If you’re fascinated by why people do the things they do, you should consider what you would study in a liberal arts program in psychology. Psychology is the study of thought and behavior. A bachelor’s degree in psychology can be your first step toward a role as a psychologist, but it’s also versatile enough to prepare you for a wide range of careers in many other industries. This versatility is one factor that makes psychology among the most popular programs of study at the bachelor’s degree level, according to U.S. News & World Report.
1. Research
A huge part of what you will study in a liberal arts program in psychology is how to research. Psychology is a science, though the subject is often classified among the liberal arts and though psychology degrees may even be awarded as Bachelor of Arts degrees. It’s essential that all psychology majors understand research methods and the use of statistics. If you choose to study psychology at the doctoral level, you might eventually find yourself in a Ph.D. program – a research-based program.
2. Foundations of Psychology
When you first begin your studies in the field, introductory coursework into the concepts and applications of psychology is another important part of what you would study in a liberal arts program in psychology. In addition to an introduction to psychology course, you may take classes that provide an overview of the history of the field of psychology and professions in psychology.
3. Studies of Behavior
Courses that focus on the study of the mind and behavior makes up a good deal of what you study in a liberal arts program in psychology. Some of these classes are a required part of your core curriculum, while others may be electives. Subjects like developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, personality, physiological psychology, social psychology, intercultural psychology and comparative psychology all help students learn to identify and interpret patterns of behavior. Classes that cover psychological tests and measurements are also common in bachelor’s degree programs in psychology, the American Psychological Association (APA) reported.
4. A Specialization in Psychology
Although developing a broad understanding of the motivations that drive human behavior is a part of what makes the study of psychology so versatile, many students choose to pursue a specialization. By completing an academic concentration, students can expand their in-depth knowledge of a subject area that interests them and prepare for a career in that field. Some of the most popular specializations in psychology include applied psychology, addiction studies, criminal justice, child and adolescent development, business and workplace psychology, according to U.S. News & World Report.
5. An Internship or Field Experience
Gaining hands-on experience is an important part of many psychology degree programs. While your school may not require an internship, it will probably encourage you to put your psychology studies to work in the real world in some way.
Whether you want to become a psychologist or just earn a versatile undergraduate degree, what you would study in a liberal arts program in psychology will help you learn about human behavior and how to influence it.