Bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Virginia place important knowledge about mental well-being, social relationships, and workplace behaviors right at students’ fingertips. Noted for America’s 12th largest population of 8.41 million, Virginia sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Blue Ridge Mountains. Psychology students could be attracted to Virginia’s $452 billion economy where over 33 percent of jobs are in the service sector. Understanding of human dynamics comes in handy at large employers like the Naval Medical Center and VCU Health System as well as Fortune 500 companies like Freddie Mac and Northrop Grumman. The BLS reports that Virginia has the third-highest employment level of mental health counselors at 8,980. The “Old Dominion State” also employs 2,340 clinical, counseling, and school psychologists for an annual average wage of $84,130. Reach for your unique career goals by building better people skills at these undergraduate psychology schools (G-M) in Virginia.
George Mason University
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Based on 677 urban acres in Fairfax with three extensions in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge Mountain regions, George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public, land-grant ORAU research institution endowed for $73 million to serve 23,800 undergrad Patriots. Crowned America’s 76th “Best Big College” on Niche, Mason is ranked the 143rd best university, 14th most innovative school, and 71st top public college nationally by the USNWR. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences also houses the 90th best graduate psychology education.
B.A./B.S. in Psychology
With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, the B.A./B.S. in Psychology is a 120-credit degree organized around the Mason Core to investigate behavior in relation to personal health and mental well-being. Majors concentrate their study in Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Human Factors and Applied Cognition, Health Psychology, or Work and Organizational Psychology. Undergrads could also join Psi Chi, research in the Mason Impulse Lab, volunteer with the LIFE Program, or review the Psignature Newsletter.
B.S. in Neuroscience
Another of the bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Virginia at GMU is the B.S. in Neuroscience, which lays the scientific foundation for master’s or doctoral study on how the central nervous system affects an organism’s behavior. The 120-credit curriculum integrates electives from bioengineering to immunology with a real-life internship at facilities like INOVA Health System and the Naval Research Laboratory. Majors may also join the Pre-Med Club, study abroad with Mason Korea, or declare the Forensic Psychology Minor.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
David King Hall Room 2086
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 993-4562
ugpsyc@gmu.edu
Hampden-Sydney College
Psychology Department
Listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register, Hampden-Sydney College traces back to 1775 as the South’s oldest private, male-only Presbyterian liberal arts institution endowed for $154.6 million to educate around 1,100 undergrads from 1,200 rural acres in Prince Edward County. Recognized for America’s 75th “Best Greek Life” on Niche, H-SC is ranked the 105th best national liberal arts school by the U.S. News. The Psychology Department retains 80 percent of freshmen by delivering hands-on training in experimental and developmental labs.
Psychology Major (B.A.)
Admitting roughly 47 percent of applicants, the Psychology Major (B.A.) is a selective, liberal arts-based program for H-SC undergrads to gather fundamental knowledge about behavior, cognition, and emotion in diverse organisms. Offering an optional Career Track in Medicine, the 11-course major involves courses like motivation, personality, sport psychology, and behavioral neuroscience before a 120-hour field practicum. Men can also benefit from studying head injuries in the Wellness Center, pledging Psi Chi, and volunteering through Beyond the Hill.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Bagby Hall Room 221
80 College Road
Hampden Sydney, VA 23943
(434) 223-6209
dweese@hsc.edu
Hampton University
School of Liberal Arts
Established by the American Missionary Association in 1868, Hampton University is a private, non-sectarian historically black MEAC institution carrying a $263.2 million endowment to enlighten over 4,600 Pirates from 314 suburban acres on the Virginia Peninsula. Ranked America’s 126th “Most Liberal College” on Niche, HamptonU is the 18th best university and 13th best for vets school in the South according to the USNWR. The School of Liberal Arts maintains the core values that educated notable alumni like Booker T. Washington and Alberta Williams King.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Recognized by HBCU Lifestyle among the top degree-producing programs for minority psychologists, Hampton’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offers a 120-credit curriculum with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio to master theories of human behavior. Specialized courses like Black psychology and Black child development can be strengthened by the Marriage and Family Therapy concentration. Majors may also participate in Psych Club, embark on the Pre-Medical Track, study abroad at Oxford, or experiment in the Center for Social Research.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
MLK Building, Room 238
Hampton, VA 23668
(757) 727-5301
psychology@hamptonu.edu
Hollins University
Division of Undergraduate Studies
Noted for alumni like Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard and Sakurai Prize-winning physicist Mary Gaillard, Hollins University empowers around 800 females as a private, nonprofit institution endowed for $180.6 million with a 475-acre suburban campus in Roanoke. Named America’s 10th “Best Women’s College on Niche, Hollins is ranked the 105th best national liberal arts school and 27th best value by the USNWR. The Division of Undergraduate Studies offers 27 bachelor’s degrees ranging from creative writing to philosophy with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio.
Psychology Major (B.A./B.S.)
For a net price of $21,384 yearly, the Psychology Major (B.A./B.S.) allows Hollins undergrads to delve into the human mind while sharpening problem-solving, writing, and speaking skills. The 18-course major involves applied practice with a semester-long internship at agencies like the National Down Syndrome Society, Reconstructing Hope, Treatment Action Group, and Friends for Life Organization. Other opportunities include researching for the Hollins Science Seminar, declaring the Social Justice Minor, and joining the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Dana Science Building 202
7916 Williamson Road
Roanoke, VA 24020
(540) 362-7491
bbowers@hollins.ediu
James Madison University
College of Health and Behavioral Studies
Led by Chancellor Ronald R. Carrier, James Madison University is a public, co-educational “More Selective” institution founded in 1908 that’s now operating on a $523.8 million budget to educate around 19,100 undergrad Dukes from 721 urban acres in Harrisonburg along Newman Lake. Ranked America’s 21st best public value in Kiplinger’s, JMU is the eighth best Southern college and third most innovative school according to the U.S. News. The College of Health and Behavioral Studies is also acclaimed for the country’s 181st best psychology degrees.
B.A./B.S. in Psychology
Adhering to APA guidelines, the B.A./B.S. in Psychology was founded in 1967 to train behavioral scientists for studying how humans or animals think, feel, and act. Offering an optional Behavioral Analysis Concentration, the 44-credit major includes 150 on-site practicum hours at placements like the JMU Counseling Center, Elkton Elementary School, and Sentara Hospice. Undergrads could also benefit from completing the Honors Thesis, working in the Auditory Perception Lab, joining Active Minds, and earning the Eileen Nelson Scholarship.
B.A. in Individualized Study with Autism Spectrum Disorder Module
The JMU Adult Degree Program (ADP) offers an alternative to bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Virginia with the B.A. in Individualized Study. Currently charging $1,035 per class, the transfer-friendly curriculum helps adults age 22 or older finish their 120-credit degree with modules like Autism Spectrum Disorder. Courses will delve into developmental psychology and positive behavioral supports before a culminating senior project. Psychology enthusiasts could also declare the Human Resource Development or Professional and Workplace Communication modules.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Miller Hall Room 1120
91 E. Grace Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
(540) 568-6211
ugpsyc@jmu.edu
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Department of Arts and Sciences
Attracting around 1,100 Blue Healers from 31 states, Jefferson College of Health Sciences is Virginia’s oldest private, hospital-based allied health institution founded in 1982 that’s now conferring 25 majors from its urban headquarters in Roanoke just 56 miles from Lynchburg. Given the “Military Friendly” label from Victory Media, JCHS is ranked America’s 193rd best college for nursing and 237th top value on Niche. The Department of Arts and Sciences offers three bachelor’s options with an average acceptance rate of 41 percent.
Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology
Boasting a 94 percent placement rate, the Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology at JCHS offers a customized, APA-aligned curriculum for future psychology PhDs to scientifically study links between behavior, emotion, and physical well-being. The 120-credit degree placed emphasis on biopsychosocial interventions with courses like lifespan development, behavior analysis, neuroscience, and public health. Majors may also participate in the VOICE Program, join Health Psychology Club, and tackle two semesters of service-learning at Carilion Clinic.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
101 Elm Avenue SE
Roanoke, VA 24013
(540) 985-8483
admissions@jchs.edu
Liberty University
School of Behavioral Sciences
Devoted to “Training Champions for Christ,” Liberty University is the globe’s largest private, nonprofit evangelical Christian NAICU institution founded in 1971 that’s endowed for $1.05 billion to educate 115,000 Flames and employ over 2,500 professors from its 7,000-acre suburban headquarters. Honored as America’s 257th best college for psychology, Liberty is given a Forbes financial grade of “B” as the South’s 186th top school. The School of Behavioral Sciences also has the 148th best online bachelor’s degrees according to the USNWR.
Psychology Major (B.S.)
Costing just $390 per credit full-time, the Psychology Major (B.S.) offers a 120-credit bachelor’s degree on-site in Lynchburg or online for Liberty undergrads interested in learning about human behavior from a Christian framework. Students select from specializations in Crisis Counseling, Military Resilience, Criminal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Substance Abuse Counseling, Sport Psychology, I/O Psychology, and Life Coaching. Other opportunities include joining the Daniels Program, pledging Psi Chi, interning at James River Counseling Center, and studying abroad in Prague.
Human Services Major (B.S.)
Selectively admitting only 21 percent of applicants, the Human Services Major (B.S.) is a four-year, residential program in Virginia for Liberty undergrads to develop the people skills and Biblical foundation for caring careers of service. With 28 free elective credits, the 120-credit curriculum spans courses from sociology to substance abuse and child psychology. In addition, majors may obtain the Military Resilience Certificate, intern with the Lynchburg Department of Social Services, and volunteer for the LU Send Now Domestic Team.
Biopsychology Major (B.S.)
Conducted only in Lynchburg, the Biopsychology Major (B.S.) is another of Liberty’s bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Virginia for building a graduate school application with a solid background in psychology, chemistry, and biology. Rooted in neuroscience, the 120-credit residential curriculum spans courses from animal behavior to genetics with an optional Pre-Med track. Majors could engage with the Scientific Research Society, access the PDS-1000 Biolistic Particle Delivery System, participate in the Community Care Initiative, and declare Honors.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(434) 592-4038
psycomm@liberty.edu
Longwood University
Cooke-Cole College of Arts & Sciences
Affiliated with the AASCU, Longwood University is a public, coeducational liberal arts institution founded as the Farmville Female Seminary Association in 1839 that’s grown to teach nearly 5,100 Lancers with a $54.1 million endowment from 154 rural acres in Central Virginia. Deemed America’s 189th “Most Conservative College” on Niche, Longwood is ranked the 31st best university and 10th top public school in the South by the USNWR. The Cooke-Cole College of Arts & Sciences has a net annual price of $15,871 for its 19 accredited bachelor’s degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Boasting 100 percent fieldwork participation, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology offers guidance from expert Longwood faculty at a 16:1 ratio to discover the biological bases of normal and abnormal behaviors. The 43-credit major draws content from four emphases: Pre-Clinical/Counseling, General/Experimental, Industrial/Organizational, and Developmental. At least 40 clock hours of internship are required at placements like YWCA of Central Virginia or Henrico County Mental Health & Development Services. Undergrads can also select the Neuro Studies or Therapeutic Recreation Minors.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Ruffner Hall Room 301
201 High Street
Farmville, VA 23909
(434) 395-2318
bucherts@longwood.edu
Lynchburg College
School of Sciences
Endowed for $97.3 million, Lynchburg College is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution affiliated with the Disciples of Christ that’s profiled in Templeton Guide’s “Colleges That Encourage Character Development” for nurturing over 2,500 scholars on its 264-acre urban campus near the James River. Ranked the 207th best liberal arts university in Washington Monthly, Lynchburg is the South’s 35th best regional college and 17th top value school according to the USNWR. The School of Sciences in Hobbs-Sigler Hall confers nine bachelor’s options with an average 95 percent job placement rate.
Psychology Major (B.S.)
Offered with a transfer agreement from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), the Psychology Major at Lynchburg confers a 120-credit B.S. degree to give undergrads the scientific skills to improve life through empirical research findings. With an 11:1 ratio, students learn from PhD-level faculty trained at Rutgers, Penn State, Loyola, and more. Majors could also declare the Human Services Minor, study abroad in Costa Rica, work with the Beard Center on Aging, intern at the DEA, and join the Psi Chi Honor Society.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1501 Lakeside Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 544-8361
psychology@lynchburg.edu
Mary Baldwin University
College of Arts & Sciences
Opened by Rufus William Bailey in 1842 as the Augusta Female Seminary, Mary Baldwin University is the United States’ oldest private, nonprofit Presbyterian women’s college that’s engaging over 1,700 ladies on its 58-acre urban campus in the Shenandoah Valley. Deemed America’s 69th “Best Online College” on Niche, MBU is ranked the 52nd best regional university and 15th top value in the South by the U.S. News. The College of Arts & Sciences offers nine bachelor’s degrees and study abroad options at Mary Baldwin’s sister school in Kyoto.
B.A. or B.S. with a Major in Psychology
Delivered with an average class size of 17, the Major in Psychology at MBU offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science to develop essential life skills while studying the human mind. Courses for the 39-credit major can be taken in Staunton or online via Blackboard by adults with at least 18 accredited college credits. Undergrads also choose from in-demand specializations in Child Psychology, Elder Care, Forensic Psychology, Mental Health, and Pre-Occupational or Physical Therapy while taking practicum assignments like Western State Hospital.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
101 E. Frederick Street
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 887-7068
mwalker@marybaldwin.edu
Marymount University
School of Education & Human Services
Nestled on a 21-acre lush, suburban campus in Arlington just five miles across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, Marymount University is a private, nonprofit Catholic CIC institution operated by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary on a $17.9 million endowment with 3,600 learners. Picked as America’s 129th “Most Diverse College” on Niche, Marymount is ranked the 43rd best university and 28th best for vets school in the South by the USNWR. The School of Education & Human Services reports median graduate earnings of $49,600 from four bachelor’s programs.
Psychology B.A.
Retaining 75 percent of freshmen, Marymount’s Psychology B.A. is a specialized, 15-course human services major offered in a learner-centered community to broaden students’ skills applying behavioral theories. Courses like neurological disorders and parent-child relationships are supplemented with 240+ hours of field practicum. Recent placements have included Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, DC Public Defender Service, and the NIH. Majors could also venture abroad to Uganda, engage with Psych Club, conduct research for the VACP Convention, or join the competitive Forensic Scholars Program.
Liberal Arts B.A. with Psychology/Sociology/Criminal Justice Concentration
Marymount Saints seeking greater breadth from bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Virginia could pursue the self-designed Liberal Arts B.A. with a Psychology/Sociology/Criminal Justice Concentration. The 120-credit, portfolio-based degree completion program accepts up to 90 transfer credits for working adults to finish study with multiple competency areas. Whether studying in evenings or online, majors must arrange an internship via the Center for Career Services and conduct a senior scholarly project. Graduates could begin pursuing the Counseling M.A. or Forensic & Legal Psychology M.A. too.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Rowley Hall Room G114
2807 N. Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 284-1500
According to the APA, the number of bachelor’s students graduating with a psychology major has skyrocketed by 50 percent since 1991 to over 88,000. Not only are undergrads drawn to the fascinating subjects of brain and behavior, but they’re also keen on the flexibility that psychology offers. Psychology majors generally chart their own curricular endeavors with the field’s broad mental health specialties. Among the fastest-growing sub-fields are school psychology, genetics counseling, forensic psychology, engineering psychology, and sports psychology. Psychology grads could even work in business as employee relations specialists, which is CNN Money’s 19th “Best Job in America.” Start unlocking careers that score A for personal satisfaction by perusing through our bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Virginia.
Related resource:
Top 20 Most Innovative Psychology Degree Programs at Small Colleges in the U.S.