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Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2024-2025

Psychology

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):
Addiction Studies, Applied Psychology, Life Science, Pre-Graduate School, Urban Psychology
Program description

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology curriculum reflects the discipline’s major functions- scientific research, teaching, acting as a healing profession and raising philosophical questions about the assumptions, values, and ideals of human beings and their societies, which reflects psychology’s origin in philosophy. Through a core set of requirements, the student systematically develops understanding and skill in scientific methods of inquiry, focusing on the human mind and behavior. To fulfill degree requirements, students may pursue the standard curriculum by selecting courses from four content areas that introduce students to the healing and philosophical sides of psychology and provide a broad understanding of the field as a whole; or the student may apply to one of several more focused concentrations that draw upon the special strengths of the VCU Department of Psychology.

Career opportunities

Some students may choose to study psychology because they enjoy the subject and wish to pursue careers requiring “any major.” In this scenario, it is critical to develop desirable skills through internships, part-time or summer jobs, or volunteer experiences. Some skills valued most by employers include communication, interpersonal leadership, teamwork, and computer skills. Other students may major in psychology because they want to work in a related field.


Many entry-level helping positions are available, however the amount of direct client contact is limited for those who only have a bachelor’s degree. Students may wish to pursue graduate education in psychology, social work, counseling, college student personnel, or other fields to increase opportunities and earning potential. Graduates can also find work with programs such as Americorps, PeaceCorps, Fulbright Student Program, or City Year.

Change of major requirements

Submit a change of major to declare. Students will receive an online orientation video about the major. Students can meet with a psychology advisor, if they choose, by emailing psyugrad@vcu.edu to request an appointment however an appointment is not required for a change of major approval.

Bachelor-level job titles
  • Adult Learning and Instruction
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Recruiter
  • Sales Representative
  • Social and Human Services Assistant
  • Social Science Research Assistant
  • Training and Development Specialist
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Attorney
  • Counselor
  • Higher Education Administrator
  • Psychologist
  • Researcher
  • Therapist
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • STAT 210
Science required
  • Natural Sciences requirement only
Foreign language requirements
  • Yes
Additional tuition/fees
  • No
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.0+ cumulative GPA, 2.0+ major GPA
Transfer Maps

Contact information

Department name:
Department of Psychology
Building/room location:
806 West Franklin Street
Phone:
(804) 828-1193
Email:
psyugrad@vcu.edu
http://www.psychology.vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
  • Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
  • Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
  • Complete PSYC 101 and STAT 210 with a grade of C or above in each course.
  • Complete BIOL 101 and BIOZ 101.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Apply to live in a Living-Learning Community.
  • Consider applying to the Honors College.
  • Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
  • If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
  • Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
  • Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experience.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Attend an informational session for the Accelerated BS in Psychology to M.Ed. in Counselor Education.
  • Explore minors, certificates, and skills-based courses.
  • Talk to your PSYC instructors to discuss courses that align with your academic and career interests.
  • Begin the PSYC 214 and PSYC 317 sequence and earn a grade of C or higher in PSYC 214.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
  • Read the weekly Psychology eBlast email and view our Canvas page.
  • Take a service-learning course or volunteer to address a social issue.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Attend an event sponsored by OMSA.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Consider applying to student leadership opportunities.
  • View the Virtual Research Internship Fair presentation for PSYC majors.
  • Volunteer with student organizations, non-profit organizations, education facilities, or human services agencies to build human service skills and explore populations and issues of interest.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
  • Be sure you've completed the PSYC 214 and PSYC 317 sequence and earned grades of C or higher in PSYC 317.
  • Discuss taking PSYC 494 Research Internship and PSYC 493 Fieldwork.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
  • Review weekly PSYUGRAD eBlasts for opportunities to build cultural competence.
  • Take on a leadership role in a cultural organization.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Consider taking a psychology service learning or independent study course like PSYC 492.
  • Develop career-related skills by pursuing part-time opportunities in areas such as youth development, program or event planning, advocacy, research, case management, crisis work, community outreach, training, teaching assistant, or marketing.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services.
  • Make a plan with your advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
  • Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields and revisit your gap analysis assessment to continue adjusting your strategic career plan with Career Services.
  • Request recommendation letters from a faculty or staff member in the Department of Psychology.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Complete the major capstone course, PSYC 451 History of Psychology.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Consider becoming a Diversity Ambassador with OMSA.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
  • Gain additional practical experience through internships, externships, and skill building opportunities like service learning, assistantships, student leadership, or independent study.
  • Join a professional organization related to your industry of interest and consider serving on a committee to build and practice career-related and leadership skills.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Review PSYC eBlast for job, internship, and research assistantship positions for graduating psychology majors.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2024-2025

Psychology

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):
Addiction Studies, Applied Psychology, Life Science, Pre-Graduate School, Urban Psychology
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
  • Map out a 4-year course plan in the DegreeWorks Student Educational Planner.
  • Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and choose electives.
  • Sharpen your study skills in supplemental instruction sessions at the Campus Learning Center.
  • Complete PSYC 101 and STAT 210 with a grade of C or above in each course.
  • Complete BIOL 101 and BIOZ 101.
  • Apply to live in a Living-Learning Community.
  • Consider applying to the Honors College.
  • Get involved, meet people, and develop your interests by joining one of VCU's 50 student clubs and organizations.
  • If living on campus, connect with your Resident Assistant, attend hall events, and participate in Community Council.
  • Participate in RAM CAMP to get a jump start on learning about VCU’s campus community.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
  • Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experience.
Experience Year 2
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Attend an informational session for the Accelerated BS in Psychology to M.Ed. in Counselor Education.
  • Explore minors, certificates, and skills-based courses.
  • Talk to your PSYC instructors to discuss courses that align with your academic and career interests.
  • Begin the PSYC 214 and PSYC 317 sequence and earn a grade of C or higher in PSYC 214.
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • If living on campus, join the Residence Hall Association.
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience in Cary & Belvedere.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
  • Read the weekly Psychology eBlast email and view our Canvas page.
  • Take a service-learning course or volunteer to address a social issue.
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Attend an event sponsored by OMSA.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Consider applying to student leadership opportunities.
  • View the Virtual Research Internship Fair presentation for PSYC majors.
  • Volunteer with student organizations, non-profit organizations, education facilities, or human services agencies to build human service skills and explore populations and issues of interest.
Year 3
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
  • Be sure you've completed the PSYC 214 and PSYC 317 sequence and earned grades of C or higher in PSYC 317.
  • Discuss taking PSYC 494 Research Internship and PSYC 493 Fieldwork.
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
  • Review weekly PSYUGRAD eBlasts for opportunities to build cultural competence.
  • Take on a leadership role in a cultural organization.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni ranging from graduate school to your career simply by asking a question through Ask A Ram.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Consider taking a psychology service learning or independent study course like PSYC 492.
  • Develop career-related skills by pursuing part-time opportunities in areas such as youth development, program or event planning, advocacy, research, case management, crisis work, community outreach, training, teaching assistant, or marketing.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services.
  • Make a plan with your advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
  • Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields and revisit your gap analysis assessment to continue adjusting your strategic career plan with Career Services.
  • Request recommendation letters from a faculty or staff member in the Department of Psychology.
Excel Year 4
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Complete the major capstone course, PSYC 451 History of Psychology.
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Consider becoming a Diversity Ambassador with OMSA.
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
  • Gain additional practical experience through internships, externships, and skill building opportunities like service learning, assistantships, student leadership, or independent study.
  • Join a professional organization related to your industry of interest and consider serving on a committee to build and practice career-related and leadership skills.
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Review PSYC eBlast for job, internship, and research assistantship positions for graduating psychology majors.