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Psychology

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

The psychology major at the University of Dayton prepares you to apply scientific reasoning to the understanding of human behavior, teaching you the knowledge and methods required to explain, predict and shape behavior. The psychology major skillset is not just for those who are interested in working within the field of psychology. It is invaluable to anyone who wants to work in a field that benefits from excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to interpret data and solve problems of relevance to human behavior.

Through the 3+3 J.D. Program, you can earn your Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Juris Doctor in a total of six years.

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Fast Facts

25 electives

offered within the psychology department

Students Research

with faculty to explore a variety of topics
Program Overview

Why Study Psychology at UD?

With the ability to choose a B.A. or a B.S., students are prepared to choose a path that leads to a variety of careers, graduate schools or service opportunities.

Students gain hands on experience assisting our faculty in current, relevant research.

Join psychology faculty in multiple study away and abroad opportunities that enhance your educational experiences.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about psychology at UD.

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Degree Information

The Department of Psychology offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in psychology. The department encourages students who are interested in preparation for graduate school or a career in a particular area of psychology to consult with their faculty advisor regarding courses that would be recommended for preparation in that area. Some examples of such areas include clinical, developmental, cognitive and social psychology.

View the psychology (B.A.) sample plan of study.

View the psychology (B.S.) sample plan of study.

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Honors Program

3+3 J.D. Accelerated Program for Psychology

For undergraduate students pursuing any Bachelor of Arts degree, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law offers a 3+3 J.D. program, allowing students to complete their Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor in a total of 6 years.

Please consult with your holistic advisor for eligibility and timeline as you are scheduling your third-semester coursework.

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Admission Information

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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Tuition and Financial Aid

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

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Academic Information

Sample Plan of Study: Psychology (B.A.)
Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • PSY 101 – Introductory Psychology
    3
  • BIO 151 and 151L – 151: Concepts of Biology I: Cellular & Molecular Biology; 151L: Concepts of Biology Laboratory I: Cellular & Molecular Biology
    4
  • MTH 114, 148 or 207 – 114: Contemporary Mathematics; 148: Introductory Calculus I; 207: Introduction to Statistics
    3
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 2
  • PSY 216 – Elementary Statistics
    3
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • B.A. Humanities
    3
  • B.A. Social Science (other than PSY)
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 3
  • PSY 217 – Research Methods
    3
  • PSY Elective
    3
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • Language 101
    3
  • B.A. Arts
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 4
  • PSY 201 – Sophomore Seminar: Psychology as a Science and Profession
    1
  • PSY Elective
    3
  • CAP Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • Language 141
    3
  • B.A. Natural Science (other than BIO)
    3
  • B.A. Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 5
  • PSY Elective
    3
  • PSY Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • Language 201 or Contextual
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • PSY Elective
    3
  • PSY Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • B.A. Interdisciplinary Programs
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • PSY Electives (300/400 level)
    6
  • CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • B.A. Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
  • PSY Elective
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • General Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 12
* PSY 341, 351, 361 or 363.
** PSY 321, 322, 323 or 422.
*** PSY 471, 478, 480, 496 or 499.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Academic Admission FAQ
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study: Psychology (B.S.)
Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • PSY 101 – Introductory Psychology
    3
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • BIO 151 and 151L – 151: Concepts of Biology I: Cellular & Molecular Biology.; 151L: Concepts of Biology Laboratory I: Cellular & Molecular Biology
    4
  • MTH 116 – Precalculus Math
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 2
  • PSY Elective
    3
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • BIO 152 and 152L – 152: Concepts of Biology II: Evolution & Ecology; 152L: Concepts of Biology Laboratory II: Evolution & Ecology
    4
  • MTH 148 – Introductory Calculus I
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • PSY 201 – Sophomore Seminar: Psychology as a Science and Profession
    1
  • PSY 216 – Elementary Statistics
    3
  • PSY Elective
    3
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 4
  • PSY 217 – Research Methods
    3
  • PSY Elective
    3
  • CAP Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • B.S. Social Science (other than PSY)
    3
  • B.S. Natural Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • PSY Elective
    3
  • PSY Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies
    3
  • B.S. Natural Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • PSY Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • B.S. Social Science (other than PSY)
    3
  • B.S. Natural Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • PSY Elective
    3
  • PSY Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • B.S. Social Science (other than PSY)
    3
  • B.S. General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
  • PSY Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • B.S. General Electives (300/400 level)
    9
  • Total Credit Hours 15
* PSY 341, 351, 361 or 363.
** PSY 321, 322, 323 or 422.
*** PSY 471, 478, 480, 496 or 499.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Academic Admission FAQ
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Applicable Education

Sarah Mooney chose to major in psychology at the University of Dayton because it applies to many aspects of people’s lives. "Taking Psychology 101 here at UD was my first experience with psychology course material and I just thought it was so interesting."

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$43,372 average

starting salary for psychology majors

93% success rate

after graduation for the College of Arts and Sciences

Design Your Academic Path

Psi Chi

Students majoring or minoring in psychology have an opportunity to join this nationally recognized organization that provides support and services to students.

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Dean's Summer Fellowship

An opportunity for undergraduate students within the College of Arts and Sciences to conduct summer research in any academic discipline under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

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Stander Symposium

An annual campus-wide forum to showcase academic excellence and recognize student learning through faculty-mentored undergraduate research, scholarship and artistic accomplishment.

Learn More About the Stander Symposium

Faculty Research

At UD, our faculty members conduct a variety of research projects, providing opportunities to for students to get involved and gain practical experience in the field.

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Ready to Study Psychology?

Let’s map your journey. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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