Undergraduate Studies

Department Chair:
Dr. William Snow

Associate Department Chair:
Dr. Sandra Trafalis,

The Department of Undergraduate Studies offers programs designed for undergraduate transfer students interested in studying the field of Psychology and the intersection of Business and Psychology. Students can transfer in up to 135 Quarter Units (90 Semesters) of the required 180 quarter units to complete their bachelor’s degree in less than one year. Students must only complete 45 units at PAU and a minimum of 30 units in their major. Students must be enrolled at PAU during the last two terms prior to graduation.

The undergraduate program has five comprehensive learning goals that are consistent with the University’s mission statement and align with WASC Core Competencies as well as the APA Psychology Undergraduate Guidelines:

Goal 1: Foundational Knowledge Base in Psychology
Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking in Psychological Research and Application
Goal 3: Written and Oral Communication in Psychological Research and Application
Goal 4: Cultural Competency in Psychological Research and Application
Goal 5: Professional and Ethical Competency in Psychological Practice and Application

The Department currently offers two Bachelor of Science degree programs: the Psychology Degree and the Business Psychology Degree Program. Both of these degrees help students develop a keen understanding of human behavior, motivation, and group processes, and learn how to apply that knowledge in a professional setting. Each degree requires 56 core units in the Major, 72 non-core electives and 52 general education units for a total of 180 quarter units.