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Psychology, BS
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Why Choose UCM for Your Psychology BS?
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Central Missouri combines psychological theory with extensive lab research and scientific inquiry. Designed for students planning to attend graduate school or enter specialized roles in behavioral science, this program teaches you how the brain works through the scientific method. Taught in small classes of fewer than 30 students, UCM's APA-aligned curriculum offers hands-on laboratory experiences — including biosignal tracking with EEGs and EKGs — guided by expert faculty mentors. Whether you aim to pursue advanced studies in clinical psychology or enter high-demand careers in case management and human services, UCM provides a clear pathway. Explore your options and start building your future in psychological science.
UCM's Psychology BS at a Glance
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science | Credit Hours: 120 Hours
Degree Can be Taken: Warrensburg
- Opportunities to gain research experience in our professional psychology labs start your very first year.
- Work with dedicated faculty advisors who assist with course selection, research projects and career planning for graduate school or entry-level roles.
- Connect with peers through the Psychology Club and Psi Chi (the international honor society in psychology) to participate in networking, community service and career discovery.
ContactEllie Hwang, Ph.D. |
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What will you learn in UCM's Psychology BS program?
The curriculum builds a deep foundation in core psychological science while training you to design, execute and analyze your own research studies. You will spend substantial time in specialized labs learning research ethics, scientific reasoning, problem-solving and neuroanatomy.
Core & Foundational Courses:
- General Psychology: Explore fundamental concepts, theories and historical perspectives in psychology.
- Cognitive Psychology: Analyze memory, perception, problem-solving and cognitive processes.
- Abnormal Psychology: Study psychological disorders, mental health conditions and therapeutic interventions.
- Social Psychology: Examine social influence, group dynamics and interpersonal interactions.
- Theories of Personality: Review major theoretical frameworks governing personality development.
- Life-Span Development: Track human biological, emotional and cognitive growth across the lifespan.
Advanced Research & Lab Courses:
- Research Design and Analysis I & II: Master quantitative methods, experimental design and data analysis.
- Physiological Psychology: Study brain structure and function through hands-on activities like sheep brain dissection.
- Laboratory Practice: Conduct hands-on studies investigating legal and ethical research behaviors, biomedical disorder assessment and physiological biosignals.
- Upper-Level Electives: Complete nine hours of targeted upper-level electives to customize your degree.
Unique learning opportunities in UCM's Psychology BS program
- Undergraduate Research & Publications: Pair directly with faculty mentors to conduct original research, present at student and professional conferences or co-author published research papers.
- Advanced Laboratory Facilities: Utilize specialized diagnostic technology — including EEGs, EKGs, and biosignal equipment — in the Experimental Psychology Laboratory to study brain activity and biomedical disorders.
- One-on-One Faculty Mentoring: Work with dedicated faculty advisors who assist with course selection, research projects and career planning for graduate school or entry-level roles.
- Student Organizations & Honor Societies: Connect with peers through the Psychology Club and Psi Chi (the international honor society in psychology) to participate in networking, community service and career discovery.
Fast facts about UCM's Psychology BS
- Early Access to Research: Opportunities to work in our professional labs starting your first year
- Small Class Sizes: Average classes with fewer than 30 students
- APA-Aligned Standards: Curriculum that meets the goals and standards set by the American Psychological Association (APA)
- Flexible Learning Formats: On-campus instruction in Warrensburg with select online classes available
- Affordability Recognition: Recognized as one of the most affordable colleges in Missouri and the U.S. by Research.com
- Hands-on Facilities: Access to diagnostic tools including EEGs, EKGs and experimental laboratory equipment
Talk to an Admissions Representative
Financial Aid and Scholarships for UCM's Psychology BS
As a UCM student, you’ll have a financial aid advisor as part of your six-person student support team to help you find the best way to finance your college education. Recognized for helping students minimize debt, UCM offers federal financial aid, grants, loans and work-study opportunities.
Scholarships Exclusively for Psychology Majors:
- Arthur J. Ter Keurst Scholarship
- Jerome M. Sattler Award
- Joseph J. Ryan Scholarship
- Psi Chi Awards and Grants
- Robert N. Higgins Memorial Scholarship
- Departmental Tuition Awards
Review eligibility requirements on the UCM Scholarship Finder and speak with your financial aid advisor to complete your financing plan.
The next steps to your Psychology BS degree:
① Request information about Psychology at UCM.
② Schedule a visit or Connect virtually with a UCM admissions rep.
Career opportunities and outcomes for UCM's Psychology BS
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology equips you with strong analytical, research and scientific reasoning skills, opening pathways directly into the workforce or into competitive graduate programs.
Entry-Level Career Paths:
- Addiction Recovery
- Case Management
- Psychiatric Technician Roles
- Human Resources
- Business Administration
- Criminology
- Marketing
Graduate School & Specialized Pathways:
- Behavior Analysis
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Full-Time Research & University Teaching (PhD Programs)
Apply to UCM's Psychology program
The UCM Career and Life Design Center
The UCM Career and Life Design Center is here for undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni from all majors, identities and interests. We are a hub for career exploration and career readiness. We offer resources and support for:
- exploring career options
- life design (explore and build career and life journeys, designing next steps)
- job and internship searching
- document reviews (resumes, cover letters, personal statements, etc.)
- interviews (coaching and mock interviewing)
- Professional Clothing Studio
- preparation for graduate school (application materials, exploring programs)
- and more!
Take your degree further.
After you graduate with your Psychology BS degree, continue your education in one of the following related master’s programs.
Make yourself more marketable.
Add to your studies of human behavior with a minor that pairs well with the Psychology BS program.
Explore programs related to psychology.
If you’re fascinated by human behavior, you might want to learn more about these other majors at UCM.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will study core areas of psychological science, including General, Cognitive, Abnormal, Social and Physiological Psychology. You will also complete advanced courses in Research Design and Analysis, learn brain structures through labs and use diagnostic equipment like EEGs and EKGs.
The Psychology BS focuses heavily on research methods, laboratory experience, and the scientific method, making it ideal for graduate school preparation. The Psychology BA provides a broader background in psychology along with foreign language coursework for direct entry into diverse career fields.
Yes. BS students conduct original research in advanced laboratories, work directly with faculty mentors, use physiological diagnostic tools (EEGs/EKGs) and have opportunities to present at conferences or co-author published studies. Unlike at many other universities, Psychology majors at UCM can take advantage of these opportunities beginning their very first year.
