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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2026-2027

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
  • Qualified Mental Health Professional
  • Recruiter
  • Sales Representative
  • Social and Human Services 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
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
  • Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
  • Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
  • Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.
  • Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • Consider doing an informational interview with professionals that do the work or enrolled in the graduate programs you are considering.
  • Review weekly PSYUGRAD eBlasts for opportunities to gain relevant experience.
  • Use career exploration resources to conduct research on the types of jobs you may be interested in.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Explore What Can I Do With This Major? to learn about career paths, employers, and strategies for building experience related to your field of study.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
  • Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
  • Practice independent living skills like time management, self-care, and responsibility.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • 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.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • 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.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Register for the VCU Globe Program and begin tracking your global leadership growth!
  • Attend an event sponsored by OMSA.
  • 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.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • 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
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Research the requirements to pursue a Qualified Mental Health Professional or Applied Behavior Analysis certification for bachelor-level employment opportunities in behavioral health.
  • Attend fall and spring career panels about life after the B.S. in Psychology.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • 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.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • 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
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • 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
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Complete the major capstone course, PSYC 451 History of Psychology.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.
  • 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
2026-2027

Psychology

College of Humanities and Sciences

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
  • Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
  • Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
  • Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.
  • Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • Consider doing an informational interview with professionals that do the work or enrolled in the graduate programs you are considering.
  • Review weekly PSYUGRAD eBlasts for opportunities to gain relevant experience.
  • Use career exploration resources to conduct research on the types of jobs you may be interested in.
  • Explore What Can I Do With This Major? to learn about career paths, employers, and strategies for building experience related to your field of study.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
  • Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
  • Practice independent living skills like time management, self-care, and responsibility.
Experience Year 2
  • Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Register for the VCU Globe Program and begin tracking your global leadership growth!
  • Attend an event sponsored by OMSA.
  • 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.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • 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.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Research the requirements to pursue a Qualified Mental Health Professional or Applied Behavior Analysis certification for bachelor-level employment opportunities in behavioral health.
  • Attend fall and spring career panels about life after the B.S. in Psychology.
Year 3
  • Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • 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.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • 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.
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • 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
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Complete the major capstone course, PSYC 451 History of Psychology.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.
  • Review PSYC eBlast for job, internship, and research assistantship positions for graduating psychology majors.