BA in Liberal Studies, Applied Psychology

The need for mental health professionals is rising at a rapid and unprecedented pace. Help meet this need by helping others. This concentration option opens the door to a rewarding career by combining theoretical framework and hands-on experience. You’ll learn important client interaction skills as well as vital knowledge on different areas of psychology which can be immediately translated into practice. We’ll push you to think critically with a diverse perspective so you can assume numerous leadership positions. At AUSB, you’ll join a peer community where you receive personal attention in small class sizes. Measure your success through applied learning and community projects, not one-size-fits-all tests. Apply up to 135 quarter (90 semester) transfer units, and learn about prior learning credits. Become part of a powerful community of engaged students of all backgrounds, and acquire the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience to meet your goals. This degree is offered by AU Santa Barbara.

BA in Liberal Studies Program Overview

Our approach to learning and teaching is reflective, experiential, and engaging, led by experienced faculty who demonstrate mastery in their professions. We combine academic instruction and hands-on experience to build important intellectual and professional tools centered around six core purposes – Critical Thinking, Diverse Perspectives, Social Justice, Applied Learning, Communication, and Self-Awareness – designed to graduate globally-aware citizens, socially-responsible leaders, and highly marketable graduates.

Degree Requirements

Coursework:

The BA in Liberal Studies, concentration in Applied Psychology curriculum addresses the wide range of sub-disciplines within the psychology field, preparing you for whatever professional direction you choose to take and paying particular attention to diverse communities and practices. Notable focuses of the concentration include:

• Clinical, developmental, and global psychology
• Diversity and its role in the practice of psychology
• Client skills and client advocacy
• Psychological distress
• Case management
• Referral management
• Applying theory to practice through internships

In addition to the curriculum recommendations, both the Applied Psychology program and the American Psychological Association (APA) recommend taking a variety of liberal arts courses, including:

• Arts and sciences
• Philosophy
• Quantitative studies
• Courses that focus on gender, ethnic, and racial differences, as well as various forms of disability

Details on degree requirements for our BA in Liberal Studies

Career Outlook

AUSB’s BA in Liberal Studies, concentration in Applied Psychology prepares tomorrow’s professionals to excel in their field through a theoretical framework and hands-on experience. The need for experts within the mental health industry is rising at a rapid pace, and this concentration opens the door to a career with numerous leadership opportunities.