BA in Psychology

Psychology Program Overview

Our online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program provides a broad foundation of psychological science knowledge and emphasizes vital written communication and research skills that can inform and assist you in helping professions and beyond.

Through this intensive online program, you’ll develop the ability to reason about empirical research, write strong, cohesive arguments, and think critically regarding both the theoretical and applied aspects of psychology. With the skills, knowledge, and experience you’ll gain in this program, you can become more competitive in the professional arena.

Upon successful completion of the BA in psychology program, you’ll receive the same distinguished degree as campus-based graduates and be poised to excel in a diverse range of professional roles. If work and family responsibilities take up a large part of your daily schedule, you may find this flexible online program is best suited to your needs.

Careers for BA in Psychology Graduates

An online BA in psychology from The University of Texas Permian Basin provides a solid base of knowledge that can help you thrive in numerous roles, including:

Psychology General Education

Students must complete 42 credits from the following areas of study to complete general education requirements: communication (ENGL 1301 & 1302); American history (HIST 1301 & HIST 1302); political science (PLSC 2305 & PLSC 2306); BIOL 1308/1108 and another lab science (8 credits); language, philosophy, and culture (3 credits); mathematics (MATH 1314/1332/1324/2412); COMM 1315; component area (COMM 1115); creative arts (3 credits); social science other than psychology (3 credits).

Courses
Duration
Credits
ARTS 1301 - Art Appreciation
8 weeks
3
The study of art, its role in society, the creative process, and standards of artistic judgment.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
BIOL 1108 - Biology for Non Science Majors Laboratory
8 weeks
1
The laboratory will provide practical and interactive experiments and demonstrations of concepts covered in BIOL 1308.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
BIOL 1308 - Biology for Non-Science Majors
8 weeks
3
A survey of the fundamental principles that apply to living organisms. These include cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, physiology, biodiversity, and ecology.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 1115 - Communication Lab
8 weeks
1
Practical activities across the sub-disciplines of the field of communication.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Fall A 2025
COMM 1301 - Introduction to the Study of Communication
8 weeks
3
An introductory course that surveys the history, development, and future directions of the field of communication. Equal emphasis is placed on understanding application of theory to everyday situations and learning introductory approaches to research.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2023 Fall A 2023 Spring A 2024 Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
COMM 1315 - Introduction to Public Speaking
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to the theory and practice of public speaking, with an emphasis on invention, arrangement, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Further emphasis is given to the reduction of anxieties associated with public speaking.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2023 Fall A 2023 Spring A 2024 Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
ECON 2301 - Principles of Macroeconomics
8 weeks
3
A description of major economic problems facing modern societies is presented together with how the capitalistic market system addresses these issues. The emphasis is on macroeconomics theory and practice.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2023 Fall A 2023 Spring A 2024
ECON 2302 - Principles of Microeconomics
8 weeks
3
Individual consumer and producer choices are analyzed. Emphasis is placed on supply and demand relationships, utility concepts, and cost and revenue curves as they relate to price theory and various forms of competition. Completion of ECON 2301 is recommended, but not required.
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2023 Fall B 2023 Spring B 2024
ENGL 1301 - Composition I
16 weeks
3
Composition I offers intensive instruction in the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, and proofreading), emphasizing the recursive nature of the process and the importance of the relationship among writer, audience, and subject. The course will also explore the connection between writing and critical thinking and the usefulness of writing as a tool for learning in all fields of knowledge. Students enrolling in Composition I will be expected to have a good command of standard written English.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024
ENGL 1302 - Composition II
16 weeks
3
Composition II covers argument, rhetorical analysis and the research paper. In this course students analyze and respond to texts of various kinds through essays and research papers. Students will learn to defend their points of view by using textual evidence and strong rhetoric. Readings and exercises help student learn to write broad-minded, well-informed essays in polished academic prose that moves and educates the reader.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024
ENGL 2322 - British Literature to 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works in British Literature from Anglo-Saxon times, through the Restoration and late 18th century.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2323 - British Literature Since 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works of British Literature from the late 18th century (about 1800) to the Modern Period.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2327 - American Literature to 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry through 1865.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2328 - American Literature Since 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from 1865 to the present.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
GEOL 1101 - Physical Geology Laboratory
8 weeks
1
Laboratory methods in the physical geological sciences.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1102 - Historical Geology Laboratory
8 weeks
1
Laboratory methods in historical geology, with emphasis on paleontology.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1301 - Physical Geology
8 weeks
3
Survey of Earth’s structure, composition, and the dynamic processes that have resulted in the modern distribution of the Earth’s geographic regions, landforms, resources, and geologic hazards.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1302 - Historical Geology
8 weeks
3
Study of Earth’s origin, geologic time, and the major sequential physical and biological events that culminate in the modern distribution of ecosystems. Special emphasis is placed on the geological history of North America.
Prerequisites: GEOL 1301 - Physical Geology GEOL 1101 - Physical Geology Laboratory
Semesters Offered: N/A
HIST 1301 - History of the United States to 1877
16 weeks
3
A survey of major social, economic, and political developments in the United States from European colonization through Reconstruction.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
HIST 1302 - History of the United States Since 1877
16 weeks
3
A survey of major social, economic, and political developments in the United States from 1877 to the present.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
HIST 2322 - World Civilizations
16 weeks
3
A survey of the world's major civilizations and of their cultural, political, and economic interactions from roughly 1500 to modern globalization.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Fall 2023 Whole Fall 2024
MATH 1314 - College Algebra
8 weeks
4
Study of quadratics, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Summer 2025 Whole Fall 2025
MATH 1324 - Applications of Discrete Mathematics
8 weeks
3
Mathematics for modeling in the social and behavioral sciences. Topics include algebra, linear equations in two variables, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Other topics are chosen by the instructor. Course emphasizes application to social science and economics.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
MATH 1325 - Applications of Continuous Mathematics
8 weeks
3
This course introduces differential calculus and its applications to optimization. Applications are drawn from social science and economics.
Prerequisites: MATH 1324 - Applications of Discrete Mathematics
Semesters Offered:
MATH 1332 - Contemporary Mathematics I
16 weeks
3
Modern applications of mathematics including graph theory, optimization, data organization, and social decision models.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024
MATH 2412 - Precalculus
8 weeks
4
College algebra (sets, functions, relations, logic), trigonometry (circular functions, logarithms, and exponential functions), and analytic geometry (standard form conic sections).
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra MATH 1324 - Applications of Discrete Mathematics
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 1301 - Jazz, Pop & Rock
8 weeks
3
Historical introduction to jazz and the American popular song, including rock and roll.
Prerequisites: MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation MUSI 1311 - Music Theory and Aural Skills I
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation
8 weeks
3
A non-technical survey course designed for the intelligent appreciation of Western and non-Western music styles represented throughout history. Recordings, videos, and live performance help illustrate the influence of music within the various fine arts.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2305 - American National Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of American national political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in U.S. government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2306 - State and Local Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of state and local political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in Texas government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
8 weeks
3
Foundation for the understanding of basic psychological principles affecting human behavior
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2023 Whole Summer 2023 Summer B 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Fall A 2023 Fall B 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Spring A 2024 Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Summer B 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024
SOCI 1301 - Introduction to Sociology
8 weeks
3
Students are introduced to the basic concepts and theories used to study the nature of social processes and the structure of society.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2023 Summer B 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Fall A 2023 Fall B 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Spring A 2024 Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Summer B 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024
Psychology Requirements

Below is a list of the courses required for the psychology online major. No more than 12 credits of lower-level psychology hours, including the introductory course, will be applied to the psychology major. Any remaining lower-level psychology hours will be applied toward your 120-credit-hour requirement. Additionally, PSYC 3104 must be taken concurrently with PSYC 3304.

Courses
Duration
Credits
PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
8 weeks
3
Foundation for the understanding of basic psychological principles affecting human behavior
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2023 Whole Summer 2023 Summer B 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Fall A 2023 Fall B 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Spring A 2024 Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Summer B 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024
PSYC 3301 - Introductory Statistics
16 weeks
3
Measures of central tendency, variability, correlation, and hypotheses testing, with emphasis on the application of statistical methods to research in the behavioral sciences and education.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2023 Fall B 2024 Fall B 2025
PSYC 3311 - Social Psychology
8 weeks
3
Interrelationships between individuals and their social environment, considering social influences upon motivation, perception, behavior and development, and change of attitudes and opinion.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2023 Summer B 2024
PSYC 3321 - Abnormal Psychology
8 weeks
3
Variables involved in the development, maintenance, and treatment of a variety of behavior disorders.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2023 Fall A 2023 Spring A 2024 Summer B 2024 Fall A 2024
PSYC 3344 - Lifespan and Development
8 weeks
3
Examination of theories and research on biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and personality factors that affect individuals from infancy through old age.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
Semesters Offered:
PSYC 3350 - Positive Psychology
8 weeks
3
This course will focus on psychological strengths and areas of personal growth among individuals, such as love, optimism, and self-efficacy.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2023 Spring A 2024 Summer A 2024
PSYC 3304 - Experimental Psychology
16 weeks
3
Introduction to the planning and execution of psychological research.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology PSYC 3301 - Introductory Statistics
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
PSYC 3104 - Experimental Psychology Lab
16 weeks
1
This is a research and statistics course that should be taken concurrently with PSYC 3404. Students will collect and analyze data using SPSS.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology PSYC 3301 - Introductory Statistics
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
PSYC 4302 - History and Systems of Psychology
8 weeks
3
Major factors affecting the development of psychology as science of behavior, with emphasis upon philosophical roots of major psychological concepts.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
Semesters Offered: Fall A 2023 Fall A 2024
PSYC 4304 - Physiological Psychology
8 weeks
3
Neurophysiology and neuroanatomy. Variables that contribute to behavioral effects in the areas of sensation, perception, motivation, and learning.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2023 Spring A 2024 Fall B 2024
PSYC 4305 - Drugs and Behavior
8 weeks
3
This course explores the origins, categories, and treatments on mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders ranging from relatively mild stress and anxiety disorders to the more severe schizophrenias and organic mental disorders. This course is cross-listed with CCJO 4372 and SOCI4305. Prerequisites: N/A
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer B 2023 Spring B 2024 Summer B 2024
PSYC 4306 - Industrial and Organizational Psychology
8 weeks
3
Applications of psychological principles to industrial problems such as personnel selection and appraisal, employee motivation and satisfaction, and the influence of organizations on behavior.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2023 Fall A 2023 Summer A 2024 Fall A 2024
PSYC 4393 - Senior Seminar
16 weeks
3
A capstone course that provides an in-depth examination of contemporary issues in psychology. Course topics (i.e., social, clinical, developmental, cognitive, or controversial topics in psychology) and assignments may vary. This course is writing intensive. The seminar format requires that students make regular and substantial contributions to the course, analyze, evaluate, and integrate the empirical research findings.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology PSYC 3301 - Introductory Statistics PSYC 3304 - Experimental Psychology PSYC 3104 - Experimental Psychology Lab
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
Upper-Level Electives

Students need 48 upper-level course credits to graduate. Any 3000- or 4000-level courses may count toward this requirement. It cannot be a course used in general education requirements, major or minor.

Courses
Duration
Credits
There are no Upper-Level Electives courses available.
Electives

Any course/any level, 3 credit hours. Cannot be a course used in general education requirements, major or minor.

Courses
Duration
Credits
PSYC 3345 - Child Abuse and Neglect
16 weeks
3
The overall objective of this course is help students develop an understanding of the various forms of child abuse, identify the underlying causes of this multifaceted problem, and to appropriately identify the types of services that will benefit maltreated children and their families. The nature and impact of child maltreatment, the ways in which society prevents or responds to it, and the system of response to child maltreatment are addressed. The course will also cover the importance of promoting social and economic justice for children and ways to empower children and their parents through the helping process.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Summer 2023 Whole Fall 2023 Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
PSY Minor

A minimum of 18 credits are required for the minor chosen in consultation with the major advisor, at least 12 credits of which must be junior/senior. Psychology majors cannot have a minor in Child and Family Studies.

Courses
Duration
Credits
There are no PSY Minor courses available.

Admission Requirements

In order to prevent delays in processing applications, UT Permian Basin is temporarily modifying the freshman admission process by moving to a test-optional policy that will apply through Fall 2023. See the Test-Optional Policy section below for additional details.

Transfer Student Admission Requirements

  • Minimum of 24 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university
  • GPA of 2.0 or higher in previous college-level coursework
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
    • Dual-credit high school courses must be included
  • Completed application

Incoming Freshman Admission Requirements

If you have completed less than 24 hours of transferable college-level work from a regionally accredited college or university after graduating from high school or receiving your GED, please provide the following:

  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (including dual-credit work while in high school)
  • Official high school transcript showing GPA, class rank, and expected graduation date or GED scores
  • SAT and/or ACT scores from within the last five years (see below for minimum score requirements)
  • Completed application

Official Transcripts

Official copies of transcripts must come directly from the school in a sealed envelope and should be mailed to:

UT Permian Basin 
Office of Admissions 
4901 E. University Blvd. 
Odessa, TX 79762

Official transcripts in electronic format can be sent to admissions@utpb.edu.

Minimum Score Requirements for Freshman Admission

High School Graduation Class Rank SAT ACT
Top 25% No minimum score No minimum score
2nd Quarter 1020 20
3rd Quarter 1160 24
4th Quarter 1280 27

Application Fee

The application fee is $40.

If you are a freshman applicant, you may request a fee waiver when you apply by sending us your official college application fee waiver form provided by the SAT or ACT. You may also request a fee waiver if the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) listed on your Student Aid Report is zero.

Test-Optional Policy

Students will be reviewed on a holistic basis focusing on the strength of the high school record, overall grade point average, grades within the core subjects, dual credit work, and additional information (resume and/or extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and work experience provided with the GoApplyTexas application). We also recognize the value of standardized tests as a piece of the review process and will consider scores alongside the other required application credentials, if provided. 

Faculty Bios

Lecturer
College of Arts and Sciences
rathbun_s@utpb.edu

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Contact Professor Rathbun with inquiries regarding the online psychology program.

Administrative Assistant I
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Psychology
Department of Social Sciences
carrillo_l@utpb.edu

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Assistant Professor
College of Arts and Sciences
chen_w@utpb.edu

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Lecturer
College of Arts and Sciences
collier_t@utpb.edu

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Professor
College of Arts and Sciences
hughes_j@utpb.edu

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Click here to read more about Dr. Hughes and her experience with UT Permian Basin's psychology program.

Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
karhson_d@utpb.edu

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Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
mcfield_a@utpb.edu

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Retention and Recruitment Specialist
Department of Psychology
mouton_c@utpb.edu

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Professor
College of Arts and Sciences
olson_j@utpb.edu

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Click here to read more about Dr. Olson and his experience with UT Permian Basin's psychology program.

Lecturer of Psychology
Department of Psychology
piper_c@utpb.edu

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Assistant Professor
College of Arts and Sciences
vollet_j@utpb.edu

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LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineFirst Day of ClassLast Day of Class
Summer A5/1/235/8/235/12/235/15/236/30/23
Summer B6/19/236/26/236/30/237/3/238/17/23
LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineFirst Day of ClassLast Day of Class
Fall A8/14/238/21/238/25/238/28/2310/20/23
Fall B10/9/2310/16/2310/20/2310/23/2312/15/23
LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineFirst Day of ClassLast Day of Class
Spring A1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/243/8/24
Spring B3/4/243/11/243/15/243/18/245/10/24
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