Psychology Program

The Psychology major at Avila

The 120-credit BA in Psychology provides a scientific foundation in human behavior, emotions, and mental processes. Students complete core courses in statistics, research methods, lifespan development, social psychology, and cognition to establish psychological literacy. Students also complete an upper level psychology elective and a senior seminar capstone.

With a blend of theory and application, the curriculum develops analytical skills, critical thinking, and capacities to understand diverse psychological phenomena.

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Avila’s psychology program is a flexible program designed to meet you where you are. The program is on-campus as an undergraduate and online for the adult undergraduate student. The Master’s in Psychology is also flexible with a Masters in Psychology Counseling and an online

Concentrations

Students select a concentration in applied psychology, clinical and counseling psychology, or experimental psychology to focus their studies. Concentration courses cover topics like personality theories, psychological assessment, abnormal psychology, and sensation and perception.

  • PY 485 – Field Experience in Psychology (3)
  • 12 credit hours of Psychology Electives, with at least 6 credit hours 300 level or higher
  • IS 301 – Minds (3)
  • IS 350 – Behavior & the Brain (3)
  • PY 297 – Research Experience I (1) (2 credit hours) or
  • PY 497 – Research Experience II (1) (2 credit hours)

Choose one option:

  • EN 213 – Writing with Style (3)
  • EN 350 – Rhetorical Theory (3)
  • PL 113 – Critical Reasoning (3)
  • PL 224 – Robots, Machines, & Humans (3)

Choose one option:

  • CG 499 – Readings in Cognitive Science (3) and
  • PY 485 – Field Experience in Psychology (3)

or

  • PY 498 – Senior Thesis (3)
  • PY 498 must be taken twice
  • IS 350 – Behavior & the Brain (3)
  • PY 201 – Personality Psychology (3)
  • PY 210 – Abnormal Psychology (3)

Choose One of the Following:

  • PY 332 – Health Psychology (3)
  • PY 383 – The Psychology of Substance Use and Disorders (3)
  • PY 485 – Field Experience in Psychology (3)
  • IS 350 – Behavior & the Brain (3)
  • PY 297 – Research Experience I (1) (2 credit hours) or
  • PY 497 – Research Experience II (1) (2 credit hours)
  • PY 498 – Senior Thesis (3)
  • PY 498 must be taken twice

Graduates gain preparation for graduate study and valuable perspectives for careers in community services, business, education, healthcare, and more. With training in the scientific study of human interactions, perceptions, and motivations, psychology majors gain insight into building relationships and addressing complex individual and social needs in the real world. Some careers include:

  • Counselor
  • Behavioral Health Technician
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Case Manager

Contact

Dept. of Psychology
11901 Wornall Road / Kansas City

Jordan R Wagge, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of Psychology
P: 816-501-2964 / E: jordan.wagge


Transferring to Avila?

Did you know that you can get college credit for work history? Learn more about the Prior Learning Assessment Transfer hours!


All degree programs

Undergraduate: online and On Campus
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Undergraduate: online and On Campus
With over 60 degree programs and minors, Avila offers flexibility to build a degree plan that works for you.
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Graduate: Online and On campus
Graduate: Online and On campus
Our Graduate programs are mostly online but we also have on-campus opportunities.
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International Student Programs
Avila offers a wide variety of courses that ensure access to high quality programs for a diverse population of international students.
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