StudyQA — Bachelor: Psychology — State University of New York at Buffalo

Photos of university / #universityatbuffalo

Description Contents Requirements Funding

UB’s modern, vibrant Department of Psychology has cutting-edge research facilities, highly productive faculty, and effective undergraduate classroom and laboratory education that reflect the latest in psychological science.
The BA degree in Psychology provides students with an undergraduate major that emphasizes the scientific foundation of psychology.
The BA degree program is flexible, providing students with the opportunity to tailor coursework, research experiences, and experiential learning to their particular interests, as well as pursue an additional major or minor.
The background in psychological science that is at the core of the BA program helps to prepare students for graduate study in psychology or related fields (e.g., law, business, education, social work).
For students who wish to enter the workforce directly, the BA program provides knowledge and skills that are sought after in a wide variety of careers.

The Psychology BA is designed to address the standards established by the American Psychological Association for an undergraduate psychology major. Five goals and learning outcomes represent departmental expectations for the undergraduate psychology major.

Knowledge Base in Psychology: Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.
Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods.
Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World: The skills in this domain involve the development of ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity.
Communication: Students should demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills.
Professional Development: The emphasis in this goal is on application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.

Admission to UB is highly competitive. For the 2016 incoming freshman class, UB reported an average ACT score of 24-30 and an average SAT (CR+M) score of 1100-1300. 90 percent of admitted students are in the top 50 percent of their class.

Admission to UB is based on a holistic review. We consider high school average, class rank, SAT (critical reading and math) or ACT scores, and strength of the high school academic record. A personal essay, recommendations, documented creative talent, demonstrated leadership, community service and special circumstances are also considered.

The following is not required for admission, but is suggested as adequate preparation for university-level coursework:

Four years of English (with a substantial writing component)
Four years of social studies
Three years of college-preparatory science
Three years of a second language
Three years of college-preparatory mathematics

UB requires a minimum TOEFL score of 79 (Internet-based) or 550 (paper-based) in order to be considered for admission. Students scoring between 70 and 78 or 523 and 547 on the TOEFL may be admitted to the university on the condition that they register for and successfully complete additional English courses in their first semester.