Psychology Major

Do you want to explore the intersections of human behavior and science to help people live better lives?

At a glance

Psychology is the study of human behavior and is one of the most-popular and versatile majors at CSU. In this major, you’ll get a strong background in the sciences (including mathematics, chemistry, biology, statistics, and human physiology) along with writing and laboratory research as you explore the mental and emotional complexity of humans. 

Degree typeBachelor of Science
FormatOn campus and online
Part ofCollege of Natural Sciences
Competitive major?No
Accelerated option?Yes
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Concentrations

A concentration allows you to specialize in a certain area within your major, offering a depth of information and hands-on experiences that you may not otherwise get. Many students in this major will concentrate in one area to work in a specific field after college, as well as find mentors and internships before they even graduate.

Addictions Counseling

This concentration will get you an undergraduate degree in psychology while completing the required courses for becoming a certified addiction technician in the state of Colorado. Requirements for this concentration include completing field placement credits to help you work toward the supervised hours required by the State of Colorado for the addictions certification.

Clinical/Counseling Psychology

In this concentration, you’ll explore the clinical and counseling areas of psychology, including courses such as Psychopathology, Basic Counseling Skills, Measurement and Testing, as well as Clinical/Counseling Psychology. You’ll also be required to complete field placement credits, which allows you to gain real-world experience applying skills you’ve learned in the classroom. This concentration can help prepare you to advance to graduate-level degrees in psychology, or open doors for you in a counseling/therapy career.

General Psychology

You’ll get a broad psychology education and keep your career options open from research to teaching to counseling. This is the most-flexible concentration in the major, and allows you to sample a variety of coursework within psychology. It’s a great choice when considering a double major, minor, certificate, or other specialization program. Many students choose this concentration because of the flexibility and exploration it allows for.

 

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

You’ll be prepared to move into the corporate or government workforce and work with businesses and organizations to improve and understand employee behavior. 

Mind, Brain, and Behavior

You’ll prepare to be a competitive candidate for graduate programs in cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, and sensation and perception.

You’ll prepare to be a competitive candidate for graduate programs in cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, and sensation and perception. This concentration may also be a good selection for those considering a Pre-Health track (e.g., pre-med, pre-OT, pre-PT, etc.).

 

Some Career Options

Because of the strong science orientation and your bachelor of science degree, you’ll come out with a number of important skills required in a broad range of occupations. Skills such as written and oral communication, cooperation, analytical and critical thinking, and a background in the sciences demonstrate versatility and an ability to pursue a variety of career paths in human-focused jobs and research. 

  • Addictions Counselor  
  • Mental Health Services Worker  
  • Probation Officer  
  • Human Resources Administrator  
  • Labor Relations Representative  
  • Compensation and Benefits Administrator  
  • Market Researcher  
  • Neuropsychologist  
  • Cognitive Neuroscientist  
  • Engineering Psychologist  
  • Clinical Psychologist  
  • Family Therapist  
  • Police Officer

Related CSU majors

Related CSU graduate programs

Tour and info session options

Tours may be available as part of Admissions tours and info sessions, offered throughout the year.

For additional opportunities, please reach out to:

Warren Jackson, undergraduate recruitment coordinator, at [email protected] or (970) 491-4519.

academic Info and Tips

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Want a more in-depth look at this major? Take a look at the program website to learn more.

GO TO THE MAJOR'S WEBSITE