Psychology

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2026-2027

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

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's (counselor education)

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in addiction studies

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in applied psychology

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in life science

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in pre-graduate school

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in urban psychology

Plan of study in Bulletin

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's (counselor education)

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in addiction studies

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in applied psychology

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in life science

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in pre-graduate school

Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in urban psychology

Requirements

Highest level of math required

STAT 210

Science required

Natural Sciences requirement only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.0+ cumulative GPA, 2.0+ major GPA

Transfer Maps

View Transfer Maps for this major

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

Year 1

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 DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives.
Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center.
Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
Complete PSYC 101 and STAT 210 with a grade of C or above in each course.
Complete BIOL 101 and BIOZ 101.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community.
Connect with Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets, study abroad fairs or complete Rams Abroad 101. to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
Consider applying to the Honors College.
Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests.
Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.)
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.
Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about your study abroad options.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
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.
Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.
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

Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
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.
Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Practice independent living skills like time management, self-care, and responsibility.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
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.
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.
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 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

Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
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

Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
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

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
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

Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
Design a community-engaged research project.
Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
Review weekly PSYUGRAD eBlasts for opportunities to build cultural competence.
Take on a leadership role in a cultural organization.
Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
Update your ePortfolio.
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

Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty 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.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
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.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.
Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
Consider becoming a Diversity Ambassador with OMSA.
Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
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.
Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.
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

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	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 DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner. Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives. Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center. Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help. 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 program-in-residence or a living-learning community. Connect with Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets, study abroad fairs or complete Rams Abroad 101. to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities. Consider applying to the Honors College. Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests. Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.) 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. Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about your study abroad options.	Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader. Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services. 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. Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app. Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones. Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage. 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.	Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. 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. Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni. Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor. Practice independent living skills like time management, self-care, and responsibility.
Experience	Year 2	Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience. 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. 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. 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 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.	Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events. Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake. Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field. 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.	Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest. Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships. 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	Year 3	Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning. 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.	Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions. Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning. Design a community-engaged research project. Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities. Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU. Review weekly PSYUGRAD eBlasts for opportunities to build cultural competence. Take on a leadership role in a cultural organization. Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.	Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor. Update your ePortfolio. 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.	Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center. Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty 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	Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree. 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.	Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field. Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization. Consider becoming a Diversity Ambassador with OMSA. Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization. Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector.	Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps. 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. Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey. 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.