Psychology (B.S./B.A.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • A practicum course enables interested students to gain preparatory clinical and counseling experience at local hospitals and crisis centers.
  • Clemson offers a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.
  • Students can work closely with faculty and graduate students on a variety of real-world research projects.
  • Each year, several undergraduates' co-authored papers are presented at regional, national or international psychology conferences.
ABOUT.

Enhance your understanding of the factors that influence human behavior. As a psychology major, you will be prepared for a career in human services, management, education, health, sports or many other fields that require an in-depth understanding of human behavior. Our program is research based, so you will spend your days exploring aspects of the human mind and human behavior through experiments and research. We offer both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. With the Bachelor of Arts, your studies will include more foreign language classes, whereas the Bachelor of Science degree specifically targets additional math and science courses. If your goal is to develop a set of knowledge, skills and abilities that allow you to understand and solve human problems, then this is the major for you.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

Course work provides students with an overview of the biological bases of behavior, learning, thinking, motivation and emotion, perception, human development and social behavior. You will gain experience in research design, data collection and statistical analysis of empirical data that answer real questions about behavior. Your course of study will apply these principles to disciplines such as education, personal adjustment and interpersonal relations. You will also learn how to use experimentation and data analysis to conduct research and broaden your understanding of the various causes of human behavior.

Research is a significant component of our program, and you’ll have numerous opportunities to assist a faculty member’s research efforts or complete an independent project under guidance of a faculty member. In addition, many Honors College students complete an undergraduate thesis. Obtaining research experience is highly recommended for anyone who wants to continue on to graduate or professional school.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

Psychology students are an active bunch. Not only do they get to study fascinating material in class, they also get to work in the lab, conduct innovative research alongside faculty members and participate in psychology studies (and sometimes even get paid for it)!

Internships and Research Projects:

HUMAN FACTORS:
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society focuses on human behavior and performance in a variety of contexts. Join fellow majors and faculty in studying, for instance, how does the use of portable electronics impact driving behavior?
SIOP:
How do high-stress situations impact human behavior? If you want to know the answer, then the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, where students and faculty research human behavior in a variety of contexts, may be for you.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

25%

Employed

49%

Grad School

20%

Seeking Employment

6%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Orange Bowl Committee — Assistantship
  • Greater Abbeville Chamber of Commerce — Executive Director
  • Sea Coast Youth Academy, S.C. — Direct Care Giver

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • University of Tennessee Health Science Center — Ph.D.
  • Virginia Commonwealth University — Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • Florida State University — Master’s

Common Career Areas**

  • Human Services
    • Direct Care: 
      • Mental Health Services
      • Physical Health and Wellness
    • Administration: 
      • Advocacy
      • Community Relations
  • Research
    • Social Research
    • Market Research
    • Data Analysis
  • Education
    • Teaching
    • Student Affairs
    • Administration
    • Training
  • Human Resources
    • Employment and Recruitment
    • Compensation and Benefits
    • Organizational Development
    • Training
  • Business and Industry
    • Sales
    • Customer Service
    • Management
    • Insurance 
    • Real Estate 
    • Public Relations
*Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin® Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
**Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
FIND OUT MORE.

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

Cynthia Pury, Professor and Undergraduate Program Coordinator
864-656-7876 — cpury@clemson.edu