The state of Missouri is home to a wide variety of colleges and universities offering undergraduate psychology degree programs. While some of these programs are offered in the traditional on-campus format, more and more of these schools are offering some degree of online course work. This is due, in large part, to the busy schedules and hectic lives that so many of us lead. It is more difficult than ever before to try to pursue an education while also working and being a part of our families. With online learning more students can make time for school on their own schedule.
Students throughout Missouri have many other options for pursuing their undergraduate psychology degree. Through the many colleges and universities, they can choose whether a large university or a small college setting is right for their needs. They can also choose whether a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of sciences is best for their academic and career goals. There are programs offering a general psychology degree, while others offer areas of specialization or concentration. With so many options there is an ideal degree program for every student.
Missouri Valley College
The Department of Social Science
Founded in 1889, Missouri Valley College is a private, four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The college offers 27 academic majors and has an enrollment close to 1,800 students. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Missouri Valley College as Tier 2 for best Midwest Regional Colleges. The main campus is located on 150-acres. The mission is “guiding students to succeed through personal instruction and intellectual inquiry”.
The Missouri Valley Vikings participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as a member of the Heart of America. The Social Science Division at Missouri Valley College offers Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Art degrees in the areas of:
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Political Science/Public Administration
- Psychology
- Sociology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The psychology program at Missouri Valley College helps students to develop a basic understanding of the complexities of human behavior and the skills needed to facilitate change. Coursework studies:
- the basic elements of the field
- the scientific study of theories, tools
- methods used to describe, explain, predict, and influence behavior and mental processes.
It looks at how to balance theory and practice while providing students with opportunities for experience through:
- classroom instruction
- research
- independent studies
- internships
Competencies for graduate of the Psychology Major include the following abilities:
- Show basic familiarity with major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology
- Understand and and apply basic research methods, including:
- research design
- data analysis
- interpretation
- Utilize critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach
- Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues
- Weigh evidence, understand ambiguity, ethically respond and reflect other values underpinning psychology
- Recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity
- Use insight into our own and others’ behavior and mental processes
- Apply effective strategies for self management and self-improvement
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Missouri Valley College
The Department of Social Sciences
William Wright – Chair, Division of Social Science
Baity 108
500 East College Street
Marshall, Missouri 65340
(660) 831-4000
E-Mail: wrightw@moval.edu
Program Website
Missouri Western State University
The Department of Psychology
Founded in 1915 as Saint Josephs College, Missouri Western State University is a public coed university located in Saint Joseph. Missouri Western offers 83 degree programs, including 111 majors and 51 minors in 19 academic departments. Missouri Western focuses on students as individuals and as members of society to prepare them to be leaders in their work and in their communities.
In 2016, Missouri Western State University ranked Tier 2 for Best Midwest Regional Colleges. Undergraduate enrollment is about 5,7505 students from the US and more than 30 countries. The main campus is located on 723 acres and there are more than 28,000 alumni around the world.
The Griffons participate in NCAA Division II of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association in 10 intercollegiate men’s and women’s athletic teams.
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Department of Psychology offers students the choice of a BA or BS degree with a major in Psychology. Both programs provide a study of psychology to better understand human nature and individual and group behavior. The goal of the program is providing students with a body of knowledge that makes up the science. Students are required to complete 49 credits for the Psychology major and students in the BA program are required to complete 12 credits of a foreign language. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter careers in psychology or psychology related careers. They are also prepared for advanced study in psychology.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Organizational Leadership Concentration
Students in the Bachelor of Science program have the option to choose a concentration in Organizational Leadership. This requires a minimum of 37 credits in psychology and biology plus 21 credits in the related field of business. The program is well suited for students pursuing careers in:
- human resources
- public relations
- positions in business or industry where one works closely with employees or the public.
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Missouri Western State University
The Psychology Department
Dr. Brian Cronk, Chairperson
Murphy Hall 217
4525 Downs Drive
Saint Joseph, Missouri 64507
(816) 271-4200
E-Mail Form
Program Website
Northwest Missouri State University
The Department of Behavioral Sciences
Founded in 1905 as a teachers college, Northwest Missouri State University is a public coed university located in Maryville. Northwest offers 135 undergraduate and 36 graduate programs. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Northwest Missouri State University as the 74th best Midwestern Regional University. Undergraduate enrollment is about 5,500 students.
The Northwest Bearcats compete in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association for men’s and women’s sport. The Bearcats have won five NCAA Division II football national championships.
The mission of Northwest Missouri State is “focusing on student success – every student, every day”. Every full-time student receives a laptop computer to use throughout the school year. The Department of Behavioral Sciences provides students with an education through teaching, research and community involvement. The goal is to emphasize theory, research and application to prepare students for a variety of opportunities.
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Missouri State students can choose a BA or BS degree with a major in Psychology. The Psychology major is approached as the scientific study of a person’s thoughts and behaviors. Northwest students gain a deeper understanding of several core areas of Psychology, including:
- Scientific research methods that enhance critical thinking skills
- Evidence and claims knowledge
- Insight of an individual’s personal behavior, motives and thought processes
- Core understanding of the biological and social factors that contribute to human development, cognitive skills, relationships and personality
Curriculum for the psychology major allows students to develop:
- their research and writing skills
- problem solving
- higher-order thinking to analyze, synthesize and evaluate information
Graduates are prepared to enter careers including:
- public affairs
- health
- sales
- administrative support
- education
- business
- service industries
- biological sciences
- computer programming
The psychology major for the BS program requires 36 credits while the psychology major with a BA requires 30 credits for completion.
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Psychology
The curriculum for the Industrial Psychology major studies the connection between business and psychology. Coursework focuses includes the following:
- Helping students get a better understanding of how psychology is applicable in professional work life
- Improving organizational practices
- Understanding the psychology, social dynamics and interacting forces influencing behavior at work and in groups
- Learning proper research methods.
Graduates of the program are prepared to enter careers in:
- Administration
- Human Resources
- Retail Management
Bachelor of Science in Biology/Psychology
Biology/Psychology dual majors at Northwest study the brain and how it functions and controls human behavior. The dual major of Biology and Psychology provides students with a focus on three areas:
- genetics
- evolution
- neuroscience
The genetics courses study inherited factors influencing behavior including mental illness and behavioral traits. Courses in evolution emphasize significance and benefits of the size of the brain. Courses about the brain focus on the functions, malfunctions and brain disease. Students enrolled in the dual major are required to complete 27 credits from psychology and 27 credits from sociology. Careers opportunities include:
- Animal Behavior
- Drug Research
- Forensic Psychology
- Physical Therapy
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Northwest Missouri State University
The Psychology Department
800 University Drive
Colden Hall 2050
Maryville, Missouri 64468-6001
(660) 562-1260
Email: acurphe@nwmissouri.edu
Program Website
Park University
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Park University is an independent private coed college with 41 campus locations across the United States and three campuses in the Kansas City areas:
- downtown Kansas City
- Independence
- Parkville
Most of the satellite programs are on or near a US Air Force Base or share locations with other businesses/organizations. Park was established in 1875 as a small religious affiliated college and now offers 63-degree programs including:
- 9 associate’s programs
- 47 bachelor’s programs
- 7 Master’s Programs
In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Park University as Tier 2 for best Midwest Regional Universities. The school has a undergraduate enrollment of about 10,000 students. The Park University Pirates compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as a member of the American Midwest Conference. Men’s sports include:
- baseball
- basketball
- cross country
- soccer
- track & field
- volleyball
Women’s sports include:
- basketball
- cross country
- golf
- soccer
- softball
- track & field
- volleyball
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers programs in the fine and performing arts, the humanities, and the natural and social sciences.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program provides students with a study of the disciplines of psychology dealing with behavior and mental processes. Career opportunities include:
- counseling
- business
- research and development
- advertising
- teaching (college level)
- medical settings
- basic research
- criminal justice
The BA in Psychology also prepares students for graduate study. It is well suited for students interested in careers as licensed psychologists or careers in professional research. Competencies for graduates of the program include the following abilities:
- Core understanding of the major theory approaches, conceptual bases and trends in Psychology
- Understand research design, data analysis, statistical interpretation and application of findings
- Show ethical application in psychology to personal, social and organizational issues
- Utilization of information technology in gathering, assessing and communicating psychological issues and research
- Use skeptical inquiry, critical thinking and scientific approach to understand human behavior
- Awareness and understanding of cultural diversity and individuals differences
- Effective written and oral communication in the language of the discipline
- Understand the psychological roles, professional settings and career opportunities as they relate to psychology
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Park University
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
8700 N.W. River Park Dr.
Parkville, MO 64152
41-2000
E-Mail: onlineadmissions@park.edu
Program Website
Rockhurst University
The College of Health and Human Services
Founded in 1910 as Rockhurst College, Rockhurst University is a private coed Jesuit university located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is one of the 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Rockhurst has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,276 students on the 55-acre main campus. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Rockhurst University as the 18th Best Midwestern Regional University. The College of Health and Human Services offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology degree program covers the cognitive and brain processes that underlie our actions, decisions, and emotions. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers work in a variety of settings and capacities. Competencies for graduates of the program include the following abilities:
- Define the key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology
- Develop knowledge of content domain in disciplines in psychology
- Show applications of psychology
- Utilize scientific reasoning in interpreting psychological phenomena
- Exhibit psychology information literacy
- Use innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving
- Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research
- Integrate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry
- Apply ethical standards in the evaluation of psychological science and practice
- Demonstration of effective oral and written in communication
- Apply psychological content and skills to career goals
The psychology program prepares students for graduate study in psychology for entry into professional careers including the fields of:
- medicine
- law
- business
- service
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Rockhurst University
The College of Health and Human Services
Rockhurst University
Van Ackeren Hall
1100 Rockhurst Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2561
816) 501-4767
E-Mail: paul.scott@rockhurst.edu
Program Website
Across the state, students have options to find a program that meets their needs and will help them accomplish their goals. Each student has the flexibility of finding an undergraduate psychology degree program that checks all of his or her boxes. Do you hope to earn their degree on campus or online? Would a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science be the best fit for your career goals? Do you want to pursue a General Psychology Degree or are you looking for specialization in one of the many specialty areas of psychology? Do you prefer the research backing of a large university system or is a smaller college campus a more ideal fit for you? By taking some time and evaluating these questions you can find the perfect fit.
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