Pennsylvania State University

What you'll study

The undergraduate Psychology programme at Penn State combines a strong foundation in core psychological principles with opportunities to pursue specialised topics and hands‑on research. Early coursework emphasizes research methods, statistics, and introduction to psychological science. Core topics you can expect include:

• Biological bases of behaviour and neuroscience
• Cognitive psychology (learning, memory, perception)
• Developmental psychology across the lifespan
• Social psychology and interpersonal processes
• Personality theory and assessment
• Psychological measurement, research design and statistics
• Abnormal psychology and psychopathology

Beyond required courses, students choose electives that reflect their interests—examples include clinical interventions, health psychology, industrial–organizational psychology, forensic psychology, and advanced topics in cognition or neuropsychology. The department encourages participation in supervised undergraduate research through lab placements, independent study projects, and the university’s undergraduate research programmes. There are also opportunities for internships, field placements and study‑abroad experiences that integrate applied practice with academic learning.

Entry requirements

Penn State admits students based on a holistic review of academic preparation and potential. Typical successful applicants have completed a rigorous high school curriculum including courses in mathematics and science; mathematics (algebra and statistics-preparatory work) and a lab science such as biology are useful preparation for psychology study. Admissions consideration also reviews GPA, high school coursework strength, extracurricular involvement, and written materials submitted with the application.

Standardised testing policies may vary; applicants should consult the university for the current approach to SAT/ACT scores. International applicants are required to demonstrate equivalent secondary‑school completion and English language proficiency through recognised tests or qualifying academic records. There are also routes for transfer applicants and for students applying to honours programmes within the university, which may have additional GPA or portfolio expectations.

Career prospects

A Bachelor’s in Psychology from Penn State prepares graduates for a wide range of entry‑level roles and for graduate study. Common career paths include:

• Research assistant roles in academic, government or private research settings
• Human resources, recruitment and training positions
• Case management, community outreach and behavioural health support roles
• Positions in marketing, user experience research and consumer insight
• Entry roles in rehabilitation, school support and social services

Many graduates pursue advanced degrees (Master’s, PsyD, PhD) to qualify for clinical, counselling or specialised research careers. The programme’s emphasis on research methods and statistics is particularly valuable for students aiming for graduate study in psychology and related disciplines.

Why study at Pennsylvania State University

Penn State offers a large, research‑active psychology department with diverse faculty expertise spanning basic and applied areas of psychology. Students benefit from access to research laboratories, practicum and internship networks in a major research university setting. The campus community provides numerous student organisations related to psychology and mental health, mentorship through faculty and graduate students, and support services for career planning and graduate school preparation.

Additionally, Penn State’s extensive alumni network and institutional partnerships help facilitate internship placements and employment opportunities after graduation. For motivated undergraduates, options such as honours study, formal research programmes and interdisciplinary collaboration make Penn State a strong place to develop both practical skills and a rigorous scientific understanding of behaviour.