Virginia Commonwealth University

What you'll study

The programme combines core coursework in psychological theory and empirical methods with opportunities for laboratory experience, practicum and elective specialisation. Early coursework typically covers Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods in Psychology and Statistics for the Behavioural Sciences. Core topic areas include Biological Bases of Behaviour, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Personality and Abnormal Psychology.

• Research and quantitative methods: experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing, with opportunities to participate in faculty-led lab research.
• Biopsychology and neuroscience: neural mechanisms of behaviour, sensation and perception.
• Lifespan and developmental courses: child, adolescent and adult development.
• Clinical and abnormal psychology: assessment, diagnosis frameworks and evidence-based interventions.
• Applied electives and practicum: community placements, supervised internships and applied topics such as forensic, health or industrial-organisational psychology.
• Capstone experience: a senior seminar, research thesis or practicum that integrates coursework and practical experience.

Students can usually tailor their programme with electives or minor concentrations to prepare for specific career paths (for example, pre-professional preparation for graduate study in clinical psychology or a focus on neuroscience, social behaviour or applied settings).

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate psychology programme follows VCU’s general undergraduate admission process. Typical successful applicants hold a completed secondary school qualification from an accredited system and a competitive academic record. Recommended preparatory subjects include biology, mathematics (often statistics or algebra), and courses in social sciences or English.

• Domestic applicants: a strong high-school transcript; where submitted, standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) may be considered but many applicants are evaluated on coursework, GPA and other achievements.
• International applicants: an equivalent secondary-school diploma, evidence of academic preparation in sciences and quantitative work, and proof of English proficiency where required.
• Additional considerations: letters of recommendation, personal statements, and demonstrated extracurricular or volunteer experience in helping or research roles can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

A bachelor’s degree in psychology opens a range of entry-level career options and serves as a common first step toward graduate or professional training. Many graduates find roles in human services, mental health support, case management, rehabilitation services, and community outreach. Employers in business and public sectors also hire psychology graduates for human resources, sales, customer research and administrative roles that value understanding of human behaviour and data literacy.

• Direct-entry roles: behavioural health technician, case manager, rehabilitation aide, research assistant, or community service coordinator.
• Business and public sector: human resources, user experience research, market research and organisational development.
• Further study and professions: graduate study (MA/MS, MEd, MFT, PsyD, PhD) is required for clinical licensure, counselling psychology, clinical research and advanced academic careers.

Why study at Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU offers an urban research university environment with strong ties to clinical and community organisations in Richmond. Undergraduates benefit from access to active psychology research labs across cognitive, developmental, social and clinical areas, and can gain hands-on experience through practicum placements and internships with local health systems and community agencies.

• Research opportunities: collaborative work with faculty-led labs and the chance to present or publish undergraduate research.
• Clinical and community connections: proximity to VCU Health and a range of local social service providers supports practicum and experiential learning.
• Support for career and graduate pathways: advising, career services and pre‑professional resources help students plan internships and graduate-school preparation.
• Diverse campus and urban setting: Richmond’s varied communities provide a broad context for applied learning and community-engaged research.