Bachelor of Psychology at Saint Louis University

Psychology is the science of behavior. Students majoring in psychology learn how human behavior depends on biological factors, developmental status, cognitive processes and social conditions. Psychological science encompasses various methods to address diverse topics, from brain function to cultural influences. The discoveries of psychology improve understanding of the human experience and the quality of life.

As one of the most popular majors at Saint Louis University, psychology provides students with multiple avenues to explore their interests and develop their abilities through research, service and study. For the B.A.in Psychology, translating and applying psychological science is emphasized. SLU also offers a B.S. in Psychology. 

The SLU Department of Psychology's mission is to broadly educate students in the discipline of psychology and its applications. Faculty accomplish this by integrating empirical science, theory and practice focused on the evidence-based understanding of behaviors and experiences of individuals and groups, including the family, organizations and institutions.

SLU faculty encourage intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and ethical responsibility. A commitment to value-based, holistic education and an enthusiasm for psychology is realized in the products of research, in program graduates, and in service to others locally, nationally and globally. The faculty seeks to improve the human condition and promote human welfare through understanding past knowledge, discovering new knowledge, and disseminating that knowledge through teaching, publications and service. The faculty educate students to be professionals and challenge them to be ethically responsible, to be committed to serving others and respect human diversity in all its forms.

Additional program highlights include:

• Psychology majors are mentored by individual faculty members who support students' discernment of and successful progress toward professional goals.
• Psychology majors build evidence-based habits of mind and research skills through working with faculty and graduate students investigating a wide variety of psychological phenomena.
• Psychology majors can take science out of the ivory tower to foster social justice in diverse communities and neighborhoods as members of a social advocacy learning community, at nearby service-learning practicum sites, or through values-based research activities.

1. Students will demonstrate comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings in psychology in their application to complex problems.
2. Students will demonstrate their ability to discern the quality of research conducted by others and apply their research knowledge through an evidence-based psychology project.
3. Students will demonstrate their abilities to recognize ethically and socially responsible behaviors and engage in such behaviors through applied experiences and through an evidence-based psychology project.
4. Students will demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills through an evidence-based psychology project.
5. Students will demonstrate their ability to manage, present, and reflect on a major evidence-based psychology project.