Bachelor of Arts
Psychology
Psychology BA majors study and perform hands-on research related to the internal and external influences that direct thought and behavior.
Is This Program for Me?
Are you curious about what drives human thought, emotion, and behavior? Do you find yourself fascinated by the complexity of the mind, from brain chemistry to cultural influences? Are you intrigued by how internal and external forces shape our actions and relationships? Psychology at Samford invites you to explore these questions through hands-on research, personal discovery, and preparation for meaningful work that improves lives.
This program is a great fit for students who are:
- Deeply interested in why people behave the way they do
- Motivated to understand how various factors shape mental processes
- Drawn to research, counseling, or helping professions
- Planning for graduate study in psychology, medicine, education, ministry, or law
What Makes Us Different?
At Samford, psychology is more than theory. It’s applied learning, meaningful mentorship, and personal growth. You’ll find a highly flexible curriculum with opportunities for original research, real-world experience, and close faculty guidance.
Hands-On Research
Students engage in faculty-mentored research and frequently present at regional and national psychology conferences.
Individualized Mentoring
Students are advised and mentored by psychology faculty from day one through graduation and beyond.
Graduate School Success
Our graduates are well-prepared for competitive programs in clinical, counseling, and research psychology as well as law, medicine, and ministry.
Reputation for Excellence
Samford psychology majors regularly outperform peers from much larger programs.Shape Your Academic Journey
The curriculum equips students with foundational knowledge of human behavior and robust research skills.
Students Will Learn How To
- Understand behavior and mental processes through cultural lenses
- Design and conduct research and critically interpret findings
- Distinguish between scientific and popular explanations of behavior
- Communicate findings clearly and ethically in written and oral formats
- Apply psychological knowledge in ways that improve lives
Prepare to Succeed
Psychology majors graduate with versatile skills in research, analysis, and communication, ideal for careers in counseling, education, health care, business, and more. They are trained to think critically about human behavior, interpret data, and apply psychological principles in real-world settings. With a strong foundation in both theory and practice, our graduates are equipped to solve complex problems and engage meaningfully with diverse populations.
Internships
Students apply psychology in real-world settings. Recent placements include:
Blankenship & Seay Consulting Group, Impact Family Counseling, Family Drug Court, Magnolia Creek Treatment Center, Mitchell’s Place, and Lifeline Children’s Services.
Graduate-Ready Training
Alumni consistently gain acceptance into leading psychology, law, and medical programs.
In-Demand Skills
Employers value psychology graduates’ strengths in communication, research, problem-solving, and understanding human behavior.
“Our goal is to walk alongside students as they discover how psychology connects to who they are and what they care about.
“We want them to leave Samford not just with knowledge, but with confidence, purpose, and a clear sense of how they can serve others through their work.”
— Robert Elsner, Chair, Department of Psychology
