Overview

The Psychology program of San Francisco State University is built around a core set of courses in theory and methods and three broad areas of study: basic psychological processes, psychological development, individual differences, and social, cultural, organizational, and community contexts. Several themes of common interest extend across these broad areas including an appreciation for cultural and human diversity, ethics and values, a sense of individual empowerment, historical antecedents, critical thinking and the understanding of self and others.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offers a foundation in the analysis and critical evaluation of psychological literature, the communication of psychological concepts and facts both orally and in writing, and the development of psychological research including design, data analysis, measurement, and basic computer operation. Our B.A. degree provides an excellent foundation for work in the community in many fields that involve human relations and behavior. In addition, the undergraduate degree is excellent preparation for graduate school in all fields of psychology and other behavioral and social sciences as well as for graduate programs in business, law, medicine, and many other professional fields.

Program Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Base in Psychology 

Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology. Develop a working knowledge of psychology's content domains. Describe applications of psychology.

Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena. Demonstrate psychology information literacy. Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem-solving. Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research. Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry.

Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World

Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science practice. Build and enhance interpersonal relationships. Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels.

Communication

Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes. Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes. Interact effectively with others.

Professional Development

Apply psychological content and skills to career goals. Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation. Refine project management skills. Enhance teamwork capacity. Develop meaningful professional direction for life after.

Career paths

The undergraduate program provides a foundation of skills and knowledge for careers both outside and inside of psychology. Since most jobs require a well-developed sense of how people function, a degree in psychology is often a desired background for positions in both government and industry. Undergraduate work in psychology includes training to develop the abilities to analyze critically and to understand complex behaviors, to deal with interpersonal problems, and to use research tools.

The following are some careers that graduates with bachelor's degrees in psychology have entered.

• Psychological Research and Development: data analysis assistant; educational research assistant; public opinion poll-taker; research assistant in mental health; research design technician; statistician; survey interviewer.

• Mental Health and Social Services: alcohol treatment center assistant; child care program assistant; corrections counselor; counseling assistant; counselor, child/adolescent; crisis center counselor; drug abuse program assistant; psychiatric technician.

• Business and Government: employment interviewer; human factors assistant; human resources manager; personnel analyst; psychometrist; public relations assistant.

• Teaching: high school psychology instructor.