Immerse yourself in the intricacies of human behavior with a psychology degree
Gain a comprehensive perspective that prepares you for diverse psychology career opportunities in counseling, research and beyond with a degree in psychological sciences from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Explore the science of mind and behavior, fostering self-awareness and honing your critical thinking abilities.
UMSL offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in psychological sciences, allowing you to customize your academic experience to your unique aspirations. No matter the path you choose, your psychology degree will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to reach your goals by:
- Providing essential insights into human relationships
- Cultivating an appreciation for developmental processes
- Enhancing your communication skills
- Equipping you with a nuanced understanding of mental health
Choose your path: psychology BA or BS?
UMSL’s BA in psychology provides the foundation for advanced study in psychological sciences as well as the necessary education for careers in social work, business, communications and health.
The BS in psychology more directly applies skills from math and the natural sciences to the study of behavior. With this option, you can concentrate your advanced coursework in specific disciplinary subfields, including behavioral neuroscience, child psychology, clinical psychology or health/pre-health psychology.
Program type:
Major, BA or BS
Format:
On-Campus
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Why Earn Your Psychological Sciences Degree at UMSL?
UMSL graduates with a BA or BS degree in psychology are able to clearly communicate and demonstrate respect for diverse groups of individuals while embracing social and ethical values to foster community cohesion. Begin your psychology career or advance your education in psychology thanks to our:
- Award-winning faculty. Learn from experienced psychological sciences faculty who are passionate about teaching and actively involved in scientific research and community service.
- Personal career advising. All students seeking a degree in psychology are required to take a course on psychology careers, helping them develop and identify their professional goals and career options.
- Fantastic St. Louis location. In addition to ample networking and career opportunities, St. Louis provides psychological sciences students with a vibrant cultural location boasting a wide array of museums, music, dining and arts experiences.
What can you do with your UMSL psychology degree?
Our undergraduate psychology degree opens doors to diverse career opportunities, while also providing a strong foundation for advanced graduate studies.
If you’re interested in the BA in psychology, UMSL will prepare you to write and speak about complex behavioral explanations that rely on scientific reasoning and evidence, not anecdotes or common misconceptions.
With our BS in psychology, you’ll graduate ready to analyze data, communicate complex information, understand human behavior and think and write scientifically. You’ll also learn to evaluate and identify appropriate research methods in psychology and at least one other STEM discipline.
Additionally, an emphasis on social and ethical values equips you for fulfilling careers that address social needs, such as social and community service, counseling and nonprofit work.
Employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow up to 9% through 2030, with a median annual salary of $78,240, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
78,240
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Career Opportunities
- Admissions Evaluator/Advisor
- Alumni Relations
- Career/Employment/Student Advisor
- Community/Social Services Staff
- Corrections/Probation/Parole Officer
- Employee Health Maintenance Program Specialist
- Financial Aid Counselor
- Human Resources Advisor
- Job Analyst/Management
- Market Research Analyst
- Patient Resources/Claims Agent
- Personnel Recruiter
- Program Evaluator/Administrator
- Psychiatric Aide/Attendant/Technician
- Public Relations Representative
- Victims’ Advocate
Plan of study
BS Option
All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.
Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year PlanBA Option
All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.
Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year PlanNon-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.
Student organizations
Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as a psychology major:
- Psi Chi
- Psychology Club
- Student Government Association
- Students of the University of Missouri
Honors College
The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, civility and academic excellence.
Undergraduate research
We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.
