The Department of Psychology offers three psychology bachelor's degrees and one neuroscience bachelor's degree. Compare the programs below to learn how they differ and which one best fits your interests and goals.
Psychology or neuroscience?
Psychology and neuroscience are closely connected, but they focus on different questions. Understanding those differences is a good place to start.
Psychology
Psychology focuses on understanding how people think, feel and behave. You'll explore topics such as learning, memory, development, personality, social behavior and mental health while building a strong foundation in psychological science.
You can choose from three psychology bachelor's degrees:
Neuroscience
Neuroscience focuses on the brain and nervous system and how biological processes influence behavior, cognition and health. You'll study psychology alongside biology and other STEM disciplines to better understand how the brain works from molecules to behavior.
The Neuroscience, BS is available on the Tempe campus and through ASU Online.
Which psychology degree is right for you?
For most students, either the Psychology, BA or Psychology, BS is an excellent choice.
One of the most common questions we hear is, "What's the difference between the BA and BS?" The answer depends on your career goals. Students interested in research, medicine or other health care professions often choose the BS. Those interested in counseling, business, law enforcement or education often choose the BA. Students seeking an intensive focus on research and experimental psychology may be best served by the BS with a concentration in Psychological Science. If you're unsure which option best fits your goals, an academic advisor can help you explore your options and choose the path that's right for you.
Psychology, BA
The Psychology, BA includes The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Second Language Proficiency Requirement.
This option may be a good fit if you:
- Are interested in careers in counseling, business, law enforcement or education.
- Want to study or continue learning another language.
- Already meet the language proficiency requirement.
Psychology, BS
The Psychology, BS replaces the language proficiency requirement with The College's Science and Society requirement.
This option may be a good fit if you:
- Are interested in medicine, healthcare or other science-focused careers.
- Prefer additional science coursework instead of a language requirement.
Psychology (Psychological Science), BS
The Psychology (Psychological Science), BS builds on the Psychology, BS curriculum with additional coursework in research methods, statistics and independent research.
Unlike the other undergraduate degree options, students do not apply directly to this program when applying to ASU. Instead, current psychology majors may apply after enrolling at ASU and meeting the eligibility requirements.
Frequently asked questions
All three psychology bachelor's degrees provide excellent preparation for graduate study in psychology and related fields. Graduate admissions committees typically place greater emphasis on your coursework, research experience, grades and letters of recommendation than whether you earned a BA or BS.
Yes. Many students change between the BA and BS after starting at ASU. An academic advisor can help you understand the requirements and determine which option best supports your goals.
No. Students apply to the Psychology (Psychological Science) concentration after enrolling at ASU and completing the required coursework and GPA requirements.
No. The Department of Psychology's psychology bachelor's degrees are offered on the Tempe campus.
The Neuroscience, BS is available on the Tempe campus and through ASU Online.
Choose psychology if you're most interested in understanding behavior, mental processes and human development.
Choose neuroscience if you're interested in the biology of the brain and nervous system and want to combine psychology with biology and other STEM disciplines.
If you're still deciding, an undergraduate academic advisor can help you compare the programs based on your interests and goals.
Still deciding?
Choosing a major is a big decision, and you don't have to make it alone.
Our undergraduate advising team can answer your questions, explain degree requirements and help you choose the program that best fits your interests and goals. Email [email protected].