-0487
Email: dmt356@drexel.edu
Office: Stratton 103A

Degree Requirements 

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Students not participating in co-op will not take COOP 101; 1 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

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See Core Curriculum List for a complete list of course options.

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Any course from the following programs will count towards meeting this requirement: ACCT, BLAW, BUSN, ECON, FIN, INTB, MGMT, MIS, MKTG, ORGB, SMT, and STAT 

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Any course from the following programs will count towards meeting this requirement ARTH, DANC, MUSC, PHTO, THTR, and VSST.

‡

Students with AP psychology, or transfer students with PSY 101 credit, should check the AP Student Placement Exam Crosswalk or check with their advisor.

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Students who do not wish to complete the senior thesis sequence are required to complete instead an additional 12.0 credits of advanced Psychology electives at the 200 level or above.

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study

4 year, No co-op

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Students who do not wish to complete the senior thesis sequence are required to complete instead an additional 12.0 credits of advanced Psychology electives at the 200 level or above.

4 year, 1 co-op*

*

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major.

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

**

Students who do not wish to complete the senior thesis sequence are required to complete instead an additional 12.0 credits of advanced Psychology electives at the 200 level or above.

5 year, 3 Co-ops*

*

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major.

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

**

Students who do not wish to complete the senior thesis sequence are required to complete instead an additional 12.0 credits of advanced Psychology electives at the 200 level or above.

Co-op/Career Opportunities

Some graduates seek employment immediately after receiving their bachelor’s degrees.They are well trained to work as research assistants in consulting firms and medical settings or to provide front-line services in mental health and educational settings. Other graduates go on to professional schools in law, business, medicine, and other health professions. Still others pursue graduate training in psychology and related fields. Students build skills and knowledge that provide a foundation for advanced study, create opportunities for future growth, and can be used to improve the quality of life for others.

Co-op Experiences

Drexel University has long been known for its co-operative education programs, through which students mix periods of full-time, career-related employment with their studies. Co-op/internship employment is an option for psychology majors. Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center page for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities.

Program Level Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to:

Psychology Faculty

Emeritus Faculty