Quick Facts - BS Health Psychology
Degree
Bachelor of Science with a Major in Health Psychology
Senior Research Thesis track option available
General Requirements
Completion of the equivalent of two years of college course work
Length of Program
2 years, full time
Tuition and Fees
First year: $21,990
Career Opportunities
This track is the best choice if you plan to pursue a graduate education in psychology (i.e., clinical or counseling psychology, east-west or existential psychology, ecopsychology), social services, public health, non-profit administration or health and spirituality.
Program Summary - BS Health Psychology
The Bachelor of Science with a Major in Health Psychology program explores the integration of mind, body and spirit – equipping students to help people improve their quality of life. The program also focuses on addressing systemic problems in society and social institutions.
The curriculum blends the study of psychology with health, the healing arts, wellness and fitness. Graduates are prepared to critically evaluate the scientific literature and relate current research and advances in health psychology to the fundamental principles of health and healing.
A Foundation for Further Study
This degree provides an excellent foundation for graduate degrees in all areas of psychology, including clinical psychology, counseling fields and mind-body studies. More specifically, students will be well-prepared to continue graduate work in social work, public health, nutrition, therapy and education.
Students seeking to join the workforce directly after completing their bachelor's degree have opportunities in social services, human resources, research, volunteer organizations, health services and the fitness and wellness industry.
Curriculum - BS in Health Psychology
The curriculum tables that follow list the tentative schedule of courses each quarter. Next to each course are the number of credits per course (Crdt.), the lecture hours each week (Lec.), the lab/clinic hours each week (L/C) and the total contact hours for the course over the entire quarter (Tot).
Junior Year (Year I)
| Quarter | Cat. No. | Course Title Course descriptions are available in the Course Catalog. | Credits | Lec. | L/C |
| Fall | IS3111 | Interdisciplinary Experiences In Natural Health Arts & Sciences 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| PS3114 | Developmental Psychology | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| PS3123 | Health Psychology 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| PS3139 | Spirituality & Health | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| PS4101 | Social Psychology | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 16 | 16 | 0 | ||
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| Winter | PS3124 | Health Psychology 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| PS3126 | Psychology of Personality | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| PS3133 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 | 3 | 2 | |
| PS3147 | Myth, Ritual and Health | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 15 | 14 | 2 | ||
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| Spring | PS3129 | Abnormal Psychology | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| PS3131 | Learning, Cognition and Behavior | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| PS3134 | Research Methods in Psychology | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 12 | 12 | 0 | ||
Senior Year (Year II)
| Quarter | Course Title Course descriptions are available in the Course Catalog. | Credits | Lec. | L/C | |
| Fall | PS4102 | Ethical Issues in Psychology | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| PS4106 | Multicultural Psychology | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| PS4117 | Experimental Psychology | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| PS4126 | Research Proposal Optional course for Senior Research Thesis track. | (2) | (2) | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 10 (12) | 10 (12) | 0 | ||
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| Winter | PS4112 | Creating Wellness | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| PS4109 | Human Sexuality | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| PS4149 | Psychology and World Religions | 5 | 5 | 0 | |
| PS4128 | Research Project Optional course for Senior Research Thesis track. | (5) | (5) | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 11 (16) | 11 (16) | 0 | ||
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| PS4124 | Biological Psychology | 5 | 5 | 0 | |
| PS4150 | Healing: Self, Society and World | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| PS4129 | Research Presentation Optional Course | (3) | (3) | 0 | |
| Quarterly Total: | 8 (11) | 8 (11) | 0 | ||
Total Requirements: Standard |
Credits | Lec. | L/C |
| Total Core Course Credits and Hours | 72 | 71 | 2 |
| Total Elective Credits and Hours | 18 | 18 | 0 |
| Total Requirements: | 90 | 89 | 2 |
Total Requirements: Senior Research Thesis Option |
Credits | Lec. | L/C |
| Total Core Course Credits and Hours | 82 | 81 | 2 |
| Total Elective Credits and Hours | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| Total Requirements: | 90 | 89 | 2 |
Students interested in graduate study in psychology should complete the Health Psychology track with the research project option.
Expected Learning Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science with a Major in Health Psychology program follows the American Psychological Association expected learning outcomes for undergraduate education:
- knowledge base in psychology
- research methods
- critical thinking skills in psychology
- applications of psychology
- values in psychology
- information and technological literacy
- communication skills oral/written
- sociocultural and international awareness
- personal development skills
- career planning and development
- Understand the importance of the biopsychosocial model with emphasis on the topics of stress, coping, social support, health behavior and the role of spirituality in well-being.
Curriculum and course changes in the 2011-2012 Bastyr University Catalog are applicable to students entering during the 2011-2012 academic year. Please refer to the appropriate catalog if interested in curriculum and courses required for any other entering year.
Prerequisites - Undergraduate Health Psychology Degree
Entering undergraduates must have at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA with a grade of C or better in basic proficiency and science requirement courses. Exceptional applicants who do not meet this minimum requirement will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Prior to enrolling, students must have completed 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits), including a minimum number of credits in specific proficiencies and general education requirements. Students may apply to the program while completing prerequisite coursework.
Basic Proficiency and Science Requirements
| English literature or composition | 9 quarter credits |
| College algebra | 1 course |
| General psychology | 3 quarter credits |
| Introductory Biology with lab | 4 quarter credits |
General Education Requirements
| Natural science and mathematics | 12 quarter credits |
| Arts and humanities | 15 quarter credits |
| Social sciences | 15 quarter credits |
| Speech communication or public speaking | 3 quarter credits |
| Electives | 25 quarter creditsThe number of elective credits may vary depending upon the exact number of quarter credits earned in the other prerequisite categories. Total prerequisite credits must equal at least 90 quarter credits. |
Want to know which classes fulfill these prerequisites? Check these lists:
Tuition for Bachelor's Degrees
Average first-year tuition and fee costs for a typical credit load in the 2012/2013 academic year. The "first year" is considered fall, winter and spring quarters.
Degree |
Average Credits |
Tuition & FeesFees include a $375 new student matriculation fee and $25 quarterly student activity fee. See the University catalog for a full schedule of fees. |
Books & Supplies |
TotalThe budget used to determine financial-aid eligibility allows for an additional $18,990 for a 9-month period of living expenses for undergraduates. |
| All Bachelor of Science | 45 | $21,990 | $2,250 | $24,240 |