Boise State University

What you'll study

The curriculum covers core areas of psychology including biological bases of behaviour, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, personality, abnormal psychology and lifespan issues. From the start you will take courses in research methods and statistics, and progress to experimental design, data analysis and critical evaluation of empirical literature.

Typical modules and subject types include:

• Foundational courses – introduction to psychology, research methods, and statistics for behavioural sciences.
• Domain-specific modules – biological psychology, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, social and personality psychology, and psychopathology.
• Research and labs – hands-on laboratory classes, supervised research projects and opportunities to work as a research assistant with faculty.
• Applied and practicum experiences – internships, community placements or practicum courses that place students in clinical, educational or organisational settings.
• Advanced electives and capstone – specialised elective seminars, senior thesis or capstone projects that integrate theory and applied research.

Students learn to design studies, collect and analyse data, use statistical software, and communicate findings both orally and in writing. The programme is structured to allow exploration of both scientific research paths and applied psychology careers.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent. Admissions typically consider overall academic record, with particular attention to preparation in English and mathematics; prior study in natural or social sciences is useful. For transfer applicants, a record of college-level coursework and a good cumulative GPA are considered. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to university policy.

Successful candidates will usually show evidence of independent learning, curiosity about human behaviour and, for applied pathways, relevant volunteer or paid experience with people (for example in health, education, social services or community programmes). Specific programme tracks may have additional prerequisites or advising requirements; applicants should consult the university’s admissions guidance for details.

Career prospects

A bachelor’s degree in psychology opens a wide range of career routes. Many graduates enter the workforce in roles such as case management, behavioural health technician, rehabilitation support, human resources, marketing and user-experience roles where understanding human behaviour is an asset. The programme also prepares graduates for entry-level positions in research support, community services, education support roles and public health outreach.

Graduates aiming for clinical, counselling, school psychology or academic research careers typically continue to graduate study (master’s or doctoral level). Other common progression paths include social work, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, business roles that value data analysis and people skills, and specialised certifications in applied behaviour analysis or counselling.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State offers a psychology programme with a balance of research-led teaching and applied learning within a public research university environment. Students benefit from opportunities to work alongside faculty on active research projects, access to laboratory facilities and practicum placements in the Boise area and across Idaho. The campus’s regional connections make it straightforward to secure internships in healthcare, education, government and private-sector settings.

The department emphasises mentorship, undergraduate research and experiential learning, with academic advising to help students tailor the degree toward graduate study or direct career entry. Combined with the university’s career services and community partnerships, the programme supports practical skill development—research literacy, statistical competence, clinical and ethical awareness—that employers and graduate schools value.