Bachelor of Arts
Psychological and Behavioral Science
Psychology is the study of the human mind. This major explores the five main fields of psychology: biology, cognition, development, social and personality, and psychopathology.
Thousand Oaks
Oxnard
Evening courses
Once per week
48 credits
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About the Program
Pursuing a degree in psychological and behavioral science helps students develop a deeper understanding of their own and other people’s mental processes. With it, one may pursue a graduate degree along with a wide variety of careers in counseling, education, social work, industry, research, and others.
Across all careers, a degree in psychological and behavioral science prepares individuals to be evidence-based problem-solvers and critical thinkers. It also promotes empathy and compassion, which makes individuals better equipped to work with and lead others, on both a professional and personal level.
Accelerated Format
Classes are scheduled year-round to enable you to accelerate the progress toward your degree without compromising traditional Cal Lutheran standards of excellence.
- Most classes meet one night a week, Monday – Thursday
- Classes are from 6 – 9:30pm
- Five 8-week terms year-round
- Campus locations in Thousand Oaks and Oxnard
Personal Attention
Academic counselors, faculty and staff are here throughout the program to answer your questions and help solve problems along the way.
- Academic counselors offer proactive, individual attention
- Average class size of 10
- Faculty with real world experience
- Staff and Faculty dedicated to student success
Transfer Course Work
You may have already started down the path toward your bachelor's. We'll help you figure out which courses you can apply to your degree.
- No cap on transferable credits - Residence Requirements still apply
- Transfer up to 40 military credits
- Upper and lower division credits from a four-year college are also accepted
Students in this major will develop an understanding and awareness of human thought and behavior, while simultaneously fostering critical thinking and communication skills that relate to, but generalize beyond the discipline.
Students who graduate from the Psychological and Behavioral Science major are expected to achieve the following learning outcomes.
Psychological Knowledge
- Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical research findings within psychology
- Acquire and employ knowledge of ethical principles across psychological research and/or professional settings
Application of Psychology
- Apply psychological concepts and theories to real-world contexts
- Analyze individual and societal phenomena from a psychological perspective
Critical Thinking and Scientific Inquiry
- Utilize critical thinking skills to examine and evaluate psychological arguments, principles, and evidence
- Employ scientific inquiry skills to conceptualize, design, and produce psychological research and/or intervention plans
Communication
- Effectively convey psychological concepts, observations, and research findings through written formats that are appropriate for the intended audience
- Clearly articulate psychological principles in oral formats that are suitable for the intended recipients
- Cultivate the development of communication, research, and practical skills, as well as critical thinking and understanding of diversity in the human experience
Cultural Diversity Competence
- Demonstrate an understanding of how cultural diversity influences psychological processes and behavior
- Apply knowledge of cultural diversity to facilitate favorable social interactions with diverse individuals
Major Requirements
- 48 credits minimum; 39 credits upper division
- 2.0 minimum GPA
Required Courses
| Course | Title | General Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| PENG 310 | Research Writing for Professionals | ENGL 110 |
| PENG 311 | Advanced Research Writing for Professionals | ENGL 111 |
| PMAT 116 | Essentials of Statistics | |
| PBS 100 | Introduction to Psychology | |
| PBS 300 | Research Methods in Psychology |
| Course | Title | General Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| PBS 301 | Biopsychology | |
| PBS 302 | Cognitive Psychology | |
| PBS 303 | Developmental Psychology | |
| PBS 304 | Social and Personality Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences |
| PBS 305 | Psychopathology |
| Course | Title | General Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| PBS 310 | Counseling and Therapy | |
| PBS 330 | Industrial and Organizational Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences; US Diversity |
| PBS 340 | Forensic Psychology |
| Course | Title | General Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| PBS 401 | Cross-Cultural Psychology | Global Perspectives |
| PBS 402 | Psychology of Gender | US Diversity |
| PBS 441 | Personality and Individual Differences | |
| STCM 341 | Persuasion and Influence |
| Course | Title | General Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| PBS 490 | Advanced Research Methods in Psychology | Experiential Learning |
| PBS 491 | Advanced Counseling and Therapy | Experiential Learning |
Minor Requirements
- 18 credits minimum
Required Courses
- PBS 100: Introduction to Psychology
- Select at least 3 of the following Breadth Courses
- PBS 301: Biopsychology
- PBS 302: Cognitive Psychology
- PBS 303: Developmental Psychology
- PBS 304: Social and Personality Psychology
- PBS 305: Psychopathology
- Select at least 2 additional PBS courses from the Applied or Specialization Courses
What Our Students Say
Quina GreenLife doesn’t have to get in the way of you achieving your goals. The Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program made me realize it’s never too late and it can be done. As a first-generation student, it was important for me to set an example for my son and the rest of my family, because I believe that higher education is important and shows commitment.