Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology

Degree: BS Mode of study: On-Campus Location: Main Campus Location: Regional
Degree Type
Bachelor's Degree
Program Type
Undergraduate
Location
Main Campus - Cape
Regional Campus - Kennett
Regional Campus - Sikeston
College
Education, Health & Human Studies
Department
Psychology & Counseling
Careers
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A group of 4 students in the bs in psychology program sit around a table, happily taking part in a discussion with their psychology professor.

Are you ready to dive deep into the human mind? Study the science of what makes people tick with a bachelor's degree in psychology.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is your gateway to understanding why people think, feel, and act the way they do. This degree isn’t just about studying—it’s about discovering the secrets behind human behavior and using that knowledge to make a real difference.

What You’ll Do

While earning your degree, you’ll explore everything from how the brain works to what drives human behavior. You’ll take courses in areas like cognitive psychology, social psychology, and behavioral neuroscience. Expect to engage in hands-on research, work with real data, and even participate in experiments. This isn’t just a classroom experience—it’s about getting into the field, asking the tough questions, and finding answers.

When you earn your bachelor's degree in psychology, you’ll be prepared for careers in health, politics, medicine, business, government, and more. You’ll get there because of opportunities to:

  • Work closely with knowledgeable faculty in small classes.
  • Start with courses in career planning and development to determine your desired career and necessary education.
  • Participate in and develop psychological research.
  • Gain professional research experience through Southeast’s annual Student Research Conference and internship experiences.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology?

With a B.S. in Psychology, the possibilities are wide open. You can pursue careers in mental health, human resources, marketing, or even forensic psychology. Interested in more? This degree also sets you up perfectly for graduate studies in psychology, counseling, or medicine. Whether you want to work directly with people or behind the scenes in research, your psychology degree will equip you to succeed.

Internship and Employment Opportunities of Recent Graduates

  • Cottonwood Treatment Center
  • Lutheran Child and Family Services
  • American Red Cross
  • Family Counseling Center
  • Bootheel Counseling Center

Graduate Program Opportunities of Recent Graduates

  • University of Iowa
  • University of Michigan
  • Southern Illinois University
  • University of South Florida

Psychology Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

View the Degree Map

Outcomes & Careers

  • $92k

    Psychologist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a psychologist is $92,740.

  • $106k

    Clinical Psychologist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a clinical and counseling psychologist is $106,600.

  • $154k

    Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for an industrial-organizational psychologist is $154,380.

What You'll Study

Degree Map

As a psychology major, you’ll study all aspects of human behavior and mental processes. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

Required Core Courses:

  • PY101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  • PY103 Career Development in Psychology (3)
  • PY230 Ethics and Diversity in Psychology (3)
  • PY271 Introduction to Behavioral Statistics (3)
  • PY370 Research Methods in Psychology (3)
  • PY497 Historical Development  of Psychology

Extended Core - 12 hours

Choose one course from each of the following areas:

Basic/Cognitive Processes
  • PY362 Learning and Memory (3)
  • PY460 Cognitive Processes (3)
  • PY466 Introduction to Physiological Psychology (3)
Clinical/Personality
  • PY432 Introduction to Personality (3)
  • PY440 Psychopathology (3)
Developmental Psychology
  • PY120 The Child: Development from Conception to Adolescence (3)
  • PY220 Psychological Development Across the Life Span (3)
  • PY222 Development of the Adolescent (3)
Social/Applied Psychology
  • PY250 Applied Psychology (3)
  • PY358 Social Psychology (3)

Psychology Electives

Choose 6 hours from the list below:

  • PY250 Applied Psychology (3) 
  • PY251 Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3) 
  • PY301 Cross-Cultural Psychology (3) 
  • PY325 Psychological Development of the Family (3) 
  • PY329/529 Psychology of Death and Dying (3) 
  • PY353 Social Cognition (3) 
  • PY358 Social Psychology (3) 
  • PY359 Psychology and the Law (3) 
  • PY362 Learning and Memory (3) 
  • PY366 Sensation and Perception (3) 
  • PY432 Introduction to Personality (3) 
  • PY440 Psychopathology (3) 
  • PY441 Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3) 
  • PY442 Psychotherapy (3) 
  • PY444 Childhood Psychopathology (3) 
  • PY460 Cognitive Processes (3) 
  • PY466 Biological Psychology (3)  
  • PY495 Internship in Psychology (3)# 
  • PY525 Maturity and Aging (3) 
  • PY531 Psychological Testing (3) 
  • PY555 Health Psychology (3) 

Optional Pre-Counseling Track - no minor required if the track is chosen:

  • CF209 Introduction to Family Theories (3) 
  • CF402 Relationships of Commitment (3) 
  • CF430 Parent-Child Interactions (3) 
  • CF520 Professional Ethics and Practice (3) 
  • ED535 The Trauma-Informed Professional (3) 
  • PY440 Psychopathology (3) 
  • PY441 Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3) 
  • PY442 Psychotherapy (3) 
  • PY444 Childhood Psychopathology (3) 

* Requires faculty mentor
** Requires consent of Internship Coordinator

A grade of 'C' or better is required in each core course.

"Critical Courses" are italicized and bolded. These courses are indicators of potential for success in the degree program.

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

Freshman Year

Fall Semester (16 Hours) 
  • UI100 (1) 
  • EN100 (3) 
  • PY101(3) 
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)
Spring Semester (15 Hours) 
  • PY103 (3) 
  • PY230 (3)
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
Milestone: 2.0 cumulative grade point average

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester (15 Hours) 
  • PY271 (3) 
  • Developmental Category (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
Spring Semester (15 Hours) 
  • Social/Applied Category (3)
  • Basic/Cognitive Processes Category (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3)

Milestone: 2.0 cumulative grade point average

Junior Year

Fall Semester (15 Hours) 
  • PY370 (3)
  • Minor/Track course (3)
  • Minor/Track course (3)
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
Spring Semester (15 Hours) 
  • Clinical/Personality Category (3)
  • Psychology Elective (3)
  • Minor/Track course (3)
  • Minor/Track course (3)
  • Elective (3)

Milestone: 2.0 cumulative grade point average

Senior Year

Fall Semester (15 Hours) 
  • Psychology Elective (3)
  • Minor/Track Course (3)
  • Track/Elective (3)
  • Track/Elective (3)
  • Elective (3) 
Spring Semester (14 Hours) 
  • PY497 (3)
  • Minor/Track Course (3)
  • Track/Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (2)

Milestone: 2.0 cumulative grade point average

A 'Milestone' signifies a significant stage for a student in the completion of a degree.

A minimum 2.0 GPA in the major and overall are required to graduate with a BS degree.

 

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“ "The University prepared me well for medical school. I was promoted with honors from the basic science years. I am sure that my degree in Psychology from SEMO was the reason I was the one student that was nominated for Departmental Distinction in Psychiatry at my graduation from Oklahoma University School of Medicine." ”

Tim Bohn, MD, Alumnus

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Exploring the Mind

  • Students in the lab working on their psychology degree. The are all seated with one standing wearing white lab coats. They are posing for the picture.
  • Student standing in front of a poster speaking to another student while working on their degree in psychology.
  • A student smiling and siting in class working on their psychology degree.
  • Students sitting at a table having a discussion while working on their degrees in psychology.

Accreditations and Verifications

  • CACREP (Counseling and Related Educational Programs)
  • Association for Behavior Analysis International

Additional Resources

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Psychology & Counseling
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Phone
(573) 651-2132
Location
Office Location
Scully 404
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 5700
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701

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