Study Human Behavior
Explore the science behind human behavior while building the research, communication and critical thinking skills employers value. Through hands-on research, internships and close faculty mentorship, Psychology majors prepare for careers in mental health, healthcare, business, education, research and human services—or continue to graduate or professional school with confidence.
Why earn your Psychology degree at St. Edward’s?
Psychology is about more than understanding behavior—it's about applying that knowledge to improve lives, strengthen organizations and solve real-world challenges. At St. Edward's, you'll combine classroom learning with hands-on experiences, meaningful mentorship and professional opportunities that prepare you for graduate school and careers across a wide range of industries.
Faculty Mentorship
Learn from Faculty Who Invest in You
Small classes and approachable professors create an environment where you'll be known by name—not just as a student, but as an individual with unique goals. Faculty mentors provide guidance on research opportunities, internships, graduate school and career planning while supporting your growth long after graduation.
Career Outcomes
Skills That Open Doors
A psychology degree opens doors far beyond clinical practice. Develop highly sought-after skills in research, communication, critical thinking and human behavior that prepare you for careers in mental health, human resources, marketing and consumer insights, education, social services, business and many other fields—or for continued study in graduate or professional programs.
Leadership
Grow as a Leader and Mentor
Deepen your understanding of psychology by helping others learn. As a teaching assistant, you'll support fellow students, strengthen your communication and leadership skills, and gain valuable experience mentoring others in an academic setting.
Experiential Learning
Internships and Opportunities
Turn what you learn into real-world experience through internships in healthcare, education, nonprofits, business, research and community organizations. You'll work alongside professionals while completing a meaningful project—such as a handbook, institutional report or presentation—that creates lasting value for your internship site.
Life as a Psychology Student at St. Edward's University
Being a Psychology major at St. Edward’s means joining a community of curious people who are just as interested in what makes people tick as you are. You’ll get to know classmates through lively discussions, collaborative projects and hands-on research — building friendships along the way. Between classes, campus activities, internships and experiences throughout Austin, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect, explore your interests and find your place on the Hilltop. It’s a major where you can ask big questions, try new things and share the experience with people who may become some of your closest friends.
A Highly Successful Psychology Program
From healthcare and mental health to business, education and research, Austin offers Psychology students opportunities to gain real-world experience before graduation. Through internships, undergraduate research, faculty mentorship and community partnerships, St. Edward's Psychology majors graduate prepared for careers, graduate school and meaningful work that improves lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Psychology Degree from St. Edward's University
Experiential Learning and Research
- As a Psychology major, you’ll graduate with practical experience you can put on your resume. Whether you choose a research assistantship, teaching assistantship or field internship, you’ll get a head start on your career.
- For example, St. Edward’s students have recently explored how cues to status affect college students’ preferences for relationship partners, and how different types of distractions affect working memory. To get the full research experience, you’ll travel to a conference like the Southwestern Psychological Association or the Society for Personality and Social Psychology and present your work. These meetings give you a chance to see research that other undergraduates, graduate students and professors have conducted, network with graduate school in mind, and decide if a career in research is right for you.
Find what you need to apply and important deadlines. When you are ready, there are three ways for you to apply to St. Edward’s:
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It’s easy to apply using our convenient online application.
Degree Plan
Major Requirements: The BA in Psychology requires 31–32 hours of major courses, which include a combination of introductory and advanced topics. In addition, students choose 9 hours of career-emphasis elective courses that help prepare them for future interests, such as graduate study or their career path in psychology.
Electives: Students are free to complete 26 hours of elective courses in any area of study they choose. These courses do not have to relate to the Psychology degree.
General Education Requirements: The Psychology degree requires 57 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.
View and download the full degree plan for our Psychology major (PDF).
A few examples of the Psychology major courses students take:
- Social Psychology – Examines how people interact with and are influenced by others, including topics such as conformity and obedience, nonverbal behavior, person perception, leadership, and attraction.
- Psychopathology – Addresses the causes, consequences, and cures for maladaptive behavior, such as depression, mood disorders, antisocial personality disorder, or schizophrenia.
- Biopsychology – Delves into the function and anatomy of the nervous system and the role it plays in directing perception, emotion, thought, memory, and motor behavior.
Yes. The study of psychology enhances our understanding of how people think, feel, and behave. It provides valuable insight for every area of work and life, and aligns with any field of study. Students interested in learning more about how the human mind works and why people do what they do are encouraged to pursue a minor in psychology, which requires 18 hours of coursework
Required Courses:
- General Psychology (PSYC 2301)
- Lifespan Development (PSYC 2310)
- Social Psychology (PSYC 3319)
- 1 lower-division Psychology elective (PSYC 2300+)
- 2 upper-division Psychology electives (PSYC 3300+)
Careers and Graduate School
Psychology majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample.
- Research and planning analyst for a community college district in San Diego.
- Coordinator in the People Department on the flight operations/technology recruiting team at Southwest Airlines.
- Chief of staff at a global tax firm.
- Research assistant at the Terrorism Research Initiative.
- Psychometrician at Elsevier, a global information analytics company.
- Director of Forensic and Family Services for Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center.
- Policy analyst at the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition.
- Graduate students at The University of Texas at Austin, Stanford University, Columbia University, the University of Houston and more.
Internships
Your internship depends on what you’re curious about: child development, mental health and mental illness, counseling, criminal justice, LGBTQIA+ issues or politics, to name a few. Students have recently interned at these Austin organizations:
- Center for Child Protection
- Lone Star Victims Advocacy Program
- Austin Family Institute
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- QWell Community Foundation
- Therapists in private practice – several of them St. Edward’s graduates
Whatever setting you choose, you’ll discover how the psychology you learned in class translates into the world of work, and you’ll build your portfolio of professional skills.
Yes. With our Accelerated Graduate Pathways, you can complete your BA in Psychology and earn a master’s degree in as little as five years, saving time and money. See details and requirements.With our Accelerated Graduate Pathways, you can complete your BA in Psychology and one of six master’s degrees in as little as five years, saving time and money. See details and requirements.
- Psychology to MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Psychology Major and Education Studies Minor to MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Psychology to Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Psychology to MS in Business Analytics
- Psychology to MS in Digital Marketing and Analytics
Success coaches and academic advisors guide you through undergraduate and graduate courses to maximize benefits.
At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.
View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience webpage.
Preparing for Your Future in Psychology
A future in psychology is built on understanding people, solving problems and creating positive change. Whether you're pursuing a career in mental health, healthcare, business, education, research or human services, a Psychology degree from St. Edward's University prepares you with the analytical, research and interpersonal skills employers value. You'll graduate ready to launch your career or continue your education in graduate or professional school with confidence.
Making an Impact
As a Presidential Award Winner, Anapaula Martinez, Psychology '26, has made the most of her St. Edward’s experience through research, leadership and service. As a research assistant, she contributed to a study examining ADHD and caffeine consumption while developing experience with literature reviews and Qualtrics-based research. Beyond the classroom, she served as president of HOOVES (Helping Others Out Volunteering Every Saturday) and as a resident assistant, volunteered with the Central Texas Food Bank and participated in a Phoenix Spring Break Service Trip.
Recognized with the HOOVES Service Award, Martinez says these experiences taught her that scholarship, leadership and service are most meaningful when rooted in compassion and care — a perspective she’ll carry with her into her future career opportunities.