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Psychology (B.A., B.S.)

Understand the Human Experience

The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology through the Department of Psychology at the University of Dayton helps you master scientific reasoning to explain, predict and shape human behavior. Whether you choose the flexible B.A. or the natural-science-focused B.S., you'll build critical thinking and data analysis skills through faculty-mentored research, study abroad opportunities and hands-on laboratory experience — preparing you for graduate study, clinical practice or diverse human-centered careers.

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
About the Psychology (B.A., B.S.) Program

Why study psychology at UD?

Two Degree Options

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.

Neuroscience Co-Major

Customize your degree with a neuroscience co-major. Designed to be completed in four years alongside your primary major, this co-major pairs seamlessly with psychology.

Research Experience

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

Study Abroad and Away

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

Research and Psi Chi

At UD, you'll have several opportunities to get involved in research and in activities on campus. Undergraduate psychology students often have the chance to conduct research along with our faculty. You can also join Psi Chi and participate in annual campus activities including Christmas on Campus, various campus fundraising events and social and educational events with Department of Psychology faculty.

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Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about psychology at UD.

Catholic, Marianist Education
UD Is Home
Holistic Advising
Experiential Learning

How do I apply to the psychology program?

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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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

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.

Transparent Tuition Plan
Undergraduate Tuition
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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Psychology (B.A., B.S.) Degree Requirements Information
Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Psychology degrees each require a total of at least 120 credit hours. These degrees also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

About the Degrees

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.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study: Psychology (B.A.)

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

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. Satisfies CAP major capstone.

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.)

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

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. Satisfies CAP major capstone.

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

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.

Additional 3+3 J.D. Program Information
Transfer and Exam Credits
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

$54,632 average

starting salary for psychology majors

96% success rate

after graduation for the College of Arts and Sciences

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Psychology Experience

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.

Explore the Dean's Summer Fellowship

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.

Explore Psychology Research
Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.
Student Support
Community
Experiential Learning
Outcomes
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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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