Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Programs in Missouri – A-D

Throughout the state of Missouri, all students have the ability to find an undergraduate psychology program that suits their needs. There was a time when only recent high school graduates went to college. It was understood that you graduated from high school and that was your opportunity to enter college. In more recent years there has been a shift in who is going to college. More and more people are returning to school after some time of being out of school. This includes returning adult students people who were once excluded from the college experience.

With so much flexibility in how, when and where students complete their college education, many new groups of students are entering colleges throughout the country. This includes:

  • individuals with disabilities
  • parents of young children
  • military personnel and their families
  • working professionals and many others

There are more opportunities than ever before to begin your college education.

Avila University

The Department of Psychology

Located in Kansas City, Avila University is a private coed university sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carond. The university offers bachelor’s degrees in 36 areas of study and master’s degrees in:

  • Counseling Psychology
  • Counseling Psychology/Art Therapy
  • Business Administration
  • Organizational Development
  • Education

In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Avila University as Tier 2 among Best Midwest Regional Universities. The mission of the university is “providing students with a liberal arts, professional, undergraduate and graduate education preparing them for responsible lifelong contributions to the global community”.

The main campus is located in southern Kansas City. Avila sports teams participate in the Heart of America Athletic Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Sports (NAIA). The Department of Psychology is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. It’s located in Foyle Hall on Avila’s campus in suburban Kansas City.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The BA in Psychology degree program helps students learn to comprehend thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to better understand why people behave the way they do. Students develop critical reasoning, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills necessary to enter careers in a variety of fields. They are also prepare for advanced studies.  \Psychology majors also gain the skills to approach behavior at individual and systems levels as “scientist-practitioners,” through:

  • coursework
  • research
  • field experiences

Additionally, students have the opportunity to choose a specific area of concentration from the following that will best fit their specific career goals:

  • The Mental Health Concentration is for students interested in pursuing a career working with people in the field of mental health Research
  • The Research Concentration is for students pursuing doctoral-level work in the field or careers that are research-based
  • The General Concentration provides students with flexible curriculum outcomes for the psychology major. These are assessed through:
    • written and performance examinations and assignments
    • evaluation by instructors
    • practicum supervisor
    • psychology faculty
    • projects assigned throughout the program

Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)

Contact
Avila University
The Department of Psychology
Avila Campus
11901 Wornall Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64145
(816) 501-3661
E-Mail: psychology@avila.edu.
Program Website 

Central Methodist University

The Division of Social Sciences, Psychology Department

Founded in 1853, Central Methodist University is a private coed liberal arts university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Central Methodist offers liberal arts programs in a variety of areas, as well as programs in the sciences and education. The main university campus is located in Fayette.

The mission is to “prepare students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility”. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Central Methodist University as the 36th Best Midwestern Regional University. The  total enrollment is about than 5,200 students. The Division of Social Sciences awards Bachelor’s of Arts and Bachelor’s of Science programs with a psychology major.

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The major in psychology helps students gain an understanding of human behavior and mental processes. Students study research design and contemporary research findings in:

  • abnormal psychology
  • counseling
  • human development
  • personality
  • social processes
  • biological psychology
  • applied psychology

The psychology major provides a core foundation for graduate training in:

  • psychology
  • counseling
  • ministry
  • other related areas of study

Psychology majors can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science, with the following requirements:

  • Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science may be required to complete additional math and social science requirements
  • Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts are required to complete 6 to 8 credits of a foreign language

Graduates of the psychology program are prepared to careers in:

  • human services
  • mental health
  • criminal justice
  • education
  • business

Graduates are also prepared to pursue graduate school in one of the many different specializations in psychology.

Accreditations
University Senate of the United Methodist Church (USUMC)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)

Contact
Central Methodist University
The Division of Social Sciences, Psychology Department
411 Central Methodist Square
Fayette, Missouri 65248
(660) 248-3391
E-Mail: admissions@centralmethodist.edu
Program Website 

College of the Ozarks

The Psychology Department

The College of the Ozarks is a coed liberal arts Christian college located in Point Lookout near Branson. Enrollment is about 1,400 students. The college offers more than 30 academic majors and degrees in the Arts and Sciences.

The college does not charge tuition for full-time students, due to student work-study programs and donations. Students are required to work 15 hours on the campus and two 40-hour weeks during school breaks. A summer work program is available to students who need to cover room and board costs. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked the College of the Ozarks as the 4th best Midwestern Regional College.  The Mission of the College is “providing the advantage of a Christian Education for youth, especially those found worthy but who do not have sufficient Means”.

The main campus has a 1,000-acre campus that overlooks Lake Taneycomo. The College of the Ozarks Bobcats participates in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as an independent school. The focus of the Psychology department is

  • preparing students to evaluate psychology concepts from a biblically-based Christian Worldview
  • to be intelligent consumers of research
  • to possess pre-professional knowledge and skills

Bachelor of Arts/Science in Psychology

The major in psychology prepares students with the skills to evaluate psychology concepts using a Christian perspective. Curriculum combines theory with the practical dimensions of psychology through experience-based courses. It provides numerous opportunities for community-based internships. Objectives for the program include the following abilities:

  • Demonstrate practical working knowledge of the science and profession of psychology
  • Investigate psychological concepts in light of a biblically informed Christian worldview in order to more effectively serve Christ and their community
  • Gain a core foundation in psychology principles preparing students to pursue further professional training or graduate work in a variety of fields including:
    • counseling
    • clinical psychology
    • criminal justice
    • social services
    • school counseling

Students enrolled in the psychology major are required to complete 35 credits including a 3 credit Capstone Project and comprehensive exam during the first semester of the senior year.

Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)

Contact
College of the Ozarks
The Psychology Department
Dr. Marci Linson – VP Patriotic Activities and Dean of Admissions
100 Opportunity Avenue
Point Lookout, Missouri
(417) 690-2636
E-Mail: admiss4@cofo.edu
Program Website 

Columbia College

The Psychology and Sociology Department

Founded in 1851 as a Christian Women’s College, Columbia College (also known as Columbia College of Missouri) is a private coed Liberal Arts College located in Columbia. The college has a relationship with the Disciples of Christ Christian Church, however the college is a nonsectarian school. Columbia offers day and evening classes to students on 36 extended campuses in 13 states and in Cuba.

Students can choose from:

  • 10 associate degrees
  • 59 bachelor’s degrees
  • 4 master’s degree programs

More than 800 undergraduate courses are offered through the Online Campus with 29 online degrees. Current enrollment is:

  • 103 day campus students
  • 2,130 evening students
  • 18,159 nationwide campus students
  • 6,152 online students
  • more than 1,463 graduate students

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The BA in Psychology degree program allows students to observe, describe, understand, predict and control behavior and psychological processes in individuals. Areas of study for the program include:

  • human development
  • personality theory
  • neuroscience
  • learning
  • memory and cognition
  • emotion
  • sensation and perception
  • relationships
  • abnormal behavior
  • psychotherapy

Students can choose from a Practical Specialization in Clinical, School or Counseling or an Experimental Specialization in Neuroscience, Developmental, Social or Cognitive. Students can also choose a concentration in Sports Psychology.

Accreditations

Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)

Contact
Columbia College
The Psychology and Sociology Department
1001 Rogers Street
Columbia MO 65216
(573) 875-8700
Program Website

Culver-Stockton College

The Psychology Department

Founded in 1853 as a Christian University, Culver-Stockton College is a private coed college located in Canton. The school offers a liberal arts education with practical learning experiences throughout all programs. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Culver-Stockton College as the 43rd best Midwestern Regional College.

The mission is “preparing students of promise for a dynamic world through a distinctive experiential curriculum with a supportive learning community founded on the best values of faith and the human spirit”.

The Culver–Stockton’s Wildcats compete in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) an affiliate of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Eighteen Wildcat teams compete in the HAAC:

  • basketball (men’s and women’s)
  • soccer (men’s and women’s)
  • golf (men’s and women’s)
  • track and field (men’s and women’s) cross country (men’s and women’s)
  • baseball
  • football
  • volleyball (men’s and women’s)
  • softball
  • bowling (men’s and women’s)
  • a co-ed spirit squad

The current undergraduate enrollment is about 1,000 students on the 143-acre main campus that overlooks the Mississippi River.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The BA in Psychology degree program provides students with the basic principles and theories of psychology. It prepares students with the skills and knowledge required for careers in psychology or for entering graduate programs. The program focus is to:

  • improve students’ research skills
  • the ability to speak, write and think critically
  • provide students with numerous opportunities for experiential learning through
    • research
    • internships
    • conferences
    • the Psychology Club

Psychology majors are trained to work in such areas as:

  • criminal justice
  • pre-occupational therapy
  • legal studies

Students can choose specific concentrations to suit their career interests including:

  • clinical/counseling psychology
  • social psychology
  • experimental psychology
  • sport psychology
  • industrial/organizational psychology

The Psychology major requires completion of 36 credits of coursework including:

  • Statistics
  • Research methods
  • Developmental courses
  • Experimental courses
  • Applied courses
  • Nine hours of electives

Psychology majors are required to complete lab work to analyze data, write reports and prepare presentations.

Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)

Contact
Culver-Stockton College
The Psychology Department
Dr. Greg Bohemier, Professor of Psychology
One College Hill
Canton, Missouri 63435
573) 288-6422
E-Mail: admission@culver.edu
Program Website

Drury University

The Department of Behavioral Sciences, Psychology Department

Drury University is a private coed liberal arts university founded in 1873. Drury has a current undergraduate enrollment of about 1,600 students. There are 405 graduate students in six master’s degree programs and 3,160 students in the College of Continuing Professional Studies.

In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Drury University as the 11th best Midwestern Regional College. Drury’s varsity sports teams compete in NCAA Division II in the Great Lakes Valley Conference in:

  • men’s and women’s basketball
  • men’s and women’s cross country
  • men’s and women’s golf
  • men’s and women’s soccer
  • men’s and women’s swimming
  • men’s and women’s tennis, men’s baseball
  • women’s softball
  • women’s volleyball

The Department of behavioral sciences focuses on the disciplines of:

  • psychology
  • criminology
  • sociology
  • behavioral neuroscience
  • community health

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program addresses a variety of dimensions of human behavior to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human experiences. Courses in psychology major provide a core understanding of the scientific investigation of behavior and mental processes. Students can choose an Applied Track or a Research Track. Those interested in a graduate degree in psychology should pursue the Psychology Major-Research Track. Students who are not pursuing a graduate degree should take the Psychology Major-Applied Track. They can use their knowledge of psychology in other professions including:

  • business
  • communication
  • education
  • law

Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience

The behavioral neuroscience major is offered in conjunction with the Departments of Behavioral Sciences and Biology and offers two options: Biology and Behavioral Sciences. The Biology option is for students who wish to pursue careers in neuroscience/biology. The Behavioral Sciences option is  for those pursuing careers in behavioral neuroscience/behavioral sciences.

Curriculum for the BS in Behavioral Neuroscience introduces students to the fundamental principles in neuroscience and the biological bases of human behavior. The program includes courses in:

  • biology
  • psychology
  • chemistry
  • statistics
  • math
  • methods in research

The major is well suited for students interested in pursuing careers in:

  • behavioral neuroscience
  • clinical psychology
  • clinical neuropsychology
  • forensic psychology
  • gerontology
  • health psychology
  • medicine
  • neuroscienc

The major also prepares students for careers in other areas of biology, biomedical sciences, and science education.

Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)

Contact
Drury University
The Psychology Department
Dr. Vickie Luttrell, Professor of Psychology
Chair of Behavioral Sciences
900 North Benton Avenue
Springfield, Missouri 65802
(417) 873-7254
E-Mail: vluttrel@drury.edu
Psychology Program Website 

As  more people begin their college education, opportunities are increasing. Students can choose to learn online, on-campus or a hybrid of the two. They can choose whether full-time or part-time learning best suits their needs. There are options in terms of whether a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science is the best fit. Each student can take the time to review the many choices and pick a school and a program that is the perfect fit. This allows many students, who were once unable to earn their degree, to begin their college education.
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