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Degree Title

Bachelor of Arts

Summer A 2024 Start Date:

May 6, 2024

Summer B 2024 Start Date:

June 17, 2024

Overview

Florida International University offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. It’s an exciting program that can open the doors to an incredible range of careers. Fast, convenient and flexible, FIU’s undergraduate psychology program equips students with a solid grounding in scientific research and human behavior, along with skills in critical thinking and problem solving techniques. The FIU online program reflects current trends in the field of psychology with introduction to five key areas of concentration within psychology: experimental, social, applied, personality/abnormal and developmental.

Take the next step.

With over 2,400 undergraduate psychology majors and a large number of undergraduate minors, FIU strives to balance the interests and goals of a diverse student body with a curriculum that is broad, methodologically rigorous, and research-based.   The program reflects current trends in the field through its emphasis on the science of psychology (integrated via the Research Sequence) and by way of courses in psychological theory and practice.

Your online bachelor's degree in psychology from FIU will provide opportunities in a variety of career paths, from social services to human resources to statistical analysis. With a B.A. in psychology, you can also pursue a graduate degree in psychology or a related field.

FIU’s fully online B.A. in Psychology offers the very same quality of education offered through our on-campus Department of Psychology. You’ll study with our renowned faculty, and get 1-on-1 guidance from your personal success coach. We’ll make sure your online learning experience is the best it can be.

  • Why Apply?

    The psychology major offers excellent training in how to understand human behavior using scientifically rigorous methods. A degree in psychology can provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge applicable to such fields as business, education, law, medicine, and social work, as well as psychology.

    Students who major in Psychology are also given a variety of opportunities to become directly involved in ongoing research, participate in our active student organizations, and conduct their own studies through our various research labs.

    This program provides theoretical and practical knowledge in the following areas:

    • Human growth and development

    • Psychology of infancy and childhood

    • Personal Adjustment

    • Industrial/Organizational Psychology

    • Psychology of Sexual Behavior

    • Research Methods in Psychology

    The study of psychology provides students with strong skills in research, writing and analysis, as well as a deep understanding of interpersonal relationships. These skills make psychology program graduates excellent candidates for positions that include school counselors, education specialists, case managers and rehabilitation specialists.  

    For students seeking a long-term career in psychology, a bachelor's degree in psychology is an excellent foundation for the necessary advanced degree, which may include a master's, Ph.D., Psy.D. or doctorate in psychology.

    Employment of clinical, counseling and school psychologists is expected to grow 22 percent, faster than the average for all occupations. Greater demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers and social services agencies should drive employment growth. In 2020, the median annual wage of psychologists was $82,180 and the median annual wage of mental health counselors was $47,660 (Occupational Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics).

  • Courses

    A total of 120 credits are required for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Students must complete all University Core Curriculum, University, and College of Arts, Sciences & Education requirements.  For specific course requirements, visit the Courses tab on this program page.  Students must earn a "C" or better in all Gordon Rule University Core Curriculum courses, College of Arts, Sciences & Education Foreign Language requirement courses and major prerequisites and requirement courses. Students may earn a D- in the rest of their coursework (non-Gordon Rule UCC and electives).

    In addition to the above requirements, students pursuing a B.A. in Psychology must complete the following:


    Major Prerequisites (12 credits total)

    Introduction to Psychology PSY 2012
    Psychological principles underlying the basic processes of sensation, perception, cognition, learning, memory, life-span developmental, social behavior, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy.

    Introduction to Statistics STA 2122
    A course in descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include probability distribution of discrete and continuous random, variables, sampling distributions, large sample estimation and hypothesis testing for means and proportions.
    Prerequisite: High school algebra.  The following equivalent is also accepted: STA 2023 or STA 3111.

    Human Biology BSC 2023
    This course, intended for non-science majors, introduces the biological and general scientific principles governing human structure, function, health, and relationship to the planetary environment.
    The following equivalents are also accepted: BSC-1005, BSC-1010/1011, BSC 1085/1086, BSC 2085/2086.

    Additional Lower Division Psychology Course
    Select one of the following courses:
    Human Growth and Development DEP-2000  
    Personal Adjustment CLP-2001
    Psychology of Infancy and Childhood DEP-2001 
    Psychology of Sexual Behavior SOP-2772


    Coursework for Psychology Major (36 credits total)

    Psychology Career Development (2cr)

    Psychology Career Development PSY 3024
    Students develop attainable career goals and plans by implementing psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings to meet personal and societal needs.
    Prerequisite: PSY 2012


    Research Sequence (10 Credit Hours, Courses must be taken in order)

    Psychology Methods/Analysis I PSY 3211
    Basic research methods/data analysis techniques in psychology. Emphasis on the scientific method, qualitative, basic correlational, and experimental research along with associated analytic techniques.
    Prerequisite: STA 2023, STA 2122, STA 3111

    Psychology Methods/Analysis II PSY 3215
    Advanced research methods/data analysis techniques in psychology. Emphasis on scientific writing/APA style, traditional/quasi-experimental design and analytic techniques conducted using SPSS.
    Prerequisite: PSY 3211

    Senior Seminar in Psychology PSY 4931
    An advanced seminar for seniors that includes an analysis of major contemporary trends in psychological theory and research.
    Prerequisite: PSY 3215


    Area Requirements (15 credits total.  Select 1 course in each of the 5 areas, A-E)

    Area A: Cognitive & Neuroscience

    Animal Cognition PSB 4250
    Examines the issues and concepts relating to the evaluation of cognitive abilities in animals, as well as the theoretical, methodological and philosophical issues and problems in the study of animal cognition.  

    Cognitive Processes EXP 4604
    Investigation of the mental processing, underlying experiences and behavior. Topics include: games, puzzles and problems; intuitive and creative thought; conceptualization, reasoning and clinical diagnosis; choices and decisions; conceptions of time and space; and thought in abnormal or altered states of consciousness.

    Introduction to Bio-Psychology PSB 4002
    A study of the more important psychobiologic correlates of behavior in basic psychological phenomena.

    Memory & Memory Improvement EXP 3523
    This course provides an introduction to human memory considers the topics from a number of points of view. The following issues are addressed: the nature of memory and its phenomena; the capabilities and limitations of an ordinary and an extraordinary memory; and the skills that can aid an ordinary memory.

    Neuropsychology PSB 4240
    This course provides an introduction to the study of the effects of brain damage on psychological processes as well as the relation of the brain to cognition and behavior.

    Sensation & Perception EXP 4204
    Basic concepts in sensation and perception are explored in this course, with an emphasis on models of peripheral and central neural processing. Psychophysical techniques, such as subjective magnitude estimation and signal detection theory, are also covered.


    Area B: Social

    Attitudes & Social Behavior SOP 4414
    A review of classic and contemporary social psychological research on attitudes and persuasion. Emphasis is placed on using persuasion processes to ameliorate social problems.
    Prerequisite: PSY 2012.

    Global Psychology:  Cross Cultural Perspectives on Psychological Research and Theories SOP 4731
    As a Global Learning Initiatives course, this course examines the cultural contexts informing human behavior and psychological internationally. Students examine psychology research through direct application to global phenomena.
    Prerequisite: PSY 2012.

    Introductory to Social Psychology SOP 3004
    This course provides an introduction to the study of the relationship of the individual to social systems, including topics such as social behavior, attitude development and change, social conflict, group processes, mass phenomena, and communication.  

    Psychology of Women SOP 3742
    This course examines women from various perspectives, such as biological, anthropological, mythological, religious, historical, legal, sociological, and psychoanalytical points of view.

    Social & Personality Development SOP 3015
    This course provides a survey of social and personality development throughout the life cycle, while placing emphasis on the interaction between psychological and environmental variables in life-span development changes.


    Area C: Applied

    Principles and Theories of Behavior Modification EAB 4794
    Studies different approaches to the modification of problem behavior, through the application of learning principles and theories.
    Prerequisite: EAB 3002.

    Introduction to Community Psychology CYP 3003
    Provides an introduction to the issues and scope of Community Psychology. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of the community psychologist as an agent of social change.  

    Introduction to the Experimental Analysis of Behavior EAB 3002
    This course provides an introduction to and survey of the principles, methods, theories, and applications of the experimental analysis of behavior.

    Legal Psychology SOP 4842
    This course places emphasis on interpersonal courtroom processes and may include topics such as scientific jury selection, proximics, persuasive argumentation, witness demeanor, eyewitness testimony, and similar influences upon juror decision making.  

    Organizational Psychology INP 4313
    Focuses on the “organizational” topics associated with the field of industrial/organizational psychology and includes topics such as leadership, team effectiveness, work and family issues.  

    Personnel Psychology INP 4203
    This course looks into the techniques and procedures applicable to the selection, placement, utilization, and evaluation of personnel in organizations, while placing emphasis on empirical procedures.  Topics such as quantitative methods and models for selection, criteria analysis, performance appraisal, management training, and job satisfaction are discussed.

    Psychological Testing PSY 4302
    An introduction to the rationale underlying the use of psychological tests. Topics include basic test terminology, test administration, interpreting standard scores, reliability, validity, tests of intelligence, interest inventories, personality tests, the ethics of testing, and the fairness of tests for different segments of the population.
    Prerequisites: STA 3123 or equivalent.


    Area D: Clinical/Personality

    Childhood Psychopathology CLP 4134
    Various forms of abnormal behavior in infancy, childhood, and adolescence are examined within the context of traditional and contemporary psychological theory. Problems of differential diagnosis and forms of remediation are also discussed.
    Prerequisite: PSY 2012

    Psychopathology CLP 4146
    Behavior pathology is examined in the light of traditional and current concepts of mental health and illness. Problems of diagnosis and treatment and the role of social mores are discussed.

    Psychology of Health & Illness CLP 4314
    This Global Learning initiative course provides an overview of the field of health psychology and behavioral medicine with an emphasis on psychological, social, cultural, and global factors affecting health and health care/policy.
    Prerequisite: PSY 2012

    Psychotherapy CLP 4374
    Current approaches to the treatment and improvement of psychological disorders are critically surveyed in this course, while emphasis is placed on the examination of the various techniques of psychotherapy and behavior therapy. Broader strategies of prevention and mental health promotion like consultation, counseling, and programmed agency services are also studied.

    The Application of Behavior Analysis to Child Behavior Problems EAB 3765
    This course studies the applications of the theories and methods of behavior analysis to various childhood behavior disorders including anxiety and phobia, attention deficit disorders, autism and obesity. Prerequisite: EAB 3002

    Motivation & Emotion EXP 3304
    Introduces several perspectives from learning theory, perception, and personality theory to explore ways in which people move through their physical and social environment.

    Theories of Personality PPE 3003
    An examination of various theories of personality. Consideration is given to traditional and contemporary approaches to personality development.


    Area E: Developmental

    Psychology of Adolescence DEP 3305
    An examination of psychological, sociological and biological factors contributing to the changes from childhood to adolescence and from adolescence to young adulthood

    Psychology of Adulthood DEP 3404
    This courses studies the transition from youth to middle age while placing focus on changing roles in family, work, and societal settings, as these factors influence personality and other aspects of psychological function.

    Psychology of Aging DEP 4464
    An examination of the factors that contribute to the psychological profile characterizing old age are studied in this Global Learning initiative course. Biological and sociological components are considered, and their impact on perceptual, cognitive, and personality processes is analyzed.

    Children's Learning DEP 4164
    Learning in infancy and childhood, with particular emphasis on simple conditioning, discrimination shifts, mediation, transposition, observational, and concept learning.
    Prerequisite: Students enrolling in this course should have completed successfully at least one prior course in developmental psychology.

    Development in Infancy: The Basis of Human Knowledge DEP 3115
    Provides a comprehensive review of current methods, theories, and findings in cognitive and perceptual development in the first year of life. Special emphasis on the bases of knowledge; object and event perception, memory, and imitation.


    Psychology Upper Division Electives (9 credits total)

    Psychology majors are also required to take 3 additional psychology courses (a total of 9 credit hours).  These courses must be in the 3000/4000 levels.  Students can take up to 6 credits of independent psychology work courses to fulfill part of their elective requirements: PSY-4916 Independent Research and/or PSY-4941 Independent Field Experience.

  • Requirements

    To ensure every student’s success, we have certain admissions requirements for each of our programs. To help you through the application process, our enrollment advisors are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.


    FIU Admission Requirements

    Applications are accepted for Spring, Fall and Summer terms.


    Steps to Apply

    First Year Students

     Please submit the following:

    • Online application

    • $30 application fee.

    • Official SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores.

    • Official high school transcripts.


    Transfer Students

     Please submit the following:

    • Online application

    • $30 application fee.

    • Official college transcripts.

    • If you have less than 60 transferable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts and SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores in addition to any transcripts from postsecondary schools to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.


    International Students

     In addition to the above requirements, international applicants should submit:

    • Official English Language Proficiency exam scores (TOEFL or IELTS).

    • Official translations of any transcripts, if not in English.

    • If you have less than 60 transferrable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts with translation.

     

    Returning Students

    Returning students must meet the current university and degree-specific requirements to be admitted.

    FIU has policies for students who left FIU, please click here for more details.

    Please submit the following:

    • Online application $30 application fee.

    • Updated official transcripts

     

    Program Admission Requirements

    • Candidates must first be accepted into the university. Students admitted to Florida International University are admitted directly to their chosen major.

    • Program Completion Requirements

    A total of 120 credits are required for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Students must complete all University Core Curriculum, University, and College of Arts, Sciences & Education requirements.  For specific course requirements, visit the Courses tab on this program page.  Students must earn a "C" or better in all Gordon Rule University Core Curriculum courses, College of Arts, Sciences & Education Foreign Language requirement courses and major prerequisites and requirement courses. Students may earn a D- in the rest of their coursework (non-Gordon Rule UCC and electives).


    Admission Documents

    To complete the online undergraduate programs admissions form, select your program from the application form. You may complete the online application and submit it, even before taking any entrance exams. All supporting admission documents may be sent to:

    
Florida International University
    
Office of Undergraduate Admissions

    P.O. Box 659003

    Miami, FL 33265-9003

    USA



    FIU also accepts transcripts electronically via:

    • Faster (All FL public institutions)

    • Naviance (Typically used by private high schools)

    • SMART/Joint Service Transcript – Military records

    *Meeting the university minimum requirements does not guarantee admission

  • Tuition

    We’re thrilled that you’re considering online education and want you to know exactly what to expect for tuition and fees. Education is an investment in your future. Use the following student tuition and fees calculator to determine your costs.

  • Top Faculty

    Bennett Schwartz
    Dr. Schwartz’s research areas include metacognition, human and non-human memory. In particular, ongoing projects include research on the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon and episodic memory in great apes. He is the author of Tip-of-the-tongue states: Phenomenology, mechanism, and lexical retrieval (2002).

    Dionne Stephens
    Dr. Stephens' research examines socio- historical factors shaping minority populations’ sexual health processes, with emphasis on gender and ethnic/ racial identity development. This work is conducted through the Heath Disparities and Cultural Identities Lab. Her current research examines the sexual script development's influence on sexual risk outcomes (including STI acquisition, intimate violence and HPV vaccination uptake), across racial/ ethnic groups.

fiuonline.fiu.edu

120 Credits Required

fiuonline.fiu.edu

235.57 Per Credit Hour (In-State) + Fees

fiuonline.fiu.edu

648.87 Per Credit Hour (Out-of-State) + Fees

* Total tuition and fees are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Fully online degree
  • Every online undergraduate student is paired with a success coach
  • Program starts: Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Become part of an exceptional community and make the most of your education. Join the Honors College.
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