Fascinating Human Behavior

Students who pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology experience the fascinating science of human behavior and how it can be applied to many careers and other life domains.

The psychology major is designed to provide a general and in-depth survey of the fields in the science of psychology and to prepare students to work with people in several career areas. Further study beyond the baccalaureate is required to enter professional career work.

Our Academic Programs

The undergraduate degree in psychology provides students with a foundation in the research-based science of behavior and the application of that science to personal, professional, and clinical settings. The curriculum challenges students to think like scientists and to make data-based inferences regarding the causes of behavior and how to influence it. Students also learn to use research methods and statistical techniques to inform those inferences, as well as learning to write and speak like psychologists to better convey what those inferences mean to both professional and general audiences.

Three psychology minors are offered, a minor in Psychology, Secondary Education Psychology, or Human Sexuality. Students can also participate in an Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program

Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration

Students have the option of completing an Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration for gaining advanced coursework and field experience in a focused area of study. The goals of this concentration are to produce undergraduate students who are prepared to (a) function as behavioral technicians serving individuals diagnosed with autism and (b) pursue advanced graduate training in behavior analysis. The Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration allows for the student to meet most (but not all) of the minimum requirements to be eligible for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) Certification exam.

  • About the Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration

    (optional specialization for Psychology Majors) 

    The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Concentration is for students interested in studying the science of behavior analysis and learning how the principles can be applied to improve behavior of societal importance. It includes courses in learning, self-analysis and control, behavioral research methodology, fundamentals of ABA, and ABA for children with autism. The ABA concentration culminates in a field experience course that is designed to provide an in-depth exposure to and in-vivo experience with providing behavior-analytic services in a community setting. Students completing this coursework will gain knowledge and experience in the (a) philosophical underpinnings of the science of human behavior, (b) concepts and principles of behavior analysis, (c) methods of behavioral research, (d) behavioral assessment, and (e) selecting and implementing behavior-change interventions.  

    This concentration is relevant for students interested in (a) working in the field of ABA with young children or adolescents who are diagnosed with autism (or other intellectual and developmental disabilities), (b) working within educational or behavioral health settings with students or adults, or (c) pursuing advanced graduate training in the area of behavior analysis.  

    Further, the ABA Concentration is designed to meet the minimum coursework requirements so that students can apply to sit for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam to earn this certification. The BCaBA certification is a marketable credential that will make students competitive applicants for graduate programs in psychology and education. For those who are not planning to pursue graduate school, the BCaBA certification demonstrates a commitment to the field of ABA, resulting in more career options and higher pay.

    However, please note that the ABA Concentration course sequence is not verified and must be reviewed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) on an individual basis in order to determine whether it covers the required content for the minimum number of instructional hours. Further, although this course sequence offers a course to accrue supervised field experience, enrollment in this course for a semester does not provide all of the necessary hours needed to complete the Field Work Experience requirement and students interested in pursuing this certification will need to accrue hours beyond this semester in order to be eligible to sit for the BCaBA exam. 

    If you are interested in pursuing the ABA Concentration or have any questions, please contact Dr. Adam Briggs ([email protected]). 

Careers & Job Market Outlook

Careers in psychology are dynamic and available in a variety of industries. Get advice regarding a career in psychology [PDF].

 

Student Activities and Involvement

Psychology Club

The Psychology Club meets monthly to do special activities, learn about important topics in psychology, and meet faculty and students in the department. In the past, the group has had psychology, research work in the department, and job opportunities for psychology majors.

Psi Chi, The National Honors Society in Psychology

Be recognized for your excellent work by being inducted into Psi Chi. Students who have a GPA of 3.2 or better in psychology based on a minimum of 9 credit hours in psychology and a 3.2 grade point average overall are eligible for induction into this prestigious honors society.

Additional Information

Request More Information

  • Call: 734.487.1155
  • Office: 341 Science Complex Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197