SMU Psychology faculty teach classes for bachelor’s in psychology as well as conduct research at the University.

Undergraduate programs

Psychology

B.A., B.S.

Minor

Overview

The bachelor’s in psychology program focuses on psychological theory, scientific methods and quantitative skills, preparing students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are key to pursuing advanced degrees or careers in a variety of fields.

The psychology department offers one minor and two majors: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science, and one minor. It also jointly operates two interdisciplinary minors in neuroscience (with Biology) and cognitive science (with Philosophy). 

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

65%

Increase in psychology majors at SMU over the last five years

80%

Increase in demand for behavioral health professionals by 2030

Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023)

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

Transfer students

Everything transfer students need to know about admission requirements.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Additional links

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Tuition and financial aid

2 out of 3 first-year students are awarded grants and/or scholarships with an average total of $38,598.

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for undergraduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

PSYC 4378

Psychology of Evil

Dive into major theories and research on why people become evil, exploring a wide variety of malevolent behaviors.

PSYC 3342

Close Relationships

Learn about the psychology of close relationships, including different recent research and theoretical perspectives.

PSYC 4320

Behavioral Neuroscience

Explores how the nervous system influences perception, movement, emotion, learning and consciousness.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

Student success

Psychology majors graduate with strong critical thinking, analytical reasoning, writing and communication skills – core competencies that are highly valued in a variety of professions in today’s job market.

Student stories

Valerie Loehr earned her psychology degree at SMU and is now providing psychological care to patients.

Valerie Loehr ’15

After earning her Ph.D in Clinical Psychology, she’s now an assistant professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a Consult Liaison Psychologist at Clements University Hospital, providing psychological care to medically hospitalized patients.

SMU Psychology graduate Caitlin Rancher is now a clinical psychologist who conducts research.

Caitlin Rancher ’21

Now a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor at the National Crime Victims Center within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), she is at the forefront of research on the effects of violence on children and families.

Faculty

Dedman’s outstanding, energetic faculty is committed to research, teaching and service. Faculty research spans a range of topics from family relationships to mental health. 

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Austin Baldwin

Austin Baldwin

Professor
Department Chair
Holly Bowen

Holly Bowen

Associate Professor

Olivia Breedin

Lecturer

James Calvert

Senior Lecturer II
Mike chmielewski

Michael Chmielewski

Associate Professor
Director of Graduate Studies
Poonam pic

Poonam Dubal

Clinical Assistant Professor
SMU Psychology Clinic Director

Eigel portrait

Laura Eigel

Adjunct Lecturer
Director of Organizational Psychology Program
Frank He

Frank He

Assistant Professor

Nathan Hudson

Nathan Hudson

Associate Professor
Ernest jouriles portrait

Ernest Jouriles

Dale McKissick Endowed Professor of Psychology
Director of Clinical Training
Akhito Kamata

Akihito Kamata

Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth Endowed Professor
Kouros Portrait

Chrystyna Kouros

Professor
Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies

Sarah Kucker

Assistant Professor

Michael Lindsey

Michael Lindsey

Lecturer
Chris Logan

Chris Logan

Senior Lecturer II
Co-Director of the Undergraduate Studies
Undergraduate Advisor
renee mcdonald portrait

Renee McDonald

Professor
Senior Advisor to the Dean
Alicia meuret

Alicia Meuret

Professor

Thomas Ritz

Professor
david rosenfield portrait

David Rosenfield

Professor

Facilities

Expressway Tower is a 15-story building on SMU’s east campus that is home to the University’s psychology department

Expressway Tower

Standing 15 stories high, the tower, located across Central Expressway in the city of Dallas, is home to the psychology department.

A student working at the SMU Psychology Clinic takes notes during a session.

SMU Psychology Clinic

A nonprofit training facility within SMU’s Department of Psychology that provides high-quality, affordable mental health services to the Dallas-Fort Worth community.

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Request more info about the bachelor’s in psychology degree

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Frequently asked questions

A B.A. in psychology requires 36 credit hours (12 courses). Prior to declaring the B.A., student must complete three foundation courses (PSYC 1300: Introduction to Psychology, PSYC 3301: Research Methods in Psychology, and STAT 2331: Introduction to Statistical Methods). Students also complete five breadth courses and four advanced PSYC elective courses.

A B.S. in psychology requires 45 or 46 credit hours (15 courses). The B.S. includes four foundation courses (PSYC 1300: Introduction to Psychology, PSYC 3301: Research Methods in Psychology, PSYC 4301: Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology, and STAT 2331: Introduction to Statistical Methods).  Students must also take five breadth courses, four advanced PSYC elective courses and one lab-based science course.

A degree in psychology equips students with a variety of fundamental and transferable skills, including the ability to think scientifically, interpersonal and communication skills, and a sensitivity to diversity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of 2024, the medial annual salary is right under $95,000.

Students with undergraduate degrees in psychology are prepared for jobs in a variety of fields including research and academia, psychological services, law, medicine, business and teaching.

Research from department faculty spans a diverse range of topics, including family relationships, human development, health behaviors, personality, cognition and the brain, and mental health.

Undergraduates have opportunities to work directly with faculty on research projects that address real-world issues, design their own studies, and attend national conferences to present their research.

The psychology department offers one minor and two majors: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Students interested in the B.S. degree need to plan coursework very early to ensure completion within four years.

Yes. The psychology department also jointly operates two interdisciplinary minors in neuroscience (with Biology) and cognitive science (with Philosophy).

The Master of Science in organizational psychology is a 36-hour, cohort-based program including advanced coursework in program evaluation, diversity at work, leadership and teams, people analytics and practical experience through an applied internship.

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