Tarleton State University

What you'll study

The psychology degree at Tarleton State provides a foundation in behavioural science and empirical methods. You will study general psychology and progress through core areas including developmental, abnormal, social, cognitive and biological psychology, together with coursework in research design and statistics. The programme emphasises both theoretical understanding and practical application, with opportunities for laboratory work, research projects and applied practica.

• Core courses: Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods in Psychology, Psychological Statistics, and Senior Capstone or Research Seminar.
• Applied and content-area courses: Developmental Psychology across the lifespan, Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Physiological Psychology/Neuroscience, Learning and Conditioning, Personality Theory.
• Assessment and intervention: Psychological Assessment, Principles of Counselling, Behavioural Interventions and Applied Behaviour Analysis (electives depending on pathway).
• Skills and methods: Experimental design, data analysis using statistical software, ethics in research and practice, scientific writing and critical thinking.
• Practical experience: Supervised practicum or internship opportunities with community agencies, schools or health providers, plus options to participate in faculty-led research projects and undergraduate presentations.
• General education and electives: Coursework outside the major to ensure broad liberal-arts grounding and the ability to tailor studies toward specific interests such as business, criminal justice, health sciences or education.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a high school diploma (or equivalent) with preparation in English and quantitative reasoning; previous study in social science and laboratory science is helpful. Admissions consider overall academic record—recent transcripts and any college-level coursework are reviewed for transfer applicants. Where standardised tests are part of an application process, scores may be considered alongside GPA and other factors. Prospective students are encouraged to consult Tarleton's admissions office or programme advisors for guidance on prerequisites, transfer credit evaluation and the application process.

Career prospects

A bachelor's degree in psychology from Tarleton prepares graduates for a wide range of entry-level positions and for continued study. Typical career paths include roles in case management, behavioural health technician, rehabilitation services, human resources, community outreach, probation and corrections support, market research and sales, and educational support roles. Many graduates also use the degree as a stepping stone to graduate or professional training in clinical psychology, counselling, school psychology, social work, industrial–organisational psychology or other allied health professions—fields that generally require further postgraduate study or certification.

Why study at Tarleton State University

Tarleton State offers a student-centred environment with relatively small class sizes and accessible faculty, many of whom are active in teaching and undergraduate research. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, Tarleton provides resources and connections across professional networks in the region. Psychology students benefit from supervised practicum placements in nearby communities, opportunities to join academic and service organisations, and support from centres for undergraduate research and career services to build practical experience and professional readiness.