Psychology Bachelor of Science Degree

RIT’s psychology BS provides you with a strong grounding in the discipline of psychology, integrated with a technological focus. You will study behavior to understand the mind, but also look at the brain itself, with the use of new technologies allowing for a deeper study of psychological processes. Curriculum planning and career discussions will occur with your faculty mentor.

Psychology Degree Plan of Study

Majoring in psychology at RIT is unique and encompasses four key elements: a choice of upper-level interdisciplinary tracks, a solid grounding in experimental methodology and statistics, the capstone sequence of courses, and a required cooperative education, internship, or research experience.

Psychology BS Interdisciplinary Tracks

Current research and technology are integrated into these tracks to produce a focused and career-oriented major in psychology. The tracks represent active fields of research in psychology, and you will receive an education that provides a strong foundation for graduate school and employment in related fields.

Choose two of the following interdisciplinary tracks:

• Biopsychology
• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Social psychology
• Developmental psychology

Careers in Psychology

The unique requirements of the psychology BS ensure that you are well-prepared for advanced study in psychology or a related field, employment in industry or in human service agencies, or other career opportunities.

RIT’s Pre-Law Program

Law schools welcome applications from students majoring in a wide range of academic programs. RIT’s pre-law program will help you navigate the admission process for law school, explore a range of legal careers, and guide you through course selection to ensure you build the skills and competencies required of competitive law school applicants. The program is open to students in all majors who are interested in pursuing a career in law.

Furthering Your Career in Psychology

Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees

Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

• Psychology BS/Artificial Intelligence MS: This accelerated dual-degree program builds on insights and expertise gained from the study of human behavior and offers you a flexible, customizable education that taps into the expertise of RIT faculty representing computing and information science, engineering, science, and the humanities. This accelerated dual degree is designed to prepare you with the technical skills and ethical mindset to deploy AI systems and solutions.
• Psychology BS/Experimental Psychology MS: In this combined accelerated degree, you will develop a strong foundation in experimental methods that will prepare you to continue your studies in a doctoral program, or start a career as a data analyst, research associate, or lab director in academic, government, health care, or community setting. The master's degree offers both a thesis option and a capstone option, allowing you to tailor your studies to meet your unique interests and future career goals.
• Psychology BS/Sustainable Systems MS: An accelerated dual-degree program that builds on insights and expertise gained from the study of human behavior and prepares you to make informed decisions when applying sustainability science principles to address the world’s most challenging issues—peacekeeping, pollution, food scarcity, public health crises, and more.
• +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.

3+3 Accelerated BS/JD Programs

RIT has partnered with Syracuse University’s College of Law and University at Buffalo School of Law to offer accelerated 3+3 BS/JD options for highly capable students. These programs provide a fast track to law school where you can earn a bachelor’s degree at RIT and a Juris Doctorate degree at Syracuse University or University at Buffalo in six years. Interested students may apply to the option directly, with successful applicants offered admission to RIT and conditional acceptance into either Syracuse University’s College of Law or University at Buffalo School of Law.

RIT’s psychology degree is one of the approved majors for the 3+3 option. Learn more about Accelerated Law 3+3 Programs.

RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs

Whether your goal is to go into early childhood or elementary education, become a secondary education teacher with a content area specialty at the middle or high school level, or work in the higher education field, RIT’s partnership programs with local universities provide a guided pathway to a career in teaching. 

4+1 programs enable you to earn your bachelor’s degree at RIT and a master’s degree in education at one of our partner universities. As you progress, you’ll benefit from focused academic advising, career exploration opportunities, and resources for research, learning, and skill development.  

RIT’s psychology BS degree is eligible for RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs.