Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Some psychologists are primarily concerned with learning about human behavior through scientific methods, while others are interested in the application of psychological principles such as psychotherapy, behavior modification, and industrial psychology. A chronic shortage of psychologists to treat depression and anxiety has resulted in the need for psychologists, therapists, social workers and psychiatrists. Cal State LA Downtown’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree completion program is both a preparation for advanced study and a terminal liberal arts degree. Specific areas of opportunity for individuals who major in psychology and consider advanced degrees include:
- clinical and counseling psychology
- community psychology (welfare agencies or mental health organizations)
- developmental psychology
- experimental psychology
- psychometric psychology
- social psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Degree Completion) Program at Cal State LA Downtown allows working students and others to complete their degree program by attending classes in the evening.
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The upper-division transfer program in psychology prepares students seeking career opportunities in the following professions or who may already be working in the following capacities:
- Human Resources
- Social Work
- Probation and Corrections
- Professional at-home aid worker
- Caregivers for the elderly and children
- Recreational Therapist
- Sales and Marketing
Register for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Program virtual information session.
The per unit cost for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Program is $425.
The total program cost is $25,500.
Read more about Financial Assistance opportunities for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Program.
PSY 1500-Introductory Psychology and PSY 1700–Introductory Behavioral Neuroscience (or their equivalent) are not required for admissions although are pre-requisites for some courses. The courses will not be offered at Cal State LA Downtown and are strongly recommended to be taken at your local community college. The course must be completed before your Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree is awarded.
Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Program are able to take between 3 and 12 units each semester.
Four (4) courses are offered during the Fall and Spring Semesters with each course running once per week in the evenings from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. Two (2) evening courses are also offered during Summer Session. Students must attend courses in the Fall and Spring Semesters, and Summer Session to complete their degree.
Program time to completion is 2-3 years, depending on the load of coursework students take each term and the number of transferable units applied towards their degree (maximum of 10 units).
The two (2) prerequisite courses listed in the above section must be completed before your degree is awarded.
To be considered for admission into Cal State LA Downtown's Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Program, all prospective applicants must have the following:
- Be considered an "upper-division" transfer student, as this is a degree completion program.
- Completed at least 60 transferable semester units/90 transferable quarter units.
- Have a GPA of 2.00 or above.
- Be in good standing and eligible to re-enroll at your last college or university attended
- Earn grades of "C" or better in the Cal State LA Golden Four Courses.
Review Cal State LA's Transfer Admissions Requirements. (Major-specific requirements may be applicable and are TBA.)
Note: Due to special requirements, College of Professional and Global Education (PaGE) and second baccalaureate students, are not allowed to change their degree objective nor are they eligible to declare additional bachelor-level majors or minors.
The application window for Fall 2025 admission is October 1, 2024, through April 15, 2025.
The transcript deadline for Fall 2025 is July 15, 2025.
Mail transcripts to:
Office of Admissions and Recruitment
Cal State LA
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
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Learn more about the transcript submission process.
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Join our interest list to learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Program.
For more information about the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Program, please contact the Cal State LA Downtown Outreach and Recruitment Department: dtlaoutreach@calstatela.edu.