B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Psychology
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology (also referred to as Psychological Sciences). This program is designed to provide students with a deep scientific understanding of human behavior, thought processes, and emotions. It covers a broad spectrum of topics within psychology, including cognitive, social, developmental, abnormal, and biological psychology, equipping students with strong critical thinking, analytical skills, and a solid understanding of the scientific method as applied to human behavior.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology at Whittier College is officially STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa, as it qualifies them for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This allows for an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months, providing a total of up to three years of valuable practical experience in their specialized field. This designation reflects the program's strong emphasis on scientific inquiry, research methods, and statistical analysis.
Curriculum: The B.A. in Psychology curriculum at Whittier College is meticulously structured to provide a robust scientific foundation. Core requirements typically include Introductory Psychology (PSYC 100), Biological Bases of Behavior (PSYC 222), Research Methods (PSYC 212 with lab), Statistics (PSYC 214 with lab), Literature Review Seminar (PSYC 415), and a Senior Presentation (PSYC 499). Students are also required to take at least one 300-level laboratory course from options such as Functional Neuroimaging, Sensation and Perception, Psychology of Learning, Developmental Research, or Clinical Communication. Additionally, students complete elective credits in psychology and one science course outside of psychology (excluding math and interdisciplinary courses). The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, discussions, projects, and active engagement with course material.
Research Focus: Whittier College places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research within the Department of Psychological Sciences. The faculty actively encourages students to "think like a psychologist" by engaging in scientific inquiry and critical thinking. Students have numerous opportunities to participate in faculty-led studies, develop their own research projects, and engage in "Research-Across-the-Curriculum" initiatives. The department's focus on research methods and statistics, including dedicated lab components, directly supports student involvement in empirical studies. Many students present their original work at the annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference, which serves as a capstone experience and provides valuable experience in scientific communication.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College's Center for Career and Professional Development plays a vital role in preparing Psychology graduates for successful careers. The "Whittier Works" initiative offers personalized coaching, career exploration, and preparation for both job searches and graduate school admissions. Internships are a critical aspect of the program, allowing students to gain practical experience and build professional networks. Whittier's advantageous location in Southern California provides access to a wide array of internship opportunities in settings such as mental health clinics, social service agencies, educational institutions, human resources departments, and research labs. Alumni often return to share their experiences, providing current students with insights into various career paths in psychology.
Global Perspective: Whittier College is dedicated to fostering a strong global perspective among its students, and this extends to the Psychology program. The Office of International Programs offers extensive study abroad opportunities across five continents, including faculty-led programs during shorter terms (JanTerm, MayTerm) and semester-long experiences. While abroad, students can engage in unique academic adventures, cultural exchange, and even international internships or research. This global exposure allows psychology students to gain a broader understanding of human behavior, cultural variations in psychological phenomena, and global mental health challenges, enhancing their cultural competence and preparing them for an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
Whittier College's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology (also known as Psychological Sciences) provides a robust, STEM-designated education in the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.
Research Assistant: Graduates can work in academic, clinical, or industry research settings, assisting psychologists, neuroscientists, or social scientists with data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and report writing. The program's strong focus on research methods and statistics makes this a direct fit.
Human Resources Specialist/Manager: Psychology majors have a deep understanding of human behavior, motivation, and group dynamics, which are crucial for roles in recruitment, employee relations, training and development, and organizational development within HR departments.
Social Services Worker/Case Manager: Graduates can work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or community health centers, providing support and resources to individuals and families facing various challenges, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or housing insecurity.
Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) / Psychiatric Aide: These roles involve providing direct support to individuals with mental health disorders or developmental disabilities, often under the supervision of licensed professionals. This is a common entry-level position that can lead to further education in counseling or therapy.
Marketing/Market Research Analyst: Understanding consumer psychology – why people make purchasing decisions, how they respond to advertising – is invaluable in marketing. Graduates can analyze market trends, conduct surveys, and interpret data to inform marketing strategies.
Admissions Counselor/Student Affairs Professional: In higher education, psychology graduates can work to recruit and advise students, leveraging their understanding of development, communication, and individual differences to support student success from application to graduation.
Crisis Counselor/Hotline Specialist: These roles often involve providing immediate support and resources to individuals in crisis via phone or online platforms, requiring strong empathy, active listening, and problem-solving skills gained from psychology studies.
UX (User Experience) Researcher/Designer Assistant: Psychology's focus on human cognition and behavior is highly relevant to UX. Graduates can help research how users interact with products and services, identifying pain points and contributing to more intuitive and user-friendly designs for websites, apps, and other digital interfaces.
Juvenile Probation Officer/Correctional Treatment Specialist: For those interested in the justice system, a psychology background helps in understanding criminal behavior, assessing individuals, and contributing to rehabilitation programs.
Further Education (Graduate Studies): A B.A. in Psychology from Whittier provides an excellent foundation for pursuing advanced degrees (Master's or Ph.D.) in various specialized areas such as Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Social Work (MSW), School Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Neuroscience, or even Law, leading to licensed professional roles or careers in academia and advanced research.
