Getting Started
Thank you for your interest in applying to the bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) in psychology. Please remember that admissions counselors are available to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.
Courses for this program will continue to be developed and opened through early 2010; we anticipate that the first degrees will be awarded in late 2010. Please speak with your admissions counselor about the course rollout plan and how it matches your individual schedule.
Prerequisites
You must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED to be eligible for admission into a Penn State baccalaureate degree program.
Admission Process
Admission to the B.A./B.S. degree program in psychology offered through the World Campus is dependent upon meeting a set of Entrance-to-Major requirements (ETMs—see below). When applying, begin by selecting the B.A./B.S. degree in psychology. If you meet the ETM requirements at the time you apply, you will be admitted directly into the program. However, if an assessment of your previous work determines that you have not met the ETM requirements, you will automatically be considered for admission to the College of the Liberal Arts (with an intended major of psychology).
If you are admitted to the College of the Liberal Arts, you will work closely with your World Campus academic adviser to learn how to fulfill the psychology ETM requirements. Once you have successfully met these requirements your adviser can help you change your major to psychology.
If you are interested in the B.S. degree program in psychology, you should be aware that the World Campus offers only the business option. When applying, please be sure to select the B.S. degree with the business option.
For your application to be considered complete, in addition to the completed online application you will need to submit the following items to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
Box 3000
University Park PA 16802
- Application fee ($50)
- Official high school transcripts or GED transcript with available high school records
- Official military transcripts (if applicable)
- Official college or university transcripts (if you attended another institution)
- Official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (if applicable)
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "Check Application Status." Your determination letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed 4 to 6 weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.
Entrance-to-major (ETM) Requirements for Psychology Degrees
Once you are admitted to the LAS program, you will work closely with your academic adviser to gain entrance to the B.A. or B.S. degree in psychology. Upon completing your ETM requirements, your adviser can help you change your major to psychology.
To change your major from LAS to psychology, you will have earned at least 27½ credits and a C or better in the following courses:
- PSYCH 100
- STAT 200 or PSYCH 200
- a 3-credit General Quantitative Course (not including STAT 200)
- a 3-credit Social and Behavioral Science Course (in addition to PSYCH 100)
Technical Requirements
Our courses are designed to utilize technology in a way that enriches the learning experience and helps students communicate and collaborate with faculty and classmates in a productive and convenient way. Technology is an important cornerstone of this program, therefore we provide "live" support from HelpDesk support staff via real-time chat. Please view the technical requirements for this program.
