Dr. Andrea Friedrich
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Psychology
andrea.friedrich@uky.eduPsychology is the scientific study of all aspects of human behavior. Topics studied by psychologists include: brain function, moods and feelings, normal and abnormal thought processes, personality, interactions among people, and many more. Training in psychology emphasizes research skills, critical thinking abilities, and communication skills. Because these competencies are relevant to many domains, training in psychology provides a good foundation for many different careers.
A bachelors degree (B.A. and B.S.) in Psychology is a versatile undergraduate degree that helps psychology majors gain a wide range of knowledge and skills. Psychology majors are able to: conduct various types of research, evaluate arguments and make decisions based on evidence, apply research skills to personal and professional domains, take human biases into account when making decisions, convey information effectively in written and oral communication and work in diverse groups to achieve common goals.
Career opportunities in Arts & Sciences
Psychology majors receive a broad education, taking courses in every major disciplinary category in psychology. The program provides course work emphasizing the fundamental concepts and techniques of this basic behavioral science. In addition, some students conduct original research with our faculty, experiences that often go beyond the discipline of psychology into our faculty’s collaborations in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, engineering, communications, and education. Students go on to success in the field of psychology, but also medicine, law, and many other career paths.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Arts & Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
*Students wishing to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology must complete 60 hours of Math and Science Coursework.
The UK Core is composed of the equivalent of 30 credit hours in 10 course areas that address four broad learning outcomes.
Total Credit Hours: 8-9
Major Core Requirements
From the Major Department - Students must complete Option A or Option B plus the capstone course.
Option A - Breath - Students must take 6 credit hours of PSY electives from the list below.
Option B - Depth - Students complete one advanced lecture/lab course from the list below.
Capstone - Students must complete one capstone from the list below.
From Outside the Major Department - Choose 14-16 hours outside Psychology at the 300+ level. 200+ level courses used to satisfy College requirements can also be counted here.
Understanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.
Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$92,740
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
196,000
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
12,000
new jobs (average)
Psychologists work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and private practice. Most are full time, but part-time work is common. Some work evenings or weekends to accommodate their clients' schedules.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreWhile there are endless ways to create an unforgettable journey as a Wildcat, we can only think of one that gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and into exploring new parts of the world around you: participating in an Education Abroad opportunity! Whether it’s in a study, research, service, or internship program, taking your UK experience international with EA is the most hands-on way for you to expand your global perspective while making yourself a more well-rounded, marketable candidate to future employers no matter your field. As you take these first steps towards investing in your future, EA encourages you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the many suggested opportunities UK Education Abroad & Exchanges has to complement your major! #ukyabroad
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Dr. Andrea Friedrich
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Psychology
andrea.friedrich@uky.eduCollege of Arts & Sciences
202 Patterson Office Tower
