Psychology has become one of the most popular college majors in recent years. According to Niche, it ranks among the top three most-awarded bachelor’s degrees nationwide.
Psychology appeals to students for both personal and professional reasons. Some are curious about people and want to better understand human behavior, emotions, and thought patterns. Others are drawn to the field because of an interest in mental health.
No matter the reason, getting a degree in psychology provides learners with valuable skills for the workplace, including critical thinking, communication, empathy, and collaboration. So, is psychology a good major for you? The answer depends on your goals and how you want to use what you learn during college.
What Do You Learn In Psychology Courses?
Psychology is all about discovering what makes people tick and understanding how people think, feel, and connect with others. That knowledge translates into valuable skills relevant to all careers and work environments. Villa Maria’s bachelor program balances the people-focused side of psychology with the research and analysis skills that give you a deeper understanding of human behavior.
Foundations of Human Behavior
Students start the program with introductory courses like general psychology, which provides a foundation for core areas like human development, cognition, emotion, motivation, personality, social interaction, and mental health. They study major psychological theories and learn how professionals observe and explain behavior in different contexts.
How to Ask and Explore Research Questions
From there, the program shifts to the scientific side of psychology. Research design and analysis courses guide students through the experiment process, including collecting and interpreting data and understanding statistical methods. Students also begin to take psychology electives in development, social, or abnormal psychology.
Connect Ideas and Specialize Your Interests
As the program progresses, students take more advanced psychology electives like child development, cognitive psychology, or social dynamics. Students also learn more about the history behind psychology, including how theories and practices have evolved over time.
Apply Psychology In The Real World
Leading up to graduation, our program shifts toward practical application. Students complete either a community internship or a senior thesis to gain hands-on experience and apply principles in real-world or research settings. By the time students earn their degrees, they have both a broad understanding of human behavior and specific skills that can be applied in professional or academic settings.
Bachelor of Arts vs. Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Not all psychology degrees are the same. Villa Maria College offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, which gives students a broad education while helping them understand human behavior and the factors that influence it. A Bachelor of Science degree focuses more on natural science and math, gearing students toward research-focused graduate studies.
Is Psychology a Good Major For You?
If you’re curious about people and the reasons for their behavior, psychology is a great choice for you. A psychology degree also provides flexibility, allowing you to pursue entry-level careers right after graduation or use it as a foundation for graduate school. In addition, psychology at schools like Villa Maria offers opportunities to pair your major with other programs.
Why Study Psychology at Villa?
Choosing the right college can make all the difference. At Villa, small class sizes allow professors to mentor you personally, while a close-knit, values-driven community supports your growth both academically and personally. Hands-on experiences, including internships, a senior thesis, and career readiness courses, prepare you for the future. If you’re curious about people and passionate about making a difference, reach out to learn more about our psychology program or apply today!
