Gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationships. Learn about the human mind, brain, behavior and social relationships with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Portland State.
You’ll study psychological theories and research and learn how to apply psychological science to everyday life. We emphasize the human side of all jobs and educate you about ways to humanize societal institutions, whether you’re exploring a career in education, business, healthcare or law.
Our Psychology major and minors are among the most popular at PSU. We offer a flexible program, fascinating coursework, rich opportunities and strong career prospects.
Our award-winning faculty pride themselves on excellence in teaching, research and outreach. They favor student-centered teaching, project-based learning and community collaboration. Faculty work with community partners to conduct timely, applied community psychology research — and bring that perspective into their classes.
Flexible, Career-Focused Curriculum
Do you want to work with people? At Oregon’s urban university, you’ll explore research-based, community-engaged courses and take electives in topics like child development, neuroscience and social relationships.
Our diverse course offerings allow you to create a flexible, elective-heavy, customized experience. You can choose your own adventure by focusing on specific areas and applications of psychology. Our Pathways Through Psychology include education, community psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, developmental science, clinical/counseling psychology, research methods, interdisciplinary neuroscience and social psychology. Through targeted coursework, advising, clubs, practical and arts-integrated educational outreach, we prepare you to pursue a specific career path or go on to graduate school.
We also offer a psychology minor program and a minor in interdisciplinary neuroscience, which can complement any major.
Hands-On Learning and Community Partnerships
In our community engaged program, faculty and students use their knowledge to create real change in our city, and beyond. You’ll have opportunities to work with community, neighborhood, business and government organizations or join partnerships with the Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative and Northwest Noggin.
A psychology background gives you a deep understanding of how people function as individuals, in relationships and groups. It also provides you with the knowledge, skills and experience to pursue roles in a wide variety of industries and organizations.
Career Paths for psychology graduates include:
- Business and Human Resources: Organizational behavior, recruitment and training and development.
- Education and Teaching: School psychology, student advising and curriculum development.
- Healthcare and Counseling: Mental health services, therapy and rehabilitation.
- Research and Data Analysis: Behavioral science, consumer psychology and market research.
- Social Services and Nonprofits: Community outreach, case management and program coordination.
Our students also join graduate programs in:
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Clinical psychology
- Counseling psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Law
- Medicine
- Organizational psychology
- Social psychology
- Social work
PSU also connects students with career opportunities through the University Career Center to prepare for graduation.
No matter what path you choose, PSU’s psychology degree program will benefit your career and help you better understand yourself and the people in your life.
Ready to take the next step in your psychology career?
Apply today and gain the research and analytical skills needed for success in psychology and beyond.