Courses Required for a Psychology Undergraduate

To obtain any degree in psychology, you will be required to take certain courses.class room image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology are the two common undergraduate degree programs in psychology. Undergraduate psychology students are required to take certain courses as set forth by the American Psychological Association and by the college or university where the degree program is offered.

Psychology 101

Psychology 101, which is also commonly known as Introduction to Psychology, is required for both BA and BS degrees. This introductory course provides an indepth overview of the psychology field, helping students develop a general understanding of the field. Students learn general theories, practices and common treatments administered by psychologists. This course can also help students decide what direction they would like to pursue in the field of psychology.

Students working on a bachelor of arts degree in psychology are often required to take a cognitive psychology course, states Education-Portal. Cognitive psychology is concerned with investigating and learning about the human thought process. Along with cognitive psychology, students must also take a statistics course to prepare them for scientific research. Psychology Bachelor of Arts programs also require students to complete a developmental psychology course where students learn about human development and growth from birth through adulthood.

Many students who pursue a bachelor of science degree in psychology go on to pursue advanced training, earning master's and doctoral degrees. Most universities require their psychology bachelor of science students to take courses in psychopharmocalogy, in which students learn the effects of psychoactive drugs; behavioral analysis, biology and chemistry, according to Education-Portal.