Central Washington University

What you'll study

The programme combines core theory with practical research and applied experience. Core topics typically include introductory psychology, research methods and statistics, biological bases of behaviour, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology and abnormal psychology. Students also take laboratory and experimental courses that cover experimental design, data collection and analysis.

Beyond the core, the degree offers specialised elective options such as personality theory, psychological assessment, health psychology, forensic psychology, industrial‑organisational psychology, sport psychology and cultural psychology. Most students complete a senior seminar or capstone project that integrates coursework and independent research; many programmes encourage or require an internship or practicum placement with community agencies, schools or businesses.

The programme is offered with flexibility to suit different interests: a science‑focused pathway emphasises additional statistics, biology/physiology and research lab work, while a liberal‑arts pathway includes broader humanities and language study. Active learning is supported through small seminars, research assistantships with faculty, and opportunities to present research at undergraduate symposia.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet Central Washington University's general undergraduate admissions requirements, presenting a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic performance across high‑school subjects and the strength of the overall application.

• Recommended secondary‑school preparation: English, mathematics (including algebra or precalculus), and at least one course in natural or social sciences.
• Some pathways or scholarships may be selective; applicants with competitive grades and evidence of interest in psychology (such as volunteer work, relevant coursework, or a personal statement) are favoured.
• Transfer applicants are considered on the basis of college transcripts; previous credits in psychology, statistics or research methods can reduce time to degree.
• Incoming students may be advised or placed in appropriate mathematics/statistics courses based on prior coursework or placement testing.

Career prospects

A Bachelor's in Psychology from Central Washington University prepares graduates for a range of entry‑level roles that involve understanding people and applying research skills. Common career directions include roles in social and community services, case management, behavioural health support, human resources, administrative and client‑facing positions in education, non‑profits and health services, and market research or customer insight roles.

Many graduates use the BA/BS as preparation for postgraduate study. Typical advanced pathways include clinical or counselling psychology (professional licensure requires graduate study and supervised practice), school psychology, industrial‑organisational psychology, or academic research in psychology. The degree also provides a strong foundation for related professional programmes such as social work, public health, education and law.

Why study at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers a student‑centred environment with relatively small class sizes, accessible faculty and hands‑on research opportunities. Psychology students benefit from close faculty mentoring, opportunities to work as research assistants in departmental labs, and support finding internships and practicum placements with local agencies and regional organisations.

The campus in Ellensburg provides a close‑knit academic community with extracurricular opportunities to develop leadership and professional skills. Central Washington University emphasises experiential learning and undergraduate research, helping students build practical portfolios and professional networks that support both employment and further study after graduation.